In democracy, one needs proof to back their statements: CM Dhami on Oppn protests

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Haridwar, Oct 8 (IANS) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Thursday that in a democracy, everyone has the right to express their views, but just making statements is not enough, there has to be proof.

While speaking to reporters on Thursday, CM Dhami said, “In a democracy, everyone has the right to express their views. But merely making statements is not enough. You need to have evidence and results to support your claims. Some people seem to have made protesting for the sake of protesting, their objective.”

His comments came in view of the ongoing protests by the INDIA Bloc, led by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and other major leaders.

The Opposition leaders, who are into their third day of protests met for lunch in Connaught Place. Earlier, on Wednesday, they had lunch at a popular South Indian restaurant. Post-lunch, the MPs went back to Rajghat to continue their protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Meanwhile, CM Dhami met Panchayati Raj representatives in Haridwar on Thursday and spoke about the various schemes introduced by the government to develop the rural areas of Uttarakhand better.

“Today, all our Panchayati Raj representatives are here, and discussions are being held with them. A training programme is also being organised for them. Panchayati Raj plays an important role in the development of our state, as more than 70 per cent of our area and population comes under it. The rural sectors should have all the facilities,” Dhami said.

He added that the villages should be clean and healthy, and that is what the government was aiming for too.

“We are continuously working on it. Many schemes have been organised. We discussed how we can develop villages in smaller regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Antyodaya can reach villages through Panchayati Raj, which has an important role in taking this vision to the grassroots. That is why we are working on the demands and priorities of the region.”

He also mentioned the work done by women in the state and the Homestay schemes.

–IANS

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New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay met with leaders from the leather and footwear, AYUSH, pharma, medical devices, light engineering and sports goods sectors in Agra on Sunday.

“Had an enriching engagement” with the business leaders and “was also joined by my friend Mr Todd McClay MP, Minister for Trade & Investment, New Zealand”, Goyal wrote on X.

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Goyal further stated that the India-New Zealand FTA marks a defining milestone, unlocking new opportunities for our farmers, women, artisans, MSMEs, businesses, and skilled professionals.

“In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, this agreement is a gateway to a deeper, more enduring and people-centred partnership between our two nations,” he added.

McClay reaffirmed that India is a strategic priority for New Zealand and urged businesses to actively pursue joint ventures and investment in India.

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The deal will provide India with immediate duty-free access on 100 per cent of tariff lines. This is down from the 10 per cent tariff New Zealand currently levies on about 450 tariff lines that India exports, including textiles and apparel products, leather and headgear, ceramics, carpets, and ⁠automobiles and auto components.

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The FTA also includes a provision wherein New Zealand will invest $20 billion in India over 15 years. This is in the same vein as the $100 billion investment ‘commitment’ the European Free Trade Association made in their FTA with India.

Besides, the FTA also includes several provisions relating to the mobility of working professionals and students. New Zealand has signed an annex on student mobility and post-study work visas for the first time with any country. Under this, Indian students can work up to 20 hours per week while studying in New Zealand, with extended post-study work visas.

Further, the agreement includes a quota of 5,000 visas for skilled Indians for a stay of up to three years in the sectors of interest to India, which include AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, chefs, and music teachers, as well as other key sectors such as IT, engineering, healthcare, education, and construction.

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Jharkhand appoints 1,042 assistant teachers, CM Soren flags role in strengthening education

Ranchi, June 29 (IANS) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday distributed appointment letters to 1,042 intermediate and graduate-trained assistant teachers selected for government schools in Jharkhand.

At an event held at the Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium in Ranchi, Chief Minister Hemant Soren urged the newly-appointed teachers to play a meaningful role in strengthening the education system.

Congratulating the appointees, the Chief Minister said they have been entrusted not just with jobs but with the responsibility of shaping the future of coming generations. He underlined that teachers play the most crucial role in building the personality of children and guiding the direction of society.

Soren noted that questions are often raised about the government education system, and in such a situation, the responsibility of new teachers becomes even greater. He said they must strengthen public trust through their work ethic and dedication.

Emphasising the importance of education, he said knowledge is the foundation of positive social change and that a better and more aware society can only be built through education.

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Of the total appointees, 274 assistant teachers have been selected for Classes I to V, while 768 assistant teachers will teach Classes VI to VIII.

Among graduate-trained assistant teachers, 387 are from the social science stream, 231 from mathematics and science, and 150 from language subjects.

In district-wise distribution, Palamu received the highest number of 123 assistant teachers, followed by Giridih (92), Koderma (81), Sahibganj (63), West Singhbhum (61), Deoghar (59), Dumka (54), Godda (53), and Pakur (51).

Dhanbad got 42 teachers, Latehar 41, East Singhbhum and Jamtara 39 each, Ranchi 36, Saraikela-Kharsawan and Garhwa 34 each, Gumla 27, Bokaro 24, Simdega 21, Hazaribagh 15, Khunti 12, Lohardaga 11, and Ramgarh four.

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Kashmir’s growth post-Article 370 abrogation reflects progress across key sectors: Report

New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) Seven years after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant progress in infrastructure, education, tourism and connectivity, although challenges linked to security and implementation continue, according to a report assessing the region’s transformation since August 2019.

A report by The Global Kashmir, presents what it describes as a sector-wise assessment of the Valley’s changing landscape, saying that while the political debate surrounding the Constitutional changes remains unresolved, development on the ground has gathered pace across several key sectors.

“None of this settles the larger political debate around the abrogation itself, which remains contested in Kashmir and beyond. What can be described with more confidence is the pattern of development on the ground, sector by sector,” the report said.

According to the report, one of the most noticeable changes has been in the education sector. Schools have largely remained open throughout the academic year, reducing disruptions caused by hartals, curfews and prolonged closures that had affected students for years. It noted that the academic calendar has been aligned more closely with the national schedule, while higher education infrastructure has also expanded with AIIMS Jammu becoming fully operational and work continuing on AIIMS Awantipora, alongside the approval of seven new medical colleges.

The report also highlighted the completion of the long-awaited Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, describing it as a milestone in improving connectivity. The opening of the Katra-Banihal section in early 2025 connected the Kashmir Valley with the national railway network, with Vande Bharat trains now significantly reducing travel time between Katra and Srinagar. It added that traders have begun witnessing improvements in the transportation of apples, dry fruits and handicrafts, although the long-term economic impact is still being assessed.

Tourism, another key pillar of the region’s economy, has shown both progress and setbacks, the report said.

Tourist arrivals reached a record level in 2024 before declining in the Valley following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.

Despite the setback, the report noted that the government has continued to diversify tourism by developing new destinations and promoting winter sports and lesser-known circuits.

The report further pointed to improvements in road infrastructure, tunnels, drinking water supply and power connectivity, attributing much of the progress to sustained public investment. However, it also acknowledged delays in major projects such as AIIMS Awantipora, noting that difficult terrain and rising costs have slowed implementation.

On the security front, the report said Kashmir has experienced a reduction in large-scale shutdowns and street violence compared to previous years, while elections have restored an elected government in the Union Territory. At the same time, it cautioned that incidents such as the Pahalgam attack demonstrate that security gains remain vulnerable to setbacks.

“Peace in Kashmir today looks less like the total absence of violence and more like a fragile, still-developing steadiness,” the report added.

The report also highlighted the extension of several Central and Union Territory welfare schemes to Jammu and Kashmir, including initiatives related to housing, agriculture, rural infrastructure, horticulture and entrepreneurship. While acknowledging uneven implementation in some areas, it concluded that the region is undergoing a gradual transformation rather than having reached a final stage of development.

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–IANS

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