National

Restoring Dignity and Ensuring Justice: Punjab CM Announces ₹67.84 Crore Loan Waiver for SC Families

Published

1 year ago

June 8, 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced on Sunday that the state government is dedicated to the welfare of the weaker and underprivileged sections of society, emphasizing its commitment to leave no stone unturned in its efforts.

Speaking at an event for distributing loan waiver certificates, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s mission to empower the common man. He stressed that the administration is using its authority to assist those in need and is determined to maximize the welfare of all societal segments.

He pointed out that previous governments often waived loans for the affluent while neglecting the poor. For the first time in Punjab’s history, this relief has been extended to the underprivileged. Mann noted that funds from the state budget have been specifically allocated for public welfare, ensuring that every penny is spent for the benefit of the citizens.

Education is a top priority for his government, according to Mann, who recognized its vital role in uplifting marginalized communities. “Education is the key to every individual’s success, and we will not hold back in providing quality education for every youth in the state,” he said, adding that there are adequate funds to enhance the education system.

Such initiatives aimed at public empowerment were uncommon under previous administrations, he remarked. Now, with a fresh era of governance, the government is introducing community-focused programs and creating job opportunities for the youth. Mann described these efforts as a glimpse of a “Rangla Punjab,” highlighting the joy brought about by transformative actions.

He announced a total loan waiver of ₹67.84 crore benefiting approximately 4,800 families, covering loans issued up to March 31, 2020, by the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development & Finance Corporation (PSCFC). This initiative extends significant relief to Scheduled Caste and Divyangjan borrowers, encompassing 4,727 individuals—4,685 of whom are defaulters, along with 42 regular borrowers.

“No Dues Certificates” (NDCs) will be issued to the beneficiaries, and the entire amount of ₹67.84 crore—including principal, interest, and penalties calculated as of April 30, 2025—will be reimbursed to PSCFC by the state. Notably, even those who have benefitted from past waiver schemes can take advantage of this initiative. Following the waiver, no recovery actions will be taken, and accounts will be deemed fully settled by the specified cut-off date.

According to the 2011 Census, Scheduled Castes make up 31.94 percent of Punjab’s population. Many in this community sought PSCFC loans for self-employment to enhance their economic conditions but faced challenges that made repayment difficult due to health issues, loss of income, or other crises. This waiver aims to provide relief to 4,727 underprivileged SC and Divyangjan beneficiaries, distributing ₹30.02 crore in principal, ₹22.95 crore in interest, and ₹14.87 crore in penal interest.

Mann expressed that this initiative would help restore dignity to these families, enabling them to lead more honorable lives. “This is more than just a loan waiver—it’s about restoring dignity, delivering justice, and offering a fresh beginning,” he stated. Beneficiaries will now have the opportunity to invest their financial resources in productive endeavors and family support.

He emphasized that recovering loans from families facing dire circumstances, such as the death of the primary earner or chronic illness, would be unjust, leading the government to decide on the waiver. Mann reaffirmed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government remains committed to fulfilling its promises.

National

11 Hospitalised After Dead Lizard Found in Birthday Cake

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Maharashtra : Eleven people were hospitalised after eating a birthday cake that allegedly contained a dead lizard in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.

The incident took place during a birthday celebration. The affected group included seven children and four women.

According to reports, they complained of sudden stomach and chest pain shortly after eating the cake.

They were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Doctors said that all 11 patients are in stable condition.

The incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in bakeries.

The case comes amid growing concerns over food safety in Maharashtra. Earlier, a rat was allegedly seen inside an ice cream freezer at a Blinkit store in Thane’s Godrej Hill area in Kalyan.

In another incident, food safety officials suspended the FSSAI licence of a Blinkit-linked facility in Malad West after finding several violations.

The recent incidents have increased calls for stricter checks on food storage, hygiene and safety standards across the state.

National

Dead Russell’s Viper Found on Vande Bharat Express

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Ernakulam: A dead Russell’s viper was found on a passenger seat inside a Vande Bharat Express in Ernakulam, causing panic among passengers.

The incident took place on Friday, August 14, at around 2.30 pm. The train was scheduled to leave Ernakulam Junction for Bengaluru.

The incident came to light before the train began its journey. Vinu Varghese, who works for an insurance company in Ernakulam, had booked a ticket to travel to Coimbatore with his two-year-old child.

When he returned to his seat after visiting the restroom, he noticed the dead snake lying on the seat. He was shocked and immediately informed the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and railway staff.

The railway staff quickly responded to the situation. With the help of passengers, they removed the dead snake from the coach.

After the snake was removed, the passengers felt relieved. Vinu Varghese later filed an official complaint through the railway portal.

In his complaint, he questioned the safety and cleanliness standards on the train. He said passengers pay a significant amount for travelling on Vande Bharat trains and expected better safety measures.

Varghese said the railway staff later apologised for the incident.

The incident has also raised questions about how a snake entered the passenger compartment. Vande Bharat trains are air-conditioned and have sealed gangways and automatic doors that open only at designated stations.

The incident has raised concerns about pest control and safety protocols on the train. Railway authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.

This is not the first reported incident involving a snake on a Vande Bharat train. In December 2025, a passenger was allegedly accused of deliberately placing a snake inside the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.

The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.

According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.

Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.

Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.

During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.

Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.

The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.

The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.