Year: 2024

Guwahati, Dec 23 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that the government has been working tirelessly with an aim to bring all-round development to the people belonging to different communities of the state.

Speaking at a function in Dibrugarh, Sarma said, “The present government has been working very dedicatedly to bring about all-round development of the people of the state belonging to every section of the society.”

The Chief Minister also said that the state government’s 12 days of development campaign which ended on Monday, is an initiative to help the targeted people through government interventions.

During this period, Sarma himself along with the Council of Ministers visited different districts and participated in the development campaign.

He said that in the last 12 days, 20 lakh new ration cards were distributed. 48,673 students have been covered under the Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Scholarship.

Sarma stated that since the inception of the Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Scholarship, the programme benefitted one lakh nine thousand students.

He said that as per NEP 2020, one high school should be located every five kilometres. Considering the provision, the State government is distributing bicycles to every student studying in class IX.

Stating that a new horizon has been created in education, the Chief Minister said that the State government is spending Rs 2,000 crore annually for the benefit of the students.

He also said that if the students take education as their vocation, Assam will progress in leaps and bounds.

The Chief Minister also said that if the pace of development remains like what it is now, a lot of investments will come to Assam.

“Steps have been taken to ensure that in the new Assam, there will be no dearth of employment avenues in the state. In view of Industry 4.0, new disciplines like AI, Robotics, 3D technology etc have been introduced in the academic landscape of the state,” he added.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) The Delhi High Court is set to hear on Tuesday a plea filed by several BJP legislators seeking a direction to the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly to call for a special sitting for the tabling of the CAG reports.

As per the causelist published on the website of the Delhi High Court, a bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula will hear the matter on December 24.

Earlier in the day, the plea filed by Opposition MLAs was mentioned before Acting Chief Justice (ACJ) Vibhu Bakhru, who directed the plea to be listed in the ordinary course.

The much-delayed CAG reports purportedly talk about the alleged lapses of the city government related to the now-withdrawn excise policy, anti-pollution drive and other matters of state finances that may cause embarrassment to the AAP-led government just before the Assembly polls.

The latest plea filed by BJP MLAs Vijender Gupta, Mohan Singh Bisht, Om Prakash Sharma, Ajay Kumar Mahawar, Abhay Verma, Anil Bajpai and Jitender Mahajan said that a special sitting of the Delhi Legislative Assembly was not called by the Speaker despite a statement made before the Delhi High Court in an earlier round of litigation.

“This is a clear violation of the statement/undertaking given by the Senior Counsel on behalf of the GNCTD before this Hon’ble Court for which the petitioners reserve their rights to move contempt of court if advised,” it said.

Last week, the Delhi HC disposed of BJP legislators’ plea seeking direction to the city government to forward CAG reports to the Lt. Governor (L-G) after it was told that L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the 14 CAG reports forwarded by Chief Minister Atishi.

It noted that Chief Minister Atishi, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, will forward within 2-3 days these approved reports to the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, who in turn, will promptly take a call on holding a special session for laying down the CAG reports.

The petition had said that the CAG is a “constitutional watchdog” created with the objective of providing independent and credible assurance to the public, the legislature and the executive that the public funds are being collected and used effectively and efficiently.

–IANS

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Bengaluru, Dec 23 (IANS) Reacting to the statement of Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar that she would complain about the alleged obscene remark made against her to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC C.T. Ravi on Monday wondered if it was appropriate for the Minister to speak ill about his mother, sister and wife in the Legislative Council.

Addressing reporters in Chikkamagaluru, Ravi said that Hebbalkar also threatened him on the floor of the House. Along with her, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar and Congress MLC Channaraj Hattiholi also threatened him with dire consequences.

“Laxmi has dubbed BJP leaders as ‘Dhritarashtras’. If she thinks all BJP leaders are Dhritarashtra, why does she want to complain? What’s the benefit she will get out of complaining about the matter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

“The police acted on the complaint by Minister Laxmi and why have they not taken any action on my complaint? Minister Laxmi spoke against my mother, sister and wife. What this ‘great mother’ (Minister Laxmi) had spoken, everyone has seen. Is that correct?” C.T Ravi questioned.

“Was there an order to take me overnight to unknown places, forest areas? Why did they take me to Belagavi, Rayabagh and Lokapura? I got hurt in the head in Khanapur and they got the treatment in Khanapur. It was a small injury and despite bleeding, they did not get the treatment for me. Who asked the police to take me to the sugarcane fields and crusher plant?” Ravi further asked.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Public Distribution, Food and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi commenting over the issue in Hubballi, stated, the Council Chairman’s decision is final in this case and he has stated that there is no record of usage of any derogatory word in the house.

“Assuming that Ravi had used that word, the police can’t subject him to punishment like how it is being done in Afghanistan and Iraq. What nonsense are the Congress leaders talking about the case?” Joshi questioned.

Laxmi Hebbalkar on Monday released a video of the BJP MLC C.T. Ravi allegedly using derogatory words against her on the floor of the Legislative Council and stated that she would never forgive him for the offence.

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, she said that she sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and she would meet him soon and submit the complaint.

The incident erupted last Thursday during a heated debate in the Karnataka Legislative Council. C.T. Ravi allegedly referred to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as a “drug addict.” This provoked strong reactions, with Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar calling Ravi a “murderer.” Ravi reportedly responded with an obscene remark directed at Hebbalkar.

The alleged comment led to Ravi’s arrest on charges of using derogatory language against Hebbalkar. However, following a High Court directive, Ravi was released, sparking further political drama.

The Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti stated that the derogatory remark row involving BJP MLC C.T. Ravi and Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar was a closed chapter and the interference of police in the case was not acceptable.

–IANS

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Jaipur, December 23 (IANS): Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore on Monday criticised the Opposition’s actions, stating that the recent disturbances in Parliament, the scuffles at Makar Dwar, and the use of violence were unbecoming of public representatives.

He expressed his displeasure, noting that he was present with BJP MPs at the gate of Parliament during the incident, which he described as unfortunate.

State BJP President Rathore emphasised that the Congress is protesting over irrelevant issues, but the people are aware of the truth.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, both the Central and state governments have been continuously working for public welfare, the BJP leader said.

He also added that Opposition leaders have consistently attempted to confuse the public about the Constitution, B.R. Ambedkar, and reservation policies.

However, the reality is that Congress has repeatedly insulted Ambedkar, he said.

He noted that while the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi travels abroad to advocate for ending reservations, the BJP has taken concrete steps to honour Ambedkar.

The BJP has not only developed the five pilgrimage sites dedicated to Ambedkar but has also worked to realise his ideals, while Congress has only used his name for political gains, the BJP leader added.

State BJP President Rathore highlighted the pride of the country in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recognition, with the highest civilian honour received in Kuwait, a Muslim-majority country.

This recognition is not limited to Kuwait; more than 20 countries have honoured PM Modi for his global leadership, diplomatic skills, and the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). This reflects the result of PM Modi’s strong foreign policy and leadership abilities, he said.

The State BJP President assured that the BJP is focused on strengthening its organisational structure and addressing public issues.

He urged party workers to remain close to the people, resolve their problems, and work towards making the party organisation stronger.

He also shared details about the upcoming elections for key party positions, including the Mandal president, district president, state president, and national president, alongside the formation of booth committees.

He emphasised that party workers would be assigned roles based on their qualifications.

In honour of the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the BJP will celebrate Good Governance Day on December 25 across the country.

State BJP President Rathore mentioned that various programmes would be held across the state to celebrate this occasion.

Additionally, on December 26, the country will observe “Veer Bal Diwas” to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the sons of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. Various events will take place across the state in their memory, the BJP leader said.

He also criticised the Opposition’s discussion on Manusmriti, particularly their refusal to present it when asked in Parliament, despite claiming there was only one copy.

He asked why such a topic is being raised when it has no relevance in modern society and has no place in the Constitution.

The State BJP President urged the Opposition to also address Sharia law, which they openly support, but avoid discussing it.

He concluded by stressing that discussions over irrelevant or outdated issues should not confuse society.

–IANS

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Jammu, Dec 23 (IANS) As part of the Rozgar Mela, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday handed over appointment letters to 189 youth of Jammu. The beneficiaries spoke to IANS and expressed happiness on receiving the job offers.

After receiving the appointment letters, the youth of Jammu expressed their gratitude to PM Modi. They said that they and their families were very happy to receive the appointment letter from the Prime Minister personally.

Sharing their experiences, the beneficiaries also said that they are fully prepared to serve the nation, especially because Jammu and Kashmir shares its border with a neighbouring country. Along with this, they even expressed their desire to contribute to the security of the nation through the Border Security Force or other auxiliary forces.

After receiving the appointment letters from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, beneficiary Kapil Sodhi expressed his happiness while talking to IANS. He said, “Today, I and my family are very happy because of this job fair. I would like to thank PM Modi for this. After joining, I will serve the country wholeheartedly.”

Another beneficiary Shivam Pal said, “I have been selected in the SSC GD Constable 2024 recruitment. Today I and my family are very happy to receive the appointment letter.”

Another beneficiary Samridhi Sharma expressed happiness on receiving the appointment letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She told IANS, “The Prime Minister gave us this opportunity, due to which we became eligible to get a government job. All the family members are happy about this. I am thankful to the Prime Minister for this opportunity.”

It may be noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday distributed 71,000 job offers through video conferencing during the 14th edition of Rozgar Mela.

The Rozgar Mela was held at 45 locations across the country. The recruitments took place for various ministries and departments of the Central Government.

–IANS

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Hyderabad, Dec 23 (IANS) Shyam Benegal, the pioneer of India’s parallel cinema who passed away on Monday at the age of 90, had a special attachment to Hyderabad, a city where he had his roots.

Even six decades after leaving Hyderabad, the legendary filmmaker always enjoyed being in the city of Nizams where he was born and educated.

However, in recent years, he has lamented the disappearance of historical landmarks due to unplanned growth and admitted that he lost emotional resonance with the place after losing his friends.

The Dadasaheb Phalke awardee’s tryst with filmmaking began as a teenager in Hyderabad, and he later returned to make some of his well-known movies.

The doyen of filmmaking had a special feeling for Telangana culture and his movies like Ankur, Nishant, and Mandi were set here.

For Benegal, both Hyderabad and Telangana had a special place. He often used to say the historic city has a distinct character and composite culture that no other city can boast of. He also stated on many occasions that the cultural character of Telangana always appealed to him.

It was in the Moula-Ali area in Hyderabad where some of Benegal’s earlier movies were made. The eminent director had a house in the same area.

Benegal, who studied M.A. at Nizam College, a constituent of Osmania University, also had fond memories of the Sainikpuri area where Ankur and Mandi were shot.

The filmmaker, who directed one Telugu movie ‘Anugraham’ (1978), revealed that he understands Telugu but had difficulty in speaking the language.

He believed that Hyderabad changed dramatically after the 1980s. During a visit about a decade ago, he had said that Hyderabad he knew was a different place.

“Everything has changed. Only names have remained,” he had once said.

During an interaction with students of Annapurna International School of Film and Media in 2013, he shared his experiences of his journey in cinema.

He advised young filmmakers to be interested in the world around them, observe other people, listen to them and notice the shades of emotions that change in the conversation.

“Learn enough about society, like who you are. India is such a diverse country that one lifetime is not enough. You have to learn. Every day is a learning day. Don’t think you have learnt enough. I don’t think that even for a second. For me, tomorrow is the day I have to start from scratch. I am blessed because of that. It doesn’t allow me to be complacent,” he had said.

“Filmmaking is such an exciting thing. Here I get an opportunity to actually play god. How many professions you get that opportunity? When you make a film, you are creating that world which anybody can partake of by just sitting there. But if you write, the person has to read that,” he had told the students.

–IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Dec 23 (IANS) The Odisha Congress will hold the Ambedkar Samman Yatra in all the districts across the state on Tuesday (December 24) over the alleged disrespect to B.R. Ambedkar by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament.

The Congress has been demanding the resignation of Amit Shah and a public apology from him for his controversial remarks on Ambedkar.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka said, “Congress will hold agitation against the statement of Amit Shah and the “anti-constitution, anti-Dalit mindset” of the BJP. On Tuesday, we will garland the statues of Ambedkar in all districts across the country and later march to the offices of district collectors in a rally holding photos of Ambedkar. We will submit a memorandum to the President through the district collector demanding that Amit Shah should resign and issue an apology. We will never tolerate the disrespect shown by him towards Ambedkar.”

The Koraput MP also said that the Congress will continue to protest till Amit Shah resigns and offers an apology for his remarks against Ambedkar.

The Congress leader also noted that being from the tribal community he could get the opportunity to become an MP only because of Ambedkar, Jawahar Lal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

He called the ruling BJP and RSS “anti-Constitution” and said that the Congress is fighting to save the Constitution and demanding a caste census for this reason.

Referring to a physical altercation between BJP and Congress leaders in Parliament resulting in injury to two BJP MPs, Ulaka alleged that BJP has filed 26 cases against Rahul Gandhi by creating a well-planned false drama to divert the attention from the disrespectful statement made by Amit Shah.

On the other hand, the Congress Legislative Party leader in Assembly, Rama Chandra Kadam also criticised the BJP and Union Home Minister Shah for the latter’s disrespectful statement made against Ambedkar.

He said that Union Minister Shah’s statement is also against the Dalits, Adivasis and the Constitution of India.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Chairperson of Adani Foundation, Priti Adani, on Monday said the passing away of one of the pioneers of ‘parallel cinema’ — film-maker and National Award winner Shyam Benegal — marks the end of an era in the Indian cinema, adding that his legacy will continue to inspire others.

Taking to X, Priti Adani wrote: “Shyam Benegal’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. A master storyteller, his films bridged art and reality, giving voice to the unheard and shaping the golden age of parallel cinema. His legacy will continue to inspire filmmakers and cinephiles alike. Om Shanti.”

Shyam Sunder S. Benegal, a multiple National Award winner and among the pioneers of ‘parallel cinema’ – with silver screen classics like “Junoon”, “Ankur”, “Manthan”, “Zubeida” and “The Making of the Mahatma” – passed away after a long battle with a kidney disease, his family said here on Monday.

A second-cousin brother of the late legend, actor-film-maker Guru Dutt, Benegal was 90 and breathed his last at a private hospital in Mumbai. He is survived by his wife Nira and their daughter Pia.

Conferred the Padma Shri (1976), the Padma Bhushan (1991), the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2005) and many other national-international honours, Benegal had celebrated his 90th birthday (December 14) with many colleagues from the film industry present to meet and greet him.

The details of the last rites of his mortal remains are not yet known.

Born in Hyderabad on December 14, 1934, Benegal belonged to a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahman lineage, with his photographer-father Sridhar B. Benegal having roots in Karnataka.

At the tender age of 12, the little Shyam had shot a film using a camera presented by his dad, who inspired and nurtured his interest in film-making that became his career for over six decades.

Later, Benegal went onto study MA (Economics), founded the Hyderabad Film Society, and later started his career in 1959 as a copy-writer with Lintas Advertising Agency in Mumbai, where he rose to be the Creative Head, with over 900 ad films and sponsored documentaries under his belt.

In 1962, Benegal made his first Gujarati documentary film, “Gher Betha Ganga” (Ganga At Doorsteps), taught at the prestigious Film & Television Institute of India from 1966-1973, and later served as its Chairman twice (1980-1983 & 1989-1992).

With over 70 documentaries and short films to his credit, and a stint in the USA, Benegal made his first full-length Hindi feature film, “Ankur” (1974), that shot him to fame, bagging 3 National Awards, another 43 national-international awards/honours.

Over a film career spanning more than 60 years, Benegal made many classics like “Manthan” (1976), “Bhumika” (1977), “Junoon” and “Kalyug” (1979), “Aarohan” (1982), “Mandi” (1983), “Trikaal” (1985, “Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda” (1993), “The Making of the Mahatma” (1996), “Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero” (2005), “Welcome to Sajjanpur” (2008), “Mujib: The Making of a Nation” (2023), to name a few prominent ones.

He also made noteworthy and award-winning documentaries, including on India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, “Jawaharlal Nehru” (1982) and “Nehru” (1985), on the legendary film-maker Satyajit Ray, Tata Steel’s Platinum Jubilee, A Festival of India, Lost Childhood, and many more.

Benegal created memorable television serials like: “Yatra” (1986), “Bharat Ek Khoj” (1988), “Sankranti” (1997), “Samvidhaan” (2014), among several others.

Tributes poured in for Benegal on social media from actors, actresses, producers, directors, his colleagues in the Indian and international film fraternity, media groups and his legion of fans and admirers.

–IANS

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