The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country is 19,49,51,603 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said.&nbsp;

In a statement, it said 6,82,398 beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years received their first dose on Saturday, and cumulatively 99,79,676 across 37 states/UTs since the start of Phase-3 of the vaccination drive.&nbsp;

Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have administered more than 10 lakh beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years for their first dose of Covid vaccine, it said.&nbsp;

The ministry said the total of 19,49,51,603 include 97,52,422 Healthcare Workers (HCWs), who have taken the first dose and 67,00,147 HCWs, who have taken the second dose.&nbsp;

It also includes 1,49,47,941 Frontline Workers (FLWs) (first dose), 83,22,058 FLWs (second dose), and 99,79,676 for 18-44 years of age group (first dose). 6,06,73,244 for over 45 years old to 60 years old (first dose), 97,84,465 for over 45 years old to 60 years old (second dose), 5,65,49,096 for above 60 years (first dose) and 1,82,42,554 for above 60 years (second dose).&nbsp;

As on Day-127 of the vaccination drive (May 22), a total of 15,52,126 vaccine doses were given. As many as 13,80,232 beneficiaries were vaccinated for first dose and 1,71,894 beneficiaries received their second doses, as per the provisional report till 8 pm.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country is 19,49,51,603 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said. In a statement, it said 6,82,398 beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years received their first dose on Saturday, and cumulatively 99,79,676 across 37 states/UTs since the start of Phase-3 of the vaccination drive.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country is 19,49,51,603 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said. In a statement, it said 6,82,398 beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years received their first dose on Saturday, and cumulatively 99,79,676 across 37 states/UTs since the start of Phase-3 of the vaccination drive. Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have administered more than 10 lakh beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years for their first dose of Covid vaccine, it said. The ministry said the total of 19,49,51,603 include 97,52,422 Healthcare Workers (HCWs), who have taken the first dose and 67,00,147 HCWs, who have taken the second dose. It also includes 1,49,47,941 Frontline Workers (FLWs) (first dose), 83,22,058 FLWs (second dose), and 99,79,676 for 18-44 years of age group (first dose). 6,06,73,244 for over 45 years old to 60 years old (first dose), 97,84,465 for over 45 years old to 60 years old (second dose), 5,65,49,096 for above 60 years (first dose) and 1,82,42,554 for above 60 years (second dose). As on Day-127 of the vaccination drive (May 22), a total of 15,52,126 vaccine doses were given. As many as 13,80,232 beneficiaries were vaccinated for first dose and 1,71,894 beneficiaries received their second doses, as per the provisional report till 8 pm. (With inputs from agencies)

19,49,51,603 vaccine doses administered till now: Centre 

Around 1,84,41,478 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and UTs, while 50,95,640 doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. &nbsp;

The Centre has so far provided more than 20,28,09,250 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost, it said. &nbsp;

Of this, the total consumption, calculated based on average up to May 14, including wastages, is 18,43,67,772 doses, according to data available at 7 pm on Saturday. &nbsp;

"More than 1,84,41,478 Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. States with negative balance are showing more consumption (including wastage) than vaccine supplied as they have not reconciled the vaccine they have supplied to Armed Forces," the ministry said. &nbsp;

It said 50,95,640 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by states and UTs within the next three days.&nbsp;

Vaccination forms an integral component of the comprehensive strategy of Government of India of containment and management of the pandemic (including test, track, treat and Covid appropriate behaviour). &nbsp;

The Centre has been supporting the nationwide vaccination drive by providing Covid vaccines free of cost to states and UTs, in addition to several efforts to ramp up its production and supply, the ministry stated. &nbsp;

Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination has started from May 1 as part of which the government has opened up inoculation for all aged above 18. &nbsp;

Under the Strategy, every month 50 per cent of the total Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) cleared vaccine doses of any manufacturer would be procured by the Centre. It would continue to make these doses available to state governments free of cost as was being done earlier.

Around 1,84,41,478 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and UTs, while 50,95,640 doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

Around 1,84,41,478 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and UTs, while 50,95,640 doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. The Centre has so far provided more than 20,28,09,250 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost, it said. Of this, the total consumption, calculated based on average up to May 14, including wastages, is 18,43,67,772 doses, according to data available at 7 pm on Saturday. "More than 1,84,41,478 Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. States with negative balance are showing more consumption (including wastage) than vaccine supplied as they have not reconciled the vaccine they have supplied to Armed Forces," the ministry said. It said 50,95,640 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by states and UTs within the next three days. Vaccination forms an integral component of the comprehensive strategy of Government of India of containment and management of the pandemic (including test, track, treat and Covid appropriate behaviour). The Centre has been supporting the nationwide vaccination drive by providing Covid vaccines free of cost to states and UTs, in addition to several efforts to ramp up its production and supply, the ministry stated. Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination has started from May 1 as part of which the government has opened up inoculation for all aged above 18. Under the Strategy, every month 50 per cent of the total Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) cleared vaccine doses of any manufacturer would be procured by the Centre. It would continue to make these doses available to state governments free of cost as was being done earlier.

States to receive 50,95,640 COVID-19 vaccine doses in next three days: Centre 

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) on Tuesday emphasized that the Centre and States need to put their acts together in order to meet the response by setting up universally functional COVID-19 dashboards for real-time information in the public domain on the availability of hospital beds, oxygen, critical care medicines and devices.

It has also asked for setting up 24X7 functional toll-free helplines and fixing the prices of Covid treatment resources.

The Commission, appreciating and taking a note of the ground realities and challenges, as also reported in the media, related to the management of the second wave of Covid -19, has recommended to the Centre and States, through its 2.0 Covid Advisory, that they need to take immediate action against those hoarding and black-marketing essential medicines, oxygen cylinders and critical care devices. It has also asked them to ramp up the production, transportation and distribution of essential resources.

The Commission has sought action taken report within four weeks on the recommendations contained in its Advisory 2.0, already sent to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories by the Secretary-General, NHRC on 4th May 2021.

Some of the other important recommendations in the 2.0 Advisory are:

Any COVID-19 patient who approaches any public health facility should receive the treatment free of cost;

Functional and effective Help-Desks should be set up in all public and private hospitals for a preliminary check-up;

There should be universal coverage and non-discriminatory pricing of COVID vaccines in all health facilities of the country, and if feasible, vaccination should be made free for everyone irrespective of private or public health establishment along with adequate testing facilities for Covid-19 and timely reports;

Management of crematoriums and burial grounds should be improved, using electric crematorium and App-based interventions to be promoted among stakeholders;

The protection of Rights of COVID warriors engaged should be ensured and the body of a deceased Covid patient should be treated with dignity and handed over to the family ensuring all Covid protocols;

Practical time restrictions should be imposed for buying essential commodities during lockdowns.&nbsp;

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) on Tuesday emphasized that the Centre and States need to put their acts together in order to meet the response by setting up universally functional COVID-19 dashboards for real-time information in the public domain on the availability of hospital beds, oxygen, critical care medicines and devices.

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) on Tuesday emphasized that the Centre and States need to put their acts together in order to meet the response by setting up universally functional COVID-19 dashboards for real-time information in the public domain on the availability of hospital beds, oxygen, critical care medicines and devices. It has also asked for setting up 24X7 functional toll-free helplines and fixing the prices of Covid treatment resources. The Commission, appreciating and taking a note of the ground realities and challenges, as also reported in the media, related to the management of the second wave of Covid -19, has recommended to the Centre and States, through its 2.0 Covid Advisory, that they need to take immediate action against those hoarding and black-marketing essential medicines, oxygen cylinders and critical care devices. It has also asked them to ramp up the production, transportation and distribution of essential resources. The Commission has sought action taken report within four weeks on the recommendations contained in its Advisory 2.0, already sent to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories by the Secretary-General, NHRC on 4th May 2021. Some of the other important recommendations in the 2.0 Advisory are: Any COVID-19 patient who approaches any public health facility should receive the treatment free of cost; Functional and effective Help-Desks should be set up in all public and private hospitals for a preliminary check-up; There should be universal coverage and non-discriminatory pricing of COVID vaccines in all health facilities of the country, and if feasible, vaccination should be made free for everyone irrespective of private or public health establishment along with adequate testing facilities for Covid-19 and timely reports; Management of crematoriums and burial grounds should be improved, using electric crematorium and App-based interventions to be promoted among stakeholders; The protection of Rights of COVID warriors engaged should be ensured and the body of a deceased Covid patient should be treated with dignity and handed over to the family ensuring all Covid protocols; Practical time restrictions should be imposed for buying essential commodities during lockdowns.

Centre, States should expeditious implement second wave of  Covid-19 Advisory: NHRC

78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs which will receive 56,20,670 additional doses within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Government of India has so far provided 16,54,93,410 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost. Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 15,76,32,631 doses.&nbsp;

Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination started on Saturday. Registration for the new eligible population groups has commenced since April 28. Potential beneficiaries can either register directly on CoWIN portal or through the Aarogya Setu app. &nbsp;

"More than 78,60,779 COVID vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.&nbsp;

"Furthermore, more than 56,20,670 vaccine doses will be received in addition by them within the next three days," the ministry said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs which will receive 56,20,670 additional doses within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs which will receive 56,20,670 additional doses within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. The Government of India has so far provided 16,54,93,410 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost. Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 15,76,32,631 doses. Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination started on Saturday. Registration for the new eligible population groups has commenced since April 28. Potential beneficiaries can either register directly on CoWIN portal or through the Aarogya Setu app. "More than 78,60,779 COVID vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. "Furthermore, more than 56,20,670 vaccine doses will be received in addition by them within the next three days," the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses still available with states: Centre 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a meeting with all chief ministers on the Covid-19 situation in India. The meeting comes at a time when India is facing a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the meeting, he said that those who want to do politics are already doing it, but he believes in serving the people of India at such a difficult time.

In his interaction with chief ministers to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the ongoing vaccination drive, Modi said he is confident that all CMs, taking all parties and people together, would change the situation in their respective states.

"As far as doing or not doing politics is concerned, I am seeing from day one and I have been putting up with all kinds of statements without joining the issue myself because I believe that serving the people of India is our responsibility," Modi said.

"God has entrusted us this responsibility to serve the people in this difficult situation, we have to fulfil this. Those who want to do politics are already doing it, I don't want to say anything to them," he said.

The Congress-led opposition has criticised the government over its handling of the COVID-19 and the vaccination drive, while the Centre has maintained that its timely steps have been instrumental in effectively dealing with the pandemic.

Also, while some states have flagged a "shortage" of vaccine doses, the Centre has maintained that sufficient quantity of the jabs has been allocated to all the states and that many of them have been unable to inoculate all eligible beneficiaries.

In his remarks, Modi called for 100 per cent vaccination of 45 years plus population in the high caseload districts.

He also stressed on Dawai Bhi, Kadai Bhi (medicines as well as strict preventive measures)", and urged people not to compromise on that.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a meeting with all chief ministers on the Covid-19 situation in India. The meeting comes at a time when India is facing a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a meeting with all chief ministers on the Covid-19 situation in India. The meeting comes at a time when India is facing a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the meeting, he said that those who want to do politics are already doing it, but he believes in serving the people of India at such a difficult time. In his interaction with chief ministers to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the ongoing vaccination drive, Modi said he is confident that all CMs, taking all parties and people together, would change the situation in their respective states. "As far as doing or not doing politics is concerned, I am seeing from day one and I have been putting up with all kinds of statements without joining the issue myself because I believe that serving the people of India is our responsibility," Modi said. "God has entrusted us this responsibility to serve the people in this difficult situation, we have to fulfil this. Those who want to do politics are already doing it, I don't want to say anything to them," he said. The Congress-led opposition has criticised the government over its handling of the COVID-19 and the vaccination drive, while the Centre has maintained that its timely steps have been instrumental in effectively dealing with the pandemic. Also, while some states have flagged a "shortage" of vaccine doses, the Centre has maintained that sufficient quantity of the jabs has been allocated to all the states and that many of them have been unable to inoculate all eligible beneficiaries. In his remarks, Modi called for 100 per cent vaccination of 45 years plus population in the high caseload districts. He also stressed on Dawai Bhi, Kadai Bhi (medicines as well as strict preventive measures)", and urged people not to compromise on that. (With inputs from agencies)

PM warns against the politicisation of Covid-19 amid verbal duel between Centre, states over vaccine supply

The Centre on Monday requested the Supreme Court to open the sealed cover report of a panel headed by former top court judge D.K. Jain, formed in September 2018 by the court to probe the role of Kerala police officers in the wrongful arrest of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in a 1994 espionage case.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, requested the top court to take up the report for passing appropriate orders on Tuesday. Mehta submitted that the matter is of national importance.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde said there is no doubt that the matter is important, but there is no urgency in hearing it. The top court, however, agreed to hear the matter next week.

79-year-old Narayanan waged a legal battle against the Kerala police officers who accused him of being a Pakistan spy in 1994. Besides appointing the panel, the top court had directed the Kerala government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation for causing immense humiliation to Narayanan.

In 2018, a bench of the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra decided to appoint a committee under Jain and asked the Centre and the Kerala government to name one person each to the committee under Jain. While the Centre appointed a top official -- D.K. Prasad, the Pinarayi Vijayan government appointed former Additional Chief Secretary V. S. Senthil.

The ISRO spy case surfaced in 1994 when Narayanan was arrested on charges of espionage along with another senior official of ISRO, two Maldivian women and a businessman.

The CBI had held that the then top police officials in Kerala were responsible for Narayanan`s illegal arrest. The panel examined the circumstances leading to Narayanan`s arrest. It was alleged that confidential documents on India`s space programme were allegedly transferred to foreign countries.

Narayanan had maintained that Kerala police fabricated the case and the technology he was accused to have stolen and sold in the 1994 case did not even exist at that time.

The Centre on Monday requested the Supreme Court to open the sealed cover report of a panel headed by former top court judge D.K. Jain, formed in September 2018 by the court to probe the role of Kerala police officers in the wrongful arrest of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in a 1994 espionage case.

The Centre on Monday requested the Supreme Court to open the sealed cover report of a panel headed by former top court judge D.K. Jain, formed in September 2018 by the court to probe the role of Kerala police officers in the wrongful arrest of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in a 1994 espionage case. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, requested the top court to take up the report for passing appropriate orders on Tuesday. Mehta submitted that the matter is of national importance. A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde said there is no doubt that the matter is important, but there is no urgency in hearing it. The top court, however, agreed to hear the matter next week. 79-year-old Narayanan waged a legal battle against the Kerala police officers who accused him of being a Pakistan spy in 1994. Besides appointing the panel, the top court had directed the Kerala government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation for causing immense humiliation to Narayanan. In 2018, a bench of the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra decided to appoint a committee under Jain and asked the Centre and the Kerala government to name one person each to the committee under Jain. While the Centre appointed a top official -- D.K. Prasad, the Pinarayi Vijayan government appointed former Additional Chief Secretary V. S. Senthil. The ISRO spy case surfaced in 1994 when Narayanan was arrested on charges of espionage along with another senior official of ISRO, two Maldivian women and a businessman. The CBI had held that the then top police officials in Kerala were responsible for Narayanan`s illegal arrest. The panel examined the circumstances leading to Narayanan`s arrest. It was alleged that confidential documents on India`s space programme were allegedly transferred to foreign countries. Narayanan had maintained that Kerala police fabricated the case and the technology he was accused to have stolen and sold in the 1994 case did not even exist at that time.

ISRO espionage case: Centre seeks urgent hearing, Supreme Court to hear matter next week

India on Wednesday said it will continue discussions with China to resolve the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and achieve the objective of disengagement from all friction points to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas at an early date.

In responding to a question in Lok Sabha on whether China has admitted the loss of lives of their commandos in the Galwan encounter, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said the Central Military Commission of China on February 19 announced awarding posthumously honorary titles and merit citations to Chinese soldiers.

"As per the announcement, these titles were awarded for the role of these soldiers in the faceoff at Galwan Valley in June 2020," he said.

Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the fierce hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan Valley clash, an incident that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades.

For the first time, China officially acknowledged last month that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the clash with the Indian Army.

"Government will continue discussions with the Chinese side to resolve the remaining issues along the LAC in eastern Ladakh and achieve the objective of disengagement from all friction points and restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas at an early date," Muraleedharan said.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted on May 5 following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement.

In his response, Muraleedharan also referred to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's announcement in Parliament on February 11 that India and China reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong Lake.

"The disengagement in the Pangong Lake area has been completed," he said.

After completion of the disengagement process in Pangong lake areas, senior military commanders of India and China held another round of talks on February 20 with a focus on taking forward the disengagement process in other friction points.

In the talks, India pitched for a faster disengagement process in areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang to bring down tension in the region.

India on Wednesday said it will continue discussions with China to resolve the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and achieve the objective of disengagement from all friction points to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas at an early date.

India on Wednesday said it will continue discussions with China to resolve the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and achieve the objective of disengagement from all friction points to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas at an early date. In responding to a question in Lok Sabha on whether China has admitted the loss of lives of their commandos in the Galwan encounter, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said the Central Military Commission of China on February 19 announced awarding posthumously honorary titles and merit citations to Chinese soldiers. "As per the announcement, these titles were awarded for the role of these soldiers in the faceoff at Galwan Valley in June 2020," he said. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the fierce hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan Valley clash, an incident that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades. For the first time, China officially acknowledged last month that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the clash with the Indian Army. "Government will continue discussions with the Chinese side to resolve the remaining issues along the LAC in eastern Ladakh and achieve the objective of disengagement from all friction points and restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas at an early date," Muraleedharan said. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted on May 5 following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement. In his response, Muraleedharan also referred to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's announcement in Parliament on February 11 that India and China reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong Lake. "The disengagement in the Pangong Lake area has been completed," he said. After completion of the disengagement process in Pangong lake areas, senior military commanders of India and China held another round of talks on February 20 with a focus on taking forward the disengagement process in other friction points. In the talks, India pitched for a faster disengagement process in areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang to bring down tension in the region.

Will continue discussions with China to resolve remaining issues: Centre on Ladakh standoff

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation.

The government has an ambitious plan to monetise around 100 government-owned assets as part of the monetisation plan, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he spoke about various reforms undertaken in the Union Budget.

"With this the government will be aiming to achieve Rs 2.5 trillion investment, we are going ahead with the mantra of monetise and modernise," Modi said.

Speaking at a webinar on privatisation by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Modi said state-owned companies in four strategic sectors will be kept at bare minimum and that the government is committed to privatising PSUs in all sectors barring four strategic ones.

Further, Modi urged for feedback on the privatisation and monetisation initiative for swift implementation.

Outlining the government focus going forward, Modi said that the government is working on Rs 111 trillion national infrastructure pipeline (NIP) fund.

"The government has no business to be in business. When government monetises, that space is filled by private sector of the country. Private sector brings investment and best global practices with them," he said.

Modi said that the public sector enterprises are loss-making and several of them need the support of public money and that they should not be run because they were started many years ago and were someone's pet project.

"The Budget has given a clear roadmap to take India to a high growth trajectory," Modi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation. The government has an ambitious plan to monetise around 100 government-owned assets as part of the monetisation plan, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he spoke about various reforms undertaken in the Union Budget. "With this the government will be aiming to achieve Rs 2.5 trillion investment, we are going ahead with the mantra of monetise and modernise," Modi said. Speaking at a webinar on privatisation by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Modi said state-owned companies in four strategic sectors will be kept at bare minimum and that the government is committed to privatising PSUs in all sectors barring four strategic ones. Further, Modi urged for feedback on the privatisation and monetisation initiative for swift implementation. Outlining the government focus going forward, Modi said that the government is working on Rs 111 trillion national infrastructure pipeline (NIP) fund. "The government has no business to be in business. When government monetises, that space is filled by private sector of the country. Private sector brings investment and best global practices with them," he said. Modi said that the public sector enterprises are loss-making and several of them need the support of public money and that they should not be run because they were started many years ago and were someone's pet project. "The Budget has given a clear roadmap to take India to a high growth trajectory," Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre plans to privatise PSUs in all sectors barring 4 strategic ones: PM Modi

The Union Government today said that four cases of covid-19 with South Africa strain have been detected in the country in January through its ongoing genomic surveillance initiative.

Dr Balram Bhargava, Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said: "In India, the South Africa strain has been detected in four different SA returnees -- one from Angola, one from Tanzania and two from South Africa in January 2021. While one Brazil returnee has tested positive for the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the first week of February 2021. The traveller from both the countries and their contacts have been tested and quarantined."

Dr Bhargava further informed that ICMR-NIV Pune is attempting to isolate and culture the SA variant strain from the samples of these four individual returnees. The S African variant first emerged independently in South Africa in mid-December 2020. It has spread to 44 countries. The central government said the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV2 emerged independently in Brazil in early January 2021. This attributed to increased cases in Brazil, particularly Manaus.

"There are mutations in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein and increased transmissibility. It has spread to 15 countries so far," it said."In case of Brazil variant strain, virus strain has been successfully isolated and cultured at ICMR-NIV, Pune. Experiments to assess vaccine effectiveness are underway," he said.

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We have done disembarkations, mandatory RT-PCR tests for travellers coming from UK. Those who tested positive, their genome sequencing being done. This is a good strategy. I hope- we might follow this similar strategy for flights from South Africa &amp; Brazil: Secy, Health Ministry <a href="https://t.co/qC4FQJhLHI">pic.twitter.com/qC4FQJhLHI</a>
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In context with the UK virus strain, the ICMR DG said: "To date, INSACOG has reported cases of 187 UK variants and no deaths have been reported. All confirmed cases quarantined and treated. Contacts isolated and tested," adding that the isolation of UK variant has been published in the Journal of Travel Medicine. Meanwhile answering a query on putting travel restrictions on S Africa and Brazil flights, Rajesh Bhushan said, "We have already done disembarkations and mandatory RT-PCR tests for the traveller coming from UK flights. For those who tested positive, their genome sequencing is being done. I think this is a good strategy. I hope we might follow this similar strategy for S Africa and Brazil flights. The catch is this South Africa and Brazilian flights do not have a direct flight to India like the UK flights. Most of the traffic is routed from Gulf countries. For this civil aviation, the ministry is looking into it."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Union Government today said that four cases of covid-19 with South Africa strain have been detected in the country in January through its ongoing genomic surveillance initiative.

The Union Government today said that four cases of covid-19 with South Africa strain have been detected in the country in January through its ongoing genomic surveillance initiative. Dr Balram Bhargava, Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said: "In India, the South Africa strain has been detected in four different SA returnees -- one from Angola, one from Tanzania and two from South Africa in January 2021. While one Brazil returnee has tested positive for the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the first week of February 2021. The traveller from both the countries and their contacts have been tested and quarantined." Dr Bhargava further informed that ICMR-NIV Pune is attempting to isolate and culture the SA variant strain from the samples of these four individual returnees. The S African variant first emerged independently in South Africa in mid-December 2020. It has spread to 44 countries. The central government said the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV2 emerged independently in Brazil in early January 2021. This attributed to increased cases in Brazil, particularly Manaus. "There are mutations in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein and increased transmissibility. It has spread to 15 countries so far," it said."In case of Brazil variant strain, virus strain has been successfully isolated and cultured at ICMR-NIV, Pune. Experiments to assess vaccine effectiveness are underway," he said. We have done disembarkations, mandatory RT-PCR tests for travellers coming from UK. Those who tested positive, their genome sequencing being done. This is a good strategy. I hope- we might follow this similar strategy for flights from South Africa & Brazil: Secy, Health Ministry pic.twitter.com/qC4FQJhLHI — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2021 × In context with the UK virus strain, the ICMR DG said: "To date, INSACOG has reported cases of 187 UK variants and no deaths have been reported. All confirmed cases quarantined and treated. Contacts isolated and tested," adding that the isolation of UK variant has been published in the Journal of Travel Medicine. Meanwhile answering a query on putting travel restrictions on S Africa and Brazil flights, Rajesh Bhushan said, "We have already done disembarkations and mandatory RT-PCR tests for the traveller coming from UK flights. For those who tested positive, their genome sequencing is being done. I think this is a good strategy. I hope we might follow this similar strategy for S Africa and Brazil flights. The catch is this South Africa and Brazilian flights do not have a direct flight to India like the UK flights. Most of the traffic is routed from Gulf countries. For this civil aviation, the ministry is looking into it." (With inputs from agencies)

South African Covid-19 strain detected in 4 returnees: Centre

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India. He will be meeting India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar as part of the 6th Nepal-India joint commission meet for which the invite was extended last year.

A release by Nepal foreign ministry, "The Joint Commission Meeting will discuss the whole gamut of Nepal-India bilateral relations, including trade, transit, energy, boundary, COVID-19 cooperation, infrastructure, connectivity, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture, among others."

The joint commission meeting, which alternates between the 2 countries, takes place in New Delhi this year. The Fifth Joint Commission Meeting was held in August 2019 in Kathmandu with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visiting the country. The Nepali delegation will consist of the Nepali envoy to India, Foreign Secretary, Health Secretary, and other senior officials of the Government of Nepal.

Last year saw 3 high-level visits from Delhi to Nepal. These include the visit of India's intelligence chief, followed by the Indian army chief, and then by the visit of the foreign secretary.

This is the first high-level visit from Kathmandu in over a year and comes in the backdrop of India Nepal row over the new map issued by the Oli government. The new Nepali map showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed the "Unjustified Cartographic Assertion'. He will be the first foreign minister to visit Delhi this year.

While the map row did impact the political ties, the focus on people to people relations continued. India has been involved in a number of projects in the country and plans to operationalize Jayanagar-Kurtha cross-border rail line. Earlier both countries inaugurated the Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, the first cross country pipeline in south Asia. The pipeline can carry two million metric tonnes of petroleum products into Nepal and so far has led to a saving of over 800 million Nepali rupees.

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India.

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India. He will be meeting India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar as part of the 6th Nepal-India joint commission meet for which the invite was extended last year. A release by Nepal foreign ministry, "The Joint Commission Meeting will discuss the whole gamut of Nepal-India bilateral relations, including trade, transit, energy, boundary, COVID-19 cooperation, infrastructure, connectivity, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture, among others." The joint commission meeting, which alternates between the 2 countries, takes place in New Delhi this year. The Fifth Joint Commission Meeting was held in August 2019 in Kathmandu with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visiting the country. The Nepali delegation will consist of the Nepali envoy to India, Foreign Secretary, Health Secretary, and other senior officials of the Government of Nepal. Last year saw 3 high-level visits from Delhi to Nepal. These include the visit of India's intelligence chief, followed by the Indian army chief, and then by the visit of the foreign secretary. This is the first high-level visit from Kathmandu in over a year and comes in the backdrop of India Nepal row over the new map issued by the Oli government. The new Nepali map showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed the "Unjustified Cartographic Assertion'. He will be the first foreign minister to visit Delhi this year. While the map row did impact the political ties, the focus on people to people relations continued. India has been involved in a number of projects in the country and plans to operationalize Jayanagar-Kurtha cross-border rail line. Earlier both countries inaugurated the Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, the first cross country pipeline in south Asia. The pipeline can carry two million metric tonnes of petroleum products into Nepal and so far has led to a saving of over 800 million Nepali rupees.

With procurement of Covid vaccine in focus, Nepal FM to visit Delhi from tomorrow

The Centre said 54.72 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received at designated national and state-level stores till Tuesday afternoon, and all the shots -- 1.1 crore from the Serum Institute of India and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech -- will be received by January 14.

A massive pan-India inoculation drive against COVID-19 was set in process with Covishield vaccine leaving Pune for 13 cities across India early in the morning, four days before vaccination is scheduled to begin on January 16.

Apart form the 1.1 crore doses of Covishield being procured from the Serum Institute of India, 55 lakh doses of indigenously developed Covaxin were being obtained from Bharat Biotech, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a press conference.

"Fifty-five lakh doses of Covaxin are being procured from Bharat Biotech. For 38.5 lakh doses the price is Rs 295 each, excluding taxes. Bharat Biotech is providing 16.5 lakh doses for free which ultimately brings the cost of Covaxin down to Rs 206 per dose," he said.

Bhushan said there are four Central Government Medical Stores Depots at Chennai, Karnal, Kolkata and Mumbai where the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, doses are being received.

Besides this, all states have at least one regional vaccine store. Some big states have multiple stores. Uttar Pradesh has nine such stores, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat four each, Kerala has three such facilities, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Rajasthan two each, he said.

"As we speak, 54,72,000 doses have already been received till 4 pm at these vaccine stores, while 100 per cent doses, 1.1 crore from Serum Institute and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech, will be received by January 14 in all states and Union Territories," the health secretary added.

NITI Aayog member Dr V K Paul, Covishield and Covaxin have been tested on thousands of people. "They are the safest and there is no risk of any significant side effect."

Bhushan said that Zydus Cadila, Russia''s Sputnik V, Biological E and Gennova are the other vaccines which are in advanced stages of clinical trials in India.

"In the coming days some of these vaccines too may be approaching the drug controller for emergency use authorisation. There will be sequential roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination.

"Healthcare workers will be on the top of priority list, followed by frontline workers and prioritized age groups. The cost of vaccination for healthcare and frontline workers will be borne by the central government," the Union health secretary said.

Giving a scenario of the price of vaccines available round the world, Bhushan said each dose of the vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech costs Rs 1,431 per dose, Moderna Rs 2,348 to Rs 2,715, Sinovac Rs 1,027, Novavax Rs 1,114, Sputnik V less than Rs 734 and the one developed by Johnson and Johnson at Rs 734.

"All these vaccines except the one developed by Pfizer can be stored between two to eight degrees Celsius. The one developed by Pfizer needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius," he added.

About the effectiveness of the vaccines, Bhushan said those can be observed only after 14 days. "So we urge people to keep following COVID-appropriate behaviour."

The health secretary said the five key principles for anti-coronavirus vaccination are to ensure people''s participation, utilise the experience of elections and universal immunisation programme, making no compromise on scientific and regulatory norms and neither on existing healthcare services.

Noting that the COVID-19 situation is worrisome around the world, he said even though daily new cases are declining in India, there should not be any laxity in following COVID-appropriate behaviour.

India's overall COVID-19 positivity rate stands at 5.7 per cent while positivity rate in the last one week was recorded at 2 per cent, Bhushan said, adding that about 43.96 per cent of the total COVID-19 patients are in healthcare facilities while 56.04 per cent patients are in home isolation.

The Centre said 54.72 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received at designated national and state-level stores till Tuesday afternoon, and all the shots -- 1.

The Centre said 54.72 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received at designated national and state-level stores till Tuesday afternoon, and all the shots -- 1.1 crore from the Serum Institute of India and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech -- will be received by January 14. A massive pan-India inoculation drive against COVID-19 was set in process with Covishield vaccine leaving Pune for 13 cities across India early in the morning, four days before vaccination is scheduled to begin on January 16. Apart form the 1.1 crore doses of Covishield being procured from the Serum Institute of India, 55 lakh doses of indigenously developed Covaxin were being obtained from Bharat Biotech, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a press conference. "Fifty-five lakh doses of Covaxin are being procured from Bharat Biotech. For 38.5 lakh doses the price is Rs 295 each, excluding taxes. Bharat Biotech is providing 16.5 lakh doses for free which ultimately brings the cost of Covaxin down to Rs 206 per dose," he said. Bhushan said there are four Central Government Medical Stores Depots at Chennai, Karnal, Kolkata and Mumbai where the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, doses are being received. Besides this, all states have at least one regional vaccine store. Some big states have multiple stores. Uttar Pradesh has nine such stores, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat four each, Kerala has three such facilities, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Rajasthan two each, he said. "As we speak, 54,72,000 doses have already been received till 4 pm at these vaccine stores, while 100 per cent doses, 1.1 crore from Serum Institute and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech, will be received by January 14 in all states and Union Territories," the health secretary added. NITI Aayog member Dr V K Paul, Covishield and Covaxin have been tested on thousands of people. "They are the safest and there is no risk of any significant side effect." Bhushan said that Zydus Cadila, Russia''s Sputnik V, Biological E and Gennova are the other vaccines which are in advanced stages of clinical trials in India. "In the coming days some of these vaccines too may be approaching the drug controller for emergency use authorisation. There will be sequential roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination. "Healthcare workers will be on the top of priority list, followed by frontline workers and prioritized age groups. The cost of vaccination for healthcare and frontline workers will be borne by the central government," the Union health secretary said. Giving a scenario of the price of vaccines available round the world, Bhushan said each dose of the vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech costs Rs 1,431 per dose, Moderna Rs 2,348 to Rs 2,715, Sinovac Rs 1,027, Novavax Rs 1,114, Sputnik V less than Rs 734 and the one developed by Johnson and Johnson at Rs 734. "All these vaccines except the one developed by Pfizer can be stored between two to eight degrees Celsius. The one developed by Pfizer needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius," he added. About the effectiveness of the vaccines, Bhushan said those can be observed only after 14 days. "So we urge people to keep following COVID-appropriate behaviour." The health secretary said the five key principles for anti-coronavirus vaccination are to ensure people''s participation, utilise the experience of elections and universal immunisation programme, making no compromise on scientific and regulatory norms and neither on existing healthcare services. Noting that the COVID-19 situation is worrisome around the world, he said even though daily new cases are declining in India, there should not be any laxity in following COVID-appropriate behaviour. India's overall COVID-19 positivity rate stands at 5.7 per cent while positivity rate in the last one week was recorded at 2 per cent, Bhushan said, adding that about 43.96 per cent of the total COVID-19 patients are in healthcare facilities while 56.04 per cent patients are in home isolation.

54.72 lakh Covid-19 vaccine doses received till Tuesday afternoon: Centre

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise.

Interacting with chief ministers, PM Modi underscored the enormity of what he described as the world's biggest vaccination exercise, which begins from January 16, saying over 30 crore citizens will get the jabs in the next few months in India against only 2.5 crore people who have received them in over 50 countries in around a month so far.

The two already approved made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines are more cost-effective than any other in the world and have been developed as per the country's needs, he said in his remarks in the meeting called to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the vaccination rollout.

Besides the two vaccines -- Covishield developed by Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, four others are being developed, PM Modi said, asserting that India's fight against the pandemic will enter a decisive stage with the vaccination roll-out.

More vaccines may be available when the exercise moves into the second round, he added.

The Prime Minister also sought to dispel concerns expressed by some opposition leaders and experts over the approval given to Covaxin without the availability of efficacy data, asserting that scientists have taken all precautions to provide citizens with effective vaccines.

The Prime Minister said he has been maintaining from the beginning that the scientific community will have the final word on the issue.

India's drug regulator has given approval to Covishield and Covaxin for the emergency use authorisation. It is a matter of pride that both the vaccines are ''made in India'', he said, adding that it can be imagined how much hardship India would have faced if it had to depend on foreign vaccines.

Noting that the first round of vaccination is meant for healthcare and frontline workers, he said, "This is my personal suggestion and no one should take it otherwise. We public representatives are not part of it."

In some countries, including the US and Israel, leading public figures have taken the jabs while top functionaries in a few others have chosen to follow the standard protocol and wait for their turn.

Talking about the COVID-19 situation in India, PM Modi said the country is in a much better place than many others in terms of the pandemic's spread, and added that this is a matter of happiness but should not induce carelessness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise. Interacting with chief ministers, PM Modi underscored the enormity of what he described as the world's biggest vaccination exercise, which begins from January 16, saying over 30 crore citizens will get the jabs in the next few months in India against only 2.5 crore people who have received them in over 50 countries in around a month so far. The two already approved made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines are more cost-effective than any other in the world and have been developed as per the country's needs, he said in his remarks in the meeting called to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the vaccination rollout. Besides the two vaccines -- Covishield developed by Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, four others are being developed, PM Modi said, asserting that India's fight against the pandemic will enter a decisive stage with the vaccination roll-out. More vaccines may be available when the exercise moves into the second round, he added. The Prime Minister also sought to dispel concerns expressed by some opposition leaders and experts over the approval given to Covaxin without the availability of efficacy data, asserting that scientists have taken all precautions to provide citizens with effective vaccines. The Prime Minister said he has been maintaining from the beginning that the scientific community will have the final word on the issue. India's drug regulator has given approval to Covishield and Covaxin for the emergency use authorisation. It is a matter of pride that both the vaccines are ''made in India'', he said, adding that it can be imagined how much hardship India would have faced if it had to depend on foreign vaccines. Noting that the first round of vaccination is meant for healthcare and frontline workers, he said, "This is my personal suggestion and no one should take it otherwise. We public representatives are not part of it." In some countries, including the US and Israel, leading public figures have taken the jabs while top functionaries in a few others have chosen to follow the standard protocol and wait for their turn. Talking about the COVID-19 situation in India, PM Modi said the country is in a much better place than many others in terms of the pandemic's spread, and added that this is a matter of happiness but should not induce carelessness.

Centre to bear vaccination cost of 3 crore health, frontline workers: PM Modi

The Supreme Court Thursday extended till December 31 the deadline for implementation of its judgement on the grant of permanent commission to women SSC officers in Indian Navy.

The top court had on March 17, maintaining that women and men officers should be treated equally; cleared permanent commission for women in the Navy and asked the Centre to complete the modalities within three months.

A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee said that it is extending time till December 31 for grant of permanent commission to Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers in Indian Navy.

The Centre moved the application in June for extending the deadline by six months citing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The top court, which took up the application on Wednesday said that it will extend the time till December 31.

The bench also asked the Centre to provide Rs 25 lakh compensation each in four weeks to five Naval women officers, who were not considered for the permanent commission besides the pensionary benefits, which had already been given to them.

Pursuant to the top court's verdict in February, Centre has already started the process for granting permanent commission to all women SSC officers in Indian Army.

On March 17, in a major verdict, the top court had paved the way for granting permanent commission to women officers in Indian Navy, saying a level playing field ensures that women have the opportunity to overcome "histories of discrimination".

The Supreme Court Thursday extended till December 31 the deadline for implementation of its judgement on the grant of permanent commission to women SSC officers in Indian Navy.

The Supreme Court Thursday extended till December 31 the deadline for implementation of its judgement on the grant of permanent commission to women SSC officers in Indian Navy. The top court had on March 17, maintaining that women and men officers should be treated equally; cleared permanent commission for women in the Navy and asked the Centre to complete the modalities within three months. A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee said that it is extending time till December 31 for grant of permanent commission to Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers in Indian Navy. The Centre moved the application in June for extending the deadline by six months citing the COVID-19 pandemic. The top court, which took up the application on Wednesday said that it will extend the time till December 31. The bench also asked the Centre to provide Rs 25 lakh compensation each in four weeks to five Naval women officers, who were not considered for the permanent commission besides the pensionary benefits, which had already been given to them. Pursuant to the top court's verdict in February, Centre has already started the process for granting permanent commission to all women SSC officers in Indian Army. On March 17, in a major verdict, the top court had paved the way for granting permanent commission to women officers in Indian Navy, saying a level playing field ensures that women have the opportunity to overcome "histories of discrimination".

Supreme Court gives time till December 31 to Centre for granting permanent commission to women officers in Navy

The Supreme Court Monday sought the Centre's reply on a PIL seeking equal protection in law to transgender people on the grounds that there was no penal provision which protects them from offences of sexual assault.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said that it was a "good case" which needed hearing.

The bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, asked senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing petitioner lawyer Reepak Kansal, to file details of cases where the court had passed orders in the the absence of laws to deal with issues.

In a hearing conducted via video conferencing, the bench referred to the framing of the Vishaka guidelines to deal with sexual harassment of women at work places and the decriminalization of consensual gay sex by the apex court in the absence of laws.

Singh said he would be filing such details as asked by the court.

The plea, which has made the ministries of law and justice, and social justice and empowerment as parties, has referred to the provisions of the IPC of 1860 as also to the recent amendments to the statute and other laws on sexual offences and alleged that none of them talked about the "transgender, transsexuals, kinnar and eunuchs".

"In spite of declaring transgender people to be a 'third gender' by this court, there is no provision/ section in the Indian Penal Code which may protect the third gender from the sexual assault by male/ female or another transgender," it said.

The PIL challenged the constitutional validity of certain clauses of Section 354A (outraging the modesty of woman) of IPC, to the extent that they are interpreted to exclude victims of sexual harassment who are transgender persons, as being ultra vires Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution.

Lawyer Kansal, who filed the PIL in personal capacity, said that though the apex court in 2014, had granted "recognition to the transgender/ third gender as 'persons' falling under the ambit of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution", still they do not have equal protection of law in relation to sexual offenses.

"The petitioner is filing this petition. with respect to equal protection of law to the third gender/ transgender from the sexual assault /offences as there is no provision / section in the IPC which may protect the third gender from the sexual assault by male/ female or another transgender therefore, anti-discrimination laws are needed to safeguard the basic citizenship rights of transgender persons," the plea said.

The plea, which may come up for hearing in few days, has sought a direction to the Centre to "make appropriate modification/ interpretation of sections/ provisions of IPC dealing with sexual assault to include transgender/ transsexuals/ kinnar and eunuchs in the definitions accordingly".

It also referred to an incident of not lodging an FIR by Delhi Police on a sexual harassment complaint of a Delhi University transgender student on the ground that there was no provision in the IPC to deal with transgenders.

The plea urged the top court "to issue an appropriate order directing the respondents to pass an Anti-Discrimination Bill that penalises discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender".

It also sought a direction to the Centre to adopt and implement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights being signatory of it.

The Supreme Court Monday sought the Centre's reply on a PIL seeking equal protection in law to transgender people on the grounds that there was no penal provision which protects them from offences of sexual assault.

The Supreme Court Monday sought the Centre's reply on a PIL seeking equal protection in law to transgender people on the grounds that there was no penal provision which protects them from offences of sexual assault. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said that it was a "good case" which needed hearing. The bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, asked senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing petitioner lawyer Reepak Kansal, to file details of cases where the court had passed orders in the the absence of laws to deal with issues. In a hearing conducted via video conferencing, the bench referred to the framing of the Vishaka guidelines to deal with sexual harassment of women at work places and the decriminalization of consensual gay sex by the apex court in the absence of laws. Singh said he would be filing such details as asked by the court. The plea, which has made the ministries of law and justice, and social justice and empowerment as parties, has referred to the provisions of the IPC of 1860 as also to the recent amendments to the statute and other laws on sexual offences and alleged that none of them talked about the "transgender, transsexuals, kinnar and eunuchs". "In spite of declaring transgender people to be a 'third gender' by this court, there is no provision/ section in the Indian Penal Code which may protect the third gender from the sexual assault by male/ female or another transgender," it said. The PIL challenged the constitutional validity of certain clauses of Section 354A (outraging the modesty of woman) of IPC, to the extent that they are interpreted to exclude victims of sexual harassment who are transgender persons, as being ultra vires Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution. Lawyer Kansal, who filed the PIL in personal capacity, said that though the apex court in 2014, had granted "recognition to the transgender/ third gender as 'persons' falling under the ambit of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution", still they do not have equal protection of law in relation to sexual offenses. "The petitioner is filing this petition. with respect to equal protection of law to the third gender/ transgender from the sexual assault /offences as there is no provision / section in the IPC which may protect the third gender from the sexual assault by male/ female or another transgender therefore, anti-discrimination laws are needed to safeguard the basic citizenship rights of transgender persons," the plea said. The plea, which may come up for hearing in few days, has sought a direction to the Centre to "make appropriate modification/ interpretation of sections/ provisions of IPC dealing with sexual assault to include transgender/ transsexuals/ kinnar and eunuchs in the definitions accordingly". It also referred to an incident of not lodging an FIR by Delhi Police on a sexual harassment complaint of a Delhi University transgender student on the ground that there was no provision in the IPC to deal with transgenders. The plea urged the top court "to issue an appropriate order directing the respondents to pass an Anti-Discrimination Bill that penalises discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender". It also sought a direction to the Centre to adopt and implement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights being signatory of it.

Supreme Court seeks Centre's reply on PIL for equal protection of law to transgenders in sexual offences

Government of India on Tuesday appointed Dinesh Kumar Khara as chairman of State Bank of India for three years effective from 7 October.

The country's largest lender, SBI, is headed by chairman with four managing directors to assist.He replaces Rajnish Kumar, who completed his three-year term on Tuesday.

"The central government appoints Dinesh Kumar Khara as chairman of State Bank of India (SBI) for a period of three years with effect from the date of his taking over charge of the post on or after October 7, 2020 or until further orders, whichever is earlier," a notification issued by the Finance Ministry said.

Last month, the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) had recommended Khara as the next chairman of SBI.

As per convention, the SBI chairman is appointed from a pool of serving managing directors at the bank.

Interestingly, Mr Khara was among the contenders for the chairman's post in 2017 as well.

Mr Khara was appointed as managing director of SBI in August 2016 for a three-year term. He got a two-year extension in 2019 after review of his performance.

An alumnus of the Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University, Mr Khara heads the Global Banking division of SBI. He holds a board-level position and supervises the businesses of SBI's non-banking subsidiaries. 
Khara, who joined SBI in 1984 as a Probationary Officer, was instrumental in merging five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank with SBI effective April 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

Government of India on Tuesday appointed Dinesh Kumar Khara as chairman of State Bank of India for three years effective from 7 October. The country's largest lender, SBI, is headed by chairman with four managing directors to assist.

Government of India on Tuesday appointed Dinesh Kumar Khara as chairman of State Bank of India for three years effective from 7 October. The country's largest lender, SBI, is headed by chairman with four managing directors to assist.He replaces Rajnish Kumar, who completed his three-year term on Tuesday. "The central government appoints Dinesh Kumar Khara as chairman of State Bank of India (SBI) for a period of three years with effect from the date of his taking over charge of the post on or after October 7, 2020 or until further orders, whichever is earlier," a notification issued by the Finance Ministry said. Last month, the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) had recommended Khara as the next chairman of SBI. As per convention, the SBI chairman is appointed from a pool of serving managing directors at the bank. Interestingly, Mr Khara was among the contenders for the chairman's post in 2017 as well. Mr Khara was appointed as managing director of SBI in August 2016 for a three-year term. He got a two-year extension in 2019 after review of his performance. An alumnus of the Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University, Mr Khara heads the Global Banking division of SBI. He holds a board-level position and supervises the businesses of SBI's non-banking subsidiaries. Khara, who joined SBI in 1984 as a Probationary Officer, was instrumental in merging five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank with SBI effective April 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre appoints Dinesh Kumar Khara as SBI chairman for 3 years

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said here on Sunday that the Centre is planning on bringing amendments in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Kishan Reddy, who dedicated the Amberpet Assembly constituency’s CCTV network, wherein a total of 280 CCTV cameras were installed, said “the Central government is planning to make changes to the IPC and CrPC. We are also seeking suggestions on this (to amend IPC, CrPC),” an official statement said.

Speaking about the Rashtriya Raksha University, he said, “This (proposed) University (at Gujarat) will bring about key changes in the functioning of the country’s police system.”

On the National Forensic Sciences University, he said “it would enable students in the country to enrich themselves in law, criminology and other related disciplines, as well as excel in forensic science research”.

Two bills to set up the National Forensic Sciences University and the Rashtriya Raksha University were passed by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha last month.

He said under the Centre’s Safe City project (especially for surveillance, protection of women and rapid criminal investigation), eight cities including Hyderabad have been selected.

Kishan Reddy also said the closed circuit surveillance cameras were set up with the good intention of helping the authorities, especially the police, in matters of public safety.

“I appreciate the efforts being made by the police to bring their services closer to the people using the latest technology,” the Union Minister said.

Kishan Reddy further said urbanisation is accelerating in all cities of the country including Hyderabad.

“We are taking all measures for a smart police policy in the face of rising crime. The central government is working to bring in a better police system to curb it.”

Amberpet MLA Kaleru Venkatesh, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Anjani Kumar were among those who also spoke.

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said here on Sunday that the Centre is planning on bringing amendments in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said here on Sunday that the Centre is planning on bringing amendments in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Kishan Reddy, who dedicated the Amberpet Assembly constituency’s CCTV network, wherein a total of 280 CCTV cameras were installed, said “the Central government is planning to make changes to the IPC and CrPC. We are also seeking suggestions on this (to amend IPC, CrPC),” an official statement said. Speaking about the Rashtriya Raksha University, he said, “This (proposed) University (at Gujarat) will bring about key changes in the functioning of the country’s police system.” On the National Forensic Sciences University, he said “it would enable students in the country to enrich themselves in law, criminology and other related disciplines, as well as excel in forensic science research”. Two bills to set up the National Forensic Sciences University and the Rashtriya Raksha University were passed by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha last month. He said under the Centre’s Safe City project (especially for surveillance, protection of women and rapid criminal investigation), eight cities including Hyderabad have been selected. Kishan Reddy also said the closed circuit surveillance cameras were set up with the good intention of helping the authorities, especially the police, in matters of public safety. “I appreciate the efforts being made by the police to bring their services closer to the people using the latest technology,” the Union Minister said. Kishan Reddy further said urbanisation is accelerating in all cities of the country including Hyderabad. “We are taking all measures for a smart police policy in the face of rising crime. The central government is working to bring in a better police system to curb it.” Amberpet MLA Kaleru Venkatesh, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Anjani Kumar were among those who also spoke.

Centre planning to amend IPC, CrPC: Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy

The Government of India increased the minimum support prices for six rabi crops following protests by farmers and lawmakers over apprehensions that the new farm bills passed by the government would end the MSP&nbsp;

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has increased the MSP for wheat by Rs 50 per quintal to Rs 1,975, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in Parliament on September 21.

Narendra Singh Tomar said, "MSP was offered to farmers before, is in force now, and will remain in force in the future and government procurement will continue," adding that the government has not only increased MSP but also increased procurement at MSP to ensure remunerative prices to farmers.&nbsp; 
 
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The announcement comes hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that MSP for farm products will continue under the new legislations, allaying farmers concerns that the practice may come to an end following the passage of the bills.

MSP is a price at which the government procures crops from farmers, when the market prices fall below it due to high supplies.

The MSP of wheat has been hiked by Rs50 per quintal to Rs1, 975 per quintal, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. MSP of gram has been hiked at an annual growth rate of 8.3%, MSP of rapeseed and mustard has been hiked by 7 %, and that of barley has been increased by 5.7%.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India increased the minimum support prices for six rabi crops following protests by farmers and lawmakers over apprehensions that the new farm bills passed by the government would end the MSP The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has increased the MSP for wheat by Rs 50 per quintal to Rs 1,975, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in Parliament on September 21.

The Government of India increased the minimum support prices for six rabi crops following protests by farmers and lawmakers over apprehensions that the new farm bills passed by the government would end the MSP The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has increased the MSP for wheat by Rs 50 per quintal to Rs 1,975, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in Parliament on September 21. Narendra Singh Tomar said, "MSP was offered to farmers before, is in force now, and will remain in force in the future and government procurement will continue," adding that the government has not only increased MSP but also increased procurement at MSP to ensure remunerative prices to farmers. The announcement comes hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that MSP for farm products will continue under the new legislations, allaying farmers concerns that the practice may come to an end following the passage of the bills. MSP is a price at which the government procures crops from farmers, when the market prices fall below it due to high supplies. The MSP of wheat has been hiked by Rs50 per quintal to Rs1, 975 per quintal, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. MSP of gram has been hiked at an annual growth rate of 8.3%, MSP of rapeseed and mustard has been hiked by 7 %, and that of barley has been increased by 5.7%. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre hikes Minimum Support Price on rabi crops amid protests on Farm Bills

The overall number of cases and deaths per million population due to COVID-19 in the country is low compared to similarly affected countries, Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey told Rajya Sabha on Sunday.

Noting that there are no established pharmaceutical interventions that can break the chain of transmission, Mr Choubey said non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hand and respiratory hygiene, wearing of mask/face cover, physical distancing measures, preventing large gatherings, etc are the only tools to suppress and break the chain of transmission.

This has to be in turn supported by heightened community awareness and behavioral change communication.

He was responding to a question on the reasons for spread of COVID-19 at an increased rate despite lower numbers at the initial stage in India as compared to other countries.

"COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease. Many of the epidemiological parameters such as agent-host interaction, socio-cultural and environmental factors, modes of transmission, susceptibility of individuals, immune response are still under research," Mr Choubey said in a written reply.

The Government of India since January, has followed a pre-emptive, graded and proactive approach for managing COVID-19, the minister said.

States have been supported in terms of logistics, funding and technical guidance right from the beginning.

To blunt the progression of cases in the country, the government had taken series of steps under Disaster Management Act, 2005 including lockdown, Mr Choubey highlighted.

"This in effect reduced the growth rate of cases, increased community awareness, and the period was utilized to upgrade health infrastructure and health staff capacities which has supported the country in terms of managing the disease.

"In effect, the overall number of cases and deaths per million population due to COVID-19 in the country is low compared to similarly affected countries," Mr Choubey said.

The overall number of cases and deaths per million population due to COVID-19 in the country is low compared to similarly affected countries, Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey told Rajya Sabha on Sunday.

The overall number of cases and deaths per million population due to COVID-19 in the country is low compared to similarly affected countries, Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey told Rajya Sabha on Sunday. Noting that there are no established pharmaceutical interventions that can break the chain of transmission, Mr Choubey said non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hand and respiratory hygiene, wearing of mask/face cover, physical distancing measures, preventing large gatherings, etc are the only tools to suppress and break the chain of transmission. This has to be in turn supported by heightened community awareness and behavioral change communication. He was responding to a question on the reasons for spread of COVID-19 at an increased rate despite lower numbers at the initial stage in India as compared to other countries. "COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease. Many of the epidemiological parameters such as agent-host interaction, socio-cultural and environmental factors, modes of transmission, susceptibility of individuals, immune response are still under research," Mr Choubey said in a written reply. The Government of India since January, has followed a pre-emptive, graded and proactive approach for managing COVID-19, the minister said. States have been supported in terms of logistics, funding and technical guidance right from the beginning. To blunt the progression of cases in the country, the government had taken series of steps under Disaster Management Act, 2005 including lockdown, Mr Choubey highlighted. "This in effect reduced the growth rate of cases, increased community awareness, and the period was utilized to upgrade health infrastructure and health staff capacities which has supported the country in terms of managing the disease. "In effect, the overall number of cases and deaths per million population due to COVID-19 in the country is low compared to similarly affected countries," Mr Choubey said.

India's Covid deaths per million population among lowest in world: Centre 

The COVID-19 recovery rate in India has risen to 77.31 per cent with 69,564 patients recuperating from the disease in 24 hours pushing the total number of recoveries to 32.5 lakh, the health ministry said on Monday.

The case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.7 per cent, it said.

According to the ministry, five states are contributing 60 per cent of the total cases with Maharashtra at the top accounting for 21.6 per cent cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 11.8 per cent, Tamil Nadu 11 per cent, Karnataka 9.5 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 6.3 per cent.

Maharashtra also contributed 26.76 per cent of the active cases in the country, followed by Andhra Pradesh 11.30 per cent, Karnataka 11.25 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 6.98 per cent and Tamil Nadu 5.83 per cent.

These five states combined presently contribute 62 per cent of total active cases, the ministry said.

"On a continuous upward trajectory, India's total recovered cases have crossed 32.5 lakh today, with 69,564 patients being discharged in the last 24 hours. This has resulted in the recovery rate touching 77.31 per cent," it said in a statement.

In the last 24 hours, Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest recoveries at 11,915.

Karnataka and Maharashtra saw 9,575 and 7,826 recoveries respectively.

Tamil Nadu witnessed 5,820 people recuperating from the disease and Uttar Pradesh 4,779 recoveries during the same period, it said.

"These five states together contributed 57 per cent of the recoveries in the last 24 hours," the health ministry said.

It said various calibrated and focussed actions undertaken within the umbrella strategy of 'test, track and treat' have enabled early identification of cases through aggressive and wide-scale testing.

"Better ambulance services and seamless point-to-point management of patients to facilitate their timely hospitalisation before their health deteriorates has led to a high number of COVID-19 patients recovering and being discharged from the hospitals," the ministry said.

It further said supervised isolation in homes and facility settings, following effective standard of care protocol, have hugely aided in the recovery of mild and moderate cases.

India's COVID-19 tally of cases went past 42 lakh On Monday with a record 90,802 people being infected in a day, according to the Union health ministry data.

The total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 42,04,613, while the death toll climbed to 71,642 with 1,016 fatalities being reported in 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The COVID-19 recovery rate in India has risen to 77.31 per cent with 69,564 patients recuperating from the disease in 24 hours pushing the total number of recoveries to 32.

The COVID-19 recovery rate in India has risen to 77.31 per cent with 69,564 patients recuperating from the disease in 24 hours pushing the total number of recoveries to 32.5 lakh, the health ministry said on Monday. The case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.7 per cent, it said. According to the ministry, five states are contributing 60 per cent of the total cases with Maharashtra at the top accounting for 21.6 per cent cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 11.8 per cent, Tamil Nadu 11 per cent, Karnataka 9.5 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 6.3 per cent. Maharashtra also contributed 26.76 per cent of the active cases in the country, followed by Andhra Pradesh 11.30 per cent, Karnataka 11.25 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 6.98 per cent and Tamil Nadu 5.83 per cent. These five states combined presently contribute 62 per cent of total active cases, the ministry said. "On a continuous upward trajectory, India's total recovered cases have crossed 32.5 lakh today, with 69,564 patients being discharged in the last 24 hours. This has resulted in the recovery rate touching 77.31 per cent," it said in a statement. In the last 24 hours, Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest recoveries at 11,915. Karnataka and Maharashtra saw 9,575 and 7,826 recoveries respectively. Tamil Nadu witnessed 5,820 people recuperating from the disease and Uttar Pradesh 4,779 recoveries during the same period, it said. "These five states together contributed 57 per cent of the recoveries in the last 24 hours," the health ministry said. It said various calibrated and focussed actions undertaken within the umbrella strategy of 'test, track and treat' have enabled early identification of cases through aggressive and wide-scale testing. "Better ambulance services and seamless point-to-point management of patients to facilitate their timely hospitalisation before their health deteriorates has led to a high number of COVID-19 patients recovering and being discharged from the hospitals," the ministry said. It further said supervised isolation in homes and facility settings, following effective standard of care protocol, have hugely aided in the recovery of mild and moderate cases. India's COVID-19 tally of cases went past 42 lakh On Monday with a record 90,802 people being infected in a day, according to the Union health ministry data. The total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 42,04,613, while the death toll climbed to 71,642 with 1,016 fatalities being reported in 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

COVID-19 recoveries in India cross 32 lakh, fatality rate drops to 1.7 per cent: Centre

The government of India on Wednesday allowed Indian airlines to increase the number of domestic passenger flights to 60 per cent of their pre-COVID services.

The average occupancy rate in domestic flights since their resumption in India on May 25 has been around 50-60 per cent only.

Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in the country since March 23 due to the pandemic.

However, special international flights have been operating under Vande Bharat Mission since May and under bilateral air bubble pacts signed with various countries since July.

Meanwhile, India's coronavirus tally inched closer to 38 lakh mark with single-day spike of 78,357 new positive cases and 1,045 deaths in the past 24 hours.

With the latest spike, the total COVID-19 cases in India has surged to 37,69,524. Of the total cases, 8,01,282 are active cases while 29,01,909 have been cured and discharged from hospitals.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government of India on Wednesday allowed Indian airlines to increase the number of domestic passenger flights to 60 per cent of their pre-COVID services. The average occupancy rate in domestic flights since their resumption in India on May 25 has been around 50-60 per cent only.

The government of India on Wednesday allowed Indian airlines to increase the number of domestic passenger flights to 60 per cent of their pre-COVID services. The average occupancy rate in domestic flights since their resumption in India on May 25 has been around 50-60 per cent only. Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in the country since March 23 due to the pandemic. However, special international flights have been operating under Vande Bharat Mission since May and under bilateral air bubble pacts signed with various countries since July. Meanwhile, India's coronavirus tally inched closer to 38 lakh mark with single-day spike of 78,357 new positive cases and 1,045 deaths in the past 24 hours. With the latest spike, the total COVID-19 cases in India has surged to 37,69,524. Of the total cases, 8,01,282 are active cases while 29,01,909 have been cured and discharged from hospitals. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre allows airlines to fly 60 per cent of their pre-COVID domestic passenger flights

The Government of India has decided to remove all the inefficient and corrupt employees of the several&nbsp;departments, an order from the Personnel Ministry said.

To execute this plan, Centre has asked all its departments to review the service records of employees who have completed 30 years in the job.

"It is clarified that the premature retirement of government servants under these rules is not a penalty. It is distinct from 'compulsory retirement', which is one of the prescribed penalties under Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965," said the order that was issued on Friday.

The government may, at any time after a government servant has attained the age of 50/55 years or completed 30 years of service, as the case may be, retire him/her prematurely in the public interest, it said.

Instructions have been issued from time to time for undertaking periodic review of the performance of government servants with a view to ascertain whether they should be retained in service or retired prematurely, the ministry said.

The latest order has been issued in order to bring in better clarity to the existing instructions and enable uniform implementation, it said. 
"An effort has been made to review, consolidate and reiterate the guidelines so far issued on the subject at one place," the ministry said in the order issued to the secretaries of all central government departments.

Giving details on the applicability of FR 56 (J), the order said the service record of a group A and B category officer can be reviewed if he/she has attained the age of 50 years (in case of joining service before 35 years of age) or after attaining 55 years (in case of joining service after 35 years of age).

Under FR 56 (I), the appropriate authority has the absolute right to retire a government servant in Group C service or post who is not governed by any pension rules, after he has completed 30 years' service by giving him/her notice of not less than three months in writing or three months' pay and allowances in lieu of such notice, it said.

For employees covered under Rule 48 (1) (b) of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, it said the review can be done at any time after a government servant has completed 30 years' qualifying service.

"... and in the case of such retirement, the government servant shall be entitled to a retiring pension, provided that the appointing authority may also give notice in writing to a government servant at least three months before the date on which he is required to retire in the public interest or three months' pay and allowances in lieu of such notice," said the order.

The Personnel Ministry has also asked all the departments to maintain a register for conducting such a review.

"A register of the government servants who are due to attain the age of 50/55 years or to complete 30 years of service, has to be maintained. The register should be scrutinized at the beginning of every quarter by a senior officer in the ministry/ department/ cadre...," it said.

The Personnel Ministry has mentioned the composition of a review committee and broad criteria to be followed by it while conducting an assessment of the employees' performance.

"Government servants whose integrity is doubtful shall be retired. Government servants found to be ineffective shall also be retired. The basic consideration in identifying such government servants should be their fitness/competence to continue in the post held," it said.

"No government servant should ordinarily be retired on ground of ineffectiveness, if, in any event, he would be retiring on superannuation within a period of one year from the date of consideration of his case," reads the criteria mentioned in the order.

However, in the case where there is a sudden and steep fall in the competence, efficiency or effectiveness of a government servant, it will be open to review such a case also for premature retirement, it said.

The entire service record, in addition to the Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR), of a government servant should be considered at the time of review, the order said.

"The personal file of the government servant may contain valuable material. Similarly, his work and performance could also be assessed by looking into files dealt with by him or in any papers or reports prepared and submitted by him," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India has decided to remove all the inefficient and corrupt employees of the several departments, an order from the Personnel Ministry said. To execute this plan, Centre has asked all its departments to review the service records of employees who have completed 30 years in the job.

The Government of India has decided to remove all the inefficient and corrupt employees of the several departments, an order from the Personnel Ministry said. To execute this plan, Centre has asked all its departments to review the service records of employees who have completed 30 years in the job. "It is clarified that the premature retirement of government servants under these rules is not a penalty. It is distinct from 'compulsory retirement', which is one of the prescribed penalties under Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965," said the order that was issued on Friday. The government may, at any time after a government servant has attained the age of 50/55 years or completed 30 years of service, as the case may be, retire him/her prematurely in the public interest, it said. Instructions have been issued from time to time for undertaking periodic review of the performance of government servants with a view to ascertain whether they should be retained in service or retired prematurely, the ministry said. The latest order has been issued in order to bring in better clarity to the existing instructions and enable uniform implementation, it said. "An effort has been made to review, consolidate and reiterate the guidelines so far issued on the subject at one place," the ministry said in the order issued to the secretaries of all central government departments. Giving details on the applicability of FR 56 (J), the order said the service record of a group A and B category officer can be reviewed if he/she has attained the age of 50 years (in case of joining service before 35 years of age) or after attaining 55 years (in case of joining service after 35 years of age). Under FR 56 (I), the appropriate authority has the absolute right to retire a government servant in Group C service or post who is not governed by any pension rules, after he has completed 30 years' service by giving him/her notice of not less than three months in writing or three months' pay and allowances in lieu of such notice, it said. For employees covered under Rule 48 (1) (b) of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, it said the review can be done at any time after a government servant has completed 30 years' qualifying service. "... and in the case of such retirement, the government servant shall be entitled to a retiring pension, provided that the appointing authority may also give notice in writing to a government servant at least three months before the date on which he is required to retire in the public interest or three months' pay and allowances in lieu of such notice," said the order. The Personnel Ministry has also asked all the departments to maintain a register for conducting such a review. "A register of the government servants who are due to attain the age of 50/55 years or to complete 30 years of service, has to be maintained. The register should be scrutinized at the beginning of every quarter by a senior officer in the ministry/ department/ cadre...," it said. The Personnel Ministry has mentioned the composition of a review committee and broad criteria to be followed by it while conducting an assessment of the employees' performance. "Government servants whose integrity is doubtful shall be retired. Government servants found to be ineffective shall also be retired. The basic consideration in identifying such government servants should be their fitness/competence to continue in the post held," it said. "No government servant should ordinarily be retired on ground of ineffectiveness, if, in any event, he would be retiring on superannuation within a period of one year from the date of consideration of his case," reads the criteria mentioned in the order. However, in the case where there is a sudden and steep fall in the competence, efficiency or effectiveness of a government servant, it will be open to review such a case also for premature retirement, it said. The entire service record, in addition to the Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR), of a government servant should be considered at the time of review, the order said. "The personal file of the government servant may contain valuable material. Similarly, his work and performance could also be assessed by looking into files dealt with by him or in any papers or reports prepared and submitted by him," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre to remove inefficient and corrupt employees, asks departments to review service records

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a special committee looking into the issue of internet restoration in Jammu and Kashmir has decided to provide 4G internet access on a trial basis in limited areas of the union territory after August 15.

A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana was told by Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, that the committee has decided that trial will be done in one district each in Jammu and Kashmir division.

He said that the Committee has decided that access to 4G internet in J-K will be given in a calibrated manner and outcome of the trial will be reviewed after two months.

The bench also comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai said this is a fairly good stand on the part of the respondents (Centre and J-K administration).

High speed internet service in J&amp;K was suspended in August last year when the Centre announced revocation of its special status and bifurcation of the state into two UTs -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

On August 7, the top court had asked the J&amp;K administration to explore the possibility of restoring 4G services in certain areas of the Union Territory.

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a special committee looking into the issue of internet restoration in Jammu and Kashmir has decided to provide 4G internet access on a trial basis in limited areas of the union territory after August 15.

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a special committee looking into the issue of internet restoration in Jammu and Kashmir has decided to provide 4G internet access on a trial basis in limited areas of the union territory after August 15. A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana was told by Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, that the committee has decided that trial will be done in one district each in Jammu and Kashmir division. He said that the Committee has decided that access to 4G internet in J-K will be given in a calibrated manner and outcome of the trial will be reviewed after two months. The bench also comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai said this is a fairly good stand on the part of the respondents (Centre and J-K administration). High speed internet service in J&K was suspended in August last year when the Centre announced revocation of its special status and bifurcation of the state into two UTs -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. On August 7, the top court had asked the J&K administration to explore the possibility of restoring 4G services in certain areas of the Union Territory.

Centre allows 4G internet services on trial basis in two J&K districts after August 15

The Shiv Sena on Monday said it is the Centre's responsibility to make arrangements for sending migrant labourers to their native places in the wake of the lockdown enforced to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Several migrant labourers have been residing in the coronavirus hotspots of Mumbai's Dharavi slum area, it noted.

"It is the Centres responsibility to arrange trains and buses so that labourers could reach their homes," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.

If these people continue to flock the streets, it is not safe for their health, the Marathi publication said, adding that the Centre cannot shrug off its responsibility.

"We wish that the kind of promptness shown by the Centre for the return of some Gujarati tourists from Haridwar (in Uttarakhand), should also be shown for migrant labourers," it said.

"These people are homesick and we cannot assess what would happen if they gather on streets," it added.

Without taking any names, the Sena said it feared that some people in Maharashtra would "instigate" the migrant labourers for their petty political gains.

It also took a dim view of the incident where hundreds of migrants gathered near Bandra station in Mumbai earlier this month and demanded that authorities make transport arrangements for them to go back to their native places.

The Sena said Maharashtra needs to take note of each and every labourer who gathered there, make necessary arrangements to send them back home and ensure to "foil" their any future attempt to come back to the state.

"These migrants should have trusted the state as it is trying to arrange food and shelter for them. If any other state has done so much for them, they should bring it to our notice," the Uddhav Thackeray-led said.

It also referred to some recent comments of Union minister Nitin Gadkari on the need for policy measures to create jobs in rural areas and check migration to cities for employment.

"What Gadkari has said is crucial. If these people wish to return to Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, how are they going to feed themselves?&nbsp;

There is no work for these people anywhere in the country during the current crisis," the Sena said.

The Shiv Sena on Monday said it is the Centre's responsibility to make arrangements for sending migrant labourers to their native places in the wake of the lockdown enforced to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The Shiv Sena on Monday said it is the Centre's responsibility to make arrangements for sending migrant labourers to their native places in the wake of the lockdown enforced to contain the spread of coronavirus. Several migrant labourers have been residing in the coronavirus hotspots of Mumbai's Dharavi slum area, it noted. "It is the Centres responsibility to arrange trains and buses so that labourers could reach their homes," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said. If these people continue to flock the streets, it is not safe for their health, the Marathi publication said, adding that the Centre cannot shrug off its responsibility. "We wish that the kind of promptness shown by the Centre for the return of some Gujarati tourists from Haridwar (in Uttarakhand), should also be shown for migrant labourers," it said. "These people are homesick and we cannot assess what would happen if they gather on streets," it added. Without taking any names, the Sena said it feared that some people in Maharashtra would "instigate" the migrant labourers for their petty political gains. It also took a dim view of the incident where hundreds of migrants gathered near Bandra station in Mumbai earlier this month and demanded that authorities make transport arrangements for them to go back to their native places. The Sena said Maharashtra needs to take note of each and every labourer who gathered there, make necessary arrangements to send them back home and ensure to "foil" their any future attempt to come back to the state. "These migrants should have trusted the state as it is trying to arrange food and shelter for them. If any other state has done so much for them, they should bring it to our notice," the Uddhav Thackeray-led said. It also referred to some recent comments of Union minister Nitin Gadkari on the need for policy measures to create jobs in rural areas and check migration to cities for employment. "What Gadkari has said is crucial. If these people wish to return to Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, how are they going to feed themselves? There is no work for these people anywhere in the country during the current crisis," the Sena said.

Shiv Sena pushes for evacuation of migrants, says Centre should arrange for workers to go home

After clashes erupted between pro and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protestors in North-East Delhi, AAP leader Aman Arora on Tuesday said that the Centre has "miserably failed" to handle law and order situation in the national capital.

After clashes erupted between pro and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protestors in North-East Delhi, AAP leader Aman Arora on Tuesday said that the Centre has "miserably failed" to handle law and order situation in the national capital. "Firstly, the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have implemented the wrong legislation. Secondly, they have miserably failed to handle the situation. Law and order in Delhi come under Amit Shah and they are responsible for this mess," Arora told reporters. He said that the nation-wide protests against CAA and National Register of Citizens (NRC) are because of the laws enacted by the Home Ministry and the central government. Also Read: Amit Shah chairs meet with Kejriwal, others to discuss situation in Delhi "Unfortunately, the Prime Minister and Amit Shah tried to take political benefit out of it due to the Delhi Assembly elections instead of resolving that issue," Arora said. He added, "The nation wants to know why the Centre is delaying to diffuse the situation and something like this would not have emerged if they had handled the situation properly." Also Read: One policeman killed in clashes during CAA protests in Delhi Arora's remarks came after seven people were killed and over 100 injured in clashes over CAA in North-East Delhi on Monday. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in Khajuri Khas and Bhajanpura of the national capital on Tuesday in the wake of violent incidents in these areas. Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik and other political leaders regarding the violence and prevailing situation in Delhi.

Centre 'miserably failed' to handle law and order in Delhi: AAP's Aman Arora

A day after the Bodo pact was signed, senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that the Centre is willing to hold peace talks with ULFA (Independent) faction and appealed to its leader Paresh Barua to come to the negotiating table.

Sarma, also the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor, told reporters here that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had clearly said on Monday that if the anti-talk ULFA(I) faction is ready for negotiations, then “the Centre is more than willing to hold dialogue with them for the sake of permanent peace in Assam and the Northeast.”

“A historic Accord was signed on Monday through discussions with all the factions of the NDFB. The Centre and state government want peace in the region through dialogue,” Sarma said, referring to the Bodo pact.

Most of the militant outfits in the northeastern states, barring some in Assam and Manipur, are holding talks but “if we want peace in the region, it should be inclusive by involving all the factions and the outfits,” he said. The offer comes a few days after ULFA(I) claimed responsibility for four serial blasts in Upper Assam districts on the Republic Day.

A day after the Bodo pact was signed, senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that the Centre is willing to hold peace talks with ULFA (Independent) faction and appealed to its leader Paresh Barua to come to the negotiating table.

A day after the Bodo pact was signed, senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that the Centre is willing to hold peace talks with ULFA (Independent) faction and appealed to its leader Paresh Barua to come to the negotiating table. Sarma, also the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor, told reporters here that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had clearly said on Monday that if the anti-talk ULFA(I) faction is ready for negotiations, then “the Centre is more than willing to hold dialogue with them for the sake of permanent peace in Assam and the Northeast.” “A historic Accord was signed on Monday through discussions with all the factions of the NDFB. The Centre and state government want peace in the region through dialogue,” Sarma said, referring to the Bodo pact. Most of the militant outfits in the northeastern states, barring some in Assam and Manipur, are holding talks but “if we want peace in the region, it should be inclusive by involving all the factions and the outfits,” he said. The offer comes a few days after ULFA(I) claimed responsibility for four serial blasts in Upper Assam districts on the Republic Day.

Centre ready to hold peace talks with ULFA(I), says Himanta Biswa Sarma

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched an official plan to tackle water scarcity in the country, focussing on seven states where groundwater levels are critically low.

"New India has to be prepared to deal with any situation of the water crisis," PM Modi said at the launch event.

Earlier, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for the implementation of the Atal Bhujal Yojana, a central sector scheme with a total outlay of Rs 6,000 crore to be implemented over five years (2020-2021 to 2024-2025).

The scheme aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven states -- Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8,350-gram panchayats in 78 districts in these states.

The States have been selected according to several criteria, including the degree of groundwater exploitation and degradation, established legal and regulatory instruments, institutional readiness, and experience in implementing initiatives related to groundwater management.

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched an official plan to tackle water scarcity in the country, focussing on seven states where groundwater levels are critically low.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched an official plan to tackle water scarcity in the country, focussing on seven states where groundwater levels are critically low. "New India has to be prepared to deal with any situation of the water crisis," PM Modi said at the launch event. Earlier, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for the implementation of the Atal Bhujal Yojana, a central sector scheme with a total outlay of Rs 6,000 crore to be implemented over five years (2020-2021 to 2024-2025). The scheme aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven states -- Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8,350-gram panchayats in 78 districts in these states. The States have been selected according to several criteria, including the degree of groundwater exploitation and degradation, established legal and regulatory instruments, institutional readiness, and experience in implementing initiatives related to groundwater management. (With inputs from ANI)

Centre launches Rs 6000 crore Atal Bhujal Yojana to improve groundwater management 

The Delhi High Court has asked the Central government to take a decision on the extension of free education to disadvantaged children even after attaining the age of 14 years or beyond.

"We expect from respondent No 1 [Union government] that the policy decision of extension of free education under the of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 to children of disadvantaged group even after attaining the age of 14 years or beyond Class VIII up to Class XII in the same school, would be taken at the earliest. It will be a major policy decision which involves financial aspect," a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar said.

The court was hearing a plea filed by a civil right group Social Jurist through advocate Ashok Agarwal.

The government had earlier told the court a new national education policy is presently under formulation.

The issue of extension of the RTE Act beyond elementary level is a major policy decision and has been discussed by the Committee set up for preparing a draft of National Policy on Education, it said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court has asked the Central government to take a decision on the extension of free education to disadvantaged children even after attaining the age of 14 years or beyond.

The Delhi High Court has asked the Central government to take a decision on the extension of free education to disadvantaged children even after attaining the age of 14 years or beyond. "We expect from respondent No 1 [Union government] that the policy decision of extension of free education under the of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 to children of disadvantaged group even after attaining the age of 14 years or beyond Class VIII up to Class XII in the same school, would be taken at the earliest. It will be a major policy decision which involves financial aspect," a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar said. The court was hearing a plea filed by a civil right group Social Jurist through advocate Ashok Agarwal. The government had earlier told the court a new national education policy is presently under formulation. The issue of extension of the RTE Act beyond elementary level is a major policy decision and has been discussed by the Committee set up for preparing a draft of National Policy on Education, it said.

Delhi High Court asks Centre to decide on extension of free education beyond age of 14 years

The Central government on Friday said that it is ready to accept suggestions from people protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act.&nbsp;

The development comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-citizenship-amendment-act-protests-3-killed-section-144-imposed-in-several-districts-of-uttar-pradesh-269311">protesters across the country took to the streets</a> against the new law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Students, activists, among others have been voicing their dissent against the new Act amid heavy security.&nbsp;

Section 144 has been imposed in many parts of the country while internet services have also been affected in some areas.&nbsp;

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MHA sources on people protesting on roads against CAA: We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But they have the right to go to court &amp; people have right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give, we're in process of framing the rule. <a href="https://t.co/6BNAm7CW6q">https://t.co/6BNAm7CW6q</a>
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Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources have said that the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act is under the Central government's control and will finalise who all will be involved in the enforcement of legislation, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Implementation of the Act is under centre. We will finalise who all will be involved in implementation. It will be a digital and easy process so that people don't face any problem," MHA sources on some states denying implementation of the new citizenship law.

Sources said that the ministry is in the process of framing rules for CAA and people can give their suggestions.

"We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But, they have the right to go to the court and the people have the right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give. We`re in process of framing the rule," they said on the protests against CAA adding that the CAA will not affect the Indian citizens.&nbsp;

"If any country has illegal migrants than the government has the right to through them out anyway," sources said on international bodies' reaction on CAA.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Central government on Friday said that it is ready to accept suggestions from people protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act. The development comes after protesters across the country took to the streets against the new law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

The Central government on Friday said that it is ready to accept suggestions from people protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act. The development comes after protesters across the country took to the streets against the new law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Students, activists, among others have been voicing their dissent against the new Act amid heavy security. Section 144 has been imposed in many parts of the country while internet services have also been affected in some areas. MHA sources on people protesting on roads against CAA: We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But they have the right to go to court & people have right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give, we're in process of framing the rule. https://t.co/6BNAm7CW6q — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019 × Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources have said that the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act is under the Central government's control and will finalise who all will be involved in the enforcement of legislation, news agency ANI reported. "Implementation of the Act is under centre. We will finalise who all will be involved in implementation. It will be a digital and easy process so that people don't face any problem," MHA sources on some states denying implementation of the new citizenship law. Sources said that the ministry is in the process of framing rules for CAA and people can give their suggestions. "We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But, they have the right to go to the court and the people have the right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give. We`re in process of framing the rule," they said on the protests against CAA adding that the CAA will not affect the Indian citizens. "If any country has illegal migrants than the government has the right to through them out anyway," sources said on international bodies' reaction on CAA. (With inputs from ANI)

Centre seeks suggestions from protesters over Citizenship Amendment Act

The youth has a major role to play in the vision of "New India" and the Centre was coming up with new education policy to strengthen the education system in the country and make education employment-oriented, Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said on Friday. 
 
Speaking at the 25th convocation ceremony of Himachal Pradesh University, Pokhriyal said: "The youth has a major role to play in the vision of 'New India'. The Union government was coming up with a new education policy to strengthen the education system in the country and make education employment-oriented." 
 
The Union Minister said that India was known as the 'Vishwa Guru' across the world since time immemorial due to knowledge and wisdom. 
 
Stating that India believes in universal brotherhood and peaceful co-existence, he said: "The challenges in life become opportunities for those who accept them. With the launch of schemes such as 'Make in India', Skill India, Start-Up etc., there were ample employment and self-employment opportunities to the youth of the country." 
 
He urged the students to work with dedication to make India a five trillion economy in the next few years. 
 
As many as 448 degrees and gold medals were awarded on the occasion to meritorious students, out of which 276 were females and 172 males. 
 
State Governor Bandaru Dattatraya said that the aim of education should be gaining knowledge along with character building. He called upon the students to develop skills along with higher education, which would help to get employment. 
 
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that the state government was committed to providing quality education to students of the state by strengthening the existing infrastructure.

"The motto of the government was to make Himachal Pradesh an 'education hub' of the country," he said.

The youth has a major role to play in the vision of "New India" and the Centre was coming up with new education policy to strengthen the education system in the country and make education employment-oriented, Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said on Friday.

The youth has a major role to play in the vision of "New India" and the Centre was coming up with new education policy to strengthen the education system in the country and make education employment-oriented, Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said on Friday. Speaking at the 25th convocation ceremony of Himachal Pradesh University, Pokhriyal said: "The youth has a major role to play in the vision of 'New India'. The Union government was coming up with a new education policy to strengthen the education system in the country and make education employment-oriented." The Union Minister said that India was known as the 'Vishwa Guru' across the world since time immemorial due to knowledge and wisdom. Stating that India believes in universal brotherhood and peaceful co-existence, he said: "The challenges in life become opportunities for those who accept them. With the launch of schemes such as 'Make in India', Skill India, Start-Up etc., there were ample employment and self-employment opportunities to the youth of the country." He urged the students to work with dedication to make India a five trillion economy in the next few years. As many as 448 degrees and gold medals were awarded on the occasion to meritorious students, out of which 276 were females and 172 males. State Governor Bandaru Dattatraya said that the aim of education should be gaining knowledge along with character building. He called upon the students to develop skills along with higher education, which would help to get employment. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that the state government was committed to providing quality education to students of the state by strengthening the existing infrastructure. "The motto of the government was to make Himachal Pradesh an 'education hub' of the country," he said.

Centre to strengthen education system, make it employment-oriented: Ramesh Pokhriyal

The Centre has extended the ban on the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) for five more years.

According to the notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the organisation has been indulging in illegal and violent activities intended to disrupt, or which may disrupt, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India in furtherance of its objective of achieving a separate "Bodoland".

"NDFB is aligning itself with other undergrounds outfits of the North Eastern Region in furtherance of its objectives to create a separate Bodoland and engaging in unlawful and violent activities thereby undermining the authority of the Government of India and the Government of Assam and spreading terror and panic among the people," the notification said.

The Home Ministry has also said that the group has indulged in extortion of money from various sections of the society with a view to financing and executing its plans for the creation of a separate Bodoland; embarking on a systematic drive for the recruitment of fresh cadres with a view to continuing its terrorist and insurgency activities.

"NDFB creating carnage and ethnic violence resulting in killings, destruction of property of non-Bodos inhabiting the Bodo dominated areas in Assam with a view to spreading panic and insecurity among the non-Bodos, establishing camps and hideouts across the country`s border to carry out its secessionist activities; and obtaining assistance from anti-India forces in other countries to procure arms and other assistance in its struggle for the creation of a separate Bodoland," MHA said.

The Centre has also mentioned the number of incidents carried out by the organisation over the past few years.

"Killing of 19 civilians in incidents of violence since January 2015; and involvement in about sixty-two violent incidents since January 2015 in which fifty-five extremists have been killed, four hundred fifty extremists have been arrested and four hundred forty-four arms have been recovered from them."

"Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), (hereinafter referred to as the said Act) the Central Government hereby declares the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, along with all its groups, factions and front organisations, as an "unlawful association"," the notification said.

"The Central Government, is of the opinion that it is necessary to declare the NDFB to be an unlawful association with immediate effect, and accordingly, in exercise of powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 3 of the said Act, hereby directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette," the notification said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Centre has extended the ban on the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) for five more years. According to the notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the organisation has been indulging in illegal and violent activities intended to disrupt, or which may disrupt, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India in furtherance of its objective of achieving a separate "Bodoland".

The Centre has extended the ban on the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) for five more years. According to the notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the organisation has been indulging in illegal and violent activities intended to disrupt, or which may disrupt, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India in furtherance of its objective of achieving a separate "Bodoland". "NDFB is aligning itself with other undergrounds outfits of the North Eastern Region in furtherance of its objectives to create a separate Bodoland and engaging in unlawful and violent activities thereby undermining the authority of the Government of India and the Government of Assam and spreading terror and panic among the people," the notification said. The Home Ministry has also said that the group has indulged in extortion of money from various sections of the society with a view to financing and executing its plans for the creation of a separate Bodoland; embarking on a systematic drive for the recruitment of fresh cadres with a view to continuing its terrorist and insurgency activities. "NDFB creating carnage and ethnic violence resulting in killings, destruction of property of non-Bodos inhabiting the Bodo dominated areas in Assam with a view to spreading panic and insecurity among the non-Bodos, establishing camps and hideouts across the country`s border to carry out its secessionist activities; and obtaining assistance from anti-India forces in other countries to procure arms and other assistance in its struggle for the creation of a separate Bodoland," MHA said. The Centre has also mentioned the number of incidents carried out by the organisation over the past few years. "Killing of 19 civilians in incidents of violence since January 2015; and involvement in about sixty-two violent incidents since January 2015 in which fifty-five extremists have been killed, four hundred fifty extremists have been arrested and four hundred forty-four arms have been recovered from them." "Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), (hereinafter referred to as the said Act) the Central Government hereby declares the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, along with all its groups, factions and front organisations, as an "unlawful association"," the notification said. "The Central Government, is of the opinion that it is necessary to declare the NDFB to be an unlawful association with immediate effect, and accordingly, in exercise of powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 3 of the said Act, hereby directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette," the notification said.

Centre extends ban on Assam's Bodo insurgent group NDFB for 5 more years

The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that there is normalcy in Kashmir and the situation which is being depicted about the region is "incorrect."

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, made these contentions on a petition filed by Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin on the imposition of communication blockade in the region.

She has alleged that following the revocation of its special status, the Central government had disabled various media activities.

"The petitioner (Anuradha Bhasin) has chosen not to publish the newspaper from Kashmir. It is her wish. There were no restrictions as such. There is normalcy of life in Kashmir. The situation presented and depicted is incorrect," Mehta told a bench headed by Justice N V Ramana.

Mehta said that access to the internet, printers and other facilities was given to the media professionals.

"At regular intervals, media professionals were briefed and provided press briefs. Media kiosks were facilitated at the DCP offices to various media professionals," Mehta said.

While justifying certain restrictions imposed in the region, the Solicitor General said that authorities had applied their minds in imposing or lifting the curbs.

"It is a preventive measure. It is not a long drawn trial. It is not a danger to public life. Ninety-nine per cent people are happy and living a normal life there," he said.

In August, the Central government scrapped Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two UTs -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Following this, phone lines and the internet were blocked in the region.

Normalcy is gradually returning to Jammu and Kashmir as mobile and landline services have been restored in both UTs and restrictions under Section 144 on movement have been withdrawn or relaxed.

The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that there is normalcy in Kashmir and the situation which is being depicted about the region is "incorrect." Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, made these contentions on a petition filed by Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin on the imposition of communication blockade in the region.

The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that there is normalcy in Kashmir and the situation which is being depicted about the region is "incorrect." Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, made these contentions on a petition filed by Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin on the imposition of communication blockade in the region. She has alleged that following the revocation of its special status, the Central government had disabled various media activities. "The petitioner (Anuradha Bhasin) has chosen not to publish the newspaper from Kashmir. It is her wish. There were no restrictions as such. There is normalcy of life in Kashmir. The situation presented and depicted is incorrect," Mehta told a bench headed by Justice N V Ramana. Mehta said that access to the internet, printers and other facilities was given to the media professionals. "At regular intervals, media professionals were briefed and provided press briefs. Media kiosks were facilitated at the DCP offices to various media professionals," Mehta said. While justifying certain restrictions imposed in the region, the Solicitor General said that authorities had applied their minds in imposing or lifting the curbs. "It is a preventive measure. It is not a long drawn trial. It is not a danger to public life. Ninety-nine per cent people are happy and living a normal life there," he said. In August, the Central government scrapped Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two UTs -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Following this, phone lines and the internet were blocked in the region. Normalcy is gradually returning to Jammu and Kashmir as mobile and landline services have been restored in both UTs and restrictions under Section 144 on movement have been withdrawn or relaxed.

There is normalcy in Kashmir: Centre tells Supreme Court

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