National

Dr. Baljit Kaur Calls on Central Government to Enhance Welfare Programs for SCs in Punjab

Published

1 year ago

February 9, 2025

Punjab’s Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, has highlighted the distinct challenges facing the state and has called on the Centre to introduce essential policy reforms aimed at benefiting Scheduled Castes (SCs).

During a high-level meeting in Delhi, attended by ministers from various States and Union Territories, Dr. Kaur emphasized that each state encounters unique obstacles, providing a platform for states to express their specific issues.

With nearly 32 percent of Punjab’s population belonging to SCs, a figure that may have risen, Dr. Kaur advocated for an increase in the gap-filling fund under the Adarsh Gram Yojana. She proposed raising the current allocation of Rs 20 lakh per project for villages to at least Rs 1 crore, as the existing amount is insufficient for comprehensive infrastructure initiatives, especially road construction.

She also noted that the Social Justice Department currently depends on the Rural Development Department for scheme implementation, which creates administrative challenges. To rectify this, she urged the government to provide comprehensive guidelines for establishing dedicated technical units at both district and state levels under the Social Justice Department for better monitoring and execution of projects.

Moreover, Dr. Kaur called for an increase in administrative charges from the current 4 percent to 10 percent to help cover expenses related to these technical units and ensure effective execution of welfare programs.

She stressed that states should have the autonomy to choose the villages for development projects, as they possess a better understanding of local conditions. Additionally, she recommended broadening the scope of infrastructure projects so that states can tailor development work to meet local needs.

Dr. Kaur requested that advances on administrative charges be disbursed for selected villages to facilitate necessary preparations in advance.

Addressing concerns about the funding mechanisms for skill development projects, she pointed out that the time required to execute these initiatives is substantial. The current stipulation that 75 percent of the previous installment must be utilized before releasing new funds often leads to delays in project implementation, a situation she urged the Centre to reconsider, especially during election periods when administrative processes tend to slow.

Another significant request was for an increase in financial assistance to beneficiaries from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000, noting that the existing amount is insufficient compared to other schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Scheme. She also requested that this financial support be separated from any loan requirements, as many beneficiaries come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and lack collateral.

Highlighting the financial strain faced by Punjab, Dr. Kaur mentioned that 3,293 villages have been selected under the scheme, with a total outstanding amount of ₹684 crore. However, only ₹61 crore has been received from the Government of India so far, which limits coverage to just 365 villages. She strongly urged the Government of India to promptly release the pending ₹583 crore to facilitate the timely completion of ongoing development projects.

The Cabinet Minister expressed her confidence that the Government of India would favorably consider these requests, fostering inclusive growth and development for the Scheduled Castes community in Punjab. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to tirelessly work for the upliftment of marginalized sections of society.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

1 week ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.