
School fee hike sparks protest by parents in Delhi, demand reforms
While a small delegation was granted a brief interaction and promised further discussion, no follow-up communication occurred despite formal reminders.As part of the protest, parents submitted a detailed memorandum addressed to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, and Education Minister, highlighting several key concerns. These included unauthorised fee hikes, alleged misuse of school funds, and violations of student rights.The memorandum also objected to the recently passed Fee Regulation Ordinance 2025, which protestors claimed was implemented without sufficient public consultation.KEY DEMANDS RAISED BY PARENTSAmong the major demands listed were:Rollback of unratified fee increasesIndependent audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and forensic expertsGovernment-supervised parent-teacher association (PTA) elections for inclusive governanceAction against schools that shame or penalise students over unpaid fees, in violation of Article 21A of the ConstitutionParents also called for schools to shift to a monthly fee collection system, stating that lump-sum payments put undue financial pressure on families.They advocated for all infrastructure purchases to be routed through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to ensure cost-effective and transparent spending.Another significant demand was for public disclosure of approved fee structures by the Directorate of Education on both government and school websites.UPV CALLS FOR FAIRNESS AND DIALOGUEAccording to Rahul Gupta, a parent and UPV member, the protest reflected the community's frustration after exhausting all formal channels.'We have tried all channels, emails, meetings, even written representations to the highest offices. Today's gathering is a collective call for fairness and dignity in our children's education,' he said.UPV reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful civic action and urged the government to initiate an open and transparent dialogue with concerned parents.The group also mentioned that earlier appeals had been sent via email and speed post to the President, Prime Minister, and Union Home Minister, seeking immediate intervention.As parents continue to push for greater accountability in private education, they have vowed to persist with peaceful advocacy until meaningful reforms are achieved.(With inputs from PTI)- EndsMust Watch
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Revanth vows dharna at Jantar Mantar over 42% BC quota
1 2 3 Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday said he, along with ministers and party MPs, is ready to stage a dharna at Jantar Mantar in Delhi to press the Centre for approving 42% reservations for BCs in Telangana across panchayat raj local bodies, govt jobs, and educational institutions. He urged Rahul Gandhi and various parties' MPs to raise the issue in Parliament, asserting that the Telangana govt had submitted the proposal for enhanced BC quotas to the Centre and the President of India four months ago. Revanth also hinted at further enhancing reservation for SCs and STs based on the findings of the state's socio-economic caste census. The proposal includes raising SC quota from 15% to 17.5% and ST quota from 10% to 10.8% (11%). He said the upcoming national caste census would also bring clarity on the actual population share of these communities. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Speaking at a presentation on the Telangana caste survey held at Telangana Bhavan in Delhi, he said: "The Telangana survey is not just a caste count. It is a socio-economic, educational, and political survey. We collected 88 crore pages of self-declared data. It's 100% foolproof." Revanth said the letter of appreciation from Sonia Gandhi felt like a 'Nobel or Oscar award,' calling it the highest honour of his political career. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Revanth took sharp aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming "Modi is a legally converted OBC, as his caste was included in the category only after he became Gujarat CM." He alleged that if Modi continues to stall the BC reservation bill, people will remove him from power and ensure the bill's passage. "During our previous dharna at Jantar Mantar, I told Modi — either pass it now or the people will pass it after removing you from power. That message must now be sent again through Parliament," he told party leaders. The CM slammed both the BJP and RSS for opposing caste census initiatives. He recalled that in 2020, the BJP-led central govt had told the Supreme Court it had no intention of conducting such a census, and Union minister Rajnath Singh had echoed the same position in Parliament. Revanth said the BJP only agreed to include caste census in the national census earlier this year due to pressure from Congress, particularly Rahul Gandhi, who made it a core demand during his Bharat Jodo Yatra. He accused BRS leaders KT Rama Rao and T Harish Rao of attempting to discredit the survey's data, but said he had challenged them on the floor of the assembly to prove it wrong. Calling the survey a 'rare model,' Revanth said it would serve as a roadmap for the nation. "If anyone has a problem calling it the Telangana model, let's call it the rare model — and I'll explain why," he said. Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka gave a presentation on the survey's methodology, while irrigation minister Uttam Kumar Reddy and TPCC chief B Mahesh Kumar Goud spoke on its political significance.


News18
2 days ago
- News18
India-UK Trade Deal: From Textiles, Jewellery To IT, Who Gets What In Historic Pact
Last Updated: The India-UK Free Trade Agreement represents a significant milestone in the economic ties between the two nations, following years of complex negotiations India and the United Kingdom are poised to sign a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Thursday—a deal anticipated to open up billions of dollars in trade and investment opportunities for both countries. The signing comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes a visit to the UK—his fourth since assuming office in 2014. During the trip, he is scheduled to hold comprehensive talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer before departing for the Maldives on July 25. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement represents a significant milestone in the economic ties between the two nations, following years of complex negotiations. Talks originally kicked off in January 2022 during Boris Johnson's tenure as UK prime minister, with an initial goal of wrapping up by Diwali that year. Despite several setbacks and delays, the agreement was ultimately finalised in May 2025. PM Modi hailed the deal as a 'historic" achievement. How India Stands To Benefit The FTA with UK is expected to boost the export of labour-intensive items such as gems, jewellery, textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, sports goods and toys. According to a statement by the commerce ministry, other key exports like engineering goods, auto parts and engines and organic chemicals are also expected to get a boost. 'India has ensured that non-tariff barriers are suitably addressed to ensure free flow of goods and services and that they do not create unjustified restrictions to India's exports," the statement added. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said the deal could open up better market access, boost exports, and enhance trade relations with the UK. The UK presents a substantial market for jewellery, with annual imports valued at around $3 billion. Currently, India's share in this market is approximately $400 million, representing about 15 per cent. Also, eased mobility rules for Indian professionals and streamlined entry for IT companies are set to drive growth in the sector. According to the commerce ministry, the move could benefit more than 60,000 IT professionals each year. Major beneficiaries include TCS, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, and Wipro. Apart from this, tariff concessions for Indian tea, spices, and ready-to-eat products will improve market access. A major benefit of the deal is the introduction of a social security agreement, which exempts Indian employees in the UK from paying into the British social security system for up to three years. This measure is projected to save Indian workers and businesses approximately Rs 4,000 crore annually. The deal also creates new opportunities for Indian professionals, including chefs, yoga teachers, musicians, and other contract-based workers, by granting them temporary entry into the UK job market. This is expected to provide a boost to India's services industry. What Works For UK According to the British government, the trade agreement will lead to substantial cuts in Indian tariffs, with reductions secured on 90 per cent of tariff lines. Over the next 10 years, 85 per cent of these will be entirely exempt from tariffs. Under the agreement, tariffs on whisky and gin will initially drop from 150 per cent to 75 per cent, with a further reduction to 40 per cent by the tenth year. Meanwhile, import duties on automobiles will be brought down to 10 per cent, but within a specified quota. In a statement, UK said: 'Other goods with reduced tariffs, which can open markets and make trade cheaper for businesses and Indian consumers, include cosmetics, aerospace, lamb, medical devices, salmon, electrical machinery, soft drinks, chocolate and biscuits." The agreement grants UK businesses expanded access to public procurement opportunities in India. Under the FTA, British companies will be eligible to bid on non-sensitive government tenders valued above Rs 2 billion. This unlocks potential participation in nearly 40,000 tenders each year, collectively worth around Rs 4.09 lakh crore. tags : dairy products India-UK Trade Deal jewellery Keir Starmer leather pm narendra modi view comments Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: July 24, 2025, 14:52 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.


The Print
3 days ago
- The Print
Modi govt has ‘consistent policy of betrayal' for J&K: Cong
Also, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, along with Kharge, met and deliberated with party leaders from Jammu and Kashmir at Indira Bhawan here. His remarks came after Congress' Jammu and Kashmir unit staged a protest at Jantar Mantar here, demanding restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory. New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday alleged that the Modi government has a 'consistent policy of betrayal' for Jammu and Kashmir, and asserted that people of J&K deserve full statehood. The Congress is fully dedicated to protecting the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their interests, Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on Facebook after addressing the gathering. Posting pictures on X from the gathering, Kharge said the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve full statehood, and added that it is their constitutional right. 'We have written to the PM demanding the same. Modi Govt has a consistent policy of betrayal for Jammu and Kashmir,' he said. Kharge said the Pahalgam terror attack is a grim reminder of intelligence failure. 'We stand strongly with the people of J&K, demanding adequate compensation and protection for them, especially those families who have lost their loved ones in cross-border shelling. They are martyrs,' he said. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee is on the streets fighting for the people, he said. 'It is the duty of every Congress worker to strengthen the organisation. Your determination can go a long way in changing the lives of the people in this beautiful border region,' the party chief said. Congress general secretary (organisation), K C Venugopal, AICC in-charge of J&K Naseer Hussain and J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra, among others, took part in the protest at Jantar Mantar. 'Jammu and Kashmir is the first instance of a state being downgraded into a Union Territory. Such democratic backsliding and insult to the people of a state is unacceptable,' Venugopal said in a post on X after the protest. 'J&KPCC is protesting at Jantar Mantar, to demand restoration of full statehood to J&K. I joined in the protest and spoke about the need to defend the Constitution and restore the dignity of the people of J&K. The promises made in Parliament must be fulfilled without delay,' he said. The Congress on Sunday said the party will raise the demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in the Monsoon session of Parliament. Kharge and Gandhi had last week written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for a legislation in the Monsoon session to grant full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. In their joint letter to Modi, Kharge and Gandhi had said that for the past five years, the people of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir have consistently called for the restoration of full statehood. This demand is both legitimate and firmly grounded in their constitutional and democratic rights, they had said. PTI ASK KVK KVK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.