The News Caravan

Tag: Focus

  • Maha plans big benefits to girl child; focus on health, financial security of women

    Maha plans big benefits to girl child; focus on health, financial security of women

    [ad_1]

    Mumbai: Maharashtra will implement a string of measures for the health, financial security of the girl child and women, and others, said Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis tabling the state Budget 2023-2024, here on Thursday.

    In the ‘Lek Ladki’ scheme, a girl born to a family holding yellow or orange ration cards will get grants at birth, in school Std. I, VI and XI, and Rs 75,000 on attaining the age of 18.

    Women will be given 50 per cent discount on ST bus tickets, the state will build 50 hostels for working women, and set up 50 centres under the Shakti Sadan Scheme to offer legal, health, counselling and shelter for victimised women.

    ASHA Group volunteers and promoters honorarium will be raised by Rs 1,500 each, for Anganwadi workers it will be raised to Rs 10,000, for Mini-Anganwadi workers to Rs 7,200 and for Anganwadi helpers to Rs 5,500, besides filling up 20,000 vacant posts in the entire scheme.

    The government will open 700 clinics in the state under the Hindu HridaySamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana offering free medical tests, therapy and treatment.

    Under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, the health cover amount is to be hiked from Rs 1.50 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per annum, while the rate for kidney transplant surgery will be increased from Rs 2.50 lakh to Rs 4 lakh, said Fadnavis.

    For those entitled to the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana and Shravanbal Seva Rajya Nivruttivetan Scheme, the financial assistance will be hiked from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 and the assistance will be paid in the first week of each month.

    Under the ‘Modi Awas’ Gharkul Yojana, one million homes shall be built in three years for OBCs, for which Rs 12,000 crore shall be set aside.

    [ad_2]
    #Maha #plans #big #benefits #girl #child #focus #health #financial #security #women

    ( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

  • Countdown begins for Meghalaya Assembly polls, battle for Shillong in focus

    Countdown begins for Meghalaya Assembly polls, battle for Shillong in focus

    [ad_1]

    Shillong: After the high-pitched election campaigning, Meghalaya is all set to decide its political fate in the Assembly polls that are to be held on Monday.

    Polling will be held at 3,419 polling stations across 59 Assembly constituencies in the state. The voting will begin at 7 am and continue till 4 pm on Monday.

    Of the 60 Assembly constituencies in Meghalaya, 36 constituencies fall in Khasi, Jaintia Hills region while 24 are in Garo Hills region.

    Significantly, however, polling for the Sohiong Assembly constituency was postponed following the demise of the state’s former Home Minister and United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate from the seat HDR Lyngdoh.

    There are over 21 lakh electorates (21,75,236) of which 10.99 lakh are women and 10.68 lakh are male voters. In Meghalaya, the woman voters are in higher numbers than their male counterparts. There are about 81,000 first-time voters in the state.

    As many as 369 candidates are in the fray of which 36 are women.

    Of the total 3,419 polling stations, 120 will be all women-managed polling stations, 60 are model polling stations and another 60 will be PWD polling stations.

    The Election Commission has deployed 119 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Meghalaya.

    Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya FR Kharkongor said 640 polling stations are identified as ‘vulnerable’, 323 are ‘critical’ and 84 are identified as both.

    The poll panel on Saturday ordered the sealing of Meghalaya’s International border with Bangladesh till March 2.

    Meghalaya shares a 443 km border with Bangladesh and 885 km with Assam.

    Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya FR Kharkongor, told ANI that, Meghalaya’s International border with Meghalaya and the state border with Assam have been sealed.

    “We have taken preventive measures to ensure a free and fair election in the State. Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed along the international bordering areas in the state,” Kharkongor said.

    Meanwhile, the district magistrate of East Khasi Hills district on Friday issued an order that movement of individuals will remain strictly prohibited within a one km radius of the India-Bangladesh border of East Khasi Hills district between February 24 and March 2.

    The district administration of East Khasi Hills district has also imposed Section 144 of CrPC along the bordering areas.

    To ensure a free and fair election, Election Commission has banned publication of exit poll projections in Meghalaya from 7 am on Friday to 7 pm on the polling day — February 27.

    The current term of the 60-seat Meghalaya Legislative Assembly will conclude on March 15.

    The majority mark to form government in the state is 31.

    In the 2018 Assembly polls, the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) got 19 seats, Congress bagged 21 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to win two seats. The United Democratic Party (UDP) grabbed six seats.

    Though Congress emerged as the single largest party, the government was formed by the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) with support from UDP, BJP and other regional parties.

    This time, the BJP and NPP have not stitched any prepoll alliance and are going solo. BJP and Congress have fielded candidates in all the seats. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), which became the main opposition party in Meghalaya in 2021 following the defection of 12 Congress MLAs, became a formidable force, especially after former chief minister Mukul Sangma joined its ranks. The TMC has fielded candidates in 58 seats.

    Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is contesting from South Tura constituency. BJP fielded Bernard N Marak against the NPP chief. In Dadenggre, Congress candidate Chesterfield Sangma is contesting against NPP’s James Sangma.

    Former CM Mukul Sangma is contesting from two seats — Tikrikilla and Songsak on Trinamool’s ticket. UDP leader Metbah Lyngdoh is contesting from Mairang. Further, NPP pitted Prestone Tynsong from Pynursla. UDP candidate Titosstar Well Chyne is contesting from Sohra.

    TMC fielded Charles Pyngrope from Nongthymmai. BJP fielded Sanbor Shullai in South Shillong and Ernest Mawrie in West Shillong. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh is NPP’s candidate from East Shillong.

    In Pynthorumkhrah, BJP fielded Alexander Laloo Hek. UDP leader Lahkmen Rymbui is contesting from Amlarem. In Sutnga Saipung, Congress fielded Vincent H Pala. UDP candidate Kyrmen Shylla is contesting from Khliehriat.

    The campaigning for Meghalaya polls ended on Saturday.

    From NPP to BJP and Congress to Trinamool, parties showcased all might when it comes to campaigning. Be it poll promises or attacking contending forces with slogans, the contesting parties lost no chance to have a go at each other during the campaign phase.

    The BJP showed its strength, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, party president JP Nadda and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma holding rallies. PM Modi also held a roadshow in Shillong on Friday.

    Rahul Gandhi, who was missing from the campaign scene in Tripura, held a rally in Shillong. Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee held public meetings in Meghalaya. TMC MP Mahua Moitra also canvassed for party candidates in the state.

    The counting of votes will be done on March 2.

    [ad_2]
    #Countdown #begins #Meghalaya #Assembly #polls #battle #Shillong #focus

    ( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

  • J&K Govt Launches Project To Promote Sustainable Agriculture With Focus On Organic Farming

    J&K Govt Launches Project To Promote Sustainable Agriculture With Focus On Organic Farming

    [ad_1]

    JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated a vital programme to support its farmers and promote sustainable agriculture in the Union Territory.

    With a growing concern for health and an increasing demand for organic food, the government is investing in a project that will boost organic food production and increase economic returns for farmers in the UT. This is a part of the government’s larger efforts to create a safer, cleaner and more sustainable environment for agriculture and food production in the region.

    The government has kept a budget of Rs 84 crore to support the program over the next five years. This initiative is part of a larger effort to promote sustainable agriculture, commercial agriculture and healthy food production. The project envisages creation of over 12600 jobs and 300 enterprises in the organic agri-sector.

    The program included a range of interventions to support organic farming such as expanding organic cultivation in a cluster approach, producing and recycling bio-inputs, facilitating certification and marketing and providing training and capacity building for farmers. The project aims to create six to seven organic clusters per district, covering a total of 2000 hectare of land. Additionally, it aims to convert another 2000 hectare into organic production, including niche crops and default organic areas. The program will also provide training to 10,000 farmer families in organic farming and establish 200 commercial and 3000 low-cost vermicompost units and 100 Integrated Organic Farming System Units. Besides, two Bio-Input Production Units will also be set up to supply organic inputs for the production clusters.

    “The project will have a number of positive outcomes which will further fuel growth in organic production within J&K, including development of trained manpower and a package of practices suited to the region, dedicated bio-input production facilities, certification and branding facilities and an organic value/market chain.”, said Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department.

    “J&K has a number of remote areas where very little chemical use is being undertaken in Agriculture. Moreover, the farmers in these areas are usually marginal and economically weak. By promoting organic cultivation, the livelihood of these farmers will be secured and their returns significantly improved,” he added.

    “Alternate Agriculture System for Sustainability” is one among the 29 projects, which were approved by the Jammu and Kashmir administration after being recommended by the UT Level Apex Committee for holistic development of Agriculture and allied sectors in UT of J&K. The prestigious committee is being headed by Dr Mangala Rai, Former DG ICAR and has other luminaries in the field of Agriculture, Planning, Statistics and Administration like Ashok Dalwai, CEO NRAA, Dr. P. K Joshi, Secretary, NAAS, Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner MOA & FW, Dr. H. S Gupta, Former Director, IARI, Atal Dulloo, ACS, Agriculture Production Department apart from the Vice Chancellors of the twin Agriculture Universities of the UT.

    One of the main goals of the project is to expand the area under certified organic cultivation to 4000 hectares, involving 10,000 farmer families. The program aims to promote organic farming and provide farmers with knowledge about organic input production and resource recycling, as well as help them obtain certification for their produce, fetching a premium price in the process. The program will also help build the capacity of scientists, extension workers, and farmers.

    The program will garner support from a number of stakeholders including participatory farmers, certification organizations such as NCOF, APEDA, NPOP and PKVY, organic entrepreneurs for bio-input production and SHG/FPOs/CIGs for effective marketing.

    In a nutshell, the project on Alternate Agriculture System launched by the J&K government is a major step forward in promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting the economic well-being of farmers in the region. By promoting organic farming and creating a value chain for organic produce, the program will not only help create a clean and safe production ecosystem, but also make a significant contribution to the state’s GDP. This project is expected to bring about a major transformation in the agriculture sector in J&K, providing farmers with a sustainable source of livelihood for years to come.

    [ad_2]
    #Govt #Launches #Project #Promote #Sustainable #Agriculture #Focus #Organic #Farming

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Wage War On Drugs, Focus On Rehabilitation Of Victims: CS To Officers

    Wage War On Drugs, Focus On Rehabilitation Of Victims: CS To Officers

    [ad_1]

    JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Monday chaired the 4th UT Level Apex Committee meeting of NCORD and held an in-depth review of all the ongoing activities happening across Jammu and Kashmir to combat the drug menace here.

    The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Home; DGP, J&K; Principal Secretary, Education; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; ADGP, Kashmir/Jammu; Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare; Secretary Health; Director, Information and Public Relations; Excise Commissioner; State Drug Controller; Zonal Director, NCB Jammu; SSP, ANTF and all the Deputy Commissioners and District SPs both in person and through video conferencing.

    Dr Mehta while addressing the officers remarked that the victims of drug abuse deserves handholding and every possible assistance to live a normal life. He impressed upon the officers that without showing any laxity on the ongoing war on drugs, focus should also be laid on rehabilitation of its victims.

    The Chief Secretary further exhorted upon the officers to involve PRIs as well as Anganwadi centres and schools for rehabilitation of drug abuse victims as well as for generating awareness among public particularly youth about the negative impact of drug abuse. He underscored that it is our collective duty to root out this plague from the society.

    and SSPs regarding efforts being made for combating this menace across Jammu and Kashmir. He also directed the Deputy Commissioners to hold monthly meetings by district NCORD committees without any fail and update the data of same on national NCORD portal. He told them to constitute special team of Drug Control department to look after ourAirports for drug peddling or smuggling of contraband substances.

    Earlier in the meeting, a detailed presentation on drug scenario in J&K and the challenges to counter the drug menace and efforts being made by all stakeholders to fight this problem was also presented before the Chief Secretary.

    It was given in the meeting that in Kashmir Division, a total of 159 drug dealers have been booked under PITNDPS while in Jammu Division 43 drug dealers have been detained during 2022.

    Similarly the meeting was informed that a total of 1850 FIRs have been registered while 2756 persons have been arrested for carrying out these illicit trade. Moreover during 2022, 240 kg Heroin, 498 kgs Charas, 249 Kg Ganja, and 178677 Caps/bottles/tabs of Scheduled drugs have been seized throughout J&K, as was revealed in this meeting.

    [ad_2]
    #Wage #War #Drugs #Focus #Rehabilitation #Victims #Officers

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Defence Budget: Focus on operational preparedness; thrust on Agniveers’ training

    Defence Budget: Focus on operational preparedness; thrust on Agniveers’ training

    [ad_1]

    New Delhi: In the Defence Budget, the focus has been given towards maintaining a high-level of Operational Preparedness of the Services to face the current and future challenges, while the non-salary revenue operational allocation gets a boost of Rs 27,570 crore, with the budgetary outlay under this segment augmented from Rs 62,431 crore in BE 2022-23 to Rs 90,000 crore in BE 2023-24.

    The enhanced allocations in the Budget will also cater to Training Aids and Simulators for Agniveers and ensure that they achieve the set standards of training for induction into the Defence Forces.

    “This will cater to sustenance of weapon systems, platforms including ships/ aircraft and their logistics; boost fleet serviceability; emergency procurement of critical ammunition and spares; procuring/hiring of niche capabilities to mitigate capability gaps wherever required; progress stocking of military reserves, strengthening forward defences, amongst others,” said the Ministry of Defence.

    As a precursor to this increase in the Non-Salary Revenue segment, the government during the Mid-term review had also enhanced the operational allotments of the current financial year by Rs 26,000 crore, which works out as 42 per cent of the present allocation.

    This unprecedented increase in the Revised Estimates 2022-23 has ensured liquidation of the entire carry over liabilities during the current year, thereby, ensuring that there is no dent in next year’s operational outlay of the services.

    [ad_2]
    #Defence #Budget #Focus #operational #preparedness #thrust #Agniveers #training

    ( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

  • After Digitization Of Services Focus Should Be Timely Service Delivery: CS

    After Digitization Of Services Focus Should Be Timely Service Delivery: CS

    [ad_1]

    JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Tuesday remarked that after successfully digitizing all the services, focus should be laid on timely delivery of services and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in managing the affairs of government departments.

    Dr Mehta was speaking in the 14th Board of Governors (BoG) meeting of the Jammu & Kashmir e-Governance Agency (JaKeGA) attended by other members including Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce; Commissioner Secretary , IT; Secretary, PD&MD; Secretary, GAD; DG, Codes; SIO, NIC besides other concerned officers.

    The Chief Secretary stressed on moving towards use of AI/ML and IoT based technologies for better coordination and monitoring purposes. He maintained that technology is panacea for many of the problems. It is also the most effective tool for ensuring transparency. He impressed upon the officers and scientists from IT and NIC respectively to work towards use of modern technologies towards obtaining desired results especially for the purposes of work estimation and their identification.

    Dr Mehta directed for making good use of technologies by bridging the gap between the government and those governed. He made out that the power belongs to people and technology has empowered them in unprecedented manner. He told the officers to have virtual inspections of the offices and works on daily basis. He even suggested for taking feedback from public and PRI’s about the quality of work being done in their areas or any grievances they have against any of the government departments.

    The Chief Secretary also emphasized upon end to end use of digital platforms like e-office by all the government employees especially ground workers like Patwaris, JEs etc. He declared that the actual purpose of digitization would be served when it enhances ease of living. He asked for making the work of every office be it Police Stations, Tehsil Offices, Hospitals, Engineering Departments, ULBs, Block Offices fully online for efficient delivery and effective monitoring.

    The Commissioner Secretary, IT, PrernaPuri gave a detailed presentation on the decisions taken during the 13th BoG meeting. She also detailed out the agenda for the meeting with a proposal for revamping the agency on more professional lines that would make the working of the J&K e-Governance agency more outcome oriented as per the requirements of present times.

    It was revealed that in the previous meeting the decisions like establishment of 1012 ICT labs in schools, digitisation of office records, rolling out of National Generic Document Registration System, procurement of infrastructure for Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme and upgradation of State Data Centre was achieved as per the respective proposals.

    Later on the Chief Secretary also launched the State Wide Area Network (SWAN) coverage for 168 blocks of the UT. He advised giving access to the 10 most vital offices at district level and 5 such offices at block levels for their easy access to safer network.

    It was given out that the SWAN would provide the unhindered access to internet to these blocks even during internet shutdowns and aid them in working more efficiently without having need to rely on private service providers.

    [ad_2]
    #Digitization #Services #Focus #Timely #Service #Delivery

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )