Assam launches scheme for indigenous people in ‘vulnerable areas' to get arms licence
'The new move will allow indigenous and permanent residents of the state residing in vulnerable, remote and border areas, who face insecurity to their lives due to various threats, to apply and get arms licence online without visiting government offices,' chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated while launching the scheme in Guwahati.
The state cabinet had approved the initiative on May 28.
While earlier it was stated that the scheme would be applicable in Muslim majority districts and those sharing the border with Bangladesh, the CM on Thursday said it is a 'religious-neutral objective' to help indigenous residents, original inhabitants and people residing in India continuously for at least three generations.
He added that the move would allow vulnerable residents to act as first responders in case of threats, within the limits of legal provisions, before police and security personnel can reach those remote and border locations. Sarma clarified that while the government will provide the licence, it would not play a role in applicants securing the arms and ammunition.
'For example, an area has a history of tension and clashes between two communities, one of which comprises around 90-95 percent of the population and another which is just 5-10 percent. If the majority community attacks the minority one, having arms will allow the smaller population to secure themselves before police teams reach from the nearby police station or district headquarters,' the CM said.
Sarma said that there would be thorough scrutiny of the applicants before the police and district officials approve the licences and only those who qualify all the set parameters will get them.
'This is not a move to create sensationalism. But it is a routine exercise of government power under constitutional and legal provisions. Earlier licences were given to vulnerable persons, now we are giving them to people residing in vulnerable areas,' he said.
Sarma stated that certain indigenous communities residing in some places have started feeling threatened due to the rapid rise in population of 'people from other faiths' over decades and reducing the original inhabitants to a minority.
Officials informed that applicants to the scheme will have to be above 21 years of age, have proof of being an indigenous or original inhabitant of the state, permanent resident of a vulnerable location, have no criminal record, be mentally and physically sound and give an undertaking to get arms training and use their weapons responsibly.
Applications can be submitted in the Sewa Setu website of the state government and once approved, the licence will be valid for a period of five years, they added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
GST reforms: CII hails PM Modi's move; calls it a ‘visionary' step for businesses
Representative image The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has hailed the forthcoming reforms to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort. Chandrajit Banerjee, director general of CII, said in a statement, 'On behalf of Indian industry, CII warmly welcomes the Hon'ble Prime Minister's visionary announcement of next-generation GST reforms. This landmark step reflects the Government's deep commitment to building a simpler, more transparent, and growth-oriented tax regime that will empower businesses and benefit consumers alike.' As per news agency ANI, the Prime Minister revealed that a high-powered committee will be set up to review and recommend comprehensive changes to the GST framework. CII called the move 'timely and forward-looking', noting it would help the tax system keep pace with India's fast-changing economy while ensuring stability for investors and entrepreneurs. The industry body welcomed several long-standing suggestions it had championed, including a shift towards a two-rate structure, alongside a separate rate for demerit goods, to simplify the system. CII also backed the correction of inverted duty structures in manufacturing, the reduction of compliance requirements for MSMEs, and the assurance of stable tax rates to boost investor confidence. Banerjee said these measures could significantly improve ease of doing business, cut costs, and speed up economic formalisation and digitisation. The proposed rationalisation of rates, lowering taxes on essential items and adjusting higher rates for luxury and sin goods, was described as a 'balanced approach of equity and efficiency' that would benefit both consumers and government revenue. Since its launch, GST has unified India's market, reduced tax cascading, and created a technology-driven compliance process. According to CII, the reforms mark the beginning of a 'GST 2.0' era, aligned with global standards and supportive of India's $5 trillion economy target. According to ANI, government sources stated that the Centre is considering removing the 12% and 28% GST slabs, retaining only the 5% and 18% rates. Around 99% of items in the 12% category could move to 5%, and nearly 90% of goods in the 28% slab may shift to 18%. CII praised the inclusive approach of the government and pledged to work with the finance ministry, GST Council, and stakeholders for smooth implementation. 'These measures will strengthen India's economic foundations, enhance investor confidence, and position the country among the world's most competitive and resilient economies,' Banerjee concluded. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Bangladesh: Devotees throng ISKCON temple in Dhaka to celebrate Janmashtami
Dhaka [Bangladesh], August 16 (ANI): Devotees take darshan of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha at the ISKCON temple in Dhaka, Bangladesg as ISKCON has begun the three-day celebration amidst Krishna celebrations marks one of the most important religious events for the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Speaking on the occasion, General Secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, told ANI. '… Tomorrow is the appearance day of Lord Krishna… Throughout the day, programs are held on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, including kirtan. In the evening, there will be the bathing ceremony…We have a three-day program, and many people will attend it…The government is taking the best security measures. We had a meeting with the police… They have ensured that nothing will happen this time…" Extending greetings to the Hindu community, Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus underscored the spiritual and cultural significance of the festival. 'The birth anniversary of the divine incarnation of Lord Krishna, Shubh Janmashtami, is one of the main religious festivals of the Hindu community. Lord Krishna preached the message of justice, humanity and peace throughout his life to establish equality and peace in the society," Yunus further emphasized communal harmony, adding, 'Since ancient times, the people of this country have been practicing their respective religion while maintaining communal harmony. Let us, through the collective efforts of all, build a new Bangladesh free from discrimination, full of communal harmony."Devotees are flocking to ISKCON's central temple in Swamibagh, Dhaka, to participate in various phases of the festival, which include pujas, kirtans, aartis, the Mahabhishek ceremony, discussion meetings, cultural programmes, Kirtan Mela, and religious plays. The temple also hosts a fair, where devotees buy sweets and gifts to mark the on the spiritual essence of the festival, Das Brahmachari said, 'May Lord Krishna bless who are righteous and may He change the mindset of those who are evil and turn them into good people. I pray that as many people as there are in the world, everyone will be happy. We have bathing programs – water to Krishna, religious meetings, Kirtans. So many people will attend."He also reflected on past challenges, saying, 'Sometimes, there were attacks on Hindus and Hindu temples in Bangladesh. We have helped the victims' families. We are going to village to village, city to city, giving assurance. We will not leave Bangladesh. Bangladesh is our birthplace. We are giving assurance to the Hindu communities." (ANI)
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Russia lost an oil client, which is India, says Trump on sanctions threat
Washington [US], August 16 (ANI): US President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, said that Russia lost India as an oil client while discussing the economic aspect of Russian President Vladimir Putin coming to the table for asked about the economic side of Putin's negotiations, Trump referred to India's role, saying, 'Well, they lost an oil client so to speak, which is India, which was doing about 40% of the oil, China as you know is doing a lot…and If I did secondary sanctions, it would be devastating from their standpoint. If I have to do it, I'll do it, maybe I won't have to do it," during the interview aboard Air Force comments follow his recent decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi's oil trade with Russia. Just days earlier, on August 7, the US President had announced an additional 25 percent tariff against India, and later hinted that more 'secondary sanctions" could be imposed in connection with the same being asked, 'Indian officials have said that there are other countries that are buying Russian oil, like China, for instance. Why are you singling India out for these additional sanctions', US President Donald Trump had said, 'It's only been 8 hours. So let's see what happens. You're going to see a lot more…You're going to see so much secondary sanctions." He also hinted that US administration could impose 'more" similar sanctions on being asked, 'On the Indian penalties, do you have any similar plans to enact more tariffs on China', US President Donald Trump says, 'Could happen. Depends on how we do. Could happen."US President Donald Trump last week signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from to the order issued by the White House, Trump cited matters of national security and foreign policy concerns, as well as other relevant trade laws, for the increase, claiming that India's imports of Russian oil, directly or indirectly, pose an 'unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United the order, the total tariff on Indian goods will be 50 per cent. While the initial duty comes into effect on August 7, the additional levy will come into effect after 21 days and will be imposed on all Indian goods imported into the US, except for goods already in transit or those meeting specific this announcement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in its response, termed the US's move as 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable", declaring that New Delhi will take 'all actions necessary to protect its national interests."In an official statement, the MEA said, 'The United States has in recent days targeted India's oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India."'It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest," the statement added. 'We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests," the MEA stressed. (ANI)
