Priyanka slams AAP for not curbing air pollution in Delhi

TB Team
-
0
Priyanka slams AAP for not curbing air pollution in Delhi

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday lashed out at the Aam Aadmi Party for not being able to tackle the air pollution issue in the national capital, while accusing the BJP government in Goa of working only for the interests of a few rich businessmen and ignoring the people of the coastal state.

“There are a lot of parties which have come here from elsewhere. There are new parties today. What have they done in their respective states. Have they ushered in progress? I am from Delhi. AAP is from Delhi. There is so much pollution in Delhi that you cannot breathe,” she said during an interaction with members of the tribal community in Morpirla village in South Goa.

Priyanka Gandhi is on a one-day visit to the state, which goes to polls in February next year.

“You have to opt for development by preserving your environment, because you have to preserve the environment, the forests here, the farms, the water, the sea. You have to think which party will do this for you and who will listen to you. It is only the Congress party which will strike this balance. I hope you will think and cast your vote and ensure that the Congress wins. Elect a government which works for you,” she said in her poll pitch.

The Congress leader also lambasted the BJP-led coalition government in Goa, which she said, ignored the basic issues concerning the local population.

“The government in Goa today is not the kind which works for the people. The government is working for itself. It wants to hold on to power in any condition, therefore they bestow favours on their industrialist friends. They started coal mining here too,” she said.

“We are working hard to give a kind of government in Goa which works for the people of Goa and delivers the state to its people,” she said, accusing the BJP government of having “exploited local resources, and harmed environment to give benefit to a few of its friends while depriving the local people”.

PM to inaugurate Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur, UP on Dec 11

TB Team
-
0
PM to inaugurate Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur, UP on Dec 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 43-year-old Saryu Nahar National project in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur distict on Saturday.

The project will provide assured water for irrigation of over 14 lakh hectares of land and benefit about 29 lakh farmers of over 6,200 villages of Eastern UP.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, “The work on the project started in 1978 but due to lack of continuity of budgetary support, interdepartmental coordination and adequate monitoring, it got delayed and was not completed even after nearly four decades.”

The PMO pointed out that the Prime Minister’s vision for farmer welfare and empowerment, and his commitment to prioritise long pending projects of national importance, brought much needed focus on the project.

“Consequently in 2016, the project was brought under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana with the target to complete it in a time-bound manner. In this endeavour, innovative solutions were found for new land acquisition to construct new canals and fill the critical gaps in the project, and also for resolving the pending litigation related to the previous land acquisitions. The renewed focus on the project has resulted in the project being completed in only about four years,” the PMO said.

The Saryu Nahar National Project has been built with a total cost of more than Rs 9,800 crore, of which more than Rs 4,600 crore was provisioned in the last four years. The project also involves interlinking of five rivers – Ghaghara, Saryu, Rapti, Banganga and Rohini to ensure optimum usage of water resources of the region.

It will benefit nine districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh namely – Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Gonda, Siddharthnagar, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Gorakhpur and Maharajganj. “The farmers of the region, who were the worst sufferers of the inordinate delay in the project, will now immensely benefit from the upgraded irrigation potential. They will now be able to grow crops on a larger scale and maximise the agri-potential of the region,” the PMO added.

Polling underway for six seats of Telangana Legislative Council

TB Team
-
0
Polling underway for six seats of Telangana Legislative Council

Polling was underway amid tight security on Friday for biennial elections to six seats of Telangana Legislative Council from local authority constituencies.

Local body representatives including corporators, councilors, ZPTC and MPTC members were casting their votes in five undivided districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Medak and Nalgonda.

The polling was on for two seats in Karimnagar district and one each in the remaining four districts.

According to poll officials, a total of 5,326 voters will decide the political fortunes of 26 candidates.

The polling, which began at 8 a.m. at all 37 polling stations in the six constituencies, will continue till 4 p.m. Counting of votes will be taken up on December 14.

State Chief Electoral Officer Shashank Goel said all arrangements were made to ensure free and fair polling. He was monitoring the poll process from Hyderabad. District collectors, police commissioners, superintendents of police and other officials were supervising the arrangements in their respective districts.

The officials were also taking steps to ensure strict adherence to Covid-19 protocol during the polling. They banned mobile phones and cameras in the polling centres.

Facing rebel trouble, ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had shifted its local body members to Bengaluru, Goa, Delhi and other places to prevent the opposition parties from poaching its voters. They were brought to a resort on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Thursday and left for their respective districts on Friday morning.

TRS rebel candidate and former Karimnagar mayor Sardar Ravinder Singh is contesting from one of the seats in Karimnagar district. The BJP is supporting him. Congress candidates are in the fray in Medak, Khammam and Adilabad.

The Election Commission of India had last month issued notification for election to six seats of the Council from local authority constituencies.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s daughter K. Kavitha and five other candidates of ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) were declared elected unanimously.

Kavitha was elected from Nizamabad constituency. The others who were elected to upper house of the state legislature are Patnam Mahender Reddy, Shambipur Raju (both from Rangareddy district), Pochampally Srinivas Reddy (Warangal), Kasireddy Narayana Reddy and Kuchumalla Damodar Reddy(both from Mahabubnagar district).

Polling begins for 25 seats of K’taka Legislative Council

TB Team
-
0
Polling begins for 25 seats of K’taka Legislative Council

Polling began on Friday for 25 seats of the Karnataka Legislative Council. As many as 90 candidates are in the fray.

Voting is scheduled between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Of the 90 candidates trying their luck, 89 are male and the lone female contender is Congress’ Gayathri Shanthe Gowda.

About 99,062 voters will exercise their franchise. Among these, 47,205 are male and 51,854 are female voters.

The state’s ruling BJP and the Congress have fielded candidates in 20 constituencies, while the JD (S) is contesting in six and the AAP in three constituencies.

While, there is a direct fight between the BJP and the Congress in 13 constituencies, the stage is set for a triangle battle in eight seats.

Strong independent candidates are in the fray in Belagavi and Dharwad constituencies.

The results will be announced on December 14 and it is regarded as a precursor for the 2023 state Assembly elections.

Friday’s elections are crucial for the ruling BJP to attain a majority in the 75-member Upper House. The party won seven seats in the last polls.

While, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has announced that the BJP would win at least 15 seats, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Siddaramaiah has claimed that the saffron party is in for a defeat as the people are fed up of its policies.

The JD(S) has rejected the offer of alliance by the BJP and expressed confidence of winning all six seats it is contesting.

Mamata Banerjee’s sister-in-law has property worth crores

TB Team
-
0
Mamata Banerjee’s sister-in-law has property worth crores

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has occasionally said that she owns nothing but perhaps that is not the case with her other family members. A recent declaration by her sister-in-law, Kajari Banerjee, shows that she and her husband — Samir Banerjee have a cumulative property worth nearly Rs five crore.

Kajari Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress candidate for ward No. 73, in her affidavit announced that she has a moveable property worth more than Rs 2.45 crore and an immovable property worth Rs 1.5 crore. On the other hand, the Chief Minister’s brother Samir Banerjee has moveable property worth nearly Rs 29 lakh and immovable property worth Rs 70 lakh, which cumulatively is around Rs 5 crore.

Giving a detail of the property Kajari Banerjee in her affidavit mentioned that she is the owner of nine plots of land, including plots in Birbhum, Kolkata and even at Puri and Talcher in Odisha. Not only Kajari but her husband also owns five properties, including one residential building in Kalighat. She also has gold ornaments of around 400 grams worth nearly Rs 20 lakh.

Both 53-year-old Kajari and her husband, who has declared themselves as social workers, have an annual income of Rs 25.7 lakh and 17.8 lakh respectively.

Interestingly enough the West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee’s net worth assets have gone down in the last 5 years. In her self-sworn affidavit filed before the Election Commission of India, Mamata declared that her net worth is Rs 16.72 lakh which is 48 per cent less compared to her 2016 assets. The 66-year-old leader’s total movable assets were worth Rs 30.45 lakh before the Assembly election in 2016.

The Trinamool Congress supremo, who contested from the Nandigram Assembly constituency in Purba Medinipur district, doesn’t own any vehicle or property. Her income for the year 2019-20 was Rs 10,34,370.

CMs, Governors of Telugu states shocked over death of CDS

TB Team
-
0
CMs, Governors of Telugu states shocked over death of CDS

Chief Ministers and Governors of both the Telugu states on Wednesday expressed shock and anguish over the death of Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that the death of Gen Rawat, his wife, and several Army personnel has disturbed him. Recalling the services rendered by Gen Rawat to the defence sector in the country, the CM expressed his condolences to members of the bereaved family.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed shock and anguish over the crash of helicopter carrying the Chief of Defence Staff at Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.

“Words fail to describe the incident that befell on the serving Defence Chief and the state of Andhra Pradesh stands with the nation in this hour of shock and expresses its resolute solidarity,” he said.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan expressed deep shock and anguish at the deaths of Gen Rawat, his wife, and other army personnel in the helicopter crash.

She said that she was deeply saddened at the unfortunate demise of Gen Rawat, who is known for his exemplary services to the nation’s security and Indian Army.

Paying rich tributes to his exemplary services and memory, the Governor said that his role and contribution in modernising the Indian military and shaping it as one of the strongest in the world are invaluable.

She said that her thoughts are with all the bereaved families as she expressed her deep condolences to the members.

Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan expressed deep anguish and sadness over the demise of Gen Rawat, his wife, and 11 defence personnel in the helicopter crash, and termed it a great loss for the nation.

“I pray for eternal peace to their souls and offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members,” he said.

Telangana Governor visits paddy procurement centres

TB Team
-
0
Telangana Governor visits paddy procurement centres

Telangana Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan on Wednesday visited a couple of paddy procurement centres in Nalgonda district.

She visited the paddy procurement centres at Duppalapally and Arjalabavi villages and interacted with the farmers and officials on procurement procedure, progress, and facilities.

The Governor also enquired about the facilities provided for the farmers and the procedure being followed for the procurement. She also asked them about the progress in the procurement and other aspects.

She asked the farmers about the yield they were getting and the availability of the bags for packing.

The officials explained to her about the progress in the procurement process and the facilities provided for the farmers at the IKP procurement centres.

The farmers were surprised by the sudden visit of the Governor and the women took a group photograph with her.

The Governor’s visit to procurement centres come at a time when the opposition BJP and Congress have been targeting the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government over sluggish pace of procurement during the ongoing Kharif season and the TRS is slamming the BJP government at the Centre for escaping from its responsibility to lift the paddy from the state.

The TRS has decided to boycott remainder of the winter session of Parliament stating that justice is not being done to farmers of the state by the Centre, particularly in the matter of paddy procurement.

Last month, a delegation of TRS leaders led by state Agriculture Minister S. Niranjan Reddy had called on the Governor and urged her to impress upon the Union government to direct the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to procure paddy from Telangana.

Last week, Congress leaders had requested the Governor to visit marketyards to better understand the suffering of farmers and put pressure on the state and Central governments to help them.

Cabinet approves continuation of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin

TB Team
-
0
Cabinet approves continuation of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin

To ensure housing for all in rural areas, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved continuation of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) till March 2024.

The Union Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal of the department of Rural Development for continuation of PMAY-G beyond March 2021 wherein financial assistance is to be provided for the construction of the remaining 1.55 crore houses, as on March 31, 2021 under the scheme within total target of 2.95 crore houses.

The total financial implication for construction of the remaining 1.55 crore houses is Rs 2,17,257 crore (Central share Rs1,25,106 crore and state share Rs 73,475 crore) for achieving cumulative targets of 2.95 crore houses in rural areas under the PMAY-G and an additional requirement of Rs 18,676 crore towards the interest repayment to NABARD.

The continuation of the scheme till March 2024 ensures that the remaining 155.75 lakh households within the overall target of 2.95 crore houses under PMAY-G would be provided assistance for construction of ‘Pucca’ houses with basic amenities to achieve the objective of ‘Housing for All’ in rural areas.

As on November 29, 1.65 crore PMAY-G houses have been constructed out of the total target of 2.95 crore.

It is estimated that 2.02 crore houses, which is almost equal to SECC 2011 database based Permanent Wait List, will be completed by the deadline of August 15, 2022.

Therefore, to achieve the total target of 2.95 crore houses, the scheme needs to be continued till March, 2024.

The phasing out of EBR and provision of entire scheme funding through Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) shall be decided in consultation with the Ministry of Finance.

Release of additional Rs 45 lakh administrative funds annually from the Central share of Administrative funds (0.3 per cent out of total administrative fund of two per cent) to each smaller state Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Goa, Punjab, Uttarakhand, the northeastern states except for Assam and Tripura, and all UTs except Jammu and Kashmir over and above 1.70 per cent administrative funds released to said States/UTs.

‘Maitree Divas’ marks India-Bangladesh friendship

TB Team
-
0
‘Maitree Divas’ marks India-Bangladesh friendship

Braving day-long incessant rain, around 2,000 pro-liberation campaigners on Tuesday held rallies across Bangladesh, marking the “Maitree Divas” as a shining testament to the historic bond between Bangladesh and India.

Commemorating the official recognition by India on December 6, during the Liberation War in 1971, One Bangladesh, a platform led by university teachers and professionals, organised this event in a total of 23 districts with much enthusiasm and zeal.

Themed on “Friendship between Bangladesh and India based on shared sacrifices”, participants, including free thinkers, carried banners and posters and placards during the rally.

Photos of Pakistan’s historic surrender on December 16, 1971, historic news clippings of India’s recognition to Bangladesh, wreckage of Pakistani naval ships bombed by fearless commandos were also displayed at the rallies.

“India trained daring naval commandos of Bangladesh”, “India sheltered 10 million refugees”, “India trained and armed freedom fighters”, “Together India and Bangladesh crushed Pak army in 13 days”, “Over 18000 Indians deceased and injured during the liberation war”, reads some of the posters.

While most super-powers turned their back on us and the geopolitic situation was against us, India drummed up support for Bangladesh across the world. They sheltered our refugees, allied with us, and helped us drive out the occupation army, said one of the speakers at the event.

With much vigour, the participants staged rallies at the base of central Shaheed Minars and on University campuses in 23 districts including Rangamati, Rangpur, Kustia, Chittagong, Jamalpur, Pabna, Thakurgaon, Joypurhat, Sherpur, Sylhet and Chandpur among others. Floral wreaths were placed at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi 32 of Dhaka.

“We placed floral tributes to the founding Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as he led the struggle for our independence,” a person who took part in the event said.

Modi warns BJP MPs: Bring change in your behaviour, otherwise change will happen

TB Team
-
0
Modi warns BJP MPs: Bring change in your behaviour, otherwise change will happen

In a meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Party on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked all the party MPs to regularly attend the Parliament sessions and actively participate in the legislative work. As per sources, the Prime Minister cautioned the MPs to ‘bring a change in their behaviour as otherwise changes will happen’.

According to sources, while directing all the MPs to ensure their presence in the Parliament, he said, “It is not right to repeatedly tell the same thing to you like children…you bring a change in your behaviour, otherwise change will happen.”

At the meeting, BJP National President J.P. Nadda asked all MPs to visit their respective constituencies after the Winter Session and communicate with the district chiefs and mandal chiefs and call them for discussion over tea. Prime Minister Modi was quick to add that he will also invite the district presidents and divisional presidents for tea on December 14 when he will be visiting in Varanasi.

Talking about the discussions held at the Parliamentary Party meeting, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi said that the Prime Minister has told all the MPs to organise sports competitions, children fitness competitions and Surya Namaskar competitions.

Joshi added that Modi also directed them to remain in touch with the Padma awardees residing in their respective areas and to interact with them frequently.

Kashi gets ready to welcome PM Modi on Dec 13

TB Team
-
0
Kashi gets ready to welcome PM Modi on Dec 13

The newly constructed ‘Kashi Vishwanath Corridor’ of the famous and ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple will be inaugurated in Varanasi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 13.

On this occasion ‘Deepotsav’ will be celebrated all over the city of Varanasi. All the ghats of Varanasi as well as every house in the city will be lit up.

The district administration and the Uttar Pradesh government have made preparations for a grand celebration on the occasion of the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

After the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and a puja, ‘prasad’ will be distributed to every house in the holy city.

Divisional Commissioner Deepak Agrawal told IANS that on this occasion, lamps will be lit in every house in Varanasi.

Each ghat will be illuminated with diyas and there will be a festive atmosphere in the city. After a special puja, a packet of ‘prasad’ and a religious booklet will be distributed to every house in Varanasi. This is the first time that Deepotsav, puja and prasad distribution will be held on such a large scale in Varanasi.

The administration has decided to plant trees of special reverence as per Hindu faith in and around the Kashi Vishwanath temple, such as Parijat, Rudraksh and Ashoka trees.

The golden ‘shikhar’ (dome) of the main temple, which had become stained due to the winter cold, heat, storms, etc, has been given a makeover. Agrawal said that the golden ‘Kalash’ (urn) has been completely cleaned with the help of a unique technology. Now the golden urn in the main temple appears to be completely new.

Only CNG engine boats will be used. Earlier, these boats were fuelled by diesel which caused pollution, but now the administration has decided to convert all boats in the city to CNG with the aim of making Kashi pollution-free.

Preparations are on to build a ropeway in Varanasi to reduce traffic jams on the roads. This ropeway will not only serve as a tourist attraction but will also be used as a mode of transport.

Deepak Agrawal informed that the ropeway system will greatly help establish a new transport system for the city of Varanasi for which tenders have been floated. It will take three months to learn about its technology, design and other technical aspects. The new transport system will be ready in the next 24 months.

The state government will bear the entire cost of converting the diesel-powered boats to CNG. The UP government has set up a CNG filling station at Khirkiya ghat. All boats will receive fuel from this CNG station.

As many as four special cruises have also been started for the pilgrims coming to Varanasi. Of these one is by the UP transport department in which nearly 200 people can travel at a time. Soon another cruise named ‘Bhagirathi’ will be ready to sail on the Ganga river in Kashi from next week.

Pinarayi Vijayan a ‘friend of Islamic terrorist’: BJP

TB Team
-
0
Pinarayi Vijayan a ‘friend of Islamic terrorist’: BJP

Launching a scathing attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Kerala BJP unit on Monday described him as a “friend of the Islamic terrorist” who is implementing the agenda of the Popular Front of India (PFI).

State BJP general secretary P. Sudhir on Monday said it has come to the fore that at a school in Pathanamthitta district, the PFI activists are forcefully pinning “Me Babur” badge on the shirts of students studying at a local school at Kottangal.

“The village council in which the school is located is ruled jointly by the CPI-M and the SDPI and hence, the Vijayan government has turned a blind eye to this heinous crime. This is not at all acceptable,” said Sudhir.

“State Education Minister V. Sivankutty had publicly announced that the names of all those teachers who have not taken the Covid vaccine will be made public, but it is not being done just to appease one community,” Sudhir added.

Meanwhile, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairman Priyank Kanongoo said that he will seek a report to this effect from the Pathanamthitta district SP.

Centre keeping close watch on evolving situation in Nagaland: Shah in RS

TB Team
-
0
Centre keeping close watch on evolving situation in Nagaland: Shah in RS

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that Centre has been keeping a close watch on the evolving situation in Nagaland and necessary measures are being taken to ensure peace and tranquility in Mon district, following the widespread violence after a “mistaken” army raid, leaving 14 civilians and one soldier dead, while the state authorities, as precautionary measures, have promulgated prohibitory orders in the affected areas.

Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha on the incident, Shah informed the house that an FIR was registered regarding the incident in Tizit police station and considering the complexity of the case, it has been transferred to the State Crime Police Station (SCPS) and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted and directed to complete the investigation within one month.

Noting that the situation on the ground is still critical but under control, he further said that on receipt of the incident, he immediately got in touch with the Governor and the Chief Minister.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs also got in touch with the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Nagaland and monitored the situation throughout the day yesterday (Sunday). MHA also deputed Additional Secretary, in-charge of North East to Kohima wherein he held a meeting with Chief Secretary and other senior officers of State Government of Nagaland and senior officers of the ParaMilitary Forces today (Monday) morning,” he said.

The situation was reviewed in detail to ensure that normalcy is restored at the earliest. It was decided that all agencies should ensure that no such unfortunate incident recurs in future while undertaking operations against insurgents, he added.

“The Government of India sincerely regrets this unfortunate incident in Nagaland and expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives,” the Minister also said in his statement.

Narrating the incident that happened on December 4, Shah said that based on inputs received by the Indian Army about movement of the insurgents near Tiru village in Tizit area of Mon district, a team of 21 para-commandos said an ambush in the evening.

During the ambush, a vehicle approached the location and it was signalled to stop. However, the vehicle tried to flee, following which the vehicle, suspected of carrying insurgents, was fired upon resulting in the killing of six out of eight persons travelling in the vehicle. However, it turned out to be a case of mistaken identity, the Home Minister stated.

The two persons who sustained injuries were evacuated to the medical facilities by the Army personnel, he added.

Following the firing incident, the local villagers surrounded the Army team, burnt two vehicles, and assaulted them resulting in death of one security force personnel and injuries to several others.

“To disperse the crowd, SFs opened fire which resulted in killing of seven more civilians and injuring some others. The local administration and police have tried to defuse the situation, which remains tense but under control,” Shah added.

Nagaland Director General of Police and Commissioner, Nagaland visited the spot on December 5, 2021 and reviewed the situation on the ground.

The Minister also informed that subsequently in the evening of December 5, a mob of approximately 250 tried to ransack the Company Operating Base (CoB) of the Assam Rifles at Mon town. The mob burnt buildings of the base following which troops had to open fire to disperse the mob. Resultantly, one civilian was killed while another was injured. More forces have been deployed in the area to prevent any further untoward incident, he added.

The headquarters of the Army’s 3 Corps has also released a press statement wherein they have deeply regretted the incident and its aftermath which resulted in the unfortunate killing of innocent civilians and it further mentioned that the cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per law.

Scams exploded during ten years of UPA rule: Modi

TB Team
-
0
Scams exploded during ten years of UPA rule: Modi

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said scams exploded in the name of infrastructure during the ten year rule of the Manmohan Singh government.

Addressing a public gathering in poll-bound Uttarakhand after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 18,000 crore in Dehradun, the Prime Minister accused the Congress of doing politics of appeasement and dividing the country.

He said perversion of politics does not allow people to be strong and makes them dependent on the government for their needs.

Modi claimed that “Whatever schemes we bring, we will bring them for everyone, without discrimination. We do not make vote bank politics the basis but give priority to the service of the people. Our approach has been to strengthen the country.”

Targeting the Congress, Modi said: “For 10 years there were scams, scams in the name of infrastructure in the country. We worked twice as hard to make up for the loss caused to the country and are doing it even today.”

He heaped praises on his party leader and state Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and also spoke about other veteran BJP leaders in the state.

The Prime Minister said that Uttarakhand is not just the centre of faith but is the symbol of hard work and determination. That is why development of the state is one of the foremost priorities of the ‘double engine government’ of the Centre and the state.

Comparing the pace of development, the Prime Minister pointed out that between 2007 and 2014, the then Central government (UPA), built only 288 km of national highways in Uttarakhand in seven years, whereas the current (NDA) government has constructed a national highway of more than 2,000 km in the state in seven years.

He charged that the earlier governments did not work on the infrastructure of the border hill areas as seriously as they should have.

The previous governments did nothing on critical issues like One rank, one pension, modern weapons, giving a befitting reply to terrorists that demoralised the Army at every level, he said, adding that “The government which is in place today cannot come under the pressure of any country in the world. We are people who follow the mantra of nation first, always first.”

He said the reconstruction of Kedar Dham has not only increased the number of devotees coming for darshan, but also provided many opportunities for employment and self-employment to the people there.

Before the Kedarnath tragedy in 2012, 5,70,000 devotees had darshan, which was a record number, whereas before the start of the corona period, in 2019, more than 10 lakh people had come to visit Kedarnath.

Omicron effect: Cluster declaration if 3 Covid cases are found, says K’taka CM

TB Team
-
0
Omicron effect: Cluster declaration if 3 Covid cases are found, says K’taka CM

Taking tough measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 and guard against its latest variant Omicron, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Saturday that any place with three or more Covid cases would be declared a cluster. Earlier, the minimum requirement was 10 cases.

Speaking to mediapersons, Bommai said that preliminary reports on Omicron cases have been received, and the health department has been instructed to obtain comprehensive reports on the treatment protocols being followed in various countries.

According to the available information, at present the protocol being followed for the Delta variant is being followed for Omicron too, Bommai said, adding: “I want a scientific system to be followed.”

“Expert opinion is that Omicron is a fast-spreading variant, but it has not shown severe implications so far. Instructions have been issued to intensify tracing and treatment,” Bommai said.

As for cluster management, two types of clusters have been planned. One for places like schools, colleges and hostels, and the other for the apartment complexes in Bengaluru, from where cases have been reported.

Everyone in the clusters would be tested and treated. Only those with double vaccination would be allowed to assemble together in apartment complexes. No outsiders would be allowed into the apartments and the BBMP Commissioner has been instructed in this regard, Bommai said.

Double dose has been made mandatory for parents of students who attend classes in off-line mode, while testing is compulsory for all the inmates and staff of students’ hostels.

Testing has been made mandatory for those with comorbidities too. Officials have been instructed to take foolproof measures, Bommai said.

Replying to a question on Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s statement that none of the states except Punjab had submitted report on deaths caused by oxygen shortage, Bommai said, “I have no information as to in what context the statement was made.”

Asked about statement of Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar about 10 passengers from South Africa going missing in the state, Bommai said, “I have not received official information about this. I will speak to the Health Minister about it.”

The legislature session at Belagavi would be held as scheduled with adequate precautionary measures, he said, adding that the district administration has been instructed in this regard.

Double vaccination has been made compulsory for taking part in the session, he said.

Vijayan hand in glove with TN on Mullaperiyar dam issue: Congress

TB Team
-
0
Vijayan hand in glove with TN on Mullaperiyar dam issue: Congress

In a scathing attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the manner in which he is handling the vexed issue of the leaking Mullaperiyar dam, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Saturday remarked that Vijayan is hand in glove with Tamil Nadu, which is aiming to raise the water level to 152 feet.

Satheesan attacked Vijayan at the 24-hour fast protest launched by Idukki Lok Sabha Congress member Dean Kuriakose, near the dam site at Cheruthonni, demanding that permission be granted to build a new dam in place of the leaking one which is now 126 years old.

Satheesan, inaugurating the 24-hour fast, recalled a protest of the then Left Democratic Front opposition on December 8, 2011 when Oommen Chandy was the chief minister.

“Vijayan along with then Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan was part of human chain that was formed which saw lakhs taking part in the 208 km stretch from near the Mullaperiyar dam site to the Arabian sea at Kochi and took a pledge demanding a new dam at Mullaperiyar replacing the then 116 years old leaking Mullaperiyar dam. And see what’s he saying now, he says the dam is safe and is hand in glove with Tamil Nadu, who are demanding raising the water level to 152 feet,” said Satheesan.

“We all saw on what happened when permission was granted to cut trees to strengthen the baby dam at Mullaperiyar. We have two State Ministers (Water Resources Minister, Forest Minister) who have no clue of what’s happening in their department, as all decisions are taken by Vijayan. We are also seeing the way Tamil Nadu is opening the shutters of the Mullaperiyar dam without following the rules and none in Kerala government is bothered about it and we all heard a statement that Vijayan has written a letter to his counterpart in Tamil Nadu. Is this the way this serious issue has to be tackled?” asked Satheesan.

Incidentally this protest is taking place when in the Lok Sabha the other day Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Bishweswar Tudu said in a written reply that there is a report titled ‘Ageing Water Storage Infrastructure: An Emerging Global Risk’ published in the 11th Series Report of the United Nations University-Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) which has mentioned certain safety concerns of the Mullaperiyar dam.

He however, sought to allay fears about the safety of the dam, stating that through inspections, investigations, tests and studies, the health of a dam can be evaluated. Various instruments, which are installed in the dam, provide relevant information on the safety conditions of a dam. Pre and post-monsoon inspections are generally carried out by the dam owning agencies every year.

The dam has been a bone of contention between Kerala – where the dam is located – and Tamil Nadu, which owns the dam as per the old lease agreement.

BJP MPs from West Bengal meet PM, demand implementation of CAA in state

TB Team
-
0
BJP MPs from West Bengal meet PM, demand implementation of CAA in state

BJP MPs from West Bengal on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state.

The delegation, led by state unit president Dr Sukanta Majumdar, also requested the Prime Minister to visit the state.

Reportedly, it also urged the Prime Minister to frame rules for CAA and implement it in the state. “We requested Prime Minister Modi for early implementation of CAA in West Bengal after framing the rules. Those who are eligible should be given citizenship,” a team member said.

The delegation also sought allocation of funds announced in the budget which is still pending. “The budget announced is still pending. Funds for the North South corridor are yet to be allocated. Development of tea gardens is still to take off. We requested the Prime Minister to implement the budget,” he said.

Raising the issue of post-poll attack on the BJP workers, the MPs said despite a an ongoing CBI probe, the violence has not stopped.

The delegation also apprised the Prime Minister of the corruption in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme.

It also the pointed out that ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) was misusing the state machinery in upcoming civic polls.

Another member of the team said that the Prime Minister gave a patient hearing to all the demands made by them and assured action.

India’s digital public infra solutions can improve lives globally: Modi

TB Team
-
0
India’s digital public infra solutions can improve lives globally: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India’s digital public infrastructure solutions can improve the lives of citizens around the world.

Speaking at the InFinity Forum organised by Bloomberg and IFSCA, he said via video link: “We believe in sharing our experiences and expertise with the world and learning from them as well.”

“Tools like ‘UPI’ and ‘RuPay’ provide an unparalleled opportunity for every country. An opportunity to provide a low cost and reliable ‘real time payment system’ as well as a ‘domestic card scheme’ and ‘fund remittance system’.”

According to the Prime Minister, India has proved to the world that it is second to none when it comes to adopting technology or innovating around it.

“Transformational initiatives under Digital India have opened doors for innovative Fintech solutions to be applied in governance.a

PM Modi cited successes achieved with ‘Jan Dhan’ Accounts, ‘Rupay’, ‘FastTag’, and other such initiatives taken by the Centre.

He mentioned that last year, in India, mobile payments exceeded ATM cash withdrawals for the first time.

The Prime Minister said that fully digital banks, without any physical branch offices, are already a reality and may become commonplace in less than a decade.

Besides, he said the time has come to convert these “FinTech initiatives into a FinTech revolution”.

“A revolution that helps to achieve financial empowerment of every single citizen of the country.”

Furthermore, he emphasised on FinTech security.

“Common Indian has shown immense trust in our FinTech ecosystem by embracing digital payments and such technologies,” he said.

“This trust is a responsibility. Trust means that you need to ensure that the interests of the people are secured.”

In addition, PM Modi said that finance combined with technology would be an important part of India’s future development.

“Our aim is to provide the best international financial services not just for Indians, but for the world,” he added.

My complexion may be dark but intentions clear: Kejriwal

TB Team
-
0
My complexion may be dark but intentions clear: Kejriwal

In a reply to Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi’s remarks of ‘black Englishman’, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said “all mothers of Punjab adore their black son (Kejriwal), and sisters like their black brother”.

Talking to media here, Kejriwal said: “This time our (AAP) government will be formed in Punjab and this black person (Kejriwal) will fulfill all his promises.”

“I do not make false declarations, because my intentions are clear not false. Everyone knows whose intentions are false.”

In his reply, Kejriwal said that since he has announced to give Rs 1,000 per month to the women of Punjab, Channi has been abusing him.

“He is referring me as the person who wears cheap clothes and of black complexion,” the AAP supremo said, adding: “My complexion is black. My complexion has turned black after roaming in the sun from village to village. I don’t travel in a helicopter like Channi sahab flies in the air but my intention is not false.”

In a controversial statement, Channi had termed Kejriwal as ‘kale angrej’ (black Englishman).

PM to launch multiple development projects in Dehradun on Dec 4

TB Team
-
0
PM to launch multiple development projects in Dehradun on Dec 4

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Dehradun on Saturday and lay the foundation stones of multiple development projects worth around Rs 18,000 crore.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, a significant focus of the PM’s visit will be on projects to improve road infrastructure, which will make travel smooth and safer, and also increase tourism in the region.

“PM will lay the foundation stone of eleven development projects which includes the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor (from Eastern Peripheral Expressway Junction to Dehradun) which will be built at a cost of around Rs 8,300 crore,” the PMO said in a statement.

The corridor is expected to significantly reduce the travel time from Delhi to Dehradun from six hours to around 2.5 hours. It will have seven major interchanges for connectivity to Haridwar, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Yamunanagar, Baghpat, Meerut and Baraut.

The Delhi-Dehradun corridor will also have Asia’s largest wildlife elevated corridor (12 km) for unrestricted wildlife movement. Also, the 340 m long tunnel near Dat Kaali temple, Dehradun will help reduce the impact on wildlife.

Further, multiple animal passes have been provided in the Ganeshpur-Dehradun section for avoiding animal-vehicle collisions. The corridor will also have arrangements for rainwater harvesting at intervals of 500 m and over 400 water recharge points. The greenfield alignment project from the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, connecting Halgoa, Saharanpur to Bhadrabad, Haridwar will be constructed at a cost of over Rs 2000 crore. It will provide seamless connectivity and reduce travel time from Delhi to Haridwar as well.

The Haridwar Ring Road Project from Manoharpur to Kangri, to be built at a cost of over Rs 1600 crore, will give a respite to Haridwar residents from traffic congestion, especially during the peak tourist season, and also improve connectivity with Kumaon zone.

The Dehradun-Paonta Sahib (Himachal Pradesh) road project, to be constructed at a cost of around Rs 1700 crore, will reduce travel time and provide seamless connectivity between the two places. It will also boost inter-state tourism.

The Nazimabad-Kotdwar road widening project will reduce travel time and also improve connectivity to Lansdowne. A bridge across the Ganga River next to Lakshman Jhula will also be constructed. The world renowned Lakshman Jhula was constructed in 1929, but has now been closed due to decreased load carrying capacity. The bridge to be constructed will have provision for a glass deck for people walking, and will also allow lightweight vehicles to move across.

Modi will also lay the foundation stone for the Child Friendly City Project, Dehradun, to make the city child friendly by making the roads safer for their travel.

The foundation stones for projects related to development of water supply, road and drainage system in Dehradun at a cost of over Rs 700 crore will also be laid.

The PMO said that a new Medical College in Haridwar will be constructed at a cost of over Rs 500 crore and the foundation stone for infrastructure development work at Shri Badrinath Dham and Gangotri-Yamunotri Dham will be laid.

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate seven projects, including those which focus on making travel safer by tackling the problem of chronic landslides in the region.

Amongst these projects are the landslide mitigation project at Lambagad (which is en-route to the Badrinath Dham), and chronic landslide treatment at Sakanidhar, Srinagar and Devprayag on NH-58. The Lambagad landslide mitigation project in the chronic landslide zone includes construction of reinforced earthwalls and rockfall barriers. The location of the project further adds to its strategic significance.

Also being inaugurated is the road widening project from Devprayag to Srikot, and from Brahmpuri to Kodiyala on NH-58, under the Chardham road connectivity project. The 120 MW Vyasi Hydroelectric Project, built over the Yamuna River at a cost of over Rs 1700 crore, will also be inaugurated, along with a Himalayan Culture Centre at Dehradun.

The Himalayan Culture Centre will house a museum, a 800 seat art auditorium, library, conference hall, among others, which will help people follow cultural activities as well as appreciate the cultural heritage of the state.

During the Prime Minister’s visit a state-of-the-art Perfumery and Aroma Laboratory (Centre for Aromatic Plants) will also be inaugurated in Dehradun.

The research done here will prove useful for production of a variety of products including perfumes, soaps, sanitisers, air fresheners, incense sticks, among others, and will lead to establishment of related industries in the region as well. It will also focus on development of high-yielding advanced varieties of aromatic plants.

1...515253...281Page 52 of 281