Delhi Raises Stakes For Olympic Medals — Up To 7cr For Winners
Minister Ashish Sood said the decisions "for Delhi's development, students and youth" were taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Rekha Gupta at Delhi Secretariat.
"There were historic decisions made under the Mukhyamantri Khel Prothsahan Yojana. Earlier, Olympic and Paralympic medal winners were awarded Rs 3 crore, Rs 2 crore and Rs 1 crore for gold, silver and bronze medallists, respectively.
To encourage the sports ecosystem in Delhi, Olympic gold medallists will now be given Rs 7 crore, silver medallists will receive Rs 5 crore, and bronze medallists Rs 3 crore," he said.
You Can Also Check:
Delhi AQI
|
Weather in Delhi
|
Bank Holidays in Delhi
|
Public Holidays in Delhi
Sood also announced that the Olympic gold and silver medallists will be given Group A jobs in Delhi govt while the bronze medallists will be given Group B jobs. The Cabinet also decided that young sportspersons participating in state- and national-level events will be provided Rs 5 lakh each for coaching and training purposes, he said.
The honorarium will be given to students from classes 6 to 12.
So far, National Games winners were provided Rs 3 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh for winning gold, silver and bronze medals, Sood said. Govt has now decided to provide Rs 11 lakh for winning any medal in national-level sports events, he added. Govt will provide Rs 20 lakh per year to "elite sportspersons" who participate in national and international games and sports events, the minister said.
Meanwhile, Sood said the move to provide students free laptops under the Mukhyamantri Digital Scheme was aimed to ensure their holistic development. "As many as 1,200 meritorious students who passed Class 10 with good marks will be given i7 laptops. This will benefit students from underprivileged backgrounds," he said, adding that this will be in line with the National Education Policy, and children from underprivileged backgrounds will benefit from the scheme.
Sood also criticised the previous AAP dispensation over "non-functional" computer labs in govt schools.
"There were some people who called themselves the fathers of the education revolution. There are 1,074 govt schools. I invite you to witness the education revolution there... None of them has a functional computer lab," he alleged, adding, "At a time when we are talking about experiential learning, AI and data science, our govt school students don't have functional computer labs or information and communication technology (ICT) labs.
"
Sood announced that Delhi govt will set up 100 ICT labs in state-run schools.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
26 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Delhi govt won't humour gallows claim, Oppn refuses to yield
In a high-voltage session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, chief minister Rekha Gupta launched a stinging attack on the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over what she alleged was a 'fabricated and disgraceful' attempt to distort history by allegedly falsely labelling a part of the Assembly complex as a 'Phansi Ghar' (execution chamber). Delhi Legislative assembly speaker Vijender Gupta led a guided media tour of the space on Wednesday, showing old blueprints from the National Archives that mark the room as a lift shaft. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo) Gupta ordered an inquiry and a first information report to look into the matter and said that ₹1.04 crore of public funds were allegedly spent on constructing and promoting the site, and the money must be recovered. She demanded that the structure at the centre of the debate be removed before the All India Speakers' Conference, which is set to take place at the Assembly complex on August 24–25. Addressing the House, she accused former CM Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating an elaborate political spectacle to gain public sympathy. 'There is no history, no document, no evidence that proves any part of this building ever served as a gallows. Kejriwal wore the mask of patriotism and sacrifice while misleading people with a staged drama,' Gupta said. The alleged 'Fansi Ghar' was unveiled by the AAP government in 2022. But Gupta cited historical records that show the Assembly building, constructed in 1912, served as the venue for the Imperial Legislative Council from 1913 to 1926. She said the area in question was merely a service shaft used to deliver tiffins of food to British officers and never intended or used for executions. She said the real site of Delhi Jail, where executions did take place during the British Raj, was located at the present-day Maulana Azad Medical College. 'To falsely inscribe such a claim within a constitutional institution is not just misleading, it is an insult to martyrs who actually gave their lives for the country,' she added. Gupta insisted that the structure and the signage be removed before hosting national dignitaries at the upcoming conference. 'We cannot afford to present a falsified history to the nation's lawmakers,' she said. Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta also denounced the installation, and said, 'There was never any 'Fansi Ghar' here. What we see is a colonial-era lift shaft used to deliver food. That's all.' He led a guided media tour of the space, showing old blueprints from the National Archives that mark the room as a lift shaft. He said the Assembly building, designed by British architect E Montague Thomas and built under contractor Faqir Chand, was completed in just eight months in 1912. 'The Assembly has a rich history, even Mahatma Gandhi attended three sessions here. Crores were spent promoting a false narrative that undermines this institution's legacy,' he said, holding up a April 7, 1931 edition of Hindustan Times that reported on Gandhi's visit. 'Crores of rupees were spent on this false narrative. This is not just a waste of public money. It undermines the sanctity of this institution,' he said. Meanwhile, the AAP hit back, accusing the BJP government of using the Assembly as a platform for theatrics while neglecting urgent public issues. Leader of Opposition Atishi said, 'For three days, the BJP has hijacked Assembly proceedings to obsess over a staircase. Meanwhile, rising crime, illegal demolitions, inflated school fees, and vehicle deregistration are all being ignored.' She said the BJP government was deliberately avoiding accountability and turning the Assembly into a stage for political theatre. 'If the BJP is serious about history, they should form a committee of historians and archaeologists. Not a single person here is qualified to speak on this topic. The Assembly is meant to address real issues affecting the people, not indulge in distractions,' she added. Atishi said AAP MLAs were being silenced and evicted when they tried to raise public concerns. 'Why won't this government talk about jhuggi demolitions, school fee hikes, or the registration cancellation of old vehicles? Every time we raise these matters, we are thrown out of the House,' she said. She also cited writings by Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar, who documented in the context of the 1857 revolt that the British had executed Indians not only in jails but also in other hidden sites like offices and school buildings. 'Despite this, the BJP seems more interested in defending colonial narratives than confronting real governance challenges,' she said. The origins of the 'Fansi Ghar' claim go back to 2021 when then Speaker Ram Niwas Goel announced the discovery of an underground tunnel connecting the Assembly with the Red Fort. In 2022, the AAP government inaugurated the alleged execution chamber, claiming it was used during British rule. Professional historians who attended Wednesday's session from the visitors' gallery also rejected the claim. Professor in the department of history with the Delhi UniversityManisha Chaudhary, said, 'The layout map from the National Archives demarcates this area as a lift. Also, structurally, for hanging a person, you have to take them to the top and make them stand on a platform before that does not seem to be there. Also, it is very unlikely that executions would be allowed in full view at a public space where elected representatives are holding discussions,' said Chaudhary. She explained that typically a 'Fansi Ghar' or execution space is located close to a jail so that the prisoners do not need to be taken far, considering the safety. 'All such places also maintain elaborate manuals and records of the hanging, details of the prisoner and the executioner, hanging orders, a doctor who confirms death and details of the officers present,' Chaudhary said.
Hindustan Times
26 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
'Who's he to stop us?' AAP MP on Trump tariffs, penalty for buying oil from Russia
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Ashok Kumar Mittal on Wednesday strongly criticised United States President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% additional tariff on Indian products, calling it "illogical" and accusing Washington, DC, of applying "double standards" in its trade policies. Aam Aadmi Party MP Ashok Kumar Mittal also suggested that the current situation could also open up new avenues for the Indian economy.(File/Sansad TV) Mittal defended India's purchase of oil from Russia and questioned the legitimacy of US criticism. Mittal said, "Yes, we are purchasing oil from Russia. Who is he to stop us? He himself is purchasing uranium, certain critical metals from Russia. His allies, European countries, are purchasing oil from Russia. China is purchasing oil from can't have double standards, double policies. He will have to withdraw his illogical orders, illogical tariffs." Mittal asserted that Indian industry is "competent enough" and will find "alternative ways to sell the products." He said, "The US has imposed a 50% total tariff on Indian products. Of course, this will hurt the Indian industry in the short term. But our entrepreneurs, our businessmen, our industrialists are competent enough, strong enough. They will find alternative ways to sell the products." He suggested that the current situation could also open up new avenues for the Indian economy. "We may increase consumption in India, we are 1.4 billion populations and we can find some more markets. Rather, it may give us opportunities. Indian economy is growing 6 to 8 % per year, and its effect on GDP will be maximum 0.2, meaning nothing as per our growth, and we will easily absorb this deficiency in our growth and find other ways." His reaction comes after, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from India. According 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 becomes effective 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 exemptions. The Executive Order also allows for modifications based on changing circumstances, including potential retaliation by other countries or steps taken by Russia or India to address the national emergency." Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 per cent," the order stated. India has termed the United States' move to impose additional tariffs on India over its oil imports from Russia as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable." Ministry of External Affairs said 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)
Indian Express
26 minutes ago
- Indian Express
From Vedic roots to modern silhouettes: India's handloom heritage in spotlight
India's handloom heritage was in the spotlight on Wednesday as the Delhi government marked the National Handloom Day with 'Vastra Katha' — a curated fashion show that brought together designers, policymakers, and weavers on one platform. Organised by the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board at the The Ashok Hotel, the event highlighted the cultural, economic and environmental significance of the country's handloom sector as the government pledged support for the future of the sector. The evening began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. She had earlier announced the allocation of Rs 50 crore for handloom and artisan welfare. 'Love for the country can be shown not only by standing at the border and firing a gun, but also by wearing clothes woven with the threads of the country,' she said. 'From Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, every state has a fabric that tells its own story. I proudly wear handloom sarees from different states and I want all sisters of Delhi to join me in embracing our culture,' the Chief Minister asserted. Bureaucrats, international dignitaries and renowned fashion designers like Gaurang Shah were in attendance. A 'Rainbow Revolution'— the handloom movement that now colours global couture with its threads — is how Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa described the event. The opening presentation — 'Khadi: Ek Daivik Vardan' — by students of Satyam Fashion Institute visually evoked the idea of khadi as sacred and timeless, with performers dressed as sages and figures from Vedic lore. What followed was a multi-segment showcase of India's textile diversity. 'Bharat – Vividhta Mein Ekta' featured handlooms from Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in a tribute to the freedom movement. The vibrance of Punjab took centre stage in 'Punjab Da Rang, Khushiyan Da Sang', where models walked the ramp in brightly coloured traditional attire. 'Delhi Marches Ahead with Handloom Office Wears' reimagined handloom for modern office wear, emphasising everyday utility. The show also spotlighted regional craftsmanship through Banarasi Shringar, designed by Shivam Arts Exports from Varanasi, which brought wedding wear to the ramp — lehenga set, sarees and sherwanis in rich weaves. 'Opulence Through Threads', by students of Satyam Fashion Institute, celebrated intricate floral threadwork on Khadi wear. The 'Nine Yards Wonder' segment drew attention to sarees from states including West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. The finale — 'Khadi Handloom Goes International — presented by designer Samant Chauhan showcased global designs reimagined in Khadi. Speaking at the event, Sirsa described handloom as a force that goes beyond aesthetics. 'This is the vision of our Chief Minister, who wants to take the handloom to every home in the country as a fashion icon,' he said. With government action aligning with cultural celebration, Vastra Katha positioned the handloom not just as heritage — but as a vital part of India's future, said organisers.
