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Chhattisgarh BJP Government Launches Ambitious Five-Year Free Rice Initiative for Vulnerable Communities

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Chhattisgarh has announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide free rice to impoverished families for the next five years, starting January 2024. The decision, mirroring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to extending welfare schemes, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, is expected to benefit more than 67 lakh beneficiaries. The Chhattisgarh State Food Security Act will serve as the legal framework for this initiative, ensuring that eligible ration card holders from various categories, including Antyodaya, priority, differently-abled, and single destitute individuals, receive free rice through fair price shops. This bold step, taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, seeks to provide sustained relief to those grappling with economic hardships. The Food and Civil Supplies Department, acting on the Chief Minister’s directive, has issued instructions to all district collectors for the seamless implementation of the program. Ration card holders falling under the Antyodaya and priority categories, in line with the National Food Security Act guidelines, will be entitled to the monthly distribution of food grains at no cost. The coverage period spans from January 2024 to December 2028, ensuring a consistent support system for the state’s most vulnerable populations. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to social welfare and poverty alleviation, addressing the basic nutritional needs of citizens facing economic challenges. As Chhattisgarh takes a pioneering step in providing sustained assistance to its underprivileged communities, the move is expected to garner support and appreciation from various quarters.

Chhattisgarh BJP Government Launches Ambitious Five-Year Free Rice Initiative for Vulnerable Communities Read More »

Government Sets January 26 Deadline for Ayushman Card Registration, Emphasizes Self-Verification through Ayushman App

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The health department issued directives on Wednesday, urging the completion of electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) for Ayushman cards by January 26, 2024. The initiative aims to ensure that 100% eligible beneficiaries receive Ayushman cards during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. To streamline the process, the health department is actively promoting the use of the recently launched ‘Ayushman App,’ designed for the creation of Ayushman Cards. Notably, the app introduces a unique self-verification feature, enhancing the efficiency of the registration process. Shubhra Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Health), emphasized the importance of e-KYC completion and outlined a strategic approach to monitoring progress. Daily targets will be allocated to districts, and Chief Medical Health Officers (CMHOs) will assume responsibility, particularly in districts with lower performance. Singh highlighted the upgraded features of the new version of the ‘Ayushman App’ developed by the National Health Authority. In addition to e-KYC, the application now includes a self-verification feature and allows the downloading of approved cards, enhancing accessibility and convenience for beneficiaries. Addressing the need for awareness, Singh urged officials to actively engage with the public at the district level, encouraging individuals to participate in the Ayushman scheme. Beneficiaries were informed that they could either download the Ayushman card themselves by completing e-KYC via their mobile phones or seek assistance from the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker in their area. The directive aligns with the government’s commitment to maximizing the reach of Ayushman benefits, ensuring that eligible individuals are enrolled in the scheme. By leveraging technology and promoting self-verification, the government aims to expedite the process, providing seamless access to healthcare services for all Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries from the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011.

Government Sets January 26 Deadline for Ayushman Card Registration, Emphasizes Self-Verification through Ayushman App Read More »

Sugar Stocks Soar as Government Lifts Ban on Sugarcane Juice for Ethanol Production

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Sugar stocks experienced a significant surge in response to a government order reversing the ban on using sugarcane juice for ethanol production. Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar led the gains, recording a 7.7% increase, as major stocks rose in today’s trading session. The government’s decision to allow both sugarcane juice and B-heavy molasses for green fuel production in the 2023–24 supply year followed its earlier ban on using sugarcane juice or sugar syrup for ethanol production in the same period. This reversal prompted a positive market response, with notable gains in major sugar stocks. In accordance with the updated order, various stocks saw substantial increases, including Dhampur Sugar Mills (6.59%), Dalmia Bharat Sugar (6%), Uttam Sugar Mills (5.7%), Sakthi Sugars (5.2%), Balrampur Chini Mills (5.1%), Rajshree Sugars & Chemicals (5%), Praj Industries (4.46%), and Triveni Engineering (3.8%). The food ministry’s directive to all sugar mills and distilleries outlined that oil marketing companies (OMCs) would issue a “revised allocation” of “sugarcane juice and B heavy molasses-based ethanol” for the 2023–24 supply year to each distillery. OMCs were instructed to inform the food ministry after placing revised contracts. Following the revised allocation, sugar mills and distilleries are required to supply ethanol strictly according to the revised quantity of cane juice and B-heavy molasses. The government’s move to ensure sufficient sugar supply in the domestic market, in light of inadequate rainfall affecting India’s sugarcane crop, had earlier led to a ban on sugar exports. With an estimated decline in sugar production to 32.3–33 million tonnes in the 2023–24 season, compared to 37.3 million tonnes in the previous season, and domestic consumption projected to be around 28–29 million tonnes, the government aims to navigate the balance between market demand and ethanol production. India has made strides in ethanol blending, surpassing its 10% blending target for the Ethanol Supply Year 2021–22 by June 2022. The country is now ambitiously targeting a 20% blending rate by 2025–26, aligning with its commitment to enhance biofuel utilization in the national energy mix, a commitment reinforced during the recent G20 summit with the introduction of the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Sugar Stocks Soar as Government Lifts Ban on Sugarcane Juice for Ethanol Production Read More »

Madras High Court Rules: Reservation Policy Inapplicable to Government Law Officers

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The Madras High Court has ruled that the reservation policy mandated under Article 16(4) of the Constitution does not apply to law officers engaged by the government. The court emphasized that law officers, appointed by the government, do not hold civil posts, and hence, the relationship between them and the government is not that of a master and servant. A Bench comprising Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy highlighted the government’s duty to appoint the most competent and meritorious lawyers for legal representation. The court asserted that, as the law officers do not hold civil posts, Article 16(4) of the Constitution, which deals with reservations, is not applicable to such appointments. The judgment underscored the importance of merit as the sole criterion for selecting law officers. The ruling came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2017 by Thol Thirumavalavan, a local political leader, seeking reservation for women, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in the appointment of law officers in the Madras High Court and subordinate courts in Tamil Nadu. The court dismissed the PIL, stating that the government’s duty to protect public interest obligates it to engage the most proficient and capable individuals, making merit the primary consideration in such appointments. The court also rejected arguments based on government orders and office memoranda advocating reservation for contractual employees, emphasizing that such provisions apply to individuals in the employment of the government, which does not include law officers. The verdict highlights the unique nature of the relationship between the government and law officers, grounded in trust and confidence, and asserts that the selection process for law officers is transparent and not arbitrary.

Madras High Court Rules: Reservation Policy Inapplicable to Government Law Officers Read More »

BJP Leadership Shuffle: Bhajan Lal Sharma, Mohan Yadav, and Vishnu Deo Sai Take Charge as Chief Ministers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officially announced Bhajan Lal Sharma as the new Chief Minister of Rajasthan, following a conclusive BJP Legislature Party meeting held in Jaipur yesterday. The meeting, which commenced at 4 pm, saw the presence of all 115 BJP MLAs at the party office, marking a crucial moment in Rajasthan’s political landscape. The selection process was overseen by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajya Sabha member Saroj Pandey, and BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde, appointed as observers by the BJP to ensure a smooth and transparent selection of the Rajasthan Chief Minister. The saffron party emerged victorious in the Rajasthan Assembly polls on December 3, securing a clear majority and displacing the Congress party. Notably, the BJP’s strategy in selecting chief ministers has taken an interesting turn in states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, where the party also claimed victory. In Chhattisgarh, tribal leader Vishnu Deo Sai was chosen, while in Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, the party’s OBC face and former education minister, secured the chief ministerial position. Both choices surprised many as the BJP opted for fresh faces over seasoned leaders. Mohan Yadav, a three-time MLA from Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain South, is set to take the oath as the chief minister at Bhopal’s Lal Parade Ground. In Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, a four-time Lok Sabha MP and three-time state BJP chief, will be sworn in as the CM at the Science College ground in Raipur. In Madhya Pradesh, Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda are expected to be sworn in as deputies of Mohan Yadav. However, in Chhattisgarh, the BJP is yet to make an official announcement regarding the deputy CMs. Speculations suggest that Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma might assume these roles alongside Sai. The swearing-in ceremonies in Bhopal and Raipur are anticipated to witness the presence of political heavyweights, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The BJP’s choices for chief ministers in these states reflect a strategic shift, opting for fresh and dynamic leadership over experienced veterans.

BJP Leadership Shuffle: Bhajan Lal Sharma, Mohan Yadav, and Vishnu Deo Sai Take Charge as Chief Ministers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh Read More »

Government Mandates 100% Jute Packaging for Food Grains and 20% for Sugar

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Indian government has given its nod for the mandatory packaging of 100% of food grains and 20% of sugar in diversified jute bags for the Jute Year 2023-24. This decision aligns with the government’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. The reservation norms outlined in the proposal aim to safeguard the interests of domestic raw jute production and jute packaging material within India. By enforcing these norms, the government seeks to enhance self-reliance in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Approximately 65% of the raw jute produced in the country was consumed for packaging purposes in the previous fiscal year (2022-23). The implementation of the Jute Packaging Materials (JPM) Act is expected to provide relief to 4 lakh workers employed in jute mills and ancillary units, supporting the livelihoods of around 40 lakh farm families. Additionally, the move is anticipated to contribute to environmental conservation, given that jute is a natural, biodegradable, renewable, and reusable fiber, meeting essential sustainability criteria. The Jute industry holds a vital position in India’s national economy, particularly in the Eastern Region, including West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The industry plays a crucial role in providing direct employment to 4 lakh workers and supporting 40 lakh farmers through the reservations norms established under the JPM Act of 1987. Jute Sacking Bags constitute 75% of the total production of the Jute Industry, with 85% of these bags supplied to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and State Procurement Agencies (SPAs). The remaining portion is either exported or sold directly. The government’s annual purchase of Jute sacking bags, valued at approximately Rs. 12,000 crore, ensures a guaranteed market for Jute farmers and workers. With an average production of about 30 lakh bales (9 lakh MT) of Jute Sacking Bags, the government is committed to the complete off-take of the production to protect the interests of Jute farmers, workers, and stakeholders in the Jute Industry.

Government Mandates 100% Jute Packaging for Food Grains and 20% for Sugar Read More »

Supreme Court Advocates Leeway for Government Adjustments in Citizenship Act, Cites National Interest

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Supreme Court of India emphasized the need for the government to have the flexibility to make crucial adjustments for the nation’s well-being. The statement came during the hearing of 17 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of section 6A of the Citizenship Act, which is specific to Assam. A five-judge constitution bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, highlighted the challenges faced by northeastern states, particularly those affected by insurgency and violence. Chief Justice Chandrachud stressed that governments must be granted “latitude and leeway” to make necessary adjustments, acknowledging the complexities and unique circumstances in various regions. Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, inserted as a special provision for individuals covered under the Assam Accord, outlines criteria for granting citizenship to those who migrated to Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971. The provision sets March 25, 1971, as the cutoff date for citizenship, affecting individuals from specified territories, including Bangladesh. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant, M M Sundresh, J B Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, is considering the constitutional validity of section 6A, particularly its impact on the rights of individuals and the homogeneous classification of states. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing the petitioners, argued that section 6A operates in a “blanket manner” and rewards illegal immigrants who continue to reside in Assam against the citizenship law. Divan called for a declaration of the provision as invalid and urged the government to formulate a policy for the settlement and rehabilitation of individuals who arrived in Assam after January 6, 1951. The court questioned whether Parliament could allow the continuation of strife in Assam due to discrimination among states. It raised concerns about the potential discrimination between states and the need for a balanced solution to address the complex issues faced by Assam. The hearing, which remained inconclusive, will resume on Thursday. The court had earlier sought data on the beneficiaries of section 6A to evaluate its impact on Assam’s demographic and cultural identity. As the legal battle unfolds, the Supreme Court’s stance reflects the delicate balance between national interest, security concerns, and the protection of individual rights.

Supreme Court Advocates Leeway for Government Adjustments in Citizenship Act, Cites National Interest Read More »

Uttar Pradesh Government Initiates Review of Madrassa Educational Qualifications and Facilities

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The Uttar Pradesh government recently issued directives to evaluate teachers’ and staff’s educational qualifications, as well as basic facilities in state-funded madrassas. Ifthikar Ahmad Javed, Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board, criticized the move, emphasizing the disruptive nature of such investigations on the routine functioning of these institutions. Javed expressed his concerns, stating that while he has no objections to the investigation, it should be carried out properly to avoid jeopardizing ongoing preparations, particularly with upcoming board exams. He also mentioned that a similar survey was conducted last year, but no action was taken as a result of its findings. J Reebha, Director of the Minority Welfare Department, urged divisional deputy directors and district minority welfare officers in a letter dated December 1 to ensure essential facilities and qualified teachers in madrassas. The goal is to maintain educational quality by encouraging students to be inquisitive, engaging, and scientific. The investigation, which is expected to last until December 30, will look into madrassa structures, basic facilities, and the educational records of teaching and non-teaching staff in state-supported madrassas. The findings are expected to be submitted to the Madrasa Education Board’s Registrar. Currently, Uttar Pradesh has approximately 25,000 recognized and unrecognized madrassas, with 560 receiving state financial assistance. The letter noted that these madrassas lacked adequate facilities, which contributed to a lack of quality, scientific, and modern education, limiting students’ employment opportunities. Committees comprised of the District Minority Welfare Officer and the District Magistrate have been formed to expedite the process. Additional committees will be formed in districts with more than 20 state-assisted madrassas. During the September board meeting, Javed expressed concern about the lack of prior information and proposals. He emphasized that the government is free to investigate government-aided madrassas, but he urged caution to avoid disruptions during exam preparations. In September of last year, the state government conducted a comprehensive inspection of recognized and unrecognized madrassas, revealing that approximately 8,000 madrassas in the state were unregistered. Javed urged that future investigations be well-timed and focused in order to ensure the continued smooth operation of madrassas.

Uttar Pradesh Government Initiates Review of Madrassa Educational Qualifications and Facilities Read More »

UP Government’s Rs 28,760.67 Crore Supplementary Budget Prioritizes Election Promises and Key Sectors

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The state government of Uttar Pradesh unveiled a supplementary budget of Rs 28,760.67 crore, with a focus on keeping the promises made by the ruling BJP during the Assembly elections two years ago. This comes as the state gets ready for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. To show that the government is committed to helping farmers, a sizeable portion of the budget—Rs 900 crore—has been set aside to provide free electricity to private tubewell connections. The UP Cooperative Sugar Mill Association has been given Rs 400 crore as a vital next step to settle the outstanding debts of cane growers. In addition, Rs 50 crore has been set aside for the season of 2022–2023 sugarcane procurement, and Rs 100 crore for the season of 2023–2024. Presenting the supplemental budget, State Finance Minister Suresh Khanna noted that expenditures from the revenue account totaled Rs 19,046 crore, while those from the capital account were Rs 9,714 crore. Notably, the Power sector was allotted the largest amount—more than Rs 6,000 crore—with funds designated for particular projects like Ghatampur and Jawaharpur Thermal Power. Infrastructure projects were also given top priority; funds were set aside for the Ganga Expressway, the Lucknow and Kanpur Metro Rail projects, and programs like the Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and smart metering. The budget also covers road projects, the development and renovation of places of worship, and the preservation of stray cattle. Important social welfare initiatives include the provision of Rs 51 crore in prize money to medal winners at the 19th Asian and Para Asian Games, Rs 27 crore for the welfare of fishermen, and Rs 250 crore for the care of stray cattle. With large funding for the Home Department, the Special Task Force (STF), and initiatives to combat cybercrime and naxalism-related activities, security and law and order have not been neglected. The government’s strategic approach to fulfilling electoral promises, addressing important sectors, and guaranteeing comprehensive development across various facets of the state is emphasized by the supplemental budget. The budget, which combines targeted funding with populist measures, creates the conditions for heated discussions and debates in the run-up to the elections.

UP Government’s Rs 28,760.67 Crore Supplementary Budget Prioritizes Election Promises and Key Sectors Read More »

Anticipating a Legal Turnaround: Tamil Nadu Government Re-adopts Bills Amidst Supreme Court Ruling

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In a special session held on November 18, the Tamil Nadu Assembly re-adopted ten bills that had been held up by Governor R N Ravi. The bills, which primarily addressed the Chief Minister’s appointment as chancellor of state universities in lieu of the governor, had been sitting in the governor’s office for more than two years. With the recent Supreme Court decision in a case filed by the Punjab government against Governor Banwarilal Purohit, the legal squabble over these bills took an interesting turn. On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Regupathy expressed optimism about the re-adopted bills, anticipating positive news from Raj Bhavan. The Supreme Court’s decision in the Punjab case clarified that governors cannot withhold bills indefinitely without taking action, emphasizing that the constitutional powers of the unelected Head of State should not obstruct the regular legislative process. The court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, argued that granting governors unrestricted power would undermine the functioning of elected legislatures, contradicting the fundamental principles of a constitutional democracy based on a parliamentary pattern of governance. Governor R N Ravi’s unexpected departure for New Delhi on the same day added to the mystery, with Raj Bhavan officials remaining tight-lipped about the reason for his visit. A recent report submitted to the Supreme Court by the Attorney General revealed the total number of bills pending with the governor’s office. Since January 2020, the governor has approved 152 bills, reserving nine for the President’s consideration, and withholding assent for ten. This development is taking place against the backdrop of a broader debate in India about the balance of powers and the proper functioning of constitutional mechanisms.

Anticipating a Legal Turnaround: Tamil Nadu Government Re-adopts Bills Amidst Supreme Court Ruling Read More »