Latest news with #AgnipathScheme
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Meeting Chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath takes key decisions
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a state cabinet meeting on Tuesday, during which several important decisions were made to enhance employment, infrastructure, tourism, and public distribution systems. 20 per cent Reservation for Ex-Agniveers in State Forces: The cabinet approved a 20% horizontal reservation in direct recruitment for Ex-engineers in the Uttar Pradesh Police Reserve, PAC, Reserve Cavalry, and Firemen positions. Additionally, a three-year relaxation in the upper age limit will be granted, allowing, for their years of service. This decision aligns with the central government's Agnipath Scheme, which enables youth to serve in the armed forces. The first batch of Agniveers will retire in 2026, and this move aims to integrate them into civil services, ensuring their continued contribution to the nation. Annapurna Buildings Under the Public Distribution System: To strengthen the public distribution system and facilitate the smooth supply of food grains to ration card holders, the cabinet approved the construction of Annapurna buildings across the state. These model fair-price shop buildings will be funded through MNREGA, the State Finance Commission, MP/MLA funds, the Purvanchal and Bundelkhand Vikas Nidhi, or any other approved scheme. Where such funding isn't available, the Food and Logistics Department will utilize savings. An estimated 75 to 100 buildings can be constructed per district annually. The policy includes detailed guidelines for building design (484 sq. ft. per unit), site selection, construction execution, and maintenance. In rural areas, Gram Panchayats will be preferred as implementing agencies, while in urban areas, development authorities or local bodies will be prioritized. Sites must have access roads and undisputed land with community acceptance. Construction can take place on public, cooperative, or donated private land. Upon completion, the District Supply Officer will hand over operations to selected fair-price vendors rent-free. Vendors will cover operational costs, while line construction expenses will be borne by the Department of Food and Logistics. Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy Approvals: Under the UP Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy 2017, the cabinet approved six proposals submitted by the Empowered Committee headed by the Chief Secretary. New UP Homestay and B&B Policy 2025: The cabinet approved the Uttar Pradesh Homestay and Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Policy, 2025. Designed in alignment with the UP Tourism Policy-2022, this new framework aims to support registration, streamline regulations, and offer financial incentives to homestay and B&B units. The scheme aims to improve tourist experiences, enhance infrastructure, and create jobs by encouraging local tourism initiatives.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan seeks ‘appropriate recognition' for slain agniveer
Bathinda: In a tribute to agniveer Akashdeep Singh, Punjab assembly speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan mentioned that the Faridkot district administration and the Punjab chief secretary are in contact with to ensure the slain soldier received appropriate recognition. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Addressing mourners at the bhog of Akashdeep, Sandhwan expressed hope for a swift resolution. Akashdeep, 22, died in Jammu due to a bullet injury on May 14. His mother, Karamjit Kaur, and father Balwinder Singh were so upset with the central and state govts that they refused to immerse his ashes until the govt recognised him as a "martyr" by providing due honours. Though the family made this demand, the ministry of defence does not recognise the word martyr and sees a soldier who died in the battlefield as a "battle casualty". The family, also voicing opposition to the Agnipath Scheme, demanded its cancellation, stating that because Akashdeep was an agniveer, no honour as per past protocol was accorded during the cremation of his mortal remains. Hailing from Kothe Chahal village near Kotkapura town in Faridkot district, Akashdeep joined Indian Army as an agniveer nearly 21 months ago. Sandhwan, while paying tributes alongside his wife Gurpreet Kaur, said the Agnipath Scheme was not suitable for the nation's security. He asked the central govt to withdraw the scheme and resume regular recruitments.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan seeks ‘appropriate recognition' for slain agniveer Akashdeep Singh
1 2 3 Bathinda: In a tribute to agniveer Akashdeep Singh, Punjab assembly speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan mentioned that the Faridkot district administration and the Punjab chief secretary are in contact with Indian Army to ensure the slain soldier received appropriate recognition. Addressing mourners at the bhog of Akashdeep, Sandhwan expressed hope for a swift resolution. Akashdeep, 22, died in Jammu due to a bullet injury on May 14. His mother, Karamjit Kaur, and father Balwinder Singh were so upset with the central and state govts that they refused to immerse his ashes until the govt recognised him as a "martyr" by providing due honours. Though the family made this demand, the ministry of defence does not recognise the word martyr and sees a soldier who died in the battlefield as a "battle casualty". The family, also voicing opposition to the Agnipath Scheme, demanded its cancellation, stating that because Akashdeep was an agniveer, no honour as per past protocol was accorded during the cremation of his mortal remains. Hailing from Kothe Chahal village near Kotkapura town in Faridkot district, Akashdeep joined Indian Army as an agniveer nearly 21 months ago. Sandhwan, while paying tributes alongside his wife Gurpreet Kaur, said the Agnipath Scheme was not suitable for the nation's security. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo He asked the central govt to withdraw the scheme and resume regular recruitments to ensure soldiers serving at the nation's borders receive due honours. Outreach 3 days after Rahul spoke to family The speaker's outreach comes three days after leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, spoke with Akashdeep's father Balwinder Singh on May 22, when Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring visited the bereaved family to offer condolences. Rahul assured him of support and said the Congress had always opposed the Agnipath Scheme, demanding equal treatment for all soldiers. Warring mentioned that Akashdeep's family had not received any compensation. Due to the dissatisfaction expressed by agniveer Akashdeep's family, several youth from Faridkot, who were preparing for recruitment under the scheme, have declined to participate and demanded the opportunity to compete for regular recruitment. MSID: 121392529 413 |
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
IIT-BHU, 39 GTC organise creative skills workshop to empower future-ready youth
VARANASI: The Film and Media Council (FMC) of the Indian Institute of Technology ( IIT ) BHU , in collaboration with the 39 Gorkha Training Centre (39 GTC ), conducted a five-day Creative Skills Workshop from May 16 to 20 at the 39 GTC Camp in Varanasi. The workshop aimed to equip young soldiers with essential digital and creative skills, supporting India's ongoing efforts to modernise its defence forces under the Agnipath Scheme. Om Jee Pandey , Councillor of FMC, said the workshop focused on building digital awareness, creativity, and media literacy—increasingly vital qualities for today's soldiers, especially Agniveers, who are being trained to be agile, tech-savvy, and adaptive in their approach. The workshop included practical sessions and team-based activities. In the Photography and AI Editing module, participants learned the basics of composition and lighting, followed by hands-on training in AI-powered editing tools that simplified post-processing and enhanced creative output. In the Videography and Video Editing segment, participants worked with modern video equipment and editing software, using AI features to produce smoother transitions and improved sound quality. On the final day, participants collaborated in teams to complete a media project, applying all the skills acquired during the week. Pandey added that the workshop helped young learners gain confidence in using new tools and technologies—skills applicable not only in creative fields but also in defence settings, where effective communication and quick thinking are crucial. The initiative was guided by key figures from both institutions, including Prof. Amit Patra, Director of IIT BHU , and Brigadier Anirban Datta, Commandant of 39 GTC. Prof. Rajesh Kumar , Dean of Students' Affairs, described the programme as a significant step towards connecting creative education with national service. As the defence sector increasingly embraces advanced technologies, such collaborations underscore the importance of preparing youth for modern and impactful roles in the future.
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pahalgam attack: India's refusal to formation of global investigation body
That a belligerent India does not have any proof to substantiate its allegations against Pakistan is a fact that has found its best expression from what ISPR DG Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said yesterday. According to him, India hasn't provided a 'shred of evidence for its baseless allegations' against Pakistan concerning the Pahalgam attack. Moreover, what India has been doing is its involvement in undertaking cross-border terrorism inside Pakistan. Be that as it may, in my view, India will never acquiesce to setting up of an international investigation into the Pahalgam attack because of a variety of reasons. One of the major reasons is the horrendous lapse on the part of its security forces and intelligence agencies in relation to the Pahalgam attack. Needless to say, there is growing disaffection with the Indian troops, Border Security Force, CRPC, etc, due to the BJP government's highly unpopular approach to national security. Not only has the BJP government's highly controversial Agnipath Scheme (all recruits will be hired only for a four year period. Personnel recruited under this system are to be called Agniveers) unsettled its foot soldiers and officers alike, it has also alienated a vast chunk of Jaat population that traditionally constitutes the backbone of Indian soldiery. The second major reason, in my view, is that Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIJ&K) is still a union territory ever since it was deprived of its special status of state through removal of Article 370 in 2019 by the Modi government. The incumbent chief minister, Omar Abdullah, therefore, does not have powers of policing and administering this so-called union territory of India as these are under the purview of the Lt Governor of IIOJ&K and Home Minister of the Central government. Samiul Haq (Peshawar) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
