Ranchi/Giridih EW News: Even during the joint Bihar movement, when lathis were wielded against activists, the JMM was complicit in the looting alongside the Congress-JD(U) alliance, and the looting continues unabated. JMM supporters claim that Jharkhand will not yield, but our slogan is also that Jharkhand will not be looted.
These remarks were made by party president Sudesh Kumar Mahato at the Giridih Lok Sabha level Gram Prabhari Conference held at Madhediha Stadium, Topchanchi, Dhanbad. During this event, newly appointed officials took their oaths. Congress and JMM leaders and workers held a joint rally at the occasion.
He stated that due to the failures and wrong policies of the state government, there is a disheartening atmosphere in the state. The role of party workers in ousting the state government is being observed by everyone.
He said that displacement, migration, and unemployment are major concerns, but the government has not fulfilled a single promise in these areas for three and a half years. Bureaucracy prevails in the state along with the exploitation of natural resources.
He emphasized that this year is crucial for the future of the state. Everyone should fulfill their responsibilities together. Move forward with organizational strength and the trust of the people.
On this occasion, Giridih MP Chandraprakash Choudhary changed the image of the Giridih Lok Sabha constituency through his developmental works over the past five years. His tenure has been filled with achievements. During this time, he undertook major public interest works, among which the establishment of the Displacement Tribunal is one of his major achievements. In addition to this, work has also been done to strengthen railways, roads, and other essential infrastructure. Ensure victory in the upcoming elections by taking all these works to the people.
Release of Development Mirror Book
Giridih Lok Sabha MP Chandraprakash Choudhary launched the Development Mirror book, which contains the report cards of various development works carried out under the Viksit Giridih scheme in the last five years.
Central Vice President Chandraprakash Choudhary, Vice President Umakant Rajak, Chief Spokesperson Devsharan Bhagat, Secretary Lambodar Mahato, Vice President Akil Akhtar, Secretary Santosh Mahato, Arjun Baitha, Secretary Najrul Hasan Hasmi, Secretary Yashoda Devi, Kashi Nath Singh, Ajay Singh, Vice President Babita Kumari Jip, Member Kushboo Kumari Jip, Amardeepraj, Rajesh Vishwakarma, Guddu Yadav Giridih District President, Bar Association President Radheshyam Goswami, Rahul Mahato, Kaushalya Devi, Pramod Chaurasia, Kullu Choudhary, Navin Mahato, were present prominently at the event.
The conference was attended by all the central officials, members, and committees of Giridih, Dhanbad, and Bokaro districts, as well as all the block heads, secretaries, and panchayat and gram heads of all units of the Giridih Lok Sabha constituency.
Ranchi EW News: Following the directives of Deputy Commissioner Shri Rahul Kumar Sinha, District Land Acquisition Officer Shri Sunil Chandra conducted an inspection tour today, on March 13, 2024, to initiate road construction between Katthal Mod and Argoda Chowk. During the visit, executive engineers from the Public Works Department, officials from the Electricity Department, and surveyors were present.
For the road construction between Katthal Mod and Argoda Chowk, relocation of electricity poles will be undertaken, after which the construction work will commence promptly.
Additionally, the District Land Acquisition Officer inspected the portion of the road from ITI to Saint Francis for encroachments and held discussions with affected farmers. He urged them to expedite compensation claims; otherwise, the matter will be taken to court to facilitate the road construction process.
Ranchi EW News: Chief Minister Champai Soren highlighted the issue of illegal mining in the state, stating that it tarnishes the state’s image. He emphasized the need to intensify efforts to curb illegal mining and ensure legal action against those involved. The Chief Minister instructed officials to activate task forces at the state and district levels to prevent illegal mining. He stressed the importance of taking all necessary steps to prevent illegal mining and transportation of coal, sand, iron ore, and other minerals. The Chief Minister directed officials not only to register FIRs and penalize vehicles caught in illegal mining but also to investigate how coal loading occurs in vehicles without receipts. He emphasized holding coal companies accountable for preventing coal loading in vehicles without receipts. The Chief Minister also ordered a thorough investigation into any internal collusion within the system and strict action against those found guilty. Officials informed the Chief Minister that as of January 31, 2024, 1632 FIRs related to illegal mining have been registered, 4557 vehicles have been seized, and fines totaling more than 13 crore rupees have been collected.
Ensuring Availability of Sand: Directive to Officials
Chief Minister Shri Champai Soren urged officials to expedite tender processes for sand ghats in the state. He stressed the need to ensure smooth availability of sand to the public. The Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite the process of operating Category-I designated 369 sand ghats at the gram panchayat level. He emphasized that once the operation of 369 sand ghats is handed over to gram panchayats, the demand for sand can be met not only in rural areas but also in urban areas. In this regard, officials informed the Chief Minister that the decision to operate 369 sand ghats at the gram panchayat level has already been taken, and the process will be completed soon. Furthermore, officials informed the Chief Minister that tenders for 444 Category-II sand ghats in the state have been finalized. Agreements have been reached with 116 MDO agencies, and once environmental approvals are obtained, the excavation work will commence at all 116 ghats.
The meeting was attended by top officials including the Chief Secretary, DGP, Principal Secretary, Secretary Transport, Chief Minister’s Secretary, Secretary Mining, Secretary Production and Prohibition, DIG Special Branch, Additional DIG Campaign, Director Mines, Director Khan, Transport Commissioner, IGP CID, DIG Special Branch, Deputy Commissioner Ranchi, SSP Ranchi, Traffic SP Ranchi, and other senior officials.
Ranchi EW News : The Governor of Jharkhand Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, met with the Chairman of the Jharkhand State Food Commission, Mr. Himanshu Shekhar Choudhary, and member Ms. Shabnam Parveen at the Raj Bhavan. Mr. Choudhary briefed the Governor extensively on the commission’s activities over the past year and its special initiatives. The Governor praised the Commission’s efforts, including chief ministerial dialogues, public hearings, review meetings, and thorough inspections across all districts. He also commended three chiefs from each district for their outstanding work in implementing the Food Security Act and monitoring. Furthermore, Governor Radhakrishnan instructed the Commission to organize direct dialogue programs with all recognized chiefs to better understand ground realities and address any issues promptly. He also sought detailed information from the Chairman about the status of all upcoming schemes under the Food Security Act. During the meeting, the Governor directed Mr. Himanshu Shekhar Choudhary to ensure that no one in the state faces a food crisis and that all beneficiaries receive the benefits of central and state government food security schemes according to their entitlements. Additionally, Governor Shri Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan instructed the Chairman to submit a detailed report addressing the challenges in implementing the sanctioned schemes under the Food Security Act and proposing solutions to overcome them.
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a warning to the Bengali population regarding the application process for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), urging them to think carefully before proceeding. In a recent address, she described the CAA as a divisive tool and expressed her concerns about its potential to strip citizens of their rights.
Banerjee’s comments come in the wake of the central government’s implementation of the CAA, which has sparked widespread debate and concern. She has been a vocal critic of the Act, which she believes is an attack on India’s secular ethos and could lead to unrest.
The CAA, which was passed in 2019, allows non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, to seek Indian citizenship. This has been a contentious issue, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of using the Act to polarize voters ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Banerjee has cautioned that the implementation of the CAA will be followed by the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which she alleges could result in detention camps for those who are not granted citizenship. She has vowed not to allow the implementation of CAA and NRC in West Bengal, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of all citizens.
In the intricate dance of India’s democracy, the recent political discourse has brought to light the delicate balance between the Union and its states. The central government, a guardian of sorts, holds sway over the states, yet the federal structure enshrines certain autonomies. Amidst this, the BJP’s state leadership has raised questions over the outcry from certain quarters following the passage of a bill by a parliamentary majority. Accusations fly from the BJP, alleging that the TMC is engaging in political theatrics to secure the Matua community’s vote, claiming their actions could lead to unrest.
The central government, vigilant and wary of the tensions, has issued advisories to the state machinery, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation, especially given the opposition’s resistance. This narrative unfolds as the nation watches, a testament to the ongoing struggle for harmony within the layered fabric of India’s federal democracy. The unfolding events will undoubtedly add another chapter to the country’s rich political tapestry, as leaders on all sides navigate the complex interplay of power, responsibility, and the people’s will.
The Chief Minister’s statements reflect the anxiety among many about the implications of the CAA and its associated processes. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, the political and social ramifications of the CAA continue to be a matter of intense discussion and debate.
EW Correspondent, New Delhi: In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Nayab Singh Saini as the new Chief Minister of Haryana, signalling a strategic shift to consolidate non-Jat votes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections¹²³. This move comes after the BJP parted ways with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), which is predominantly supported by the Jat community.
Nayab Singh Saini, a prominent leader from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), has been chosen to lead the state, replacing Manohar Lal Khattar. The decision reflects the party’s intent to appeal to the OBC electorate, which constitutes a significant portion of the state’s demographic.
The BJP’s strategy appears to be focused on non-Jat social engineering, a tactic that has been successful in other states like Gujarat. With Saini at the helm, the party aims to overcome the challenges faced by the previous government and counter any anti-incumbency sentiment.
Political analysts suggest that this move could potentially sway the Jatt voters, who have traditionally played a dominant role in Haryana’s politics. By positioning an OBC leader as the Chief Minister, the BJP is attempting to broaden its support base beyond the traditional upper-caste and urban electorate.
The upcoming Lok Sabha polls will be a test of this new strategy, as the party seeks to replicate its past electoral successes and retain power in the state assembly. The appointment of Nayab Singh Saini is a calculated step towards achieving this goal, as the BJP leverages the popularity of the Modi brand to attract a wider voter base.
Political Journey of CM
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, political turmoil engulfs Haryana as the BJP-JJP alliance collapses. CM Manohar Lal Khattar resigned along with his cabinet and paved the way for leadership changes. Nayab Saini emerges as a potential candidate, with a background in the RSS and BJP. His close ties to Khattar and political journey from district president to MP position him as the right choice for the CM post.
Nayab Singh Saini was born on January 25, 1970, in a small village called Mizapur Majra in Ambala to a Saini family. He obtained his degree from B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University in Muzaffarpur and his BA and LLB degrees. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), through which he met Manohar Lal Khattar and was influenced by him. After some time, he joined the BJP and subsequently worked in several local party offices, including in Ambala Cantonment.
Nayab Saini’s Journey to State President
In 2002, he became the district president of the youth wing of the BJP in Ambala. Then in 2005, he became the district president of the youth wing of the BJP in Ambala. Nayab Singh Saini served as the state president of the BJP’s farmer wing in Haryana in 2009. In 2012, he was the district president of the BJP in Ambala. In 2014, he became a legislator from Narayangarh Vidhan Sabha. Then in 2016, he became a minister in the Haryana government. In 2019, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from Kurukshetra. After that, today he has been entrusted with the responsibility of the state president by the central leadership.
At a time when extreme weather events are routinely wreaking havoc in several parts of India, conversations around going green have been prominent in the public sphere for a considerable time now. Yet, the frequency of “green” phenomena being referred to is much greater than the frequency of them being actualised. Green entrepreneurship or the adoption of environment-friendly techniques to carry out business is a case in point. Even though we have spoken about the environment often, how often have businesses walked the talk? How seriously do we take the environment and should green entrepreneurship be an arena of its own?
Making a Difference
With the world especially India facing dire consequences of climate change and numerous ecological precarities, we can no longer live in denial about the myriad and decisive ways in which the environment impacts our lives. The all-pervasiveness of business makes it an indispensable feature of human life today and, therefore, making a difference with the way we carry business out can make a gargantuan difference to everything, including the environment.
Consider the example of not using single-use plastic. If every business everywhere refused to use single-use plastic, neither producers nor sellers would depend upon it for packaging nor would consumers get access to it, virtually making it impossible to use it. Such an event would be climactic, for we could get rid of the problem of massive marine litter easily. Business, therefore, can make all the difference in the world and combat climate change, thus, green entrepreneurship is an absolute necessity.
Sustainability Innovation
With this paradigm in mind, we must look at the state of green practices in business today and imagine what can be done. As several reports and publications demonstrate, businesses, at large, have been reluctant to or have been unable to put green entrepreneurial ideas into practice. From the paucity of funding for sustainability innovation to a severe lack of awareness, the world of business has several factors holding it back from being undeterred in going green. However, that does not take away the urgency of the situation and the many possibilities which can be attained. For example, it is almost needless to say that to combat climate change, education and awareness are essential. In the same vein, to educate consumers about sustainable options, green entrepreneurs are crucial, since they have an impact on consumer behaviour by providing eco-friendly goods and services, which promotes the adoption of environmentally conscious consumption habits.
These observations can establish the relevance of green entrepreneurship but the question of how we should go about it remains unanswered. Of course, to lessen the negative effects of climate change, startups and businesses can focus on renewable energy, zero-waste initiatives and carbon-neutral technologies. Circular economy models that reduce waste production and increase resource efficiency are promoted by green business owners. Recycling, upcycling and waste-to-energy technology initiatives help counter the negative environmental effects of generated waste by lowering emissions from landfills and incineration. However, green entrepreneurship requires a lot more than just these imperatives. Since it is an activity that involves and impacts many people, it needs to be a movement in itself, rather than a set of occasionally employed practices. In this regard, innovation, advocacy and dealing with finance become paramount.
To begin, innovation can safely be declared the foundation of green entrepreneurship. To promote a more sustainable society, it involves the creation of cutting-edge technologies that provide sustainable solutions, such as encouraging plantation-based green credit practices, water conservation, smart agriculture, eco-friendly transportation systems and advances in renewable energy. More importantly, green entrepreneurs can disrupt traditional markets by offering sustainable alternatives. They can influence consumer behaviour by promoting innovative, environment-friendly products and services. Through compelling storytelling and effective marketing, they can educate consumers, driving the demand for sustainable choices and influencing larger corporations to follow suit. Imagining and creating these alternatives require innovation and, therefore, to do justice to the ideals of green entrepreneurship, innovation is central.
Collaboration, Interaction
Simultaneously, green entrepreneurs should actively engage in advocating for policies that support sustainability and be open to working with multiple stakeholders. Through their expertise and influence, they can contribute to shaping policies that incentivise renewable energy adoption, carbon pricing mechanisms and regulations promoting eco-friendly practices. Green entrepreneurship, therefore, warrants a crucial element of advocacy and collaboration. One can consider the case of Unilever in this regard. A prominent multinational consumer goods company, it has committed to sustainability through its Sustainable Living Plan and aims to reduce its environmental impact by reducing waste and carbon emissions while improving the livelihoods of people worldwide, and its activities extend to lobbying for sustainable policies.
On the front of collaboration, interaction with other parties in green entrepreneurial endeavours also becomes important. Governments all over the world are putting an unprecedented and strong emphasis on sustainability-related policies and incentives. These policies support green businesspeople, create jobs and incentivise green technology innovation, boosting economic growth in the longer run. Therefore, working in tandem with such developments is essential for green entrepreneurial efforts.
Finally, the role of financing is crucial for scaling up and maintaining green initiatives. To be successful, green business persons and entrepreneurs must attract impact investments and develop and employ innovative financing models to support efficacious climate-friendly projects. Funding secured for these initiatives enables the implementation of sustainable solutions on a larger scale, fostering a more sustainable future. To exemplify, while some funds can be amassed by drawing investors in, other resources can be garnered through contemporary practices such as crowdfunding. Such ventures require self-reflection, self-definition and sustained defences of mission on the part of businesses but are certain to bear fruit upon sincere employment.
In conclusion, the role of green entrepreneurship in battling climate change is multifaceted, crucial and indispensable. By driving innovation, advocating for sustainable practices, influencing policies, and educating consumers, green entrepreneurs are instrumental in steering societies towards a more sustainable world and a resilient planet. Innovation and advocacy form the backbone of green entrepreneurship, propelling the development and implementation of impactful ideas. It is incumbent upon entrepreneurs to continue to push the boundaries of innovation, integrating creativity, technology and collaborative approaches since commitment to the environment is no longer a choice we can afford to not make but a compulsory ingredient for the thriving of all human endeavours.
Indian officials holding talks with Afghanistan’s Taliban regime ministers show the proactive approach of New Delhi to safeguard its interests in the war-torn nation. It’s now a reality that the international community can no longer wish away the Taliban’s hold over Afghanistan. It is no longer an ideological choice but a pragmatic option for the nations in the immediate neighbourhood to figure out a working relationship with the ultra-conservative regime in Kabul. In this context, India has been displaying deft diplomatic skills in engaging with the Taliban regime, without officially recognising it.
New Delhi has been engaging with the Taliban leaders on economic and trade issues, besides discussing humanitarian assistance, terrorism, drug trafficking, inclusive government, women’s rights and education. The ongoing visit of a senior official of the External Affairs Ministry, the fourth such engagement since the Taliban captured power in August 2021, to hold talks with Afghanistan ministers on bilateral economic cooperation is a testimony to India’s pragmatic diplomacy. A pragmatic, proactive approach can help New Delhi safeguard its interests in Afghanistan. India has been closely observing the growing bitterness between Islamabad and Kabul, generated by skirmishes on the Durand Line and convinced about the fact that a bankrupt Pakistan is incapable of economically helping Afghanistan.
By the end of last year, India was satisfied with the Taliban’s assurances that it was committed to preventing Afghanistan from again becoming a hub for jihadi terrorism. India’s decision to do business with the Taliban was also motivated by China restoring diplomatic ties with Kabul. Though New Delhi doesn’t formally recognise the Taliban regime which captured power following the exit of US troops, it has been extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and has also invested in several development projects in the war-torn country.
While the Taliban rulers have a long way to go before they receive global legitimacy, their greater accommodation of Indian interests should spur New Delhi to handhold the post-Mullah Omar generation as it seeks to integrate with the wider world. But experience tells India to be circumspect as it finds its feet again on the Afghan chessboard. Inviting Taliban leaders last year to participate in an online training course, conducted by the External Affairs Ministry, reflected New Delhi’s willingness to engage with the new rulers. At the same time, India has made it clear to the government in Kabul that it should rein in anti-India terror outfits operating on its soil.
India’s efforts in Afghanistan have focused on humanitarian aid as well as supporting the people through medicines, vaccines and food. In June 2022, India sent considerable aid to the Afghans when the earthquake wreaked havoc, becoming one of the first countries in the region to respond. It also sent wheat to the crisis-hit country through Iran’s Chabahar port instead of taking the hassle-prone road route via Pakistan. The Taliban, on its part, see New Delhi as a major stakeholder that can play a key role in facilitating long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan. Afghan Taliban have praised India for sending humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. An Indian diplomatic delegation met with the Taliban foreign minister in Kabul and discussed bilateral ties. Notably, the delegation comprised a woman diplomat too.
India, like the rest of the world, has not recognised the Taliban as a legitimate government of Afghanistan, but diplomatic engagement with the Islamist group has surged over the past two years. MEA’s in charge for Afghanistan JP Singh recently led a delegation to Kabul and met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. This was the first high-level interaction between India and Afghanistan since the Taliban took over the country. During the meeting, Muttaqi requested that Indian visas be facilitated for Afghan businessmen, patients and students. The two sides also discussed security, trade and anti-narcotics measures.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) has been a topic of intense debate and controversy in India. Passed by Parliament in December 2019, the CAA aims to provide a path to Indian citizenship for specific religious minorities from neighboring countries. However, its implementation has faced legal challenges and widespread protests.
The implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Bill has received significant support from the people of Bengal, a region sharing borders with Bangladesh and China. Surprisingly, the Chief Minister of Bengal has voiced strong opposition to the Bill, claiming that it aims to deprive certain individuals of their legal rights. However, this claim is not supported by the actual draft of the Bill.
According to the draft, the Bill aims to provide an accelerated pathway to Indian citizenship for religious minorities who have faced persecution in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan and had arrived in India by 2014. It is important to note that this provision does not exclude any specific community or target individuals based on religion. Despite this, the opposition has chosen to use the Bill as a catalyst for their campaign against it.
Contrary to popular belief, the Bill was not introduced by the saffron government but has been in existence since 1955, predating the country’s partition. Following the partition, many individuals who had initially chosen Pakistan as their new homeland began to regret their decision. Understanding their plight, Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, suggested that Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan who did not wish to remain there should be allowed to come to India. He emphasized that it was the responsibility of the Indian government to ensure a normal life for these individuals.
The draft of the Bill was initially formulated during the Congress regime to address the concerns of those who had returned from Pakistan and needed to be accommodated with their civil rights in the country. The Bill has remained largely unchanged since 1955 when the Citizenship Act was established, providing a framework for Indian citizenship post-Constitution. This Act outlined various methods of acquiring citizenship, including through birth, descent, registration, and naturalization. In 2003, the Act was amended to introduce the concept of an ‘illegal migrant’ and made provisions for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) as a response to evolving historical, social, and political contexts.
It is important to consider these facts and the historical context surrounding the Bill when evaluating its potential impact. The Bill does not seek to target any specific community or deny anyone their legal rights. Instead, it aims to provide a streamlined process for granting citizenship to persecuted religious minorities who have sought refuge in India.
The Matua community, primarily located in West Bengal, India, has its origins among the Namasudra (a Scheduled Caste group) people of East Bengal, now Bangladesh. The community was founded on the religious teachings of Harichand Thakur in the 19th century, emphasizing devotion and social reform.
Historically marginalized, the Matuas have long sought recognition and security in India, especially since many migrated during the Partition of Bengal and after the formation of Bangladesh. Their demands for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) stem from a desire for Indian citizenship for Hindu refugees from Bangladesh, which they believe would validate their presence and rights in India.
The Matua community’s population is significant, with leaders estimating it to be around 3 crore (30 million), mainly concentrated in the North and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal. Their substantial numbers make them an influential voting bloc, particularly in regions where they form a large part of the electorate.
The implementation of the CAA has been a pivotal issue for the Matuas, affecting election dynamics in West Bengal. The community’s support has been courted by various political parties, and their backing was instrumental in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The recent announcement of the CAA’s implementation could significantly influence the community’s support in upcoming elections, potentially swaying results in constituencies with a significant Matua population.
India has a long history of providing refuge to various groups. As of 2021, there were 58,843 Sri Lankan refugees in 108 camps in Tamil Nadu and Odisha, and 72,312 Tibetan refugees. More than 46,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from Myanmar and Afghanistan are registered with UNHCR, living mainly in urban settings. Refugee camps are spread across several states, including Tamil Nadu, which hosts the largest number of Sri Lankan refugees, and places like Jammu, Hyderabad, Nuh, and New Delhi for Rohingya refugees.
The demands of refugees in India often include legal recognition, access to basic services, and protection from refoulement. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) aims to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India before December 31, 2014.This act could significantly impact refugee communities like the Matuas from Bangladesh, who have long sought legal status in India. The CAA is expected to remove legal barriers to rehabilitation and citizenship, offering a dignified life to refugees who have suffered for decades. However, it has also raised concerns about statelessness for some groups.
The CAA grants citizenship to migrants belonging to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian communities who entered India before December 31, 2014, from Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh.The amendment relaxed the eligibility criteria for certain classes of migrants based on religious lines.Tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, along with areas protected by the ‘Inner Line’ system, were exempted from the purview of the CAA.
The CAA has been challenged before the Supreme Court on the grounds that it violates Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. Using religion as a qualifier is at the heart of this challenge.The fate of Section 6A of The Citizenship Act, 1955, which deals with citizenship in Assam, is also under scrutiny.
The CAA was notified on January 10, 2020, amidst protests across the country.On May 28, 2021, the central government empowered district collectors in 13 districts with high migrant populations to accept citizenship applications from groups identified in the 2019 amendment.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the rules for implementing the CAA on March 11, 2024.
The CAA remains a contentious issue, with legal battles ongoing. While proponents argue that it provides relief to persecuted minorities, critics raise concerns about its impact on secularism and equality. As India grapples with the complexities of citizenship, the CAA continues to shape the nation’s socio-political landscape.
Ranchi EW News: District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi Mr. Rahul Kumar Sinha, chaired a meeting at the Assembly Hall of Samaharnalay Block-A, addressing various crucial directives for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The meeting was conducted in the presence of district-level nodal officers of Enforcement Agencies for Lok Sabha Election 2024.
In attendance were Deputy Election Officer of Ranchi, Mr. Vivek Kumar Suman, State Nodal Officer, State Police Department (SPD), Income Tax Department (ITD), State Excise Department (SED), Central Goods and Service Tax (CGST), State Goods and Service Tax (SGST) and Commercial Tax (GST and CST), Revenue Intelligence Directorate (DRI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Assam Rifles, Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Railway Protection Force (RPF), Postal Department (DOP), Forest Department, Airports Authority of India (AAI), State Civil Aviation Department (SCD), Civil Aviation Security Bureau (BCAS), State Transport Department officials, and other relevant officers.
Key Directives Issued by District Election Officer:
During the meeting, the District Election Officer instructed the district-level nodal officers of Enforcement Agencies for Lok Sabha Election 2024 to ensure compliance with all directives issued by the Election Commission of India. Emphasizing the effectiveness of Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams in sync with the announcement of election dates, he ensured that all related Enforcement Agencies at the district level would diligently adhere to their assigned tasks as per the directives issued by the Election Commission of India.
Mr. Rahul Kumar Sinha, District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi, directed all relevant officers to ensure prompt action in accordance with their departmental regulations upon the seizure of illegal cash, liquor, narcotics, and other prohibited items by the Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams, following real-time entries into the Election Seizure Management System.
What is the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS)?
The Election Commission of India has developed a technical platform for real-time updates called the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS). This platform is designed to ensure real-time updates from the field for the seizure of illegal items. During elections, the Election Commission actively prevents the use of illegal cash, liquor, drugs, and other prohibited substances. The Election Commission also seizes such illegal items during this period.
The new CEVIGIL app introduced by the Election Commission of India aims to address these shortcomings and facilitate faster complaint reception and resolution. CEVIGIL is a mobile application specifically designed for citizens to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct and expenditure-related violations during elections. The unique feature of this app is that it only captures live photos and videos, along with auto-location within the app, ensuring that the Flying Squads can access digital evidence in a timely manner for effective action.
