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Infrastructure Development

Yogi Adityanath Hails Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Icon of Good Governance on 100th Birth Anniversary

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday hailed former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as an icon of good governance, emphasizing his pro-poor policies aimed at empowering marginalized communities. Yogi’s remarks were made during the inauguration of “Good Governance Week” at the Sangeet Natak Academy in Lucknow, a week-long event running until December 25 to commemorate Vajpayee’s 100th birth anniversary. The CM praised Vajpayee’s transformative leadership, which turned political instability into governance stability. He highlighted key policies such as the Antyodaya scheme, which sought to uplift the poor, deprived, and backward sections of society, and initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana and the Golden Quadrilateral that revolutionized India’s infrastructure. “This year marks the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji, a great son of India. His vision of good governance continues to inspire the nation, including Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Yogi said. He also noted Vajpayee’s strong connection to Uttar Pradesh, with the late leader representing Balrampur and Lucknow in Parliament. The CM emphasized that Vajpayee’s unblemished career spanned six decades in public service as a poet, journalist, and politician. The event also included exhibitions celebrating Vajpayee’s life, and various activities like essay writing, speeches, painting contests, and seminars in rural areas will take place during the week. Winners will be honored on December 25, followed by a poetry session inspired by Vajpayee’s works across districts, schools, and colleges. Source: Hindustan Times Photo Credit: Hindustan Times

Odisha Launches PM-USHA Programme to Boost Higher Education

The Odisha government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s higher education sector. The programme was introduced through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the state and the Union Education Ministry, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan, and State Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj in attendance. Under PM-USHA, the central government will contribute Rs 500 crore towards the development and infrastructure of higher education institutions across Odisha. Union Minister Pradhan described the launch as a landmark moment for Odisha’s educational landscape, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision under the National Education Policy, 2020. Key Aspects of PM-USHA PM-USHA aims to ensure access, equity, and excellence in higher education across Odisha. The funding model includes 60 percent from the central government and 40 percent from the state, focusing on transforming state universities into world-class institutions equipped with 21st-century skills. Chief Minister Charan highlighted the initiative’s goal of upskilling one crore students and making Odisha a knowledge hub. Plans also include granting autonomy to state universities, revamping curricula, improving teacher training, and enhancing infrastructure and employability. The initiative promises to foster regional equity and sustainable development, aligning with the BJP’s election manifesto. Source: India today  

Karnataka Government Considering Six Locations for Second Airport for Bengaluru: Industries Minister M.B. Patil

The Karnataka government is exploring six potential locations for a new international airport to be built within 60 kilometers of the existing Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Devanahalli. This new airport is aimed to be as large as KIA and capable of handling 100 million passengers per annum. The identified locations include Kanakpura Road, Mysore Road, Magadi, Doddaballapura, Dabaspete, and Tumakuru. Land Acquisition and Capacity Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil stated that the government will need to acquire 3,000 to 5,000 acres of land for the new airport. The project aligns with the exclusivity clause availed by Bangalore International Airport Limited, which stipulates that no international airport should be allowed within a 150 km radius of KIA until 2035. The new airport is expected to be operational by 2035, by which time KIA’s passenger handling capacity is anticipated to be saturated. The cargo handling capacity at KIA is expected to reach its limit by 2040. Selection Criteria A special committee comprising aviation industry experts will soon meet to evaluate the proposed sites. The selection criteria include good road, rail, and metro connectivity, minimal population settlements, few water bodies, low green cover, and non-agricultural land without significant elevation or mountains. Minister’s Statement Minister M.B. Patil, responding to media queries at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on July 10, mentioned that a plan for the new airport will be ready within the next three months. “Things will move in a few months. A plan will be ready in the next three months,” he said. Response to Tamil Nadu’s Plans Regarding Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s announcement to set up an airport in Hosur, which is adjacent to Bengaluru, Minister Patil noted that Tamil Nadu’s decision came after Karnataka’s announcement of a second international airport. He assured that Tamil Nadu’s plans would not affect Karnataka’s project. Future Discussions Minister Patil also mentioned plans to meet with Union Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to discuss the state’s industrial development plans, further emphasizing the importance of the new airport for Karnataka’s infrastructure and economic growth.

Delhi Budget 2024-25: Atishi Boosts Education, Women’s Welfare with Rs 16,400 Cr Allocation

Delhi’s Finance Minister, Atishi, unveiled the Budget 2024-25 in the state Assembly, emphasizing significant allocations for education and women’s welfare. With an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, Atishi allocated Rs 16,396 crore for the education sector, aiming to enhance educational infrastructure and accessibility. A key highlight of the budget was the introduction of the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana,’ offering Rs 1,000 monthly aid to women above 18 years old, effective from the fiscal year 2024-25. This initiative aims to empower women economically and address gender disparities. Under the health sector, Atishi proposed a budget of Rs 8,685 crore, focusing on improving healthcare facilities, including funding for hospitals, mohalla clinics, and essential medicines. Additionally, the budget allocated Rs 6,216 crore for various social welfare schemes, emphasizing support for marginalized communities. The education budget prioritizes teacher training, school construction, and maintenance, with allocations of Rs 100 crore for teacher training, Rs 150 crore for school construction, and Rs 45 crore for classroom maintenance. Furthermore, Rs 42 crore was proposed for Schools of Specialised Excellence, enhancing educational opportunities for students. In addressing infrastructure needs, the budget allocated Rs 3,353 crore for the power sector, Rs 7,195 crore for the Delhi Jal Board, and Rs 1,768 crore for road and flyover projects. The housing and urban development sector received Rs 9,800 crores, while public transportation was allotted Rs 5,702 crore. Notably, Atishi emphasized the Delhi government’s commitment to local governance, allocating Rs 8,423 crore to the local body, prioritizing education, healthcare, and sanitation. This holistic approach aims to foster community development and ensure equitable access to essential services. Reflecting on Delhi’s progress, Atishi highlighted the significant growth in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and per capita income over the past decade. The budget underscores the government’s vision for inclusive growth and transformative change, aligning with the AAP’s principles of transparency and accountability. The budget presentation marks a milestone in Delhi’s journey towards socio-economic development, guided by a commitment to empowerment, education, and holistic welfare.