Odisha CM directs appointment of more doctors in tribal areas

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Feb 22 (IANS) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday deplored the acts of ridiculing the key institutions of the country, saying that people should expose all those sinister designs which are trying to destabilise India and also manipulate democracy.

“There is another systemic challenge. The President is ridiculed. The Prime Minister is ridiculed. My position is ridiculed. Our institutions, the Election Commission, and the judiciary are tainted. These acts come from those without national interest at heart. Recently, it was authoritatively revealed—our elections were sought to be doctored, manipulated,” said the Vice President while addressing the students and faculty members of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University at the 65th Annual Convocation Ceremony of Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra.

He called upon the people to remain alert, think and expose such acts, adding that the time has come for deep, thorough, micro-level investigation.

“Expose all those who are behind these sinister designs to destabilise our nation and manipulate our democracy,” he urged.

He also said that anti-national forces that attack democratic values, seek to tarnish the spirit of the Constitution and defame the country’s institutions.

“When they attack our very foundations, they must be countered. This is the duty of every individual,” the Vice President said.

The Vice President said that every person has the right to follow any religion he wants and can adopt any religion of his choice.

“But when conversion takes place by allurement, temptation, and the objective is that we will get supremacy by changing the demography of the nation, then it is a matter of serious concern. History is witness to this, some countries of the world are examples of this. You are more intelligent and knowledgeable than me, you can find out for yourself – the very form of the country has been destroyed, majority community there has disappeared. We cannot allow this demographic invasion. Organic demographic growth is acceptable, but if it is disruptive with a sinister design to control, we must become alert. This is a matter of contemplation for us,” he said.

The Vice President further stated that social transformation comes with social harmony, which defines unity in diversity.

“It converts caste, creed, and religion – the divisive situations – into a force of unity. Let us generate social harmony at all costs. We are a unique civilisation – spiritualistic, religious, and ethical. Our cultural strength has guided the world for thousands of years. Imbibe and nurture family values; respect elders and parents. This will give you the stamina to contribute to the nation. A seed of patriotism will automatically blossom,” observed the Vice President.

The Vice President claimed that climate change is a menace. “The planet is cliffhanging on an existential crisis. We are trustees but have recklessly exploited it. The time bomb is ticking. We must act. The Prime Minister’s call – ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is a game changer. Millions are doing it. Let’s believe in environmental protection,” he said.

While giving a call for Swadeshi, the Vice President said, “A nation is powerful only if it is Aatmanirbhar. Let’s believe in Swadeshi and be vocal for local.”

Earlier, after landing at the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar the Vice President visited the awe-inspiring Ellora Caves, a magnificent symbol of India’s rich civilisational and spiritual heritage.

He also performed pooja at the sacred Grishneshwar Temple in Ellora, which is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and prayed for the progress of the nation and the well-being of all its people.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS) The government has successfully registered over 24.77 lakh applications from village artisans such as carpenters, porters and masons for benefits under the PM Vishwakarma scheme and formalised 5.70 crore MSMEs during 2024, according to an official year-end review released on Wednesday.

As many as 15.05 lakh beneficiaries have completed basic skill training under the scheme and credit support to the tune of Rs 2,197.72 crore sanctioned to 2.54 lakh beneficiaries in the form of collateral-free loans at a concessional rate of interest, the review stated.

As many as 6.58 lakh beneficiaries are digitally enabled and marketing support was extended through 75 trade fairs and exhibitions organised across the country to promote artisans and their crafts & skills during the year.

To commemorate the successful completion of one year of the Scheme, the Prime Minister himself attended a national event held in September at Wardha in Maharashtra.

A major thrust of the government has been on formalisation of enterprises, which is an important enabler for providing an identity to MSME enterprises and ease of doing business.

As on December 26, 2024, as many as 5.70 crore MSMEs, with an employment of 24.14 crore are registered on Udyam Registration Portal and Udyam Assist Platform (UAP), according to the review.

The Ministry of MSME, through its Development and Facilitation Offices (DFOs) and in coordination with the state governments and other stakeholders, has promoted special registration drives across the country.

This effort has yielded significant results, which is evident from the accelerated growth in the number of registered enterprises.

The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises is one of the flagship schemes of the Ministry of MSME for providing collateral-free loans to Micro and Small Enterprises.

This scheme was revamped in the year 2023, wherein the ceiling limit of guarantee coverage was enhanced from Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore; the annual guarantee fees reduced; and threshold limit for waiver of legal action was increased.

As many as 19.90 lakh guarantees have been approved, amounting to Rs 2.44 lakh crore during the period 1st January to 30th December, 2024.

In addition, a Special Scheme for Micro Enterprises, which are exempt from GST regime and are registered on Udyam Assist Platform, was launched on 14th February 2024 in which loans up to Rs 20 lakh guaranteed without any Primary Security are provided to Informal Micro Enterprises and the Guarantee coverage is 85 per cent, the statement said.

Further, recognising the importance of women entrepreneurs in the economic growth of the country, the guarantee coverage has been enhanced for women-owned enterprises from existing 85 per cent to 90 per cent vis-a-vis 75 per cent coverage for others with effect from April 1, 2024, it added.

There has also been a 4-fold increase in Khadi and Village Industries (KVI) sales in the last 10 years, which is to the tune of Rs 1,55,673.13 crore in FY 2023-24 as compared to Rs 33,135.90 crore in FY 2014-15 which has helped to increase employment and rural incomes.

In the current FY till November 30, KVI sales to the tune of Rs 1,10,747.40 crore have been recorded.

Besides, to provide assured market support to the Micro and Small Enterprises in the country, the Ministry of MSME, government of India notified the Public Procurement Policy which mandates 25 per cent annual procurement from MSEs by Union Ministries and Public Sector Enterprises.

–IANS

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Kolkata, July 29 (IANS) In an attempt to increase surveillance in guest houses and hotels in the city and suburbs under its jurisdiction, the Kolkata Police have issued guidelines tightening the check-in norms for guests renting accommodation.

The decision came amid recent arrests of four accused in the murder of Patna gangster Chandan Mishra, including the prime accused Tauseef, from a guest house, Green Edge Regency, at Anandapur area in the southern outskirts of Kolkata, in a joint operation by Bihar Police and the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF).

It was revealed that these accused persons were allowed check-ins at the guest house without furnishing documents on their identity proof.

The Kolkata Police also registered a suo motu case against the owner of the Anandapur guest house for granting accommodation without any valid identity proof. To prevent a repeat of this incident, Kolkata Police have issued fresh guidelines for hotels and guest houses.

Now, guest house and hotel owners must collect valid identity documents from all guests before check-in. No one will be given accommodation without a valid identity card.

In addition, Kolkata police have directed hotels and guest houses to install high-quality CCTV cameras, especially at entry and exit points.

The decision to increase surveillance was taken in a recent meeting of the Kolkata Police, where concerns were raised about lax surveillance at hospitality establishments.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma said the police will have to be more vigilant about guests in these hospitality establishments. “Some guidelines are being issued. If these are not followed, legal action will be taken against the concerned persons,” Verma said.

However, the guidelines say that the police should also exercise sufficient caution, and guests should not be subjected to any inconvenience or harassment.

The Commissioner also directed an investigation into the growing number of guest houses in the city to ensure they are operating within legal norms.

–IANS

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