Karnataka truckers give 15-day deadline over dues, Anna Bhagya delivery in limbo?
The Anna Bhagya scheme, one of the Karnataka Congress' five guarantee schemes announced in the 2023 assembly election manifesto, may face serious disruption starting July 5, with the state's food grain transporters threatening to halt operations over unpaid dues.The Karnataka State Public Distribution Food Grains Transport Contractors' Association has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding the release of Rs 250 crore in pending transportation payments that have been delayed for over four months.advertisement'If they don't pay up, let the officials and the government run the trucks,' warned Karnataka Lorry Owners' Association president GR Shanmugappa, indicating a complete shutdown of food grain movement if demands remain unmet.
The association, which includes over 3,000 to 4,000 owner-cum-drivers, claims its members are under financial stress, struggling to pay Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Employees' State Insurance (ESI), and taxes. In addition to the unpaid dues, the group has also demanded the refund of Earnest Money Deposits (EMDs).The association has accused the government of ignoring repeated appeals and failing to act, forcing them to consider an indefinite strike.This is not the first time the Anna Bhagya scheme has run into challenges. Since July 1, 2023, the state government had been providing only 5 kg of rice instead of the promised 10 kg, after the Union government refused to supply rice under the Open Market Sale Scheme.To compensate, the Congress-led state government began disbursing Rs 170 per beneficiary per month via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), calculated at Rs 34 per kg. However, since February, with the Union government agreeing to sell rice at a fixed price till June, Karnataka decided to resume distributing rice instead of cash.Tune InMust Watch
IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
34 minutes ago
- Hans India
Welspun Living and NSDC join hands to upskill and empower Bharat's Next Gen Textile Workforce
Welspun Living Limited (WLL), a global leader in home textiles and a part of India's fastest growing global conglomerate Welspun World, has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to launch a large-scale skilling and employment initiative focused on operator-level roles in the textile sector. The partnership will help in fostering industry partnerships to address skill gaps and enhance employability. The scheme jointly launched by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary and Chief Minister of Mizoram Pu Lalduhoma. The event also saw participation from key government leaders including Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State, Labour, Employment and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of Mizoram; K Sapdanga, Hon'ble Minister for Home, Government of Mizoram; Maotoshi Longkumer, Adviser for Skill Development, Employment, Labour & Excise, Government of Nagaland; G Madhumita Das, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India; and Shreeshail Malge, Joint Secretary, MSDE. They appreciated the joint effort by Welspun and NSDC, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in creating jobs and building skills, especially in the North-East and other underserved regions. This initiative covers training, travel, and stipends for the trainees at an approximate cost of Rs 42,500 per trainee during the training period. The total investment for the program amounts to Rs 4.25 crore. The partnership aims to train and certify 1,000 candidates in its pilot phase, with at least 50% women participation, particularly from underrepresented regions such as the North-Eastern states and Uttarakhand. The program is designed to create a sustainable talent pipeline for India's textile manufacturing sector while advancing gender and regional equity. The program will be conducted at Welspun's state of art facilities in Anjar and Vapi, Gujarat combined of: 120 hours of classroom-based training 210 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT). Candidates will be trained in key technical areas such as machine handling, production processes, quality control, safety protocols, and soft skills. Upon successful completion, all trainees will receive a joint certification from NSDC and Welspun and be assured of captive employment within Welspun's textile operations. 'At Welspun, we believe that women are not just participants but powerful catalysts in shaping the future of India's textile industry,' said Dipali Goenka, MD & CEO, Welspun Living Limited. 'This partnership reflects our commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. By focusing on women from North east & Uttarakhand, we are not only bridging skill gaps but also unlocking pathways to economic independence, self-worth, and generational impact.' Rajesh Jain, Chief Human Resources Officer, Welspun Living Limited, added, 'Skill development is not just about employment, it is about creating opportunities and empowering people with the ability to transform their futures. Through our collaboration with NSDC, we aim to create a more inclusive and future-ready textile workforce, and contribute to boost economic growth' This initiative reflects Welspun's LITE philosophy-Learning, Innovation, Trust/Talent, and Endurance. Earlier this year, the company marked its 38th Founders Day with the theme 'The Unstoppable W,' celebrating the spirit of inclusive growth. The skilling partnership builds on this vision by equipping individuals, especially women, to thrive in the future of textiles.
Hans India
34 minutes ago
- Hans India
US President's behaviour show he is mentally unstable: Manoj Kumar Jha after Trump meets Pak Army chief
New Delhi: Following a rare meeting between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Rajya Sabha member Manoj Kumar Jha on Thursday questioned Trump's mental state, calling him 'mentally unstable.' Speaking to IANS, Manoj Kumar Jha said: "I don't want to go into too much detail, but through his behaviour, it seems that the US President is mentally unstable and cannot even think clearly on ideological matters. I am also concerned on a deeper level. On Wednesday, our Ministry of External Affairs gave a briefing on a video, and again, Trump issued another statement on his involvement in mediation between India and Pakistan. I think he's obsessed with this." Jha called for a special session of Parliament in response to Trump's comments. "All MPs should come together and send a clear message to Trump: this is none of your business. We have never accepted mediation—neither in the past, the present, nor will we in the future." Referring to Pakistan's recent praise for leaders like Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the US President, Jha questioned the irony. "They are calling for a Nobel Prize for Shehbaz and Trump. Leaders like (North Korea's) Kim Jong Un and (Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu are being projected as peacemakers. Look at what kind of peace they are bringing—in Iran, in Gaza. The geopolitical situation is becoming more complex, and that's why I believe it's time we reboot our foreign policy," he said. Jha also responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bihar's Siwan, where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth Rs 9,519 crore on June 20. He is also expected to address a public rally. "He is the Prime Minister, so naturally he will visit, especially with elections approaching. He'll showcase traditional symbols like the 'gamcha' and 'litti chokha'. But what's more important are the real challenges Bihar is facing—unemployment, poor social security, and deteriorating health facilities," he said. "PM Modi didn't say a word about the gunfire incident during his roadshow on Boring Road. These are the issues he must address in Siwan." This will be PM Modi's fourth visit to Bihar this year, with the state Assembly elections scheduled for October-November. The administration remains on high alert ahead of his arrival.
Economic Times
43 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Huge methane gas reserve found in western Nepal
Synopsis A recent report indicates that western Nepal may possess approximately 430 billion cubic metres of methane gas reserves. This could potentially fulfill the nation's gas demand for about 50 years. Initial findings from a Chinese-led exploration project in the Dailekh district revealed significant methane deposits in a single well. A preliminary report published on Thursday has revealed that the total methane gas reserves in western Nepal could reach approximately 430 billion cubic metres, enough to possibly meet the Himalayan nation's demand for gas for around 50 years. ADVERTISEMENT The report, prepared by the China Geological Survey (CGS), presented initial findings from just one of the four targeted wells in Jaljale area of Dailekh district, raising the possibility of the Himalayan nation tapping into domestic sources of energy, according to government daily Gorkhapatra. The findings were shared with the government of Nepal on Thursday. The exploration was carried out under a bilateral agreement signed in 2019 between Nepal and China. "The first drilling operation, launched on May 11, 2021, reached a depth of more than 4,000 metres, revealing an estimated 1.12 billion cubic metres of methane in a single well," the report said. "The report represents initial findings from just one of four targeted wells. Based on early estimates, the total reserve in the area could reach 430 billion cubic metres, which could possibly meet Nepal's demand for gas for around 50 years," Gorkhapatra said. ADVERTISEMENT Dinesh Kumar Napit, Deputy Director General at the Department of Mines and Geology, and head of the Petroleum Exploration Project said that the site is the deepest and most scientifically advanced exploration carried out in Nepal to date. The government has allocated 45 ropanis of land equivalent to 2,50,000 sq ft area, which is less than 1 sq km, for the project. Further testing is underway to assess gas quality, commercial viability, and economic potential. ADVERTISEMENT "The final report from the Chinese team is expected by the end of this year, with plans to begin commercial production testing thereafter," the newspaper said. This project - entirely grant-funded by the Chinese government - is considered a pilot initiative, with the CGS providing technical and financial support. The initial estimated cost was Rs 2.5 billion, though delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, led to escalation. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
