
VIMUKTHI urges Andhra Pradesh government to implement pending welfare schemes for sex workers
At a State-level meeting held in Vijayawada, VIMUKTHI President Apoorva cited Ministry of Health data stating Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of women engaged in sex work, affecting nearly 2.25 lakh family members. APSACS data from 2022 shows over 40,000 sex workers in the State are above 40 and unable to exit the profession due to lack of alternative livelihoods.
Executive Committee Member Shanti criticised the non-implementation of crucial policies, including G.O.Ms.No.1/2003, once hailed as a pioneering anti-trafficking framework during the tenure of then Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. She noted that policies such as G.O.Ms.No.28/2012 (interim relief) and G.O.Ms.No.143/2015 (compensation) have also been ignored.
Between 2016 and 2022, 2,460 survivors were rescued, yet 90% received no support. RTI data revealed only 592 of 2,737 survivors in shelter homes received services. Of the Rs 12 crore allocated for compensation, less than Rs 20 lakh has been used. VIMUKTHI demanded a shift to community-based rehabilitation.
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News18
12 minutes ago
- News18
Govt to ban money-based online gaming, bill likely in Parliament on Wednesday
New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) The Promotion and regulation of online gaming Bill, cleared by Union Cabinet on Tuesday, prohibits online money gaming or its ads, and prescribes imprisonment or fine, or both, for those offering or advertising them, as it seeks to differentiate such games from eSports or online social games, according to a source. At the same time, the Bill calls for promotion of eSports and online social games, the source said, adding that it acknowledges that formal recognition of eSports will enable India to tune into global competitive gaming landscape, spur innovation, create opportunities for Indian startup ecosystem and make the country a global magnate for game development. The Bill proposes that any person offering online money gaming service in violation of the stipulated provisions will face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine that may extend to Rs 1 crore, or both. The provisions also stipulate imprisonment of up to two years and or a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both, for those indulging in advertisements in contravention of rules. Also, those engaging in any transaction or authorisation of funds will be liable for up to three years imprisonment, or a fine up to Rs 1 crore or both, according to the source. Repeat offences for violation related to online money gaming attracts higher stringent jail term (3-5 years) as well as fine. The Bill, however, does not criminalise anyone playing online money games, to avoid any harassment. The idea is to treat them as victims, rather than perpetrators of crime, the source said, adding that the Bill cracks down on those promoting and abetting it. It prohibits banks, financial institutions from processing or transferring funds related to real-money online games. Sources said that the Bill aims to regulate online gaming by promoting online social games and eSport, while prohibiting online money gaming in larger public interest. They pointed out that although the gaming landscape in India has seen explosive growth, the regulatory environment has remained fragmented and grey. At the same time there have been rising concerns around addictive nature of online games, especially monetary incentives, as well as mental health ramifications. Moreover, there have been instances of individuals falling victim to financial losses on account of online money gaming, resulting in extreme outcomes like depression, even suicide. Online money gaming has also been leveraged as channels to facilitate money laundering, and other illicit activities. The Bill, on the one hand, seeks to promote and regulate eSports and online social games (say, the likes of Candy Crush), while clearly prohibiting online money gaming in India. The Cabinet cleared the Bill on Tuesday and it is expected to be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday. Notably, the Bill seeks to establish a statutory regulatory authority for oversight and accountability. It calls for registration, compliant mechanism for online gaming platforms. The regulatory authority will have the power to determine whether or not a particular online game is an online money game, after making due enquiries. The Bill defines online money game as an 'online game, irrespective of whether such game is based on skill, chance or both, played by a user by paying fees, depositing money or other stakes, in expectation of winning in return of money or other stake" but specifies that it does not include eSport. PTI MBI PRS HVA view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...


News18
16 minutes ago
- News18
IAF To Get 97 Indigenous LCA Tejas Mark 1A Fighter Jets As Govt Clears Rs 62,000 Crore Deal
Last Updated: India clears the acquisition of 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force In a major boost to the 'Make in India' initiative in defence, the central government has cleared a Rs 62,000 crore deal to buy 97 LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The final approval was given during a high-level meeting on Tuesday, paving the way for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to begin production. This is the second major order for the indigenous fighter jet. Earlier, the government had placed an order for 83 LCA Mark 1A jets, worth around Rs 48,000 crore. With this new order, the total number of LCA Mark 1A jets ordered by the IAF now stands at 180. According to defence sources, the new fleet will replace the ageing MiG-21 fighter jets, which are expected to be phased out in the coming weeks. The LCA Tejas programme has received strong backing from the Defence Ministry and the Air Headquarters. It is expected to give a significant push to indigenisation and support small and medium enterprises involved in the defence sector across India, ANI reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a strong supporter of HAL and India's domestic defence manufacturing sector. Under his leadership, HAL has secured multiple orders for indigenous aircraft, helicopters, and engines. Notably, the Prime Minister also flew in the trainer variant of the Tejas, becoming the first Indian PM to take a sortie in a combat aircraft. The plan to buy 97 additional jets was first announced by former Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari during a visit to Spain. The LCA programme is seen as a key part of India's goal to become self-reliant in defence and aerospace manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. HAL is also expected to receive future orders for over 200 LCA Mark 2 jets and several next-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. (With inputs from ANI) view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...


Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Satheesan seeks probe into CPM netas' financial ‘deals'
1 2 Kochi: Opposition leader V D Satheesan has demanded a detailed investigation to unravel the mystery behind the financial dealings of ministers with controversial businessman in London, Rajesh Krishna. Satheesan told reporters that neither Krishna nor CPM functionaries have denied the allegations that money was given by the controversial company, Kingdom Security Services, set up in Chennai to channel funds. The allegations involve financial crimes by ministers and others, including hawala and reverse hawala transactions. "No CPM leader has responded yet to the leaked letter containing serious allegations against the party functionaries. The charges are primarily against the son of CPM state secretary M V Govindan, who has also not responded. Krishna was present with the chief minister during a trip to London. What was his significance there? What is his connection to the Pravasi Chit Fund? Why did he send money to CPM leaders' accounts after forming a company in Chennai?" he asked. Satheesan said that Muhammad Sharshad, who approached the CPM brass with a complaint, has already raised allegations of fraud in govt schemes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Benefits of Trading Bitcoin CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo "Former minister Mercykutty Amma stated that Krishna sent her Rs 5 lakh for a project. Why did he send the amount? Is he a middleman for projects implemented in Kerala? No one has denied the financial transaction. Is sending money to CPM members the job of Krishna, an SFI member working in London," Satheesan asked. Krishna has connections with all CPM functionaries. There is nothing wrong with the connections, but the issue is the financial transactions that constitute crimes, Satheesan said. He also questioned the presence of Krishna in the CPM party congress in Madurai. "Krishna himself admitted to being expelled from the party congress. How did he become a representative? Why was he expelled? This suggests that some parts of Sharshad's letter are true," he alleged. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.