
Will increase aid for Kanwar service committees, says CM
Financial help for Kanwar service committees will be increased, she said after reviewing the arrangements in Kanwar camps at Punjabi Bagh (Ashok Park), Tagore Garden, and Subroto Park.
Speaking after her visit, Ms. Gupta said that the Kanwar Yatra is not just a religious journey but a festival. Welcoming Kanwariyas passing through or arriving in Delhi is a way to respect their devotion, she added.
'Delhi government is fully committed to supporting Kanwariyas in every possible way,' she said, adding that ministers, legislators, and government officials had made thorough preparations in advance to ensure the camps run smoothly.
After interacting with the Kanwar camp committee members, the CM stressed that distributing jute bags will encourage environmental responsibility and help keep Delhi clean and green.
Ms. Gupta said that 374 Kanwar committees have received financial assistance this year. All camps have been equipped with electricity, healthcare services, toilets, and sanitation staff. Welcome gates have also been installed at all Delhi borders to provide a warm reception and improved facilities for the devotees.
Ms. Gupta said that only 170 camps were set up under the previous government, and many of them faced allegations of mismanagement. 'This time, people have actively participated, and the government has fully supported them,' she added.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
India setting a new benchmark in defence self-reliance
1 2 3 4 In the 21st century, India is no longer just an emerging economy—it has risen as a powerful, self-reliant nation with global influence. Behind this transformation are economic reforms, scientific advancements, and, most importantly, the strengthening of national defence capabilities. A nation's security rests upon the strength and sophistication of its defence forces. India's modern defence strategy is no longer limited to border protection, it reflects the country's growing strategic, technological, and diplomatic ambitions. Let us examine the historical evolution, current status, and future prospects of India's defence power. India has been rich in military strategy and warfare since ancient times, as seen in the epics Mahabharat, Ramayan, and the armies of the Maurya and Gupta empires. After gaining independence in 1947, India inherited partition-related turmoil, limited military resources, and strategic ambiguity. Yet, the Indian Armed Forces effectively defended the nation and delivered strong responses during wars in 1947-48, 1965, 1971, and the Kargil conflict of 1999. For a long time, India's defence framework relied heavily on imports and followed a largely reactive policy. However, the second decade of the 21st century marked a revolutionary shift. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eine zielgerichtete Strategie für Ihre finanzielle Zukunft eToro Click Here Undo In recent years, India has embraced the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative with a special focus on indigenization in the defence sector. Under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, indigenous manufacturing, research and development (R&D), private sector involvement, and defence exports have been prioritized. Modifications to the Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) and the introduction of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 have promoted 'Make in India' products, giving them preference in procurement. Advanced weapon systems developed by DRDO such as the Tejas fighter jet, Akash missile, Pinaka rocket system, and Arjun tank have enhanced India's defence capabilities. To boost defence manufacturing, govt announced the creation of two Defence Corridors—one in Uttar Pradesh and another in Tamil Nadu. These aim to make Indian defence manufacturing globally competitive. If we talk about modernization of Armed Forces, India has the world's second-largest standing army, with over 1.2 million personnel. The force is now being modernized with the formation of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) for rapid response, the adoption of advanced rifles like SIG Sauer, and indigenous AK-203 rifles. Cyber and electronic warfare units have also been established. The Indian Navy has expanded beyond coastal defence to emerge as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean. The INS Vikrant (2022) is India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier. Submarines like INS Kalvari and INS Arihant symbolize India's self-reliance. Projects like 15B (destroyers) and Project 75 (submarines) under 'Make in India' have further strengthened naval power. The Indian Air Force plays a decisive role in modern warfare. The induction of Rafale jets and indigenous Tejas Mark-1A aircraft has enhanced its strike capabilities. Deployment of the S-400 Triumf air defence system has further bolstered aerial security. India adheres to a 'No First Use' nuclear policy but maintains a robust second-strike capability. India's triad strike capability—nuclear delivery via land, air, and sea—is fully operational. Collaboration between DRDO and Isro has boosted space-based surveillance and missile accuracy. In the domains of cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, India is making significant advances. With future warfare increasingly relying on digital platforms, India has established the Defence Cyber Agency and AI Task Force. DRDO is developing AI-based surveillance systems and drone technology. Through international forums like QUAD, India is also building partnerships in digital and cyber security. India is transitioning from being a major arms importer to a notable exporter. In FY 2023–24, India exported defense products worth over ₹21,000 crore. Countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Mauritius, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and even Israel are among the recipients. Key export items include ,HAL's Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Radar systems by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), BrahMos Supersonic Missile system Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India has significantly deepened military diplomacy. Notable agreements include: COMCASA and BECA with the US; Rafale jets and naval cooperation with France; S-400 missiles, submarines, and BrahMos with Russia. Drones and surveillance tech from Israel; India conducts joint military exercises with over 42 countries, enhancing global strategic partnerships. Govt has emphasized increasing women's participation in the military. Women now receive permanent commissions across all branches. Female officers serve in combat roles in the Navy and Air Force, and the NDA now admits women cadets, marking a significant shift in policy. Just look at the budget and foreign Investment in defence sector. India's defence budget for 2024–25 has crossed Rs 6.21 lakh crore. A substantial portion is allocated for indigenous R&D and technology. The FDI limit in defence has been raised to 74%, encouraging foreign investments and collaborations. But we do have some challenges, like Dual threats from China and Pakistan in border areas. Growing cyber threats, Technological gaps in critical defence areas. To overcome these, India must focus on future technologies like: Quantum tech,Hypersonic weapons, AI-driven warfare. Projects like Shivalik-class ships, project-18 destroyers, Tejas Mark-2, and AMCA (5th-gen stealth jets) will shape India's next-generation defense strength. So we can say, India's defence achievements in recent years reflect its growing self-reliance, technological innovation, and strategic foresight. Under PM Modi's vision, the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' campaigns have transformed India from a defence importer to a defence producer and exporter. Whether it is the Arjun tank, Tejas jets, Akash/Nag missiles, or the Pinaka MLR systems, India is now building what it once imported. DRDO continues to play a key role in these advancements. India's BrahMos missile, developed with Russia, remains one of the world's fastest cruise missiles. The Agni ballistic missile series further solidifies India's nuclear deterrent. Defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are drawing private and foreign investment. Companies like Tata, L&T, and Mahindra Defence are actively participating in indigenous defence production. From building its own aircraft carriers and submarines to deploying AI-based defence networks, India is not just protecting its borders—it is redefining the very nature of modern warfare. In the coming years, India is poised to rise further through innovation, localization, and strategic partnerships. The new India's defence strength is no longer a vision—it is a reality. It stands as a symbol not just of military might, but of India's commitment to global peace, stability, and cooperation. India today is not just defending its borders—it is emerging as a powerful, self-reliant, and responsible global defence power. (Writer is a Lucknow-based journalist and political commentator)


Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Indian Express
Kanwariyas have their right to choose. But eatery owners also have their right to privacy
The Supreme Court, on July 22, in a significant turn, refused to intervene and probe into the legality of the directives issued by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments mandating the owners of eateries along the route of the Kanwar Yatra to display QR codes with details of their names, types of food served, license and registration certificates. The Uttar Pradesh government claimed that the idea behind this directive was to ensure transparency and uphold the choice of the Kanwariyas to abstain from consuming certain food during the yatra. This is a departure from the SC's earlier stand on this issue. In 2024, the SC had placed an interim stay prohibiting the enforcement of a similar directive and stated that the eateries along the Kanwar yatra route may be required to display the kind of food being served but they should not be forced to display the name or identity of the owners. However, on Tuesday, the SC found this petition infructuous, given that the yatra is over, and directed the petitioners to approach the High Court for a detailed order on the merits of the directive. This is a constitutional quagmire impacting not only the right to privacy of the owners of the eateries, but also affecting the very tenets of secularism. The imminent threat of police action could also provoke an infringement of Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Article 14, 15(1), 17 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. The major question rests on the touchstone of the guidelines laid down in KS Puttaswamy vs Union of India regarding the right to privacy. The guidelines state that every state action impacting an individual's right to privacy must satisfy the tests of proportionality, necessity, legitimate aim and suitability. This, in the context of Article 21, means that an invasion of privacy must be justified based on a law that stipulates a procedure that is fair, just, and reasonable. An invasion of life or personal liberty must also meet the threefold requirement of (i) legality, which postulates the existence of a statute; (ii) need, defined in terms of a state's legitimate aim; and (iii) proportionality, which ensures a rational nexus between the objects and the means adopted to achieve them. However, in this case, the state action does not seem to have qualified any of the aforementioned requirements. Firstly, as rightly argued by several petitioners in this case, the directive was neither authorised by a statute nor was it proportionate or necessary to achieve its slated objectives. As argued by the petitioners, if the slated purpose of the directive was to ensure that the Kanwariyas have access to pure vegetarian food along the route of the yatra, then the mandate to disclose the names of the eatery owners has no bearing, if all eateries are anyway serving pure vegetarian food as per their dietary requirements. Lastly, the names of the owners of these eateries are an inevitable marker of their caste and religious identities, and a mandate for the disclosure of these details by state action is violative of their fundamental right to privacy under Article 21. This particular case called for a balancing act by the SC, to maintain the crucial equilibrium between the consumer's right to know (for religious sentiments), vis-a-vis the right of the eatery owners to maintain their privacy. The impact of the Court's order refusing to intervene with the QR code requirement shall stand out as a case wherein the customer's right to know trumped the fundamental right to privacy of the eatery owners. If a balancing act between competing rights is not adequately performed by the constitutional courts, it may affect the constitutional ethos. The constitutionality of such directives must be tested by the existing legal provisions. The writer is a research fellow at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy


News18
8 hours ago
- News18
'Oppn Disguising As Kanwariyas': UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak Alleges Conspiracy To Defame Yatra
Last Updated: UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak accused opposition parties, especially Samajwadi Party, of defaming Kanwar Yatra by impersonating Kanwariyas. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has made a strong statement regarding the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, accusing the opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party, of conspiring to 'defame" the religious event. The BJP leader claimed that certain 'anarchist elements" have been impersonating Kanwariyas with the intent to create disturbances and tarnish the image of the annual pilgrimage, which sees thousands of devotees travelling on foot to collect holy water from the Ganga river. VIDEO | After today's cabinet meeting in Lucknow, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak (@brajeshpathakup) alleged that Samajwadi Party supporters, disguised as Kanwariyas, are spreading lawlessness. He said such blatant misuse of the law will not be tolerated. — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 22, 2025 'The opposition parties, especially the anarchist elements of Samajwadi Party, have hatched a conspiracy to defame the Yatra by disguising themselves as Kanwariyas," said Pathak. 'Under a well-planned politics, strict action will be taken by identifying all the people…", he added. The Deputy CM added that the state government is keeping a close watch on all activities during the Yatra. He warned that strict actions will be taken against those flouting the rules. 'We will create a law and order system and action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law," he further said. The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage observed by Shiva devotees, is currently underway in full swing. With lakhs of devotees taking part, authorities have ramped up security and surveillance to prevent any untoward incidents. The tradition is deeply rooted in devotion, simplicity and penance. But in recent years, many violent incidents have been reported during the yatra. Earlier this month, a group of kanwariyas vandalised a school bus in Meerut after it accidentally grazed one of them. Subsequently, an FIR was registered against the unidentified pilgrims from Ghaziabad. In a separate incident in Muzaffarnagar, few members of a Hindu outfit reportedly tried to strip an eatery worker during an 'identity check," sparking public outrage. A few days later, another group of pilgrims ransacked an eatery over being served onions, destroying furniture and damaging the kitchen. view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 17:22 IST 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.