India

Imphal, Feb 11 (IANS) The Manipur government on Tuesday urged people not to fall prey to unverified news, rumours or misinformation that may cause unnecessary panic or disrupt peace and harmony in the state and any attempt to incite violence or disrupt harmony would be dealt with strictly as per the law, officials said.

Manipur Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh in an appeal said that the government urges all citizens to remain calm and not fall prey to unverified news, rumours or misinformation that may cause unnecessary panic or disrupt peace and harmony in the state.

He said that in recent times, misleading information has been circulated through various channels, causing confusion and unrest. It has also come to the notice of the government that certain unscrupulous individuals and groups may deliberately attempt to incite unrest, disrupt harmony and spread fear among the public using false information, inflammatory content or fabricated narratives, Singh said.

The Chief Secretary said such attempts are intended to create lawlessness, and the public is strongly advised not to give heed to such misinformation or incitement.

"To ensure that people receive accurate information, the government has set up a Control Room, where citizens can verify any news or information they come across. The Control is operational 24x7. Maintaining peace, and law and order is a collective responsibility, and the government strongly advises all residents to remain vigilant against those trying to create disturbances," he said.

Singh said that any attempt to incite violence or disrupt harmony would be dealt with strictly as per the law.

"We urge community leaders, civil society organisations, religious leaders, student organisations, intellectuals and citizens to come together to foster unity and work towards rebuilding trust amongst all communities. Let us prioritise peace, understanding and development for the betterment of the state," he said.

For any clarifications, citizens are encouraged to contact the Control Room or their nearest authorities. Let us work together to keep the state safe, peaceful and united, the Chief Secretary stated.

In a bid to curb illegal extortion of money from civilians, government employees, contractors and others, the Manipur government earlier announced the establishment of a dedicated Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell under the Home Department and the cell would be incorporated by the representatives from the State Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Assam Rifles and Army would be incorporated in the cell.

--IANS

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Amaravati, Feb 11 (IANS) The government of Andhra Pradesh has unveiled 'Swarnandhra@2047', an ambitious roadmap for economic transformation, aligning with the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' initiative of the Union government.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has set the vision for 'Swarnandhra', aiming to build a $2.4 trillion economy with a per capita income of $42,000 by maintaining an annual GSDP growth rate of over 15 per cent. This initiative seeks to position Andhra Pradesh as a key economic driver in the country, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.

In the years following the bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana recorded similar per capita income growth from 2014-15 to 2018-19, with Andhra Pradesh at 13.21 per cent and Telangana at 13.37 per cent, both surpassing the national average of 9.75 per cent, officials said.

However, from 2019-20 to 2023-24, the economic gap between the two states widened significantly. While Telangana managed to maintain a relatively stable growth trajectory, Andhra Pradesh's growth rate declined. Telangana’s per capita income dropped slightly from 13.21 per cent to 11.45 per cent, reaching Rs 3,56,564, whereas Andhra Pradesh's growth rate fell more sharply from 13.21 per cent to 9.18 per cent, reducing per capita income to Rs 2,37,951.

This has resulted in a growing disparity of Rs. 1,18,613 between the two states. Andhra Pradesh’s GSDP growth rate, which was 13.07 per cent in 2014-15, fell to 8.60 per cent in 2023-24. However, projections for 2024-25 indicate a recovery to 12.90 per cent, signalling a positive shift in the state’s economic outlook.

To bridge this gap and accelerate growth, the government has launched Swarnandhra @2047, with a strategic focus on doubling the GSDP growth rate from 7.5 per cent to 15 per cent annually, which is expected to result in a 4.4x increase in GSDP and per capita income.

The Chief Minister emphasised that economic expansion must be prioritized without imposing additional financial burdens on citizens, ensuring that the benefits of growth are widely shared. As part of this vision, the government will establish Vision Monitoring Units at the state, district, and constituency levels to oversee progress and ensure accountability. A dedicated online portal will also be developed to track economic indicators and monitor growth targets in real time.

For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the state has set a GSDP growth target of over 16 per cent, with major sectors playing a crucial role in driving this expansion. The agriculture and allied sectors are projected to grow from Rs 5,19,485 crore to Rs 6,02,728 crore, reflecting a 16.02 per cent growth rate. The industrial sector is expected to expand from Rs 3,41,331 crore to Rs 3,99,358 crore, achieving a 17 per cent growth rate.

Meanwhile, the services sector is set to rise from Rs 6,11,390 crore to Rs 7,10,714 crore, registering a 16.25 per cent increase.

The government has identified several key growth drivers that will play a pivotal role in achieving these ambitious targets. These include modernizing agriculture and promoting commercialization, expanding industrial infrastructure, boosting productivity in the services sector, and investing in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and knowledge-based industries. Additionally, governance and financial reforms are being prioritised to create a more investor-friendly business environment and attract new investments into the state.

To ensure the effective implementation of this vision, the government is introducing a five-year strategic planning framework at the district and constituency levels. Officials will receive specialised training to facilitate the execution of development initiatives.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naidu has underscored the importance of industrial and IT sector development for the overall progress of the state.

He said that Industrial development will propel the state forward on the path of progress.

"All sectors must grow together. The industrial sector's growth rate must increase from 6.57 per cent to 16 per cent, the environment sector to 18 per cent, and the construction sector to 10 per cent," he stressed.

He added the previous government's tenure, industrial growth in Andhra Pradesh had completely stagnated. Since the coalition government took charge, efforts have been made to achieve better results through Speed of Doing Business reforms.

"That is why significant incentives are being provided for industrial development. The establishment of industries will lead to employment opportunities and economic growth for the state. Through the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Anantapur, and Tirupati are being developed into major industrial hubs," he said at the meeting of ministers and secretaries.

With the guidance of experienced professionals, industrial development in the state is being enhanced. Everyone must embrace new ideas and foster an innovation-driven culture. Andhra Pradesh must evolve into an 'Andhra Valley,' similar to Silicon Valley, the CM said.

Calling for every election promise to be fulfilled he said that efforts are being made to uplift the economically weaker sections. Andhra Pradesh is poised to become the best logistics hub, with a Logistics Corporation being set up to develop ports and airports, CM Naidu said.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Feb 11 (IANS) Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction with the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) for failing to register an FIR in the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment case.

Justice Sameer Jain questioned RPSC Acting Chairman Kailash Chandra Meena, stating, "When the names of your two members surfaced, was it not your duty to file a case?" The court made strong verbal remarks, questioning RPSC’s authority, saying, "Does RPSC have any power at all?"

It also criticised the commission for its silence on the issue. Addressing SOG ADG VK Singh, the court remarked, "From your words, it appears that RPSC is an institution where anything can happen."

In response, Singh stated, "This used to happen earlier, but not anymore."

However, the court retorted, "What is happening now will only be known after three to four years."

During the hearing, a petitioner sought the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to be made a party in the case. The High Court responded, "An application is not needed; we have already ordered ED to be included."

The court also raised concerns about the selection process for RPSC members and made oral observations on the matter. SOG ADG VK Singh and RPSC Chairman Kailash Chandra Meena were present in court, as per directives of HC issued on Monday. Other parties involved in the case include the petitioners, the government, and trainee SIs.

The petitioners argue that the SI recruitment process should be scrapped, citing recommendations from the SOG, Police Headquarters, Advocate General, and Cabinet Sub-Committee, all of whom support its cancellation. However, the trainee sub-inspectors have been countering this argument stating,

"We had no role in the paper leak. Many of us left other government jobs for this position. Cancelling the recruitment would be unjust to us," the petitioners added.

The 2021 SI recruitment exam was marred by a paper leak, with investigations revealing the presence of dummy candidates and fraudulent selections. The SOG arrested around 50 trainee SIs, of whom 25 have since been granted bail by the High Court.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Feb 11 (IANS) Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS) leader Manda Krishna Madiga on Tuesday met Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and urged him to rectify certain shortcomings in the report of the Judicial Commission on sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) for implementation of reservation.

While thanking the Chief Minister and the Congress government for passing a resolution in the Assembly to implement the Supreme Court order on sub-categorisation, Manda Krishna Madiga told him that there are certain shortcomings in the report of the Judicial Commission headed by retired High Court judge Justice Shameem Akhtar.

The government tabled the report of the Judicial Commission in the Assembly on February 4.

Talking to the media after the meeting, the MRPS founder said the SCs should be sub-categorised into A.B.C and D and not 1,2 and 3 as recommended by the Judicial Commission.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Manda Krishna praised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's commitment to fulfil the promise of sub-classification of SCs.

The MRPS leader said that he extends support to the state government and considers the Chief Minister as his brother for taking up the official process of the SC categorization. Manda Krishna also explained to the Chief Minister about the challenges being faced in the classification of SC sub-castes.

The Chief Minister clarified that the Telangana government is committed to rendering justice to the Madiga community and Madiga sub-castes without any political expediency.

CM Revanth Reddy briefed the delegation led by Mandal Krishna about the discussion held in the Assembly, the constitution of the Cabinet sub-committee, and the Judicial Commission to expedite the categorisation of SCs.

The Cabinet also studied the Commission report and approved the same. The Chief Minister said the official process taken up by the State government for SC categorization helped in avoiding legal implications.

The MRPS representatives recalled that the CM as an opposition MLA in the Assembly fought for a resolution in favour of the classification of SC subcastes.

The Chief Minister suggested the delegation to bring their objections and problems, if any, to the attention of the Cabinet Sub-committee as well as the judicial commission.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, Feb 11 (IANS) The Gujarat government has made it mandatory for all healthcare institutions, including hospitals, diagnostic labs, and clinics, to register under the Clinical Establishment Act 2024.

The state Health Department has launched an extensive campaign to ensure compliance, with a deadline set for March 12, 2025. Institutions failing to register within the given timeframe could face penalties of up to Rs 5 lakh. As part of this regulation, all medical practitioners and healthcare professionals running clinics must also register.

Am officials said that the directive applies to allopathy, ayurveda, homoeopathy, and Unani medical institutions providing healthcare services.

As per the official data, as of February 11, 2025, a total of 16,698 healthcare facilities across Gujarat have completed either permanent or provisional registration.

Of these, 14,647 institutions have completed online registration, including 1,882 government and 5,268 private healthcare centres. The registered facilities include 12,028 allopathy hospitals, 1,622 ayurveda centres, and over 3,000 homoeopathy hospitals and clinics.

Additionally, 566 clinical laboratories, 28 dialysis centres, and various physiotherapy and dental clinics have been registered under the act.

The government aims to streamline healthcare operations, enhance service quality, and ensure accountability within the sector. With the approaching deadline, the Health Department urges all unregistered medical facilities to comply with the new regulation to avoid penalties and ensure uninterrupted operations.

The state now boasts 319 Community Health Centers (CHCs), 1,463 Primary Health Centers (PHCs), and 6,575 sub-centers, reflecting a 41 per cent increase in PHCs and a 37 per cent rise in CHCs since 2001-02.

Additionally, the number of medical colleges has grown from nine in 2001 to over 30 in 2023. The Gujarat Hospital Management Information System (GHMIS) reports that 35 hospitals are currently operational under its purview, with 17 being teaching hospitals.

Collectively, these institutions have recorded over 91 million outpatient registrations and approximately 9 million inpatient registrations. Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Healthcare services for the tribal populations in Gujarat remain inadequate, with reports of systematic exploitation by both legitimate and illegitimate practitioners.

Furthermore, disparities in maternal health services are evident across districts. For instance, the percentage of women receiving four or more antenatal care visits ranges from 56 per cent in Banaskantha to 95 per cent in Navsari.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accompanied by AAP MLAs and ministers, on Tuesday met with the party’s national convener Arvind Kejriwal here to discuss the progress of the state and the roadmap ahead.

Mann said they will utilise the expertise of Delhi to make Punjab an example state.

Addressing the media after the meeting, CM Mann highlighted the accomplishments of the Punjab government and outlined an ambitious vision to transform the state into a model of development within two years.

Expressing gratitude to the Punjab team for their tireless efforts in the recently concluded Delhi elections, Mann said, “Our leaders and workers from Punjab worked diligently during the Delhi polls, and their contribution was invaluable. Arvind Kejriwal-ji and I are deeply thankful for their dedication.”

He added the party’s focus remains on delivering unparalleled governance in Punjab, with inspiration drawn from AAP’s transformative work in Delhi over the past decade. Mann emphasised that Punjab has already made remarkable strides in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The establishment of 850 Aam Aadmi Clinics has revolutionised access to healthcare, while Schools of Eminence are setting new benchmarks in education.

“Government school students in Punjab are now excelling in competitive exams. This is the result of our commitment to quality education,” Mann said. The Chief Minister also pointed to the government’s employment initiatives, stating that over 50,000 merit-based government jobs have been provided in the past three years without favoritism or bribery.

Additionally, reforms such as shutting down 17 toll plazas, saving Rs 62 lakh daily for the public, and capping MLAs’ pensions at one term have demonstrated AAP’s focus on responsible governance.

Mann reiterated that AAP “is a party that delivers results, not empty promises. We are known for our work. We do not engage in religious politics, thuggery, or vendetta. Punjab’s law and order situation is better than in many other states, and that’s why major companies are now investing in Punjab”.

Taking a dig at Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, Mann dismissed his claims that AAP MLAs were in touch with the opposition. “Bajwa has been making baseless allegations for nearly three years. I suggest he count his own MLAs instead of ours,” Mann quipped.

He said that AAP built its party through hard work and dedication, adding, “We don't have the culture of turncoats”. Mann said, that unlike other parties, AAP remains focused on genuine service and growth. The Chief Minister also reflected on the challenges faced during the Delhi elections, including bribery to voters and intimidation by the BJP.

“We don’t win elections through money or fear; we win through love. The people’s verdict is supreme, and we respect it. Despite the hurdles, our resolve to serve the public remains steadfast,” he said. CM Mann said in the AAP government the Punjab Police is working without any political pressure or influence.

“We have successfully ended the ‘parcha culture’, where political influence used to dictate police actions,” Mann said. He further added the improved law and order situation in Punjab has not only ensured the safety of citizens but has also attracted significant investments to the state.

“The growing number of investors coming to Punjab is a testament to the trust and confidence in our governance. A strong law and order system is essential for progress, and we are proud to have created an environment where businesses feel safe and encouraged to invest,” Mann added.

--IANS

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Jammu, Feb 11 (IANS) Two soldiers including an officer were killed on Tuesday in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast during patrolling near the Line of Control (LoC) fence in J&K’s Akhnoor sector.

A Defence Ministry Spokesman said that the suspected improvised explosive device blast was reported in Lalaeli in the Akhnoor sector during a fence patrol resulting in two fatalities.

“Troops are dominating the area and search operations are underway. White Knight Corps salutes and pays tribute to the supreme sacrifice by two gallant soldiers,” said the Spokesperson.

He added that a captain rank officer is also among the two martyred soldiers.

“It was not immediately known whether the IED had been planted by the terrorists or was it due to the accidental stepping on an anti-infiltration landline planted by the army close to the LoC fence that resulted in the tragedy,” he said.

The Spokesperson said that last week, five terrorists were killed in a landmine explosion when they tried to infiltrate into the Indian side of the LoC in Rajouri district.

“One of the infiltrating terrorists stepped on an anti-infiltration landmine in the area close to the LoC fence. The landmine had exploded killing all the five Pakistani terrorists,” he said.

He further added that in another incident last week in Poonch district, terrorists from across the LoC fired at the patrolling soldiers after which the alert soldiers returned the fire thereby thwarting another infiltration attempt.

He said that Patrolling by the army near the LoC and by the security forces in the hinterland has been further intensified after a top-level security review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah last week.

The Union Home Minister directed that the security forces should ensure zero infiltration and zero tolerance towards terrorists in J&K.

The Spokesperson said that there are reports that because of less snowfall this winter, all the infiltration routes of the terrorists are open and this has necessitated heightened vigil by the army deployed along the LoC.

--IANS

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Kochi, Feb 11 (IANS) Anandhu Krishnan, the alleged mastermind behind the Rs 1,000 crore fake Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund scam in Kerala, was denied bail on Tuesday by a lower court in Muvattupuzha. The court noted a strong prima facie case against him, while the public prosecutor highlighted the growing number of fresh cases being registered across the state.

The bail rejection comes a day after Kerala State Police Chief Sheikh Darvesh Sahib transferred the investigation to the Crime Branch. The probe, led by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) H. Venkatesh, has formed teams in all 14 districts to handle the mounting complaints.

So far, over 200 cases have been registered, and a preliminary investigation into 21 bank accounts linked to Krishnan’s NGO, Muvattupuzha Socio-Economic Development Society, suggests the number of potential cases could exceed 33,000.

Krishnan allegedly lured victims by promising high-value products like scooters, laptops, and sewing machines at half the market price. His aggressive promotional campaigns convinced many to invest their savings in what appeared to be an attractive deal.

One victim, an elderly woman from Njarackal, recounted paying Rs 63,000 to Krishnan’s staff. “I received a poor-quality sewing machine worth Rs 3,000 that doesn’t even work, but the Rs 60,000 I paid for a scooter for my daughter is gone. We feel cheated,” she said.

As the scam unfolds, Kerala’s three major political fronts -- the ruling CPI(M)-led Left, the Congress-led UDF, and the BJP -- are under scrutiny after Krishnan claimed he had paid money to politicians.

Meanwhile, Sai Trust chairman K.N. Anand Kumar, a well-known social figure from Thiruvananthapuram, is also under investigation due to his links with Krishnan. Although he insists he has done no wrong, he has filed an anticipatory bail plea, fearing arrest. His petition is set to be heard in a lower court on Thursday, even as more victims come forward with complaints against him.

With the scam emerging as one of Kerala’s biggest financial frauds, all eyes are now on the expanding investigation and the potential political fallout.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Feb 11 (IANS) A district court here on Tuesday sent ex-RTO constable Saurabh Sharma and his two aides to Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody till February 17 in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

The ED told the court that various incriminating documents pertaining to immovable properties, and investments made through various firms have been recovered from the premises belonging to Sharma and his two associates - Chetan Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal.

The ED further told the court that in connivance with Chetan Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal, Saurabh Sharma established firms and used its bank accounts and those of his family members to launder the proceeds of crime for investments in properties in the name of family members and friends.

Sharma and both his associates were present in the court during the hearing.

Before the court's order on Tuesday, the ED issued a statement, saying that it had arrested Saurabh Sharma, Chetan Gaur, and Sharad Jaiswal under the Prevent of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The federal agency said, during the investigation, it was seen that Saurabh Sharma was appointed to MP State Transport Department as a constable in 2015, on compassionate grounds.

"During the investigation, it is revealed that Saurabh Sharma has acquired huge assets disproportionate to known sources of income after getting post," agency said in statement.

The ED had last week interrogated them separately for about six hours each in the Bhopal district jail.

The official sources said the trio had given rhetorical answers about the assets recovered from their promises during raids.

Earlier, they had told the court that 54 kg of gold and other disproportionate assets seized by investigating agencies did not belong to them. Notably, 54 kg of gold and Rs 11 crore were recovered by the I-T Department during a raid on December 19. The gold was found in Chetan Singh Gaur's car.

During interrogation, Chetan said the car was being used by Saurabh and his office employees. The ED uncovered cash, bank deposits, and valuables worth Rs 42 crore, along with property papers, which are undervaluation. Moreover, Lokayukta police seized diaries, laptops, pen drives, and property papers during their raids.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Feb 11 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office, has successfully restored properties worth Rs 79.20 crore to the State Bank of India in connection with a money laundering case against Musaddilal Jewellers and others.

Based on ED’s initiative, the State Bank of India (SBI) filed restitution applications under Section 8(8) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 before the Special PMLA Court for the release of moveable properties seized by the ED, Hyderabad Zonal Office.

The Central agency said in a release on Tuesday that it urged the Special Court to release the seized amount to the rightful claimant, i.e. SBI in the public interest. The court through orders dated January 6 and February 3 allowed the petitions and ordered for release of moveable properties in the form of jewellery worth Rs 79.20 crore. This jewellery was seized from the commercial premises of Musaddilal Jewellers.

The ED has been investigating a money laundering case against Musaddilal Jewellers and others who had deposited more than Rs 111 crore in demonetised currency immediately after the demonetisation of high-value notes was declared in 2016.

The ED investigation revealed that demonetised currency was deposited under the pretext of receipt of advance money from around 6000 fake customers by creating fake invoices of less than Rs 2 lakh each. The investigation also revealed that the amount was deposited in various bank accounts and was utilised towards the purchase of gold bullion which was further sold. In this process, further Proceeds of Crime (POC) of Rs 28 crore were derived from such sale.

The SBI had extended various credit facilities to Musaddilal Jewellers which remained unpaid and the loan accounts turned NPA in July 2019. Musaddilal had outstanding dues to SBI of over Rs 120 crore as of March 14, 2023.

The ED had seized movable properties worth Rs 83.30 crore during searches conducted on January 12, 2017 and April 15, 2019. Provisional attachment of movable and immovable properties to the tune of Rs 130.57 crore, including movable properties worth Rs 83.30 crore seized during search operations, was also done by the ED during the investigation.

This marks a significant step in ED’s ongoing efforts to restore properties to their rightful claimants and to ensure that Proceeds of Crime are returned to those affected. ED continues to uphold its commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims of such crimes, the agency said.

--IANS

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