T-Fiber project to cover all municipalities across Telangana

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T-Fiber project to cover all municipalities across Telangana

Hyderabad April 9, (Telugu Bullet)  Telangana’s Minister for Information Technology and Municipal Administration K. T. Rama Rao on Thursday directed officials to expand the Telangana Fiber Grid (T-Fiber) project to all the municipalities across the state.

As part of the project expansion, the Minister directed the officials to conduct a survey in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits and submit a report at the earliest.

KTR, as the Minister is popularly known, Thursday held a meeting with the Telangana Fiber Grid Corporation Board meeting at T-Hub. He enquired about the work status of T-Fiber.

During the meeting, officials informed the Minister that by August this year every village will be extended fiber connectivity and works were being executed accordingly.

KTR instructed the officials to commence the exercise of extending fiber connectivity to 30,000 government offices on a priority basis from June.

As per Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s instructions, all the Rythu Vedikas should be extended fiber connectivity, the minister told the officials adding that this would benefit the farmers in accessing internet services.

The officials informed that already connectivity was extended to five Rythu Vedikas under a pilot project.

The minister further wanted the officials to consider examining broadband connectivity as a utility and work out a mechanism for extending connectivity to each household in all the towns across the state.

IT and Industries Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Mission Bhagiratha Engineer-in-Chief Krupakar Reddy, and T-Fiber MD Sujai Karampuri were present in the meeting.

Sharmila leaves for Khammam to unveil political plans

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Sharmila leaves for Khammam to unveil political plans

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s sister Y.S. Sharmila left Hyderabad for Khammam on Friday in a big convoy of vehicles to address a public meeting, where she is likely to announce her political plans.

Sharmila, daughter of former chief minister of combined Andhra Pradesh Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy began the journey from her residence Lotus Ponds in Banjara Hills along with dozens of vehicles of her supporters.

She stopped at Panjagutta in the city to garland the statue of YSR, as her late father was popularly known. YSR loyalists have planned a grand welcome to Sharmila at eight places en route Khammam.

She will reach the venue of the meeting in a huge rally in the evening. She is expected to announce the name of her political party and future plans at the meeting titled ‘Sankalpa Sabha’.

The police have given permission for conducting the meeting on the condition that the organizers will ensure adherence to Covid-19 rules.

Sharmila’s mother Y.S. Vijayamma will also attend the meeting. Her participation will be significant as Jagan Mohan Reddy is not in favor of his sister floating a political party in Telangana.

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) led by Jagan Mohan Reddy has already admitted that there is a difference of opinion between the brother and sister over the latter’s political ambitions in Telangana.

‘Sankalpa Sabha’ will be the first public meeting of Sharmila ever since she announced that she plans to float a political party in Telangana.

For more than a month, Sharmila has been holding meetings with YSR loyalists from various districts in Telangana to take their feedback before announcing her political plans.

She vowed to try to bring back ‘Rajanna Rajyam’ (a reference to the pro-poor and welfare regime of YSR) in Telangana.

YSR loyalists believed that the Khammam meeting will prove to be a turning point in Telangana’s politics as Sharmila is expected to make some key announcements.

Composite Khammam district is considered politically significant. Sharmila had extensively toured the district during her “Maro Praja Prasthanam”, a state-wide walkathon, in 2013 to mobilize support for her brother who was then in jail in a disproportionate assets case.

YSRCP had won one MP and three MLA seats in the old undivided Khammam district in the maiden assembly elections in Telangana in 2014.

However, YSRCP became inactive in Telangana after its MP and all three MLAs joined the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).

Jagan Mohan Reddy, who led YSRCP to power in Andhra Pradesh in 2019, decided to stay away from Telangana politics. His party did not contest the 2018 Assembly elections and subsequent polls in Telangana.

‘Arhtiyas’ to get interest on dues: Haryana CM

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‘Arhtiyas’ to get interest on dues: Haryana CM

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said all those ‘arhtiyas’ whose commission and labor wage dues have been pending since the last procurement season would get interested in them for the delayed amount.

“The process of payment of interest will start from today and the ‘arhtiyas’ have been asked to get their accounts verified. Necessary directions in this regard have been issued to the Food and Civil Supplies Department,” an official statement quoting Khattar said.

He said while presiding over a virtual review meeting of the crop procurement in which all Deputy Commissioners and officers concerned were present.

Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala and Agriculture Minister were also present.

The Chief Minister said recently a meeting with ‘arhtiyas’ or commission agents was held during which important issues were discussed and the government had assured them that they would not face any problem during the current wheat procurement season.

At the meeting, the Deputy Commissioners were told that regular talks should be held with the ‘arhtiyas’ so as to ensure that they do not face any problems.

For the farmers, there should be hassle-free procurement that commenced on April 1.

This season the state has announced that there would be 100 percent direct online transfer of minimum support price (MSP) in the accounts of the farmers.

Last year, the state had transferred over 50 percent of the payments directly to the accounts of the farmers, and the rest was made through ‘Artigas.

Earlier, the government was transferring the amount into the accounts of ‘arhtiyas’, which would later be released to farmers.

‘Arhtiyas’, who were charging 2.5 percent as commission earlier, will no longer be the recipient of the money in the present scenario.

PM hails social service by Sikhs, calls for proper research

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PM hails social service by Sikhs, calls for proper research

Hailing the social service by the Sikh community and Gurudwaras all over the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday stressed the need to do “proper research and documentation” on this aspect of the Sikh tradition.

The Prime Minister expressed his views while chairing the meeting of the High-Level Committee to commemorate the 400th Birth Anniversary (Prakash Purab) of Guru Tegh Bahadur–the ninth of the ten Gurus who founded the Sikh religion and was the head of the followers of Sikhism from 1665 until his beheading in 1675.

Addressing the meeting via video conferencing, the Prime Minister highlighted that it is important to make the younger generation understand the teaching and lessons from the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and noted that through digital means, it is easier to reach out to the younger generation world over to spread the message.

Elaborating on the discussions in the meeting, the Prime Minister said that to connect more and more people to commemorate the 400th Prakash Purab of Guru Tegh Bahadur, various activities will be organized throughout the year.

Modi said that the organization of activities should be such that not only the life and teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur but of the entire Guru Tradition is propagated the world over.

He later hailed the social service by the Sikh community and Gurudwaras all over the world and said that “proper research and documentation on this aspect of the Sikh tradition should be done”.

Prime Minister said that the Sikh Guru tradition is a complete life philosophy in itself. It is the privilege and good fortune of the government that it has got the opportunity to celebrate the 550th Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev, the 400th Prakash Purab of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and the 350th Prakash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh.

The meeting was attended by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh; Union Home Minister Amit Shah; Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla; Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh; Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge; Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar; Punjab CM Capt. Amarinder Singh; Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot; President, Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar, Bibi Jagir Kaur; MPs Sukhbir Singh Badal and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa; Former MP Tarlochan Singh; MD Amul R. S. Sodhi; and Eminent Scholar Amarjit Singh Grewal among others.

The Home Minister said that collective efforts should be made to ensure that the message of Guru Tegh Bahadur reaches out to all.

Culture Secretary gave a presentation on suggestions outlined till now for the commemoration.

The High-Level Committee was constituted by the Central government on October 24 last year to approve policies, plans, and programs related to the commemoration of the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur along with supervision of the events.

The High-Level Committee has 70 members including the Prime Minister as Chairman.

Modi takes 2nd dose,says vaccine can defeat Covid

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Modi takes 2nd dose,says vaccine can defeat Covid

New Delhi, April 8 (Telugu Bullet) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday received the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine here at the city’s premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), giving a message to the people that “vaccination is among the few ways we have, to defeat the virus”.

The Prime Minister also advised the citizens through a Twitter message: “If you are eligible for the vaccine, get your shot soon. Register on CoWin.gov.in.”

“Got my second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at AIIMS today (Thursday). Vaccine is among the few ways we have, to defeat the virus,” Modi tweeted.

He also posted a photograph while taking the second jab.

The Prime Minister has taken Covaxin, India’s homegrown vaccine developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech.

The two nurses who administered the Covid-19 vaccine to the Prime Minister on Thursday are P. Niveda from Puducherry and Nisha Sharma from Punjab.

Niveda was also involved in administering the first dose of Covid to the Prime Minister on March 1.

He was the first beneficiary on March 1 as the second phase of nationwide vaccination against the deadly pandemic began.

Amid the “second wave” of Covid-19 across the country, the Centre allowed administering vaccine shots at workplaces with around 100 eligible beneficiaries from April 11. Currently, people at the age of 45 and above are eligible for vaccination.

The Union Health Ministry recently said India has surpassed the US to become the fastest Covid-19 vaccinating country in the world with an average daily rate of 30,93,861 vaccine doses.

So far, over 9.01 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in India, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.

Keep focusing on fighting Covid: PM

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Keep focusing on fighting Covid: PM

On World Health Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday urged citizens to keep focusing on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic by adopting all safety measures like wearing masks and washing hands.

“The government of India is taking numerous measures including Ayushman Bharat and PM Janaushadhi Yojana to ensure people get access to top quality and affordable healthcare. India is also conducting the world’s largest vaccination drive to strengthen the fight against Covid-19,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

“On World Health Day, let us keep the focus on fighting Covid-19 by taking all possible precautions including wearing a mask, regularly washing hands, and following the other protocols.”

At the same time, the Prime Minister advised taking all possible steps to boost immunity and stay fit.

He said that World Health Day is a day to reaffirm our gratitude and appreciation to all those who work day and night to keep our planet healthy.

“It’s also a day to reiterate our commitment to supporting research and innovation in healthcare.”

World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on April 7 under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as other related organizations.

In 1948, the WHO held the First World Health Assembly.

Modi’s coins ‘Chalo Paltai’ slogan, says Trinamool will fade away

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Modi’s coins ‘Chalo Paltai’ slogan, says Trinamool will fade away

Referring to a new audiotape that the BJP had released a few days back, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s defeat is on the cards, as he coined a new slogan — ‘Chalo Paltai’ (let us make the change) — and urged the people to vote for the saffron party in the ongoing Assembly elections for a new and better government.

Modi was perhaps referring to the three tapes that had surfaced in relation to the coal smuggling in which money was allegedly being received (up to Rs 35 crore) by Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee every month as part of ‘cut money via a syndicate racket.

In the alleged audiotapes, a conversation between Ganesh Bagadiya, who is said to be a close aide of one Anup Majhi, an accused in the coal smuggling case, and a government official is claimed to be heard.

Addressing a public meeting in Cooch Behar, the Prime Minister said, “For 10 years, women, Dalits, backward classes, farmers and tea garden workers were subjected to injustices, but ‘Didi’ (Mamata Banerjee), you were just an onlooker. There is a new tax that has started in Bengal — ‘Bhaipo Service Tax’! When the women have to struggle for their food, when a youth has to struggle for a penny here, Rs 35-40 crore is coming every month. For this reason, today a voice is coming from every corner of the state — ‘Chalo Paltai, Chalo Paltai’.”

“When your party announces that Didi will now contest from Varanasi, then anyone can easily understand that Trinamool is going to fade away. Every day you have to say that you are winning Nandigram. But after the game you played on the polling day in Nandigram, the entire country got to know that you have lost. Didi, your anger, your resentment, your behavior, and your speech describe that you have lost the elections,” Modi said.

Taking a jibe at Banerjee, the Prime Minister said, “I heard that Didi is asking questions these days about whether the BJP is God so that it comes to know about the big victory in the first two phases. Oh, Didi…We are ordinary people, and with the blessings of God, we are committed to serving the nation.

“There is no need to trouble God to find out who is losing in the elections and who is winning. ‘Janata Janardhana’ (public) in the form of God. On seeing the temperament of the people, one can gauge which way the wind is blowing.”

Rationalizing Banerjee’s defeat, the Prime Minister said, “When she says ‘Sab Muslim Ek ho jao’ (All Muslims should come together), it proves that the vote-bank which she considered as hers is no more with her. This proves that she is going to lose the elections.

“Just come to think of it, had I said that all Hindus should come together and vote for the BJP, it would have not only made headlines, but the Election Commission would have sent me a notice for violation of model code of conduct. She is abusing the Election Commission every day, but it has not even sent her a notice for this,” he added.

“In the first two phases of polling, Didi’s departure has already been confirmed. People in huge numbers have come out and voted in our favor. The wave of the BJP in Bengal has cornered Didi’s goons and her nephew,” the Prime Minister said.

Rs 3,500 crore for drainage network on Hyderabad’s outskirts

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Rs 3,500 crore for drainage network on Hyderabad’s outskirts

Hyderabad, April 6 (Telugu Bullet) Telangana’s Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K.T. Rama Rao on Monday announced that a comprehensive drainage network would be constructed at the cost of Rs 3,500 crore in the municipalities around Hyderabad.

Addressing a meeting of officials of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), he said the sewerage and drainage infrastructure in the municipalities will be improved, while the government had already started works to improve drinking water supply in these areas at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore.

KTR, as the minister is popularly known, said a Chief Engineer will be appointed as supervising officer in every GHMC zone to monitor work on cleaning ‘nalas’ (drains), widening them and removing encroachments.

Reviewing the works relating to sanitation, development of roads and widening of nalas, he directed the officials to use human resources and machines to complete the cleaning. Considering the importance of the work, he also asked officials to create a ‘green channel’ to ensure early release of funds.

The minister asked the officials to clear the encroachments on nalas and if the drive is resulting in people being rendered homeless, they should be allotted houses under the double bedroom housing scheme of the government.

He noted that the construction of link roads and works under Comprehensive Road Maintenance Programme (CRMP) were in full swing.

KTR said Hyderabad was ahead in the entire country in providing infrastructure facilities and taking up innovative works. Under the Strategic Road Development Project (SRDP) 21 projects already completed while another 17 projects will be completed soon.

Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi, Deputy Mayor M. Sreelatha Sobhan Reddy, Municipal Administration Secretary Arvind Kumar, GHMC Commissioner Lokesh Kumar and other officials attended the meeting.

CM KCR announced free power supply to Hair salons, laundry shops, dhobi ghats

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CM KCR announced free power supply to Hair salons, laundry shops, dhobi ghats

Hyderabad, April 5,(Telugu Bullet):  Yesterday  Telangana CM KCR announced his decision to provide quality power supply up to 250 units per month free of cost to hairdressing salons, laundry shops, and dhobi ghats across the State. The free power supply started this month.

 CM took the decision to provide free power supply after examining the representations submitted by representations of Rajaka and Nayi Brahmin communities earlier. Principal Secretary for BC Welfare Burra Venkatesham issued the necessary orders in this regard. The decision will enable hairdressers and washermen to use modern electric equipment in their professions which will reduce both physical labor as well as a financial burden.

 Telangana government was implementing numerous schemes for the welfare and empowerment of the most vulnerable sections in the State.  CM gave a free water supply across Hyderabad.

 

Kamal Haasan ready to sacrifice cinema for politics

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Kamal Haasan ready to sacrifice cinema for politics

Chennai, April 5,(Telugu Bullet)  Superstar-turned-politician and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan on Sunday asserted that he is ready to quit cinema for the sake of politics.

Addressing media persons at Coimbatore, Kamal, who is contesting from the Coimbatore South seat in the April 6 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, said that he would complete all his movie assignments and contracts and is contemplating to walking off the silver screen if politics demands it.

“I am ready to quit the film world and show business for politics if it demands so. However late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and popular actor MGR had continued to act in movies even after becoming an MLA to communicate his ideas to the people of Tamil Nadu and to serve the people,” he noted.

Kamal also told media persons that he had received several threats during the election campaign but did not further elaborate.

He said that several political leaders had called upon him to quit politics and continue with cinema.

“Let us see who will quit politics… and as I said earlier, I will continue with politics.”

Kamal also said that his party has provided proper details to Election Commission officials on the details of the money spent during the campaign.

TDP announces boycott of Andhra local polls

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TDP announces boycott of Andhra local polls

Amaravati, April 3,(Telugu Bullet)   Andhra Pradesh’s opposition Telugu Desam Party on Friday announced its decision to boycott the upcoming Zilla and Mandal Parishad polls, with party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu expressing doubts over them being held in a free and fair manner.

Interacting with the media at Mangalagiri following the party’s politbureau meet, Naidu, who is also the former Chief Minister, objected to the election notification being issued in haste by the newly-appointed State Election Commissioner Neelam Sahni, who took over charge on Thursday and issued the election notification the same evening.

“The SEC has been reduced to a mere rubber stamp in the Parishad polls,” Naidu alleged.

The TDP has been asking for fresh notification of local body elections on account of the Tirupati Lok Sabha bypoll.

Noting that the SEC was to announce the polls after taking the opinion of all political parties, he said it had announced the dates on its own. “I don’t think these polls will be held freely and fairly. Therefore the party has decided not to participate in these polls,” Naidu said.

On Thursday, the SEC announced that the ZPTC and MPTC polls would be held on April 8, and results declared on April 10. The polls, originally scheduled to be held in 2020, were put on hold by then SEC Ramesh Kumar, citing the Covid pandemic.

The BJP and Jana Sena parties also boycotted Friday’s all-party meet convened by the SEC.

Revenue collection in Punjab up by Rs 10,382 crore in 2020-21

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Revenue collection in Punjab up by Rs 10,382 crore in 2020-21

The revenue collection in Punjab has witnessed an upward trend during 2020-2021 to the tune of Rs 10,382.08 crore in comparison to the corresponding period of last fiscal due to the efficacious fiscal consolidation measures, said Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s office said during 2020-21 the total revenue collection was Rs 42,918.34 crore reflecting a hike of 31.91 percent as compared to Rs 32,536.26 crore collected during FY 2019-20.

Pertinently, the collection from VAT and CST amounted to Rs 6,113.54 crore during 2020-21 while the last year’s figures stood at Rs 5,408.12 crore thus showing an increase of Rs 705.42 crore (13.04 percent).

Similarly, the excise collection pegged at Rs 6,091.21 crore during the last fiscal showing an increase of Rs 1,068.35 crore (21.27 percent) over the collection of Rs 5,022.86 crore during the corresponding period for 2019-20.

Meanwhile, the GST collection and compensation cess during 2019-20 was Rs 22,105.28 crore while the corresponding figure during 2020-21 stood at Rs 30,713.59 crore which shows a surge of Rs 8,608.31 crore (38.94 percent).

The state government through fiscal consolidation coupled with economic prudence and budget management has led to the marked improvement in excise collection.

Modi slams both Left and Congress, seeks vote for BJP

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Modi slams both Left and Congress, seeks vote for BJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took on both the ruling Left and the Congress-led opposition in Kerala and said enough is enough with both the outfits ruling the state and its against this that the BJP is putting forward a development agenda for the state.

He said like what happened in the country during the emergency under Jayaprakash Narayan, a similar situation is now being seen in Kerala.

“People have started to speak against misgovernance and tyranny and a message is being sent out to those in power. Kerala is now seeing the presence of a large number of respected professionals coming to the BJP just like Metroman Sreedharan and this time it’s going to be the BJP-led NDA,” Modi said.

Modi arrived at Konni near here and was greeted by a mammoth gathering of BJP supporters.

Slamming the traditional rival fronts, Modi said over the years these fronts have committed seven sins.

“The sins include false pride and arrogance and they feel they can never be defeated and hence they behave with arrogance. The second sin is both are greedy and we have seen solar, dollar, gold, land, and bar scams and over the years both these fronts have looted the state,” Modi added.

“I fail to understand which government will use lathis against devotees and this shows their anger towards their own people. The rival fronts have envy and are jealous of one another and they suffer from competitive corruption. Each of them is trying to beat the other in corruption and wants to make money. Then they have a lust for power and for that they will have an alliance with communal and criminal forces,” Modi further said.

“The next sin is, both promote dynastic politics. Everybody knows what a Left leader’s son is doing, but I am not naming as all know who it is. Then there is laziness in work but when it comes to making money, there are no issues and as a result, governance is paralyzed in Kerala,” said Modi.

He said the BJP-led NDA government has always been considerate to Kerala and in the latest Union Budget an extensive highway plan worth Rs 65,000 crore for 1100 km of road, besides Phase 2 of Kochi Metro and a fishing harbor at Kochi, has also been announced.

“I am sad to say that while access to drinking water under the PM Jalyojana scheme in the country has covered 20 percent, in Kerala it stands at just 4.5 percent. This is because of the poor attitude of the state government. In order to deny credit to Modi, they deny water to the people. Please take the credit but don’t make people suffer,” said Modi.

Modi said the BJP-led NDA has worked for a FAST development program for Kerala and to implement that, all should vote for the BJP, this time.

He left Konni to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu and would come to Thiruvananthapuram for his last election rally in Kerala, which goes to the polls on April 6 to elect 140 legislators.

Partial lockdown order fake, says Telangana government

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Partial lockdown order fake, says Telangana government

Hyderabad,  April 2 (Telugu Bullet)   A fake Telangana government order about partial lockdown in the state went viral on social media on Thursday, leading to rumors and confusion among people.

Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar subsequently issued a statement Thursday night denying that any such GO was issued.

“It has come to the notice of the government that an unsigned document claiming to be a GO issued on 1st April 2021 providing for the closure of shops and commercial establishments etc. is circulating on social media. It is hereby clarified that the above-said document is fake. No such order has been issued by the Government of Telangana,” he said.

The Chief Secretary also clarified that a lockdown is not under consideration.

Telangana’s Director, Digital Media, Konatham Dileep, said some miscreants created fake government order about a partial lockdown and urged people not to forward or share this. Action will be initiated on anyone who spreads such rumors, he said in a tweet.

The fake GO, issued in the name of Somesh Kumar but without his signature, states that all shops and commercial establishments including play zones will remain closed between 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. till April 30.

As the ‘GO’ sent people into a tizzy, the government immediately issued a statement clarifying that no such order was issued.

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had categorically told the Assembly on March 26 that lockdown will not be imposed in Telangana.

“No hasty decision will be taken in this regard, considering the adverse impact the pandemic had on everyone during the lockdown last year,” he had said while advising people to strictly follow Covid-19 safety norms and avoid mass gatherings.

People of Assam showed red card to Cong: PM

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People of Assam showed red card to Cong: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the people of Assam showed the “red card” to the Congress-led grand alliance during the first phase of the Assembly polls on March 27 and gave their approval stamp to the state’s incumbent “double-engine government”.

Addressing an election rally in Kokrajhar, Modi, without naming the Badruddin Ajmal-led All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), said the Congress must be punished for forging an alliance with an inimical force.

“People of Assam in the first phase of elections like in a football match showed the ‘red card’ to the Congress-led ‘Mahajot’ (grand alliance) and gave their ‘mohar’ (stamp) for the double engine government for a second time.”

“The prospects in today’s election scenario were also very encouraging,” he said while referring to the ongoing polling in the second phase of the elections for 39 seats on Thursday.

Terming the 10-party ‘Mahajot’ as ‘Mahajhooth’ (grand lie), Modi said the Congress has betrayed all ethnic communities in Assam and during their rule, “bomb, bandook (guns) and blockade raj” was the order of the day.

“We would never allow them to loot the hard-earned peace in Assam. Congress has joined a party that is certain to destroy Assam’s identity,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that after a long time, peace has been restored in Assam and development was underway at a rapid speed.

“For those extremists who have shunned the path of violence and surrendered, the government would do everything as promised. Congress’ misgovernance led to the violence and unrest besides backwardness in the Bodoland areas.”

Detailing the Bharatiya Janata Party led government’s developmental initiatives in Assam, the Prime Minister said: “A medical college, university, engineering institutes, and various other establishments are being set up in Kokrajhar. A package of Rs 1,500 crore has also been provided for development.

“Besides giving “pattas” (land rights) to over 3.25 lakh families, increase of the rates of daily wages of the tea garden workers, setting up of educational institutions for all class and communities including women, changing the lives of all people very fast.

“With the mantra of peace, progress, and protection for Bodoland areas, the NDA government is working h for your welfare.”

The Prime Minister also announced that the Bodo language is being included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution ensuring its further development.

The Prime Minister, who addressed many election gatherings in the past one month, is likely to visit Assam once again before the third and final phase of the Assembly elections on April 6.

Punjab CM launches free travel facility for women

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Punjab CM launches free travel facility for women

Chandigarh, April 1 (Telugu Bullet)  Taking another major step towards women empowerment, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday virtually launched a free travel facility for women in government buses running within the state.

“With this, we have fulfilled another poll manifesto promise,” said the Chief Minister, adding that after the record-making 85 percent promises implemented, his government was now moving forward towards the realisation of all 100 percent of the commitments.

Pointing out that other parties were promising free travel for women now in states going to polls, he said that while everyone talks about women empowerment, his government had taken several concrete measures to achieve it.

In fact, while the promise of his government was to reduce ticket price for women by 50 per cent, it had gone ahead to make it totally free, he said, urging private bus operators to also understand their social responsibility and reduce tariff.

Under the free travel scheme, which will benefit over 1.31 crore women and girls across the state, all women, irrespective of their financial status, will be able to travel free of cost in all non-AC buses, intra-state, just by showing Aadhaar or voter card or some other valid identity card.

Expressing concern over crimes against women, the Chief Minister said his government was committed to their safety, and the Transport Department was installing GPS systems in all government and private buses, to enable easy tracking of the vehicle, in addition to panic button for emergency use.

The process was nearly complete for government buses, and the private operators had been asked to complete it by August 31, he said.

He lauded the Transport Department for the innovative initiatives towards women safety.

Amarinder Singh further announced 25 more bus stations to be built in the state to improve road connectivity.

The free travel scheme, said the Chief Minister, will be a boost to the realisation of his government’s vision for inclusive growth and development of women and girls, who have already been provided 50 per cent reservation in Panchayati Raj and Local Body institutions in the state, along with 33 per cent reservation in government jobs.

In line with this commitment, 33,000 women will get jobs this year in the state, the Chief Minister pointed out, adding that a large number of girl students had also been provided smartphones to help them study during the pandemic.

During the virtual launch, connected live to 30,000 people across 1,036 locations, Surinder Kaur, travelling from Bagapurana to Jalandhar to fetch her medicines, said she was pleasantly surprised this morning to discover about the scheme on boarding a bus.

The scheme will be very helpful to women from the poor families.

One Naina said the move would make it much easier for her now to travel to meet her family and friends without worrying about the expenses.

Another woman commuter dubbed it a great decision for the empowerment of women.

Transport Minister Razia Sultana said her department would continue to work towards women safety in both public and private transport, while Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Aruna Chaudhary termed the scheme yet another key initiative by the Amarinder government for the welfare and development of women.

Calling it a true women’s day gift, Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar contrasted the state government’s mindset with that in Uttar Pradesh and some other states, which were becoming notorious for crime against women.

Punjab Youth Congress chief Barinder Dhillon lauded the move, which he said reflected the women empowerment ethos of the state government, which also has its first woman Chief Secretary now.

He also mooted free travel for students, to and fro to their educational institutes, to promote education.

UP Cong team gets 69 new members

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UP Cong team gets 69 new members

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday approved the expansion of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee by adding 69 new members.

Sonia Gandhi has named Vishwa Vijay Singh, Ghyasuddin Anuragi, and Deepak Kumar as vice presidents.

The party president has also named 13 new general secretaries and 53 secretaries.

All veterans and senior leaders have failed to find a place in the new expansion and the party had inducted young blood into the organization.

This is the second expansion of the state Congress committee and is crucial since it comes on the eve of the Panchayat elections in the state.

Pawan Kalyan 100% CM candidate in next polls: Janasena

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Pawan Kalyan 100% CM candidate in next polls: Janasena

Following the statement by Andhra Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party chief Somu Veerraju that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘likes’ Pawan Kalyan, and called the party cadre to ‘revere’ him, Janasena leaders have started claiming that the actor-politician is a 100 percent chief ministerial candidate in the next Assembly elections.

“Kalyan is 100 percent the chief minister candidate, the national party BJP’s state president has said it. We hail the statement of Veerraju and welcome it,” said Janasena leader P. Hari Prasad.

He claimed that the state ‘needs’ the actor’s leadership who can work with dedication for the people with honesty.

“All of you must work hard in that direction to bring change to the people. For that, just writing posts on social media is not enough. All you shall come out and reach every house,” Prasad addressed Janasena party cadres.

The Janasena founder, however, continues to act in movies, dividing his time between politics and acting.

Veerraju and Janasena leaders’ statements assume significance because several party members wanted a Janasena candidate to contest the Tirupati bypoll but a candidate chosen by the BJP, Ratna Prabha, and not associated with Janasena hitherto filed the nomination.

Similar was the case with the party’s plans in Hyderabad civic body polls recently.

Meanwhile, Nadendla Manohar, Janasena second-in-command said that Kalyan has agreed to hold a victory roadshow for the BJP-Janasena candidate Ratna Prabha after the Tirupati Lok Sabha bypoll.

“A public meeting would be organized after the roadshow and all the active members of the party should take responsibility and make it a success,” said Manohar.

He spoke at a meeting of the party’s Tirupati constituency’s active members and doled them out membership kits with insurance certificates.

According to Prasad, Kalyan spoke to insurance companies and arranged health policies worth Rs 50,000 and accident insurance worth Rs 5 lakh through the membership, which will help them if they meet with minor accidents during rallies.

“All of you must use the facility. Your family will have assurance with this policy,” he claimed.

Reaching out to Balija caste members, Prasad told them not to lose courage and claimed that people are vexed with Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government.

“Say it to all Balija brothers. Let’s instill courage among them. The people’s representatives are directly swinging into action and threatening them,” he claimed.

He claimed that there is no need for them to fear as Janasena founder and actor-politician Kalyan will personally come for their rescue and stay in their support.

MLA Roja undergoes surgery in Chennai

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MLA Roja undergoes surgery in Chennai

 Chennai, March 30 (Telugu Bullet): APIIC Chairperson, MLA RK Roja underwent surgery. She underwent two major operations at a private hospital in Chennai. Moved from ICU to ward today. Doctors said Roza needed complete rest for another two weeks during the procedure. In this context, her husband Selvamani released an audiotape on Roza’s health. 

Telangana to procure paddy from farmers in villages

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Telangana to procure paddy from farmers in villages

Hyderabad, March 30 (Telugu Bullet)   Like last year, the Telangana government will procure paddy from farmers by setting up procurement centres in villages, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao announced on Monday.

With this, the state government has reversed its earlier decision not to set up procurement centres in villages this year.

The Chief Minister said in view of the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was decided to procure paddy during the summer season through 6,408 centres in the villages all over the state.

The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting he held with ministers and top officials of Agriculture, Marketing, and Civil Supplies Departments.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, instructed Principal Secretary, Finance, Ramakrishna Rao to make all arrangements to give a Rs 20,000 crore bank guarantee by Tuesday evening. He also asked Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar to conduct an emergency videoconference with all the Collectors for the setting up of the procurement centres.

The CM asked Agriculture Minister Niranjan Reddy to be in Hyderabad and monitor the setting up of the procurement centres and procurement of the paddy. The minister and the Chief Secretary were asked to take all precautions so that farmers were not put to any difficulty while the paddy is procured.

The procurement centres will comprise 2,131 Indira Kranthi Patham (IKP) centres, 3,964 Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society (PACS) centres and 313 others.

In December, the government had said that it will not be able to set up procurement centres in villages. It said the procurement was taken up during the pandemic on a humanitarian consideration that farmers should not suffer losses.

“It is not possible to do the same thing every time. The government is not a business organisation or trader. It is not a rice miller or a dal miller. Sale and purchase is not the responsibility of the government. It is not possible to set up a purchase centre in the village from next year onwards,” the officials had said.

They had also noted that the new farm laws being implemented in the country allowed the farmers to sell their crop anywhere and hence, the state government need not set a purchasing centre in the villages.

On Monday, KCR asked officials to ensure that Minimum Support Price (MSP) conditions are implemented during the procurement. He wanted the farmers to ensure that the paddy they are bringing in to the centres should have not more than 17 per cent moisture. The farmers should ensure that the moisture percentage is less and they should follow the conditions of the MSP. The CM instructed the officials to keep the 20 crore gunny bags ready at the procurement centres.

The CM said in this summer season, paddy is cultivated in 52.76 lakh acres, and it is expected that the yield would be 1.17 crore metric tonnes of the coarse variety paddy and 21 lakh metric tonnes of the fine variety paddy.

KCR noted that the cotton produced in Telangana state had a better price in the international market. Since the cotton produced in the state has better quality and has a higher price as well as higher yield, in the coming monsoon season, the farmers should be ready to grow cotton in 75 to 80 lakh acres. In this regard, the CM asked Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Janardhan Reddy, to make arrangements for the procurement of the seed. In a similar way, arrangements should also be made to cultivate red gram in 20 to 25 lakh acres in the State. The CM said if cotton and red gram crops were given water periodically, the yield would be more.

The CM instructed the Chief Secretary to identify lands to be given on lease to the Central Warehousing Corporation which are ready to construct additional warehouses to store the food grains.

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