India

Ranchi, Dec 19 (IANS) Jharkhand's claim of Rs 1.36 lakh crore on the Central government in the form of coal royalty and compensation for mines has now turned into a 'political war'. For the last four days, there has been a war of words between the ruling and opposition parties over this issue. Now, CM Hemant Soren and BJP state President and former CM Babulal Marandi have come face to face on social media over the issue.

This controversy gained ground when on December 16, Bihar's Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav raised questions about Jharkhand's dues with the Centre in Parliament. He had asked why the Central government is not giving Jharkhand's share of Rs 1.41 lakh crore in the revenue earned from coal. On this, Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, in a written reply, claimed that Jharkhand has no dues.

Soren raised this issue on social media on December 17. He said that Jharkhand's demand is justified and this amount is necessary for the development of the state. He appealed to the BJP MPs of Jharkhand to raise their voice on this demand of Jharkhand.

Reacting to this statement of Hemant Soren, Marandi on Thursday said that JMM is making baseless and misleading allegations of outstanding dues against the Central government. If JMM has any concrete evidence on this figure, then they should put it before the public with complete documents and facts, he said. "JMM should clarify which item this amount belongs to. Since when is it pending and under what circumstances is this claim being made?" he asked.

Marandi directly challenged Hemant Soren and wrote on social media: "Instead of blaming the Central government with false allegations and wrong figures, focus on the real problems of Jharkhand. This game of misleading the people of Jharkhand by making baseless allegations without proof should now stop.”

"You can hide your failures by making baseless allegations about the Central government. The politics of misleading the public will not benefit Jharkhand. Learn to do politics of purity with full facts and evidence," he added.

In his response, Soren said: "The demand is not baseless, respected Babulal ji. This is our right, the money earned through our hard work. Your opposition to the rights of the people of Jharkhand is really sad. When you had to stand with us with full strength, you stood in opposition. Anyway, we will definitely get our rights, because this money belongs to every person of Jharkhand."

Soren wrote in another post: "A detailed breakup of every rupee of this outstanding amount has been given to the Central government several times, yet the BJP government's continuous denial of this is a frustrated attempt on our rights. We will not let this happen. If Jharkhand BJP does not raise its voice with us on this issue, then it will be considered that they are equally involved in this usurpation of rights."

Marandi once again asked Soren several questions. "My direct question to Hemant Soren's government -- This outstanding amount is of which years and which scheme-project? What is the basis of the amount of 1.36 lakh crore? How much amount was recovered during the UPA regime and when Shibu Soren ji was the Coal Minister? Why no transparency? Looking at Jharkhand's history which is full of corruption, the public wants to know everything. Put the correct documents and facts with full transparency, then talk. Jharkhand stands for every right of its people, wherever needed we will stand with you. But false figures and fake claims will not be tolerated."

--IANS

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Jammu, Dec 19 (IANS) J&K's State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Thursday filed a supplementary charge sheet against detained advocate Mian Abdul Qayoom in the murder of an advocate killed by terrorists in 2020.

The SIA, in a statement, said that a supplementary charge sheet was filed in the designated court against Qayoom, the former President of the High Court Bar Association, Kashmir, in the Babar Qadri murder case.

Qadri was reportedly killed by terrorists at his residence in the Hawal area of Srinagar city in September 2020.

The SIA statement said that a case FIR No 62/2020 u/s 302 IPC 7/27 and 13/16/18/20/39 of the UAPA was registered and an investigation was taken up by an SIT, set up by the IGP Kashmir and headed by SP Hazratbal.

"The SIT conducted the investigation and presented the charge sheet against six accused persons on May 6, 2021, before the Special NIA Court, Srinagar. Thereafter, further investigation in the case u/s 173 (8) CrPC was started by SDPO Zadibal.

"However, on July 20, 2023, PHQ J&K transferred the further investigation of the case to SIA J&K following which the SIT was formed, which was specifically tasked to unravel the larger conspiracy behind the killing.

"SIA took over the investigation and on the basis of sufficient oral, documentary and technical evidence arrested Mian Qayoom on June 25, 2024, as the principal conspirator behind the deceased's killing. It was revealed during the investigation conducted by SIA SIT that Mian Qayoom, who had an inimical relation with the deceased, got Babar Qadri eliminated through terrorists of TRF and their handlers in Pakistan by hatching a criminal conspiracy."

“Babar Qadri was very active on social and electronic media, where he also used to criticise Mian Qayoom... he had a premonition on the fateful day itself. Interestingly he went live on Facebook on September 24, 2020 afternoon, and while denouncing Mian Qayoom for his policies, also expressed his fears of being eliminated at the hands of Mian Qayoom and his coterie. Ironically, a few hours later he was killed in cold blood at his own residence," the statement added.

A 340-page supplementary charge sheet against Mian Qayoom for offences u/s 302/120-B/109 of the IPC and 13/18/18-B/38/39 UAPA was presented by SIA on Thursday.

The initial charge sheet in the case had been filed before the Special NIA court, Srinagar, but, in December 2023, the High Court had transferred the trial to Jammu taking a serious view of the interference in the judicial process by Qayoom as well as the threats to and intimidation of the deceased's family. Qayoom is presently lodged in the Jammu district jail.

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 19 (IANS) The trouble in the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Pawar's (NCP-SP) Kerala unit on replacing its state Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran with fellow party colleague Thomas K. Thomas deepened on Thursday with the former slamming state party chief P.C. Chacko.

"The President is creating a needless controversy over the change in cabinet post. Three times, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has already briefed him about it," Saseendran said.

On the other hand, Chacko, upset by the turn of events, said that when the party cannot decide who is to be its nominee in the cabinet, indicated that then there is no point in continuing as the state President.

Chacko is a former Congress MP who quit the party a few years back to join his mentor Sharad Pawar, and when he joined the party here, he was made the state chief.

In Kerala, the NCP-SP is part of the CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front and has two legislators - Saseendran and Thomas.

Since November 2023, the party's Kerala unit has been in turmoil, as Thomas has insisted on the earlier agreed formula -- Saseendran would step down after two and a half years to make way for him.

This arrangement is in contrast to other LDF constituents with single legislators, who accommodate new parties' nominees by stepping aside. Yet Saseendran has not followed suit, further escalating tensions. As part of the deal, three months back, the trio of Chacko, Saseendran, and Thomas called on Pawar three months back and Thomas was asked to take over.

On Wednesday, Thomas, after meeting Pawar, returned and continues to wait.

The grapevine is Vijayan is deeply upset after Thomas and Chacko prevailed upon Pawar to speak to the CPI-M's acting General Secretary Prakash Karat to ensure that Thomas be made the Minister.

And now with Saseendran openly attacking his state chief, it remains to be seen if Thomas will get the coveted post of State Minister.

Vijayan is also miffed with Thomas after an allegation surfaced that he had offered money to two Left-backed legislators to defect to the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar. But Chacko was quick to act on it and a party-level probe was ordered which cleared Thomas of all charges.

Thomas, the brother of the late former state minister Thomas Chandy, has been an important figure in the NCP's Kerala unit. Chandy, an NRI businessman-turned-politician, represented the Kuttanadu Assembly constituency in Alappuzha district until his passing in 2019. During Chandy's tenure, it was Thomas who managed the constituency on his behalf. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the NCP fielded Thomas for the Kuttanadu seat, which he won comfortably. However, when the Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet was formed later that year, the party chose to retain Saseendran for another term, sidelining Thomas.

Now with Vijayan apparently not keen on Thomas, the next move of Chacko and Thomas is keenly watched.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS) Suggestions on healthcare and nutritional needs of the elderly and their economic security, social inclusion, and quality of life from experts from the WHO, among others, dominated the agenda at a seminar organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday.

Addressing the inaugural session, NHRC, Secretary General, Bharat Lal spoke about the evolving role of old age homes and the necessity for change and improvement in their functioning, a statement said.

Chairing the first thematic session on the health and nutrition needs of the elderly, Dr V. K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, while sharing the concerns on the present and future challenges related to the well-being of the ageing population, commended the NHRC, India for its various initiatives in this regard.

Amit Yadav, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, chaired the second thematic session on economic security, social inclusion, and quality of life.

Several domain experts and eminent people, representatives of NGOs, academia, researchers, startups and medical fraternity attended the meet. After the speakers in each session, an open house was held to discuss the questions from the participants from various sectors including the WHO, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Tata Trusts.

The seminar ‘Ageing in India: Actionable Solutions - Drawing insights from Global, Regional, and National Best Practices’ was organised by the NHRC, in partnership with Sankala Foundation, along with the active participation of NITI Aayog and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Earlier, NHRC, Secretary General, Bharat Lal emphasised that the Commission is working closely with civil society organisations, Special Rapporteurs and Monitors and human rights defenders to assess and advocate for elderly rights.

He said that it is time to work on an action-oriented model including the best practices for replication for the overall welfare of the elderly population in the country.

He urged for synergy among all organisations and said that an effort was on to develop a platform to provide elderly individuals with opportunities to engage and contribute to society, meaningfully.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 19 (IANS) In a first-of-its-kind initiative under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has introduced a unique policy to include residents of upper-floor tenements, making it the most inclusive and human-centric redevelopment plan in Maharashtra’s history, officials said.

Traditionally, upper-floor tenements in slums have been deemed illegal and excluded from slum rehabilitation projects. This has led to outright displacement of residents, who are often left with no alternatives. These upper-floor residents often relocated to other slums, creating new illegal structures and perpetuating a cycle of displacement.

To address this issue and work towards a slum-free Mumbai, the state government has devised this thoughtful strategy under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, ensuring housing provisions for those living in upper-floor dwellings as well.

As per a Government Resolution (GR), issued on October 4, 2024, all upper-floor tenement holders in Dharavi up till November 15, 2022, are qualified for rehabilitation on a hire-purchase scheme.

Under this scheme, tenement holders will get a 300 sq ft home in Mumbai, but outside Dharavi, at a nominal rent for 25 years, after which they will gain ownership of the unit. The policy also offers flexibility, allowing residents to make a lump-sum payment at any time within the 25-year period to secure the title ownership of the unit. The rent and the unit purchase amount will be determined and collected by the DRP/state government.

The GR states that only upper-floor residents who provide documents like electricity bills, registered sale or rental agreements, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, or passports mentioning the floor, or an affidavit certified by the eligible ground-floor resident will qualify for the hire-purchase scheme.

"Under the hire-purchase scheme, Dharavikars will move into modern housing with essential amenities such as private toilets and kitchens, ensuring dignity, privacy, and a better quality of life," a DRP-SRA official said.

The buildings will be maintained by the developer for 10 years post-rehabilitation, reducing financial burdens on residents. Moreover, 10 per cent of the built-up area of the buildings will be developed commercially, creating a permanent income source for the housing societies. The modern townships will have wide roads, green spaces, healthcare, educational institutions, and sports and recreation spaces for children and families.

By addressing the issue of upper-floor tenements, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project has set a precedent for inclusive urban redevelopment.

"This initiative not only improves living standards but also offers residents a sense of ownership and pride, marking a new chapter in Mumbai’s efforts toward slum rehabilitation," the DRP-SRA official added.

Thousands of families who have lived precariously for years will now have access to stable, affordable housing with a dignified future.

--IANS

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Gurugram, 19 Dec (IANS) Throwing garbage and debris in public places in Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) area is a punishable offence and action is being taken continuously by the civic body against those doing so.

Under this, along with seizing the vehicle, FIRs are being lodged against the driver and owner in the concerned police stations and heavy fines are also being imposed.

During the last fortnight, action has been taken against 27 vehicles by the Sanitation Security Force (SSF). Out of these, 10 FIRs have been lodged against the owners and drivers of 15 vehicles in different police stations, and a fine of Rs 1.45 lakh has been imposed on the other 12 vehicles.

On Thursday, there was a stir among those illegally dumping garbage and debris, when Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Balpreet Singh himself came down to the field and started taking action.

He visited many places and caught five vehicles dumping garbage or debris on the spot. As soon as Dr Singh reached Sikandarpur Metro Pillar No. 48 while inspecting the area, he found a tractor-trolley and two rickshaw carts dumping garbage on the spot.

He immediately caught all three and lodged an FIR against the tractor-trolley owner and driver in the concerned police station and took action to seize the vehicles.

After this, he reached the Sector 22 market area, where he caught two rickshaw-cart owners dumping garbage. He also instructed the members of the SSF present with him to speed up the action and said that the action against those dumping garbage and debris at public places should be further accelerated, and a zero-tolerance policy should be adopted.

"Sanitation Security Force has been formed to take effective action against those who dump garbage and debris in public places like roadsides, vacant lands, green belts etc in the Municipal area. Members of the force are continuously monitoring different places 24 hours a day and seven days a week," Singh said.

--IANS

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Kochi, Dec 19 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Thursday decided to extend the jurisdiction of the nodal officer to accept the grievances of harassment from those in the Malayalam film industry who did not figure before the Justice Hema Committee.

The court made it clear that all who have complaints must register it with the nodal officer before January 31.

It further ordered that the nodal officer, on receipt of such complaints of harassment/abuse, can forward these to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Kerala Police for further investigation.

The Special Bench of Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice C. S. Sudha had, last month, directed the SIT probing offences relating to Justice Hema Committee Report, to nominate a nodal officer to take the complaints of other individuals in similar situations, regardless of whether they have provided statements to the Justice Hema Committee or not.

On Thursday, the bench said: "While the nodal officer has been nominated pursuant to our earlier order and sufficient publicity to the name and details of the said nodal officer is given so that persons who feel threatened, intimidated during the investigation on their complaints submitted before SIT can approach before the SIT with such complaints. It would be desirable to extend the jurisdiction of the nodal officer to cover even those grievances that will be raised by those persons in the film industry who have not approached the Hema Committee, so that any such person can submit individual grievances with regard to any harassment/abuse faced by them to the nodal officer for forwarding to SIT for investigation of the same. We see no impediment to expanding the jurisdiction of the nodal officer for the above purpose. We accordingly direct that the nodal officer shall on receipt of any such complaint from persons in the film industry, promptly forward the same to SIT for investigation by ensuring confidentiality…"

"This window is open only for the purposes of this. Suppose you have a complaint of harassment, you can always go to the police station… …the only advantage you get through this window is that you get confidentiality, whereas when you go to normal SHO, your name will come as complainant… why would a person who is already aggrieved wait for a period beyond what the court is permitting…You already have a platform….there is a certain protection that we can ensure…it will be from SIT to Court and no interference in between. If that does not inspire the confidence of those persons, then nothing will," it added.

The court then posted the case for further hearing after the Christmas break.

The Hema Committee report was published in August and by now all those actors who had FIRs registered against them, have got bail. They include two-time CPI-M legislator Mukesh, Siddique, Edavela Babu, Jayasurya, Ranjith, Maniyanpillai Raju, Nivin Pauly and a few others.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Dec 19 (IANS) The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew its affidavit in the election petition filed by Rekha Patra, the BJP candidate for Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency in North 24 Parganas district in the general elections this year.

The state government has also tendered an apology to the court for filing the affidavit which carried the signature of the returning officer despite the state government not being a party in the said election petition.

The counsel for Patra had questioned how the returning officer could sign the copy of the affidavit filed by the state government and also questioned the neutrality of the returning officer.

Thereafter the single-judge bench of Krishna Rao, before whom the election petition was filed, asked the state government for the reason behind filing the affidavit despite not being a party in the case.

Finally, on Thursday, the state government withdrew the affidavit and tendered an apology in the matter. The next hearing on the matter will be in January 2025.

Patra became the face of the movement by women at Sandeshkhali under Basirhat sub-division in North 24 Parganas district before the Lok Sabha polls this year against the events of sexual harassment on women and illegal land grabbing by now-suspended local Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates.

Later, the BJP fielded her as the party candidate in the Parliamentary polls However, she was defeated by Trinamool candidate Haji Nurul Islam.

In her election petition filed in June, Patra accused the winning Trinamool candidate, who died in September, of suppressing information to the Election Commission. Her counsel claimed that the Trinamool candidate adopted an immoral stance while contesting the election.

Thereafter in July, the single-judge bench ordered serving notice to all parties concerned in the case and also directed the preservation of all election-related documents including EVMs, postal ballots, and CCTV footage among others.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS) Indian scientists and engineers must specialise in high-end technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing to strengthen the country’s position in cutting-edge innovation in the global arena, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday.

He said this while addressing the inaugural session of the Indian National Academy of Engineering’s Annual Convention at IIT Delhi.

Singh emphasised that these niche technologies are going to impact almost every sector in a big way in the coming times.

“Right now, we are in the initial phase. Our aim should be to first gain command over these technologies so that in the future, they can be used for the welfare of the people to fulfil their immediate basic needs,” he added.

Singh also pointed out that the world is continuously evolving, and the defence sector cannot remain untouched by this change.

While India was left behind in terms of modern weapons and technology earlier, the country is now moving “towards self-reliance in defence at an unprecedented pace”, he said.

Lauding the role of IITs in the scientific development of the country, the Defence Minister also called for establishing an even better organic relationship among the industry, research and development organisations, and academia.

“In developed countries, academic campuses play an important role in progressing frontier technologies. There is a need to explore ways how to co-opt IIT Delhi and similar institutions of higher scientific learning and excellence with the government’s development campaign,” he said.

“India is the youngest country at present. Our youth have the passion and the ability to innovate. Our government stands with them at every step.

We encourage their innovation and provide them with funds as per their needs.”

He noted that the country today “has become a hub of innovation and start-ups,” resulting in continuous technological prowess.

“We will always stand with our engineers and innovators. With our combined efforts, we will realise our dream of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’,” Singh said.

--IANS

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Ludhiana, Dec 19 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday held a roadshow in Ludhiana, rallying support for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates contesting the municipal corporation elections.

The roadshow witnessed public participation, with enthusiastic residents showering flower petals and warmly welcoming the CM.

Addressing the gathering, Mann shared his deep connection with Ludhiana, calling it his "karmabhoomi" (workplace). He reminisced about his early career, which began in the bustling markets of Ludhiana.

"This market is not new to me. I used to frequent these streets when I was starting out. Ludhiana has given me so much love, and now it’s my responsibility to give back to this city," he said.

AAP Punjab President Aman Arora, working President Amansher Singh Sharry Kalsi, AAP ministers, Ludhiana MLAs and a large number of AAP office-bearers accompanied CM Mann during the roadshow.

Highlighting the significance of the municipal elections, CM Mann appealed to voters: "Press the button with the jhadoo (broom) symbol wherever you see it on the EVM. Elect representatives who will bring real development to Ludhiana."

Mann contrasted AAP's commitment to progress with the previous administration's failures, asserting: "Earlier, municipal corporations never focused on development. The funds belonged to the people, yet these weren’t utilised for public welfare. Under AAP, every penny will be spent for the betterment of the people."

The Chief Minister also took a jibe at rival political parties, particularly the Shiromani Akali Dal, stating that "people are hesitant to even shake hands with leaders from those parties for fear of losing their rings". "These parties have betrayed the trust of the people for years. It’s time to clean the system with the broom and give Ludhiana the governance it truly deserves," he said.

"Time is very powerful. Those who committed sins in the name of God are now witnessing their election symbols erased from voting machines," he stated.

Highlighting the public's growing awareness, Mann urged voters to reject such parties and embrace the honest, people-centric politics of his AAP.

"The people of Punjab have the power to decide the future, and this time they will choose integrity over deceit," he added.

Mann assured the public that Ludhiana would see unparalleled growth under AAP’s leadership. "This city, known as the heart of Punjab, deserves to regain its glory. With an AAP mayor in the municipal corporation and an AAP-led government in Punjab, there will be no dearth of support or resources. If any shortcomings remain, I take full responsibility," he added.

The elections to five Municipal Corporations and 41 Municipal Councils, besides Nagar Panchayats, will be held on December 21. The counting of votes will take place on the same day.

--IANS

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