National
Dr. Baljit Kaur Calls on Central Government to Enhance Welfare Programs for SCs in Punjab
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
MoD Issues Warning About Fake WhatsApp Messages Requesting Donations for Indian Army Modernization
The fraudulent message claims that during a cabinet meeting, the Modi government decided to open a bank account for contributions towards the modernization of the Indian Army and for soldiers injured or martyred in conflict zones. It states, “Another great decision by the Modi government on superstar Akshay Kumar’s suggestion—just Rs 1 per day to support the Indian Army. Yesterday, the Modi government opened a bank account during a cabinet meeting for the Army and soldiers in war zones. Every Indian can donate any amount starting from Rs 1 to an unlimited sum. These funds will also be used to purchase weapons for the Army and paramilitary forces.”
Additionally, the message suggests that if 70% of India’s 1.3 billion population donates even one rupee daily, it would accumulate significant funds—transforming into 100 crores in a day, 3,000 crores in a month, and 36,000 crores in a year. It emphasizes that Pakistan’s annual defense budget doesn’t even reach Rs 36,000 crore and encourages citizens to contribute for the country’s ambition to become a superpower.
In response, the Ministry of Defence has clarified that the account details provided in the message are incorrect, resulting in failed online donations. “Individuals should be vigilant and avoid falling victim to such scams. The government has launched numerous welfare schemes for soldiers who are killed or disabled in active duty,” the statement asserted.
The Ministry highlighted the establishment of the ‘Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF)’ in 2020, which provides immediate financial assistance to the families of soldiers who lose their lives or suffer severe injuries during military operations. The Indian Army, under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, manages the fund’s accounts. Contributions can be made directly to the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund, with correct bank account details provided in the official announcement.
The individual, a 40-year-old man from Jaipur, Rajasthan, was flagged by customs officers based on profiling measures. Following his arrival from Dubai on Friday, the necessary legal actions are being taken in accordance with Customs regulations.
The authorities intercepted him at the green channel exit.
Upon conducting an X-ray examination of his luggage, customs officials noticed suspicious images. Although the Door Frame Metal Detector (DFMD) did not signal any alerts for the passenger, a thorough inspection of his baggage led to the discovery of the gold bars.
In a recent reshuffle, several IAS officers were transferred, including Smitha Sabharwal, who served as the Secretary for Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture. She has been assigned to the Finance Commission just as the Miss World beauty pageant approaches, marking its first occurrence in the state.
Sabharwal reportedly faced backlash from the Chief Minister due to a Ghibli-style AI-generated image of bulldozers connected to the Kancha Gachibowli issue she shared on her ‘X’ account, leading to police summons. Jayesh Ranjan, formerly the industry secretary, has now taken over her position in the tourism department.
Jayesh Ranjan also steps into the Chief Minister’s office as CEO of the Industry and Investment Cell. Additionally, R V Karnan has been appointed as the GHMC Commissioner, previously known for conducting rigorous inspections and imposing fines on food establishments for hygiene violations.
M Dana Kishore, who was overseeing the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department, has been transferred to the Labour Department.
MoD Issues Warning About Fake WhatsApp Messages Requesting Donations for Indian Army Modernization
Customs Officials Detain Passenger with 2 kg of Gold Bars at Delhi Airport
Telangana Appoints K. Ramakrishna Rao as New Chief Secretary
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