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MCA Launches Probe into Gensol and BluSmart Over Alleged Corporate Governance Breaches

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has initiated a formal investigation into Gensol Engineering Ltd. and its affiliate BluSmart Mobility for alleged violations of corporate governance norms, invoking Section 210 of the Companies Act. The probe, triggered in the public interest, will focus on fund diversion and fraudulent disclosures flagged by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in an interim report released in April 2024. The investigation is expected to conclude within three months, following which a detailed report will be submitted to the central government. Section 210 empowers the MCA to appoint expert inspectors in forensic accounting, financial audits, and legal compliance to scrutinize company records, bank statements, demat accounts, and the assets of directors, key managerial personnel (KMPs), and auditors. Company law experts noted that the size and seriousness of the alleged fraud could result in the matter being escalated to either the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) or the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for adjudication. SEBI began examining Gensol in early 2024 after receiving a complaint about share price manipulation and fund misuse. The probe revealed that Gensol allegedly submitted falsified debt servicing documents to credit rating agencies ICRA and CARE. When the agencies sought verification, IREDA and PFC—the two lenders named—denied issuing the conduct letters submitted by Gensol. On April 15, SEBI passed an interim order barring Gensol promoters Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi from holding any key positions or participating in the securities market. The report stated the promoters used loan funds meant for electric vehicle procurement for personal luxuries, including the purchase of a luxury apartment in DLF’s The Camellias and expenses on travel, shopping, and leisure items like a golf set.

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Rajasthan BJP Heads to Gujarat for Governance Training Amid Opposition Criticism

In a bold administrative move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a comprehensive campaign to strengthen coordination between the government and party organisation in Rajasthan, aiming to instill the principles of good governance and long-term public trust. From May 5 to 7, the entire Rajasthan BJP leadership — including Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, both Deputy CMs, cabinet ministers, 115 MLAs, MPs, and organisational heads — has converged at Kevadia, Gujarat, for a three-day “Good Governance Training Camp” near the Statue of Unity. The event is designed to impart lessons from the “Gujarat Model” of governance, with sessions covering administrative efficiency, public engagement, grassroots feedback, and strategic planning for upcoming local body elections. Key national BJP leaders like Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Party President J.P. Nadda, and Organisation General Secretary B.L. Santhosh are guiding the training sessions. The camp reflects BJP’s ambition to replicate Gujarat’s electoral and governance success in Rajasthan, a state known for frequent power shifts. However, the move has sparked sharp reactions from the Opposition. Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully criticised the decision, calling it “an admission of inexperience” and questioned the timing, citing Rajasthan’s ongoing summer crises in electricity, water, and healthcare. Former CM Ashok Gehlot also lashed out, suggesting that the government’s absence during a critical time exposes misplaced priorities. “Training can happen in Rajasthan too. Why Gujarat?” he asked, further hinting at external control over the state leadership. Despite the backlash, BJP defends the camp as a strategic investment for stable, people-focused governance. All participants are staying in Tent City-2 near the Narmada River, symbolising unity and institutional strength.

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Bengaluru Civic Polls Likely Delayed by a Year Amid Implementation of New Governance Act

The long-awaited elections to Bengaluru’s civic agency could be delayed by up to a year, following the implementation of the new Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Act. The law, which replaces the existing BBMP Act, was recently approved by Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot. However, the transition involves several procedural steps that the government must complete before polls can be held. Central to the GBG Act is the formation of a Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), which requires defining an expanded Bengaluru area beyond the current 786 sq km. The government also intends to restructure the city into multiple corporations—potentially up to seven—requiring new ward boundaries and reservation patterns to be drawn. Urban Development Department officials estimate that this entire process may take at least a year. However, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has stated that the government aims to conduct elections by December. “We will try to complete all formalities expeditiously and consult elected representatives from all parties for their suggestions,” he said. The delay has prompted sharp criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups. BJP leader R Ashoka accused the government of using the GBG Act as a pretext to stall elections further, pointing out that BBMP polls have already been delayed for nearly five years. CN Ashwath Narayan echoed the sentiment, blaming the current government for failing to hold timely elections after taking office in May 2023. Prakash Belawadi, convener of Bengaluru Town Hall, noted that elections could still be conducted under the BBMP Act since the appointed day under the GBG Act has not yet been notified. Civil groups are considering legal action to push for elections under the existing law. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Election Commission plans to approach the High Court to expedite delayed elections in other cities like Mysuru, Tumakuru, and Mangaluru.

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MEGHA Project from India Wins Top Prize at Harvard’s AI for Good Hackathon

In a significant global recognition for inclusive technology, the MEGHA (Meghalaya E-Governance Human-centred Assistance) project has secured first place at the Kennedy AI for Good Hackathon held at Harvard Kennedy School. The AI-powered, voice-first initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling rural citizens in Meghalaya and beyond to access government schemes through any basic mobile phone. Designed for low-literacy users in remote areas, MEGHA operates via a toll-free number and responds in conversational language, making government schemes more accessible without the need for smartphones or internet connectivity. Built by a team of Indian public leaders and technologists currently at Harvard, MEGHA represents a people-centric approach to responsible AI deployment. The team behind MEGHA includes notable figures such as Manish Maheshwari (former Twitter India Head and Harvard Fellow), Dr. Aarushi Jain (Policy Director at Bharti Institute), Mohammed Y Safirulla K (IAS officer), Manudev Jain (IRS officer), and Ashish Tiwari (IPS officer and Fulbright Scholar). Their collaborative efforts have created a powerful tool for digital inclusion grounded in verified government data. Speaking about MEGHA, Manish Maheshwari said, “The true power of AI lies in thoughtfully connecting proven technologies to urgent human needs. As implementation costs fall, AI’s ability to unlock dignity, opportunity, and inclusion becomes one of the greatest forces for good.” Dr. Aarushi Jain added, “MEGHA is built to break information barriers by offering honest, concise guidance through a voice-first interface grounded in official documents.” MEGHA’s win is a testament to how empathetic innovation and AI can be harnessed to create impactful, inclusive solutions for real-world challenges. Source: India Today

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Karnataka Governor Approves Bill to Split BBMP into Smaller Civic Bodies for Better Governance

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has granted assent to the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, paving the way for a major transformation in the administrative structure of Bengaluru. The move will restructure the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into multiple smaller municipal corporations aimed at enhancing local governance and service delivery. This long-pending reform is designed to decentralise Bengaluru’s civic administration by creating up to seven new municipal bodies. Each unit is expected to serve at least 10 lakh residents, generate Rs 300 crore in annual revenue, and operate in predominantly non-agricultural areas. The overarching goal is to empower local zones with greater financial and administrative autonomy. Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad lauded the Governor’s assent, stating on X, “This Bill marks a landmark step in reforming Bengaluru’s governance model. It decentralises decision-making, empowers zonal committees, and grants autonomy at the grassroots level.” Before granting approval, Governor Gehlot had previously returned the bill, seeking clarifications amidst strong objections from the Opposition BJP and several civic groups. To ensure cohesive governance across these units, the bill also proposes the establishment of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The Chief Minister will serve as the ex-officio chairperson of the GBA, while the Minister for Bengaluru Development will act as its vice-chairperson. The authority will coordinate efforts among various parastatal bodies like the Bangalore Development Authority, BWSSB, BMTC, BMRCL, BESCOM, BMLTA, and the Solid Waste Management Ltd. The restructuring is seen as a critical step in addressing Bengaluru’s growing urban challenges and ensuring that governance keeps pace with the city’s rapid expansion.

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PM Modi Champions Tech-First Governance, Empowers Startups and MSMEs on Civil Services Day

At the 17th Civil Services Day in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a visionary address urging India’s bureaucrats to champion a “technology-first” approach in governance while retaining the critical value of human judgement. “No matter how tech-driven the world becomes, we should never forget the importance of human judgement,” he stressed, highlighting the need for a balanced approach in public administration. Calling civil servants “enablers of growth,” the Prime Minister emphasized the rising significance of startups and MSMEs as key drivers of innovation, supply chain efficiency, and global competitiveness. He urged officers to adopt governance models that support and scale such enterprises, reinforcing India’s ambition to become the world’s third-largest economy. Mr. Modi underlined that the “quality of governance” is measured by the real impact of schemes on the ground. He stressed that India must maintain focus on food, water, and energy security—especially in light of global challenges that disproportionately affect the Global South. In his address, the Prime Minister pointed to transformative government programmes such as the Aspirational Districts initiative, which has led to marked improvements in health, education, and infrastructure across underserved regions. He described the past decade as a period of “impactful transformation,” not just incremental change. Highlighting India’s leap in digital innovation, Modi noted that the country is now 10–11 years ahead of many others in governance technology. He also presented the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, recognizing achievements in holistic district development, aspirational blocks, and innovation. Two eBooks were released during the event. The Prime Minister concluded by urging civil servants to work tirelessly toward a shared vision of a developed India, stating, “Every day, every moment counts in building the nation we dream of.”

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Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Sweeping Reforms in Urban Governance and Property Leasing Norms

In a landmark move aimed at streamlining urban governance and enhancing property management, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a series of major reforms affecting municipal corporations, municipal councils, and industrial cities across the state. One of the most significant reforms is a change in the procedure for removing the presidents of these civic bodies. Until now, elected members could initiate the removal of a president only with signatures from at least 50% of the body. Under the new rules, the required voting strength has been increased to two-thirds of the elected members. Moreover, the district collector is now responsible for organizing a special session within 10 days of receiving a proposal to vote on the matter, thereby expediting the process and ensuring greater accountability. In addition, the Cabinet has revised the rules regarding the leasing of properties owned by these urban bodies. The new regulations stipulate that the lease rates for residential, educational, charitable, and public-purpose properties must be no less than 0.5% of the current market value (as defined by the Ready Reckoner). For commercial and industrial properties, the minimum lease rate is now set at 0.7%. To implement these changes, a five-member committee chaired by the respective district collector will evaluate and set the lease value, rates, and security deposits for such properties. Further relief comes in the form of the Abhay Yojana, a new initiative that offers amnesty on penalties for overdue property taxes. Currently, overdue payments attract a 2% monthly penalty. With this move, the state hopes to incentivize defaulters to clear outstanding dues and improve the financial health of municipal bodies. These reforms collectively aim to boost transparency, improve revenue collection, and bring efficiency to local governance in Maharashtra. Source: Free press journal

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AP Government to Form Advisory Panel on Good Governance with Experts from IIT Madras, Gates Foundation

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the formation of a 10-member advisory council dedicated to enhancing good governance across the state. The council will include experts from prestigious institutions such as IIT Madras and the Gates Foundation, with a clear mandate to recommend impactful reforms aimed at improving citizen services and transparency. During a high-level review meeting at the State Secretariat focused on the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS), Naidu emphasized the need to leverage digital platforms—especially WhatsApp Governance—to deliver government services directly to citizens. He directed officials to bring all digitally available services under WhatsApp Governance by June 12 and to expedite the integration of real-time data systems to support this transformation. “The aim is to reach the last citizen with ease, speed, and accountability,” Naidu said, reiterating his vision for a fully tech-enabled government. Katamaneni Bhasker, Secretary of IT, informed the Chief Minister that while the potential exists to offer over 500 services through WhatsApp Governance, currently only 254 services have been integrated. The department is now aiming to scale this number to over 1,000 in the near future. In a further push for technological innovation, the state is also planning a masterplan for a “drone city” at Orvakallu, with ongoing efforts to position Andhra Pradesh as a hub for emerging tech and smart governance. With initiatives like the advisory council and rapid digital integration, Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a frontrunner in citizen-centric governance backed by data, tech, and expert insights.

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AIIMS Chief Discusses Good Governance at PGIMER’s Prof IC Pathak Oration

The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) hosted the fifth Prof IC Pathak Oration, honoring the late Prof Iqbal Chand Pathak, former Director and founding Chairman of the Department of Paediatric Surgery. Prof M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS New Delhi and a distinguished paediatric surgeon, delivered the oration on “Good Governance & Transparency for Transformation of an Institute”. He emphasized the importance of governance principles in healthcare and the need for transparency in institutional administration. PGI Director Prof Vivek Lal reflected on Prof Pathak’s legacy, highlighting his contributions to paediatric surgery and the institute’s development. Prof JK Mahajan, Head of the Department of Paediatric Surgery, introduced Prof Srinivas, detailing his achievements. During his address, Prof Srinivas outlined methods for ensuring transparent administration, particularly in patient care. He discussed challenges in procurement and recruitment in the government sector and stressed the significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives from major industries and public sector undertakings in strengthening healthcare services. The event witnessed participation from over 225 attendees, including more than 100 paediatric surgeons who joined virtually through PGIMER’s telemedicine services. Dean (Academics) Prof RK Ratho extended a vote of thanks, underscoring the importance of collaboration between AIIMS and PGIMER in advancing medical education and governance. Source: tribuneindia

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MAICSA Launches Third Annual YGP Award to Cultivate Future Governance Leaders

MAICSA has launched the third edition of its Young Governance Professionals (YGP) Award 2025, continuing its mission to empower final-year BCA students from universities such as TARUMT, UPTM, UiTM, USIM, and PBS. This prestigious annual competition fosters corporate governance expertise through case studies, expert mentorship, and real-world compliance challenges. Kicking off its preliminary rounds in March, the YGP Award 2025 underscores MAICSA’s dedication to shaping future governance leaders. MAICSA President, Dato’ Akbar bin Moidunny, highlighted the competition’s role in preparing students for the workforce, while Chief Judge Simon Yeoh emphasized its focus on integrity, accountability, and resilience. Hands-On Learning & Expert Guidance Participants will analyze corporate governance issues, applying key regulations such as: ✔ Corporate Governance Code 2021 ✔ Bursa Malaysia’s Listing Rules ✔ Companies Act 2016 This practical, problem-solving approach enhances their ability to navigate compliance challenges in real-world scenarios. Panel of Distinguished Judges The competition will be judged by three esteemed industry experts: Simon Yeoh (Chief Judge) Anil Joshi Hari Chand (Securities Commission) Datuk Petrus Gimbad (Inland Revenue Board Malaysia) These professionals will mentor participants through discussions, offering insights into corporate regulations and sustainable governance practices. Internship Opportunities & Industry Exposure Beyond the YGP Award, MAICSA strengthens its ties with universities by facilitating internships at corporate secretarial firms. These internships provide students with: Hands-on industry experience Practical governance skills A deeper understanding of corporate administration Through this initiative, MAICSA continues to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, ensuring that young professionals are well-equipped for careers in governance and compliance. Source: Business Today

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