Telangana to pay for education of students returned from Ukraine

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Telangana to pay for education of students returned from Ukraine

The Telangana government will bear the educational expenses of over 700 students brought back from war-torn Ukraine to enable them to complete their medical education in India, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao announced on Tuesday.

He told the Assembly that the state government will write to the Centre to give permission to 740 students who returned from Ukraine to complete their MBBS course.

KCR, as the Chief Minister is popularly known, said the students were studying medicine in various universities in Ukraine and the war has forced them to discontinue the education and return home.

He said that since the students face an uncertain future due to the current situation in Ukraine, the state government is ready to bear the expenses to help them complete the MBBS.

His announcement came while he was replying to the debate on the Appropriation Bill.

He said over 20,000 Indian students were stranded in Ukraine. They had gone there to study medicine as there were no opportunities for them in India.

“To study MBBS in India, it was costing them over Rs 1 crore and since they could not afford this they went to Ukraine where they had to pay Rs 20-25 lakh,” he said.

In another major announcement, KCR declared that 7,000 field assistants working for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) will be taken back. The field assistants were removed after they went on strike. The CM advised them not to go on strike again.

He also announced that 4,000 employees working for the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) will be given salaries at par with the government employees.

KCR announced that Government Order (GO) 111 will be revoked after receiving the report of the experts’ committee.

He said the GO, which imposes certain restrictions on constructions on around 1.32 lakh acres in catchment areas of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs in Hyderabad, has become redundant as the water from the two reservoirs is no longer being used for drinking purposes. He pointed out that water is being pumped from projects on Krishna and Godavari rivers to meet the drinking water needs of the city and surroundings.

KCR said the government will take all necessary steps to ensure that there is no haphazard development in 1.32 lakh acres with the revocation of GO 111.

The GO was issued in 1996 for the protection of two reservoirs.

Priyanka to take stock of poll debacle in UP

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Priyanka to take stock of poll debacle in UP

Amid a call for leadership change in the party, Congress General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has called a meeting of party leaders on Tuesday to find out the reasons for the defeat.

The Congress could only get just over 2 percent votes and two seats in the Uttar Pradesh polls.

The meeting has been called in Delhi which will be attended by the office-bearers and important leaders of the party.

Congress has faced a massive loss in all the five states though Priyanka tried hard to make the party relevant but could not get the support of the people.

The Congress Working Committee on Sunday reposed faith in interim party chief Sonia Gandhi after its marathon meeting to discuss the outcome of the Assembly polls and authorised her to undertake “necessary and comprehensive” organizational changes.

Party General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that the CWC endorsed the holding of a ‘Chintan Shivir’ (brainstorming session).

“The recent Assembly election results of five states are a cause of serious concern for the Indian National Congress. The party accepts that due to shortcomings in our strategy, we could not effectively expose the misrule of the BJP state governments in four states and overcome the anti-incumbency in the state of Punjab in the short time after effecting a change of leadership,” said the CWC resolution.

It said that the Congress “represents the hopes of millions of Indians against political authoritarianism prevailing in the country today and the party is fully conscious of its immense responsibility.”

The resolution said that “humbly accepting the electoral verdict of the latest round of Assembly elections, the Congress party assures its workers and the people of India that it will continue to remain a vigilant and vibrant opposition. The Congress Party will be fully prepared to face the electoral challenges in the election-going states in 2022 and 2023 as well as in the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

“The CWC unanimously reaffirms its faith in the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and requests the Congress President to lead from the front, address the organizational weaknesses, effect necessary and comprehensive organizational changes in order to take on the political challenges.”

K-Rail: Vijayan dodges points raised by Opposition

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K-Rail: Vijayan dodges points raised by Opposition

The Kerala Assembly on Monday witnessed a debate on the pet project of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan – the K-Rail. As expected the treasury benches batted for it, while the Congress-led opposition termed it as an ecological, environmental and economic disaster if it becomes a reality. At the end of it, the treasury benches said come what may they will go ahead with it and the opposition walked out expressing their displeasure.

If completed, the project will see a 529.45 km corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod and a high-speed train will cover this distance in around four hours. It will cost Rs 63,940 crores. NITI Ayog says it might cost Rs 1.24 lakh crores and is expected to be completed in 2025 according to the detailed project report.

When the opposition sought leave to discuss this project, much to their surprise, Vijayan who last month shot it down, on Monday agreed to hold a two-hour discussion on it.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan pointed out various discrepancies in the project in its preliminary feasibility report, the final feasibility report, and what Vijayan said about this project on the floor of the assembly.

“He (Vijayan) says they have had discussions with the people, but that discussion was a monologue where things were told, what should have been done was a dialogue.”

“the ridership in the first report says they expect 40,000 passengers daily and two months later in the final report says the ridership expected is over 80,000. With regard to the embankment needed to build this in the first report, it says it’s 89 km, in the second report it becomes 236 km and in the detailed project report, it says 384 km. This is nothing but data fudging, which is a criminal offense,” said Satheesan.

He pointed out that the Vizhinjam container port terminal work is stuck because of the nonavailability of limestones.

“The fact of the matter is K-Rail will need more limestones even if the entire Western Ghats is demolished and used. This project has come at a time when the whole world is conscious of the climate change phenomenon and this project of the CPI-M is 60 years old and we will not allow this project at all,” added Satheesan.

Vijayan however failed to answer any of the points raised by Satheesan and instead just said that the project is environmentally and economically viable and is meant for our future generations.

“We held discussions with lots of people across the state and we did not get a negative response at all and the general impression was everyone wanted it to be finished at the earliest. The ongoing protests against this project have caused a lot of damage and numerous police and revenue officials have been attacked. Come what may, we will go ahead with this project as this is one which is much needed for the development of the state,” said Vijayan.

He later invited the opposition legislators to come and watch a presentation on K-Rail where all their doubts will be answered on Tuesday.

Satheesan later told the media outside the assembly that they are certain that this project will be one that will finish off Kerala and they will go ahead with their already announced protests from Saturday with more than 1,000 rallies across the state.

Nitish Kumar rebukes speaker Vijay Sinha in Bihar Assembly

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Nitish Kumar rebukes speaker Vijay Sinha in Bihar Assembly

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday pulled up Assembly Speaker Vijay Sinha after BJP MLA Sanjay Sarawgi pointed out an issue of Lakhisarai in the house.

Vijay Sinha had recently brought a breach of privilege motion in the house after two SHOs and a DSP rank officer allegedly misbehaved with him in his home district Lakhisarai on February 9.

Under the special privilege motion, he asked the chief secretary and DGP of Bihar to take action in this matter. Unfortunately, no action has been taken against alleged SHOs and DSP.

Sanjay Sarawgi, a BJP leader took up the issue during the Question hour of Vidhan Sabha and asked the minister to inform the house about the action taken report.

As the chief minister is also holding the home minister portfolio, he got upset. He stood from the seat and directly told the speaker that the house cannot run like this. “This is my fourth stint as chief minister and have never come across any situation like this where a question is repeatedly asked in the Assembly. The House cannot run like this. You (Speaker) cannot interfere in every matter. The investigation is currently underway. We neither frame nor save anyone. Who are you to adjourn the house over a question of a particular place?” Kumar asked.

“I will ask the department concerned to provide the status of the investigation. If anyone has any doubt, I will hold a meeting on this matter today,” Kumar said.

Replying to the chief minister, Speaker Sinha said: “The members of the entire house including you (Chief Minister) elected me as the speaker. I am a custodian of the house and it is my duty to strengthen the voice of every public representative of the house. This issue has been pointed out thrice in the house and legislators of ruling and opposition parties have the same stand. Despite this, the issue was not addressed by the home department. The situation is as such that despite sitting on the chair of the speaker, I am unable to raise issues of my areas (My district),” Sinha said.

“When I visit my constituency, people ask me that I am sitting on such a big post but unable to address the issues of my areas. Why has the state government not taken action against two SHOs and a DSP?” Sinha said.

“When it comes to the constitution, people like me are always eager to learn from you (Chief Minister) and other senior members of the house. You are more knowledgeable than me but please don’t disrespect the Speaker’s chair,” Sinha said.

Yogi Adityanath meets President Kovind

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Yogi Adityanath meets President Kovind

Caretaker Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath on Monday called on President Ram Nath Kovind.

This is the first meeting of Adityanath with President Kovind after the party’s historic victory in Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls and sources said that it was a courtesy meeting.

Earlier today, Adityanath also met Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. After the meeting, Gadkari tweeted: “Met Yogi Adityanath ji today at Delhi residence. This year’s Uttar Pradesh election was historic, people have put their stamp on the development in Uttar Pradesh under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and under the leadership of Yogi Ji.

“I am sure that the double engine government of Uttar Pradesh will stand the test of the people. Congratulations and best wishes to the people of Uttar Pradesh and all the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party on the victory in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Gadkari said.

After the meeting, Adityanath tweeted: “Your (Gadkari) special support is being received in realizing the concept of ‘New Uttar Pradesh’.”

On Sunday, the chief minister paid a courtesy visit to Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu. He had also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP chief J.P. Nadda to discuss the formation of a new cabinet in Uttar Pradesh.

As per the sources, Yogi Adityanath has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister for the swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government in Uttar Pradesh.

He had also met BJP national general secretary (organization) B.L. Santhosh and discussed cabinet formation.

Yogi meets Governor, submits resignation

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Yogi meets Governor, submits resignation

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday evening, met Governor Anandiben Patel and handed over his resignation.

The Governor has asked him to continue working till the formation of the new government.

Earlier, the Chief Minister held a cabinet meeting where he thanked his colleagues for working to fulfill the aspirations of the people which led to the BJP winning the election with a good majority.

The Chief Minister’s resignation has paved the way for the process of installation of the new government. Sources said that the new government was likely to be sworn in next week, before Holi.

Vice Chancellors have a duty to inculcate scientific temperament: Stalin

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Vice Chancellors have a duty to inculcate scientific temperament: Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin on Friday told the Vice-Chancellors of universities in the state that they have a duty to inculcate scientific temperament in students.

In his address at the inauguration of the Association of Indian Universities — South Zone Vice Chancellors’ meet held at the Bharathiar University in Coimbatore district, he said: “As Vice-Chancellors, you play an important role in shaping the functioning and quality of universities. You should discharge your duties in such a way to promote scientific temperament among students.”

Lashing out against the Union government, he said: “The Centre making use of education coming under concurrent list and using its powers to introduce regressive ideas in the syllabus is worrisome.”

He said the best solution to this issue was to place education in the State List in the Constitution.

Stalin told the Vice Chancellors that they should function keeping in mind the people’s wish that the universities must follow the state’s education policy.

He also exhorted them to remember they have a duty to impart an education that makes the students ready.

The Chief Minister said the enrollment rate of Tamil Nadu students in higher educational institutions was 57.4 percent, far ahead of the country’s 27.1 percent.

He added that 19 colleges and 33 universities in the state are ranked among the top 100 in the National Institutional Ranking framework.

Telangana CM KCR indisposed

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Telangana CM KCR indisposed

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao was slightly indisposed on Friday.

He visited Yashoda Hospital for a check-up. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), doctors were conducting heart-related angiogram tests.

KCR, as the chief minister is popularly known, was accompanied by his wife Shobha Rao, daughter and legislator K. Kavitha and other family members.

Following the indisposition, KCR canceled his visit to Yadadri temple. He was scheduled to participate in some rituals at Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple.

The chief minister had also planned a meeting to review the arrangements for the reopening of the temple for devotees after the renovation later this month.

PM Modi’s 2-day Gujarat visit begins on Friday

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PM Modi’s 2-day Gujarat visit begins on Friday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Gujarat begins on Friday, during which he is scheduled to address the ‘Gujarat Panchayat Mahasammelan’.

The sammelan will be attended by over 1 lakh Panchayati raj representatives from the state. Before leaving for Gujarat, Modi tweeted, “Leaving for Gujarat, where I will be attending various programs today and tomorrow. At 4 PM today will address a Panchayat Mahasammelan, where several representatives from Panchayati Raj institutions will attend.”

The Prime Minister will dedicate the building of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) to the nation on March 12. He will also deliver the first Convocation address of the RRU as the Chief Guest and in the evening, the Prime Minister will declare open the 11th ‘Khel Mahakumbh’, and deliver an address on the occasion.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said: “Gujarat has three-tier Panchayati Raj structure, with 33 district panchayats, 248 taluka panchayats, and over 14,500-gram panchayats. ‘Gujarat Panchayat Mahasammelan: Aapnu Gaam, Aapnu Gaurav’ will witness the participation of more than 1 lakh representatives from the three tiers of the Panchayati Raj institutions in the state.”

The RRU, which is an Institution of National Importance, commenced its operations on October 1, 2020. “The University will develop synergies with the private sector by leveraging knowledge and resources from the industry and would also set up Centres of Excellence in various fields relating to police and security,” the PMO said.

Andhra Pradesh presents Rs 2.56 lakh crore budget

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Andhra Pradesh presents Rs 2.56 lakh crore budget

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Buggana Rajendernath on Friday presented the budget for the year 2022-23, with an outlay of Rs 2,56,257 crore, an increase of 11.50 percent over the previous year.

The revenue expenditure has been pegged at Rs 2,08,261 crore, while the capital expenditure is estimated at Rs 47,996 crore.

The estimated revenue deficit is around Rs 17,036 crore up from Rs 5,000 crore the previous year, while the fiscal deficit is estimated at around Rs 48,724 crore, up from Rs 37,030 crore.

Presenting his fourth consecutive budget, the finance minister allocated the lion’s share for social welfare, in tune with the policies and priorities of the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government.

Agriculture has been allocated Rs 11,387 crore, medical and health Rs 15,384 crore up from Rs 13,830 crore for FY 2021-22.

The sub-plan for Scheduled Castes (SCs) has been fixed at Rs 18,518 crore, for Scheduled Tribes (STs) Rs 6,145 crore, for Backward Classes (BCs) Rs 29,143.65 crore and for minorities Rs 3,532 crore. The allocation for minorities has come down from Rs 3,841 crore in the previous fiscal. For the welfare of Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), the government allocated Rs 6,693 crore, up from Rs 5,478 crore in 2021-22.

The finance minister allocated Rs 22,706 crore for secondary education and Rs 2,104 crore for higher education.

The health sector has been allocated Rs 15,384 crore which includes Rs 2,000 for YSR Aarogyasri (free health insurance for poor), Rs 500 Nadu Nedu hospitals, Rs 2,462 crore for National Health Mission, Rs 753 crore for medical colleges, Rs 300 crore for YSR Arogya Asra and Rs 170 crore for hospitals in tribal areas.

On the development and infrastructure front, Rs 2,755 crore was allocated for industrial development. Rs 1,142 crore for infrastructure, roads, and buildings Rs 8,581 crore allocated for transport, roads and buildings department and Rs 10,281 crore for the energy sector.

The finance minister has also made a provision of Rs 236 crore for the Visakhapatnam-Chennai industrial corridor.

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