Top Story
Excise policy case: SC agrees to hear bail plea of Sisodia during the day
28-Feb-2023
437
New Delhi, Feb 28 (PTI) The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Tuesday itself the bail plea of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is in CBI custody, in connection with the excise policy case.
The court will take up the matter at 3:50 pm.
The moment a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha assembled, senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Sisodia, mentioned the bail plea for urgent hearing during the day itself.
Number of forest produce collectors has increased by over four times in the past four years in Chhattisgarh
15-Feb-2023
535
Number of MFP collectors increased from 1.5 lakh to over 6 lakh
Quantity of purchase of minor forest produce has increased by more than 78 times
Chhattisgarh government procuring Kodo, Kutki, and Ragi at support price
Raipur TNINS
Chhattisgarh Government has done unprecedented work in the areas of employment, self-employment, better management of local resources, and entrepreneurship development. Over the past four years, the benefits of government schemes have reached the needy people residing in rural and remote forest areas, resulting in significant benefits to the state's tribal communities and people belonging to rural, farmer, labor, and artisan categories. The result of the Chhattisgarh government's welfare policies is that every section of society in the state is becoming economically empowered and prosperous. Several significant works have been undertaken in the direction of strengthening the rights of forest dwellers and tribal people living in the forest areas of Chhattisgarh. This includes boosting their income through minor forest produce and forest-based activities.
In a first, Kodo, Kutki, and Ragi has been procured at support prices in the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel, the Millet Mission is also being implemented to promote minor cereal crops. In Chhattisgarh, 74 per cent of the country's minor forest produce is collected. In the interest of the MFP collectors, the state has decided to increase the number of minor forest produce purchased at support price from 7 to 65, which is nine times more, resulting in more than a four-fold increase in the number of collectors over the past four years. In 2018-19, the number of MFP collectors was 1.5 lakh, which has now increased to 6 lahks. The quantity of minor forest produce purchased has also increased by more than 78 times, with a total of 42,000 metric tonnes purchased in 2021-22, compared to just 540 metric tonnes in 2018-19.
Among all the states in the country, Chhattisgarh has the highest participation in minor forest produce collection. This year, the state government has paid Rs 120 crore to the MFP collectors. In the last four years, nearly 13 lakh Tendupatta collectors and 06 lakh minor forest produce collectors have earned an additional annual income of Rs 250 crore as a result of the public welfare schemes of the Chhattisgarh government. Along with the collection, processing of minor forest produce is being done through 129 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras. Besides, a total of 6 C-Marts and 30 Sanjeevani Kendras have been established on the initiative of the Chief Minister for the sale of 134 herbal products under the brand name 'Chhattisgarh Herbals'.
Chhattisgarh government has created better provisions regarding the PESA law in comparison to other states so that local self-governance can be strengthened in forest areas and people living in the forest can receive more rights. The government has made numerous efforts to increase employment and self-employment opportunities for tribals and boost their income.
Keeping in view the interest of the collectors, the collection rate for tendu leaf has been increased from Rs.2500 to Rs.4000 per standard bag. A remuneration of Rs.2146.75 crore has been paid to tendu leaf collectors and Rs 339.27 crore as incentive remuneration in 4 years. Under the Shaheed Mahendra Karma Tendupatta Sangrahak Samajik Suraksha Yojana, assistance worth Rs 71.02 crore has been provided to 4692 beneficiaries. Chhattisgarh is also the leading state in the country in the implementation of forest rights. Chhattisgarh government has given the status of agriculture to lac production and has also implemented a scheme to provide short-term loans to lac farmers, as a result of which today they are becoming financially strong.
People upset due to piles of garbage everywhere in Delhi.
09-Feb-2023
539
People upset due to piles of garbage everywhere in Delhi.
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Dr.Samrendra Pathak
Senior Journalist.
New Delhi, 9 February 2023(Agency).The cleanliness system has broken down in many areas of the capital Delhi. Despite millions of efforts, there is heaps of garbage everywhere. Especially the situation around the garbage houses is very bad. Complaints are also being made to the officials of the corporation everyday.
Especially the condition of some areas of East Delhi is very bad. The condition of densely populated Seelampur, Jafrabad, Gokalpuri, Seemapuri etc. is very bad. The condition of Laxminagar, Pandavnagar, New Ashoknagar etc. is also not good. Vehicles do come, but the conditions around the garbage houses are very bad.
Begum Shakeela Afzal, corporator of Seelampur Ward 225, said that in this regard, she has complained several times to the top officials of the corporation. Earlier, the corporation personnel were responsible for the disposal of garbage. Action was taken against their negligence, but now this responsibility is with a private company.
Begum Shakeela told that the condition of her ward is even worse. Because it is a densely populated area. People have to face a lot of difficulties due to the garbage and construction works at various places. She complains about these problems daily to the corporation. from the top officials of All Municipal Corporation Sanitation Supervisors Union Regd. Mukesh Kumar Vaidh, Founder President, told that the cleaning workers are not being given any necessary equipment. On the other hand, instead of improving, the situation has worsened due to the award of the contract to a private company in the year 2019.
Seelampur Ward 225's ASI Mr. Kumar said that we have to send photos and reports about the kudos to the authorities on a daily basis. Information about these situations has been given to the corporation commissioner and other senior officials several times.
Supreme Court lawyer Keshav Chaudhary told that if the condition of the country's capital is like this in the matter of cleanliness, then what will happen to other places? This campaign has become like a mask. The court has expressed concern about this issue many times.LS.
Write to Diya Mali
Budget 2023-24: No relief from inflation and unemployment, says Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel
02-Feb-2023
467
Huge disappointment for people in every segment, says CM
Raipur, TNINS
Describing the budget as disappointing, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel said that through this budget, the central government has once again shattered the dreams, hopes and aspirations of the common people as the Union Budget has no special provisions for the youth, farmers, laborers and women of the country.
The government at the center has opened a box of empty promises for the upcoming elections in many states. Neither the MSP of the farmers has increased, nor has the youth got an employment guarantee.
He said that there is recession, poverty, unemployment and inflation in the economy. Instead of immediate and quick relief, the government wants to divert people's attention from the problems of the present by showing hollow dreams of the future.
He said that this budget has been prepared keeping in view the upcoming elections only. An attempt has been made to woo the voters of Karnataka with this budget.
CM Baghel said that the people of Chhattisgarh have also been disappointed by the budget. New train routes were expected from Ambikapur, Jagdalpur, but nothing was given in the budget.
Various trains from Chhattisgarh were canceled for months, many stoppages were removed, and due to the closure of the services of these trains, passengers faced a lot of inconveniences but no provision was made for this. Moreover, nothing was announced by FM Sitharaman for the welfare of the tribals.
The Finance Minister did not specify any measure relief in the field of agriculture. 2023 has been announced as Millet year, but MSP on Millet was not talked about in the budget, while on the other side, Chhattisgarh has declared a minimum support price on 52 crops.
It would not be wrong to say that the Central government has forgotten about the welfare of the farmers.
CM further said that giving Railways the highest-ever capital outlay hike of 75 percent with an allocation of Rs 2.4 lakh crore is surprising. Maybe before privatizing railways, the government is trying to give railways some makeover just like they did with the airports, he asserted.
Chief Minister Baghel said that today the prices of gas and oil have increased so much, no concrete steps have been taken in the budget for alternative energy. The problem of those states is not being taken care of, where alternative energy can be prepared by making ethanol from stubble.
He said that he has been writing to the Prime Minister since the beginning in this regard.
Infrastructure development capex hiked by 33 pc to Rs 10 lakh crore for 2023-24: Sitharaman
01-Feb-2023
420
New Delhi, Feb 1 (PTI) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced hiking the capital expenditure by 33 per cent to Rs 10 lakh crore for infrastructure development for 2023-24 and will be at 3.3 per cent of the GDP.
Presenting the Budget for 2023-24, she said the newly established infrastructure finance secretariat will assist in attracting more private investment.
An expert committee will also be set up to make infrastructure classification and financing framework suitable for Amrit Kaal, she added.
Director Mr.Saumil Ranjan Chaubey unfurled the National Flag in the Directorate of Public Relations
28-Jan-2023
464
Director Mr. Chaubey unfurled the National Flag in the Directorate of Public Relations*
Raipur, TNINS
On the occasion of Republic Day, Mr. Saumil Ranjan Chaubey, the Director of Public Relations, unfurled the national flag in the Directorate office premises located in Chhotapara. He extended his best wishes of Republic Day to all the officers and employees.
The Additional Director Mr. J.L. Dariyo and Mr. Sanjeev Tiwari, Joint Director Mr. Alok Dev, Mr. Pankaj Gupta, Mr. Santosh Maurya, Joint Director (Finance) Mr. Prabhat Lakra, and other officers/employees of the Directorate were present on the occasion.
Chief Minister unfurled the national flag at the main function of Republic Day in Jagdalpur*
27-Jan-2023
319
*We have inherited unshakable courage for justice: Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel*
*Chief Minister's announcement: Fortified rice will now be available in all the districts of the state from the month of April*
Chhattisgarh is the leading state in the country in terms of procuring paddy from maximum number of farmers*
Bastar is riding high on the wave of development*
TNINS
Raipur 26 January 2023 / Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel has said that every word of our constitution is written with the unwavering intention of ensuring justice for all. With this unshakable courage that we have inherited for justice, we have made it the main mantra of our state government. We have considered it our first duty to provide justice to the weakest sections of the society and to empower them. It is because of this faith in justice, we have been able to serve Chhattisgarh Mahtari and all the sections of society with dedication.
On the auspicious occasion of the 74th Republic Day, Mr. Baghel hoisted the National flag amidst an atmosphere of joy and gaiety in the main function organized at the Lalbagh Maidan of Jagdalpur, Bastar district headquarters. On this occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel has extended best wishes to the people of the state and a guard of honor was also given by the Armed Forces personnel on the occasion.
Taking another big step to ensure nutritional security in the state, on this occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel made an announcement regarding the nutritional fortified rice which contains iron folic acid. This fortified rice is being distributed in 12 districts under Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Supplemental Nutrition Diet Scheme. Mr. Baghel announced that the distribution of fortified will be commenced for all PDS ration card holders in all the districts from April 2023. Mr. Baghel also announced free distribution of monthly entitlement rice from January 2023 to December 2023 to Antyodaya, priority, single destitute(ekal nirihkshit) and disabled(nihshaktjan) ration card holders.
Addressing this occasion, Chief Minister read out a message focusing on the works, policies, plans and achievements being made by the state government for the constant development of Chhattisgarh. AT the onset, he respectfully paid homage to the great sons of Chhattisgarh Mahtari, namely Amar Shaheed Thakur Gaind Singh, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, and Veer Gundadhur. He said that these brave sons living in remote forests of Chhattisgarh contributed significantly in our national movement and linked the honor of Chhattisgarh Mahtari with the honor of Mother India. It is our ultimate duty to remember the martyrdom of lakhs of such sons and daughters who fought for the freedom of Mother India. The country will forever be grateful to the freedom fighters like Mangal Pandey, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Rani Laxmibai, Rani Avantibai Lodhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Lal-Bal-Pal and their companions.
Chief Minister said that we are descendants of great freedom fighters and the makers of the Constitution. Our forefathers have given numerous sacrifices in the freedom struggle in order to maintain the unity and integrity of the country by preserving the values and virtues of harmony in the country. Those who see themselves by joining this collective spirit, only those people can understand the importance of our heritage. That's why I would like you all to inform the new generation about the freedom struggle and the values of the Constitution. As long as the country continues to run according to this constitution, only then the freedom of every individual in the country will be achieved. It is because of our constitution that our country is called a democratic republic. It is the constitution that ensures the boon of justice, liberty, equality, dignity, and fraternity to all the citizens. He further said that the contribution of personalities like Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, First President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, First Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, First Minister of Law and Justice, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, First Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi can never be forgotten.
Here many freedom fighters like Pt. Ravishankar Shukla, Thakur Pyarelal Singh, Babu Chhote Lal Srivastava, Dr. Khubchand Baghel, Pt. Sundarlal Sharma, Dr. E. Raghavendra Rao, Krantikumar, Barrister Chhedilal, Lochan Prasad Pandey, Yatiyatan Lal, Dr. Radhabai, Pt. Vamanrao Lakhe, Mahant Lakshminarayan Das, Anantram Barchiha, Maulana Abdul Rauf Khan, Hanuman Singh, Rohinibai Parganiha, Kektibai Baghel, Mrs. Belabai, Indru Kenwat, Udayram Verma, Khilawan Singh Baghel, Ghasia Mandal, Banshilal Baghel, Ramlal Verma, Ayodhya Prasad Kashyap, Dorilal Baghel, Sakharam Tiwari, Khubiram Kashyap, Ramakant Dubey, Ramprasad Potai, Dhaniram Verma, Parasram Soni, Lal Kalendra Singh, Hedma Manjhi, Dhurvaram Madia, Aswaram Verma, Kejau Kotwar, Daulat Ram Sahu, Rameshwar Verma, Chuganuram Verma, Lakhan Ram Verma, Sirasingh Nirmal had ensured Chhattisgarh's active participation in the national movement, and I salute all of them for their valor.
Chief Minister said that we were sure that with the formation of Chhattisgarh, new avenues would be created to provide benefits of the precious resources of tribal-dominated areas to the local people, but ironically this could not happen earlier. Beautiful dreams were shown in the name of bringing big investments, neither the investment happened, nor the dreams were fulfilled. We have proved that stopping the development of tribal areas in the name of big investments was never a good idea. Natural resources, forest resources and the power of local human resources can make a big difference. After joining the state government, we made numerous sincere efforts for change from day one, the result of which is in front of all of you.
Chief Minister said that all the important rights that were given to the general public and justice was provided in an independent India, all these steps were possible due to the great thinking of those who led the freedom movement and their descendants. The Forest Rights Act is also one such law which was implemented by our leaders in the country, which could have improved the lives of Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest dwellers, but this law was not implemented in the state with the right will. Forest rights claims were largely denied and many provisions were not implemented at all.
*Leased forest land became a means of livelihood for 5 lakh families*
Chief Minister further said that today I am happy to say that we have increased the total area of the land given under forest rights letters from 11 lakh to 40 lakh hectare in just four years. For the first time in the state and the country, we took the initiative of giving community forest resource rights letters and forest rights letters in urban areas as well. In this way, with dedicated efforts, we have freed more than 5 lakh families from uncertainty, and provided them employment opportunities along with the benefits of various schemes. We have given eligibility to forest rights holders for various welfare schemes. For effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 13 thousand 586 village level forest rights committees and subdivision and district level committees have been constituted. Similarly, we have also started giving habitat rights to especially vulnerable tribes from Dhamtari district.
*Procurement of 65 forest produce at support price*
Chief Minister said that he was very sorry to see that the people who have been protecting nature and forest produce were deprived of their own rights. We have worked on all the aspects of minor forest produce to provide justice to the tribal populace. Earlier, only 7 kinds of forest produce were being procured at support price, we have increased this number to 65 while also increasing the minimum support price. We have also ensured proper arrangements in the procurement centers, and now we are procuring 75 percent of the country's minor forest prod
*Tendupatta collection remuneration increased to Rs.4000 per standard bag*
Tendupatta collection remuneration was increased from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 4000 per standard bag, as a result the total amount paid to the tendupatta collectors increased from Rs. 1 thousand 500 crore to Rs. 2 thousand 521 crore. We have also inspired the tribal families to take the cash crops with high demand in the market, and in this way we are promoting advanced farming among the tribal communities.
*562 food processing units established in the state*
Besides returning the land in Lohandiguda, we decided to set up forest produce processing centers in the entire state. Presently, 134 types of herbal products are being produced in 50 such centers in the state, which are being sold through e-commerce platforms as well as in Sanjeevani Kendra, C-Mart etc. established in the state. In just four years, various plots of lands have been identified for the establishment of food parks in 112 development blocks of the state and land transfer has been done in 52 development blocks till now. In this way, 562 food-processing units have been established in the state.
*Procurement of Kodo, Kutki, Ragi at support price*
*Millet Farmers are also availing the benefits of Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana*
Chief Minister informed that maximum cultivation of millets takes place in the forest areas, but due to lack of proper pricing and marketing facilities, tribal and rural farmers could not reap the benefits from Millet farming. We have provided assistance to the farmers who cultivate millets and other crops. We have declared support price for Kodo, Kutki, Ragi procurement, and have brought these crops under the scope of 'Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana'. We have launched 'Chhattisgarh Millet Mission' to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets in the state. An MoU was also signed to initiate necessary research in the sector to boost productivity of millets in 14 districts.
*New measures for the development of all classes*
We have taken new measures for the development of scheduled tribes, scheduled castes and other backward classes in the state. Many initiatives such as 'Adarsh Hostel Scheme', 'Eklavya Adarsh Residential School Scheme', Scholarship Scheme', 'Chaatr Bhojan Sahayta Yojana, 'Rajiv Yuva Utthan Yojana', 'Rajiv Gandhi Bal Bhavishya Suraksha Yojana, 'Jawahar Vidyarthi Utkarsh Yojana' have been taken in this direction. These schemes have significantly improved the education facilities in the state and provided the required support to the students. Initiatives like 'National Tribal Dance Festival', declaration of public holiday on 'World Tribal Day' and establishment of 'Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Museum' have played an important role in promoting the cultural heritage of these sections of the society.
Chief Minister said that imbibing the importance of Devguri and Ghotul, we have increased the financial provision for their development. Mandals have been formed to take appropriate initiatives for increasing the income of the communities engaged in various traditional works. Under 'Chirag Project', work has been started in 14 tribal-dominated districts to provide benefits of agriculture and to create agriculture related opportunities for the local people. The laws of the country, which were not used earlier to provide relief to the tribal communities of the state, are now being implemented effectively in the state on the initiative of Chhattisgarh Government. We have become the fifth state in the country to frame rules for the PESA Act. We have also fulfilled the promise of providing relief to tribal families by releasing the tribesmen who were in jail due to unnecessary litigation.
Chief Minister said that we have adopted a special strategy to meet the basic needs like electricity, water, education, health, ration, nutrition, employment, road construction, as well as the recruitment in the 'Bastar Fighters' force in tribal-dominated areas. Objective of this strategy is to immediately resolve the grievances and to reduce the gap between people and administration. Strategic efforts of the government and the administration have helped in curbing Naxal activities in the region. As a result, people here now have a peaceful normal life. And now with renovation and reopening of 300 schools after 13 years, Bastar is no more a ‘Naxalgarh’ but has rather become a 'Vikasgarh'.
*Every year, new records of paddy procurement are being made every year *
Chief Minister said that with the formation of Chhattisgarh state, farmers and villagers had hoped that they would get their due respect along with financial empowerment, but in reality they were cheated. Four years ago, we took the pledge that 'Dhani Dharti ke Dhanwan Kisano Ko Dhanwan Banaenge' (we will make farmers rich and prosperous). I am happy to mention that record breaking quantity of paddy is being procured every year. From 56 lakh 88 thousand metric tons to more than one crore metric tons in just four years we have set a new record every year in paddy procurement. This is because of hard work and determination. For example, four years ago only 15 lakh 77 thousand farmers had registered, which has now increased to 25 lakh. Earlier the registered area for selling paddy was only 24 lakh 46 thousand hectare, which has now increased to more than 32 lakh.
*Chhattisgarh is leading in terms of deposition of rice in central pool*
Chief Minister said that earlier the number of procurement centers were only 1, 899, which has now been increased to 2, 497. Besides, to resolve the problems like shortage of gunny bags, token, weighing, payment, we introduced an online token system and made several arrangements to make the process of paddy procurement more dignified, peaceful and systematic for the farmers. With this, Chhattisgarh has become the leading state in the country in terms of procuring paddy from maximum number of farmers in the country. We have also introduced a new system of sending the collected paddy directly for milling, which has curbed the wastage of paddy, while increasing the milling capacity.
Chief Minister said that it is everyone's individual responsibility to save and serve Mother Earth. Save the purity of soil from chemical poison. We have identified 'Narva-Garuva-Ghuruva-Bari' as the four symbols of Chhattisgarh and under 'Suraji Gaon Yojana' works are being done to preserve and promote these symbols.
I am happy that this work of ours is progressing in the right direction and at the right pace. There are reports of rise in ground water level from various places. Exemplary work has been done in the organic farming sector. With the production of about 28 lakh quintals of vermicompost, our Gauthans have created such a huge record. We had set a target to make Gauthan the center of socio-economic activities. Out of 11, 267 Gauthans, construction of 9, 716 Gauthans has been completed. Around 4,000 Gauthans have become self-supporting and foundation stone has been laid for setting up of 'Rural Industrial Park' in more than 300 Gauthans. All these are complete success stories in themselves.
*Vision of Mahatma Gandhi, Our Father of Nation, is coming true*
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said- I am extremely happy that we are realizing the dream and vision of Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to make the villages more self-reliant and empowered republic. When the thousands of gauthans developed as ‘rural industrial parks’ will produce electricity from cow dung, manufacture paint and various other products, operate various small industrial units such as oil mills, pulses mills, flour mills and mini rice mills, our villages will emerge as a powerful force, transforming the entire economy. I consider this to be one of the biggest achievements of my government and my public life.
*People are learning about the cultural and economic significance of cow dung*
Mr. Baghel further said that our 'Godhan Nyay Yojana' has not only boosted the livestock development but has also underlined the cultural and economic significance of cow dung. This scheme has generated additional sources of income for more than three lakh people of the state. So far, they have earned Rs 362 crore as income under Godhan Nyay Yojana. Beneficiaries are utilizing this income for various personal purposes including home, vehicle, health, improved living standard, assets, property, wedding and other family functions, livelihood activities etc. This scheme has created a positive environment of enthusiasm and entrepreneurship in rural areas.
*Financial aid of Rs 1.50 lakh crore to farmers and underprivileged section*
Chief Minister said that we have provided more than Rs 1.50 lakh crore to farmers and beneficiaries of various public welfare schemes, making the series of Nyay Yojana a resounding success. We have made proper arrangements to transfer this financial aid directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. Over the years, the number of Kisaan Credit Cards issued has increased by 50 per cent to 82 lakh 22 thousand at present. Moreover, the banking facilities in rural and tribal areas have been expanded significantly. Till March 2021, the number of 'Bank Mitr' was only 18 thousand 323, which has increased to more than 35 thousand at present. Number of bank branches has also increased by 22 per cent to 573.
*Strict action on chit fund companies: amount of Rs 25 crore return to the investors*
Chief Minister said that our government has opened a front against the chit fund companies to protect and recover the hard earned money of the people of the state. In last 4 years, 207 chit fund companies have been booked and more than 650 directors and officials of such companies have been arrested in Chhattisgarh. Till date, honourable court has ordered seizing, auction and recovery of the property worth Rs 73 crore 24 lakh in 82 cases against 43 companies. Likewise, an amount of Rs 24 crore 87 lakh has been returned to 36 thousand 239 investors. Another major part of the amount will be returned to the investors in the near future. Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prevention) Bill-2022 has been passed to prevent online gambling in the state.
*Input Subsidy of Rs 16442 crore provided to the farmers*
Chief Minister said that certainly, Rajiv Gandhi Kisaan Nyay Yojana has brought joy and prosperity into the lives of all kinds of farmers. Under this scheme, input subsidy of Rs 16 thousand 442 crores has been provided in the past three years. Implementation of this scheme has resulted in rapid expansion of vegetables and fruit production. And in the same sequence, cold storages are being set up, and fruit and vegetable mandis are being established, besides developing the processing units. 'Kisaan Kutir' are being established in Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies. All these efforts are yielding positive results, making Chhattisgarh a state of prosperous farmers. We are also keeping the promise of procuring pulses at support price this year.
*Minimum financial help to rural landless agricultural laborers*
Chief Minister said that we have achieved the goal of providing assured minimum financial aid to more than 4 lakh 66 thousand people in a year by implementing 'Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Bhoomihin Krishi Mazdoor Nyay Yojana'. In the last four years, we have started a number of schemes which directly benefit the labourers engaged in different types of work and we have also increased the scope of benefits under these schemes. We have brought a major relief to the labourer families through 'Chief Minister Labour Assistance Center Scheme', 'Chief Minister Construction Workers Free Card Sche
Delhi Police files over 6600-page charge sheet in Mehrauli murder case
25-Jan-2023
267
PTI | New Delhi
The Delhi Police on Tuesday filed a 6,629-page charge sheet against Aaftab Amin Poonawala in the Mehrauli murder case in the Saket court here which extended his judicial custody by two weeks to February 7.
Poonawala is accused of strangling his live-in partner Shraddha Walkar and chopping her body into pieces before dumping them in different parts of the city across several days.
When Metropolitan Magistrate Aviral Shukla asked how many pages were there in the charge sheet, the investigating officer said it has 6,629 pages.
"It is voluminous," the judge said.
"The charge sheet has finally been placed before the court today," he added.
The court extended Poonawala's judicial custody by 14 days till February 7.
Poonawala was produced before the court through video conferencing on expiry of his judicial custody on Tuesday.
He informed the court that he wanted to change his present advocate M S Khan.
5.8-magnitude quake hits Nepal, tremors felt in Delhi-NCR
24-Jan-2023
248
Delhi PTI
A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on Tuesday afternoon with tremors also being felt in parts of Delhi and the national capital region.
The quake struck at 2:28 pm with the epicentre in Nepal at a place 148 km east of Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, the National Centre for Seismology said.
"It was scary as the tremors hit," said Shantanu, who resides in a high-rise tower in Noida.
Amit Pandey, a Delhi resident, said, "I was on the fifth floor of one of the blocks at the Civic Centre. I felt a growling noise beneath my feet and a mild shake, when the tremor passed through perhaps." KND
Many others in the towering Civic Centre, the headqauters of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, felt the tremors which hit when the House proceedings were underway.
Delhi: LG-appointed members take oath first as MCD House reconvenes
24-Jan-2023
221
Delhi: LG-appointed members take oath first as MCD House reconvenes
New Delhi, Jan 24 (PTI) The Lt Governor-nominated members took oath first despite opposition from AAP councillors as the municipal House in Delhi reconvened on Tuesday amid heavy deployment of civil defence volunteers personnel and marshals.
Presiding Officer Satya Sharma administered the oath to the nominated members before the elected representatives as AAP members raised "shame shame" chants. AAP councillor Mukesh Goyal also objected to the nominated members being administered their oaths first. The nominated members raised slogans of "Jai Shri Ram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai" after the ceremony.
Sharma then called on the elected councillors to take their oaths.
Cong releases 'charge sheet' against Modi govt, calls BJP 'Bhrasht Jumla Party'
21-Jan-2023
277
New Delhi, Jan 21 (PTI) The Congress Saturday released a "charge sheet" against the Narendra Modi government, terming the BJP a 'Bhrasht Jumla Party' and alleging that its mantra was 'kuch ka saath, khud ka vikas, sabke saath vishwasghaat' (for the benefit of few, development for self and betrayal of everyone)".
The opposition party also said that Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra, will hoist the national flag at the Pradesh Congress Committee office in Srinagar's Lal Chowk area followed by a public meeting at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium which will mark the culmination of the Kanyakumari to Kashmir march.
At a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh and general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal also unveiled the logo of the party's follow-up programme to the yatra -- Haath Se Haath Jodo Abhiyan'.
An RTI activist was assaulted to death while making inquiries
21-Jan-2023
236
Aligarh : In Aligarh, a 32-year-old RTI activist was allegedly beaten to death by eight men, including the village chief and his son, on Sunday after raising concerns about the calibre of ongoing public projects in the region. His brother is now in critical condition.
According to the victim's family, Devjeet Singh, a native of Gorai village under Aligarh's Iglas police station, was slain as he and his brother were caring for their farm because he tried to expose gramme pradhan Devendra Singh's allegedly corrupt actions.
Raghvendra Singh, a DSP, said: "Pradhan, his son Kartik, and six other people are the subjects of a FIR under a number of IPC sections, including sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 147 (rioting), and 302 (murder). The accused men have fled. They are being targeted for arrest."
Mahendra Singh, Devjeet's father, stated to TOI: "Two months prior, my son had submitted an RTI request for information on the calibre of the village pradhan's development activities. Additionally, he sought appropriate action after filing many complaints with various agencies saying that low-quality materials were being utilised for building in the village. Since then, we have received numerous threats of death. We went to the police last month to report about Devendra, but nothing happened. Now, as a result of their carelessness, I have lost my kid."
Ramvir Singh, the victim's uncle, stated: "My nephews were mercilessly attacked by the local headman and his kin using lathis and other sharp objects. We hurried to the scene as soon as we learned about the attack. Devjeet, who received severe head injuries, passed away en route to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College. Surendra, his younger brother, is being treated at the same hospital and is in severe condition."
As word of the murder spread, hundreds of locals protested on Monday alongside the victim's remains, calling for the perpetrators to be taken into custody right away. The body was afterwards incinerated after senior police officers assured of time-bound action.
In addition to helping his father with his farming, Devjeet reportedly ran a computer centre in the hamlet. His 28-year-old wife and two young children are left behind.
(Inputs from Agencies)
Jammu and Kashmir leg of Cong's Bharat Jodo Yatra begins, Sanjay Raut joins march
20-Jan-2023
225
Kathua (J-K), Jan 20 (PTI) The Bharat Jodo Yatra started its Jammu and Kashmir leg from this border district on a rainy Thursday morning with Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena (UBT) among those joining Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the march. Gandhi donned a black raincoat over his now trademark white T-shirt for the yatra, which was scheduled to start at 7 am but could begin only after 8.15 am.
The march, which started from Kanyakumari on September 7, entered Jammu and Kashmir from Punjab on Thursday evening and is scheduled to end in Srinagar on January 30.
Several Congress leaders, including the party's Jammu and Kashmir unit president Vikar Rasool Wani and his predecessor G A Mir, accompanied Gandhi during the final leg of the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Dawood Ibrahim has married a Pakistani woman for the second time
18-Jan-2023
296
Underworld don Dawood Ibrahim has married a Pakistani woman for the second time. In September 2022, the son of Haseena Parkar (Dawood's sister) revealed the information to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
According to Ali Shah, Haseena Parkar's son, the crime boss has not yet divorced his first wife.
Several places had been raided and dozens of people had been arrested in connection with Dawood Ibrahim's terrorist network.
He further asserted that Mehjabeen Shaikh communicates with Dawood's relatives in India via WhatsApp calls.
Ali Shah, the son of Haseena Parker, also informed the NIA about Dawood Ibrahim's location, claiming that the underworld don currently resides in Karachi.
Media in put
Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' enters Himachal
18-Jan-2023
261
Shimla, Jan 18 (PTI) The Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' entered Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday morning with the senior Congress leader targeting the BJP-RSS combine and accusing it of spreading hatred, violence and fear in the country.
"All the policies of the Union government – demonetisation, GST and anti-farm laws – were aimed at benefiting three-four multi-millionaires," Gandhi said, addressing people gathered to participate in the march and welcome him to Himachal Pradesh.
"Welfare of farmers, the youth and workers was not in the agenda," he added.
Hate speeches complete menace; we want free, balanced press in India: SC
14-Jan-2023
347
New Delhi: Hate speeches are a “complete menace”, the Supreme Court observed on Friday and rued the lack of regulatory control on TV news content, saying it wants “free and balanced press in India”.
The top court said nowadays everything is driven by TRP (television rating point) and channels are competing with each other and creating a division in society. It wondered why can’t a TV news anchor, if they become a part of the problem of propagating hate speech, be taken off air.
It said unlike for print media, there is no Press Council of India for news channels, and observed “We want free speech, but at what cost”.
A bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna, which was hearing a batch of petitions seeking a curb on hate speech incidents across the country and action against the culprits, said, “Hate speech has become a complete menace. It has to stop.”
Expressing concern over media trial, the bench pointed to the recent incident of a man allegedly urinating on an Air India flight, saying, “He was called names. Media people should understand he is still under trial and he should not be denigrated. Everyone has dignity.” Justice Joseph said TV channels are competing with each other as news coverage is TRP-driven.
“They sensationalise everything and create divisions in society because of the visual element. Unlike the newspaper, the visual medium can influence you much more and unfortunately, the audience is not mature enough to see these kind of content,” he said.
He said many a time during live debates the anchors became part of the problem as they either mute the voice of the person sitting in a panel or don’t allow them to present a counter view.
Justice Nagarathna said if TV channels are found to be violating the programme code by indulging in propagation of hate speech, action can be taken against their management.
“We want free and balanced press in India,” she said.
The counsel representing the News Broadcasters Association claimed that thousands of complaints have been received in the past year and action taken against the channels.
“In a live programme, the key to fairness of the programme is held by the anchor. If the anchor is not fair, he would not allow the counter view to come by either muting the speaker or by not asking the question to the other side. This is an insignia of bias.
“How many times action has been taken against the anchor? Media people must learn that they are occupying positions of great strength and they have an impact on society. They cannot be part of the problem and speak their mind whichever way they want,” the bench said.
Justice Joseph said if action is taken against the news anchor or their management, all will fall in line.
The court told Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, that freedom of speech and expression is a very important and delicate thing and the government has to take some action without actually interfering with it.
Nataraj said the Centre is aware of the problem and is contemplating bringing amendments in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to deal with the problem of hate speeches.
Justice Nagarathna, who recently gave a dissenting verdict on speeches made by public functionaries where she dealt with the issue of hate speech said, “Ultimately, it all comes down to the content of the speech. Freedom of speech and expression comes with great responsibility.”
Nataraj agreed with the view of the bench and said State cannot subscribe to hate crime or hate speech, and these cannot be ascribed to any particular religion.
The bench told him the government has to act against broadcasts that impact the nation and affect fraternity and harmony carefully within the domain of law with some out of the box solution.
Justice Nagarathna said, “TV has been now in India for decades but still it has no regulations and has become free for all. You don’t have something like the Press Council of India for channels like newspapers.”
The bench recalled a recent incident where a Delhi police officer was stabbed by a snatcher in front of a crowd but no one intervened, and said, “Several people were there but no one wants to stick their neck out.”
Deputy Advocate General of Uttarakhand Jatinder Kumar Sethi said several cases of hate speech were registered including 23 that were lodged by police suo motu (on its own) as per the last order of the court.
Additional Advocate General Garima Prashad, who represented Uttar Pradesh, said more than 500 such cases have been filed, including 160 suo motu cases, where action has been taken and people have been arrested.
On October 21 last year, the apex court had asked Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi to crack down hard on those making hate speeches, observing, “Where have we reached in the name of religion, what have we reduced religion to is tragic”.
Holding that the Constitution of India envisages a secular nation, the court had directed the three states to promptly register criminal cases against the offenders without waiting for a complaint to be filed.
The apex court warned any delay on the part of the administration in taking action on this “very serious issue” will invite the court’s contempt.
media in put
Cong MP Santokh Chaudhary dies after heart attack during Bharat Jodo Yatra, march halted
14-Jan-2023
214
Chandigarh, Jan 14 (PTI) Congress' Jalandhar MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary died on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, following which the march was halted.
He was 76.
The two-time MP was taking part in the Rahul Gandhi-led march in Phillaur in Jalandhar where he fainted, said senior party leader Partap Singh Bajwa, who was also marching with other yatris.
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