Latest news with #AsimArun
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Min pledges support to transgender community
Lucknow: Social welfare minister Asim Arun assured members of the transgender community that he would ensure that they get all govt facilities and basic infrastructure at the earliest. Talking to members of the community in Basti on Wednesday, the minister said that transgender settlements would be identified in Basti and efforts would be initiated to ensure all basic facilities, including roads, water, electricity and sanitation, there. The minister promised govt funding to groups involved in activities like dairy and goat farming so that they can strengthen and expand their businesses. As part of the scheme to ensure financial independence for members of the transgender community, those interested in starting businesses such as beauty parlours, computer centres and public service centres would receive training and get access to easy loans. Besides, a survey will be conducted to identify persons who do not have requisite identity documents. The social welfare department will then assist such persons to get the necessary paperwork done for IDs such as Aadhaar. A 'Garima Griha', similar to the one in Gorakhpur, would also be opened in Basti. "The department of social welfare is consistently working to deliver govt schemes and resources to the transgender community. In line with this, a special dialogue focusing on the empowerment of the transgender community was organised in Basti on Wednesday. Approximately 40 members of the transgender community participated and engaged with officials from the administration, police and various departments," said a department spokesperson.
Hindustan Times
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
UP min initiates action against his private secy after woman complains of ‘obscene gestures'
LUCKNOW The police on Thursday arrested the private secretary of Uttar Pradesh minister Asim Arun for allegedly molesting a woman employee posted in the social welfare department. The accused, Jai Kishan Singh, was booked under Section 74 of the BNS (assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), based on the victim's complaint, said assistant commissioner of police (Gomti Nagar) BN Singh, adding that appropriate legal action will follow. The accused was booked under Section 74 of the BNS, based on the victim's complain (Pic for representation) According to the staff at the social welfare department, the minister personally called the police to his office after hearing the woman's complaint, prompting an official inquiry into the matter. The minister also informed about the same in his tweet, stating: 'The Yogi Adityanath government is very strict towards sexual harassment of women. Today, taking seriously the complaint of a female employee in my office, I informed the police for immediate action and now the police are investigating this matter.' He added: 'Sensitisation workshops will be organised under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, at all workplaces of the social welfare department across the state or the premises (schools, old age homes, etc) where officers/employees of the department are working. We have to ensure a safe and respectful environment at every workplace.' Asim Arun is UP minister of state (independent charge) social welfare, scheduled caste and tribal welfare. The alleged incident occurred at the department's headquarters, Bhagidari Bhawan (a government office) in Lucknow. The woman approached the minister in an emotionally distraught state, alleging that Singh had been making obscene gestures and harassing her for a long time. She broke down in tears while recounting her ordeal, following which the minister assured her of justice and took prompt steps. A police team arrived shortly afterwards, and the woman filed a written complaint in the minister's presence. SHO (Gomti Nagar) Brijesh Chandra Tiwari confirmed that the matter is under investigation. 'A transparent investigation is underway and appropriate action will follow based on evidence,' he added. According to sources, around 3:30pm, minister Arun arrived at the office and questioned Jai Kishan Singh about the allegations. As Singh reportedly tried to deflect the issue, the minister immediately called the police to the premises. The accused, a review officer, is a native of Bamrauli in Prayagraj and currently resides with his family in Lucknow's Vikrant Khand.
India Today
31-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
UP Minister calls cops on own aide after molestation complaint by staffer
Uttar Pradesh Minister Asim Arun on Thursday said he handed his personal assistant over to the police after a female staff member approached him today, accusing the assistant of molesting her. The minister confirmed that an FIR is being registered following the survivor's complaint."Today, taking a female employee's complaint seriously in my office, I personally informed the police for immediate action, and now the police are investigating the case," the minister tweeted, shortly after the incident. advertisementThe incident allegedly occurred around 15 days ago and involved molestation on two separate occasions. Initially, the employee was too intimidated to report the assault but later mustered the courage to inform Minister Arun, prompting immediate action. "A woman's complaint, in itself, is sufficient — both to file a case and even for conviction. As a supervisor, it is currently my responsibility to ensure a safe and respectful work environment for both men and women working with me. If anyone tries to disrupt this atmosphere, action must be taken against them," said Arun. "A complaint was made by one of our female employees... She reported that she was molested twice by a private secretary in the department. She brought this to my attention today. I immediately took action. First, I informed the police, who registered an FIR and questioned the individual. Second, I contacted and wrote to the Sachivalaya Prashasan Department, which is the cadre-controlling authority for such officers. They will conduct an inquiry and take appropriate administrative action," he added, as reported by news agency accused assistant had held his post for nearly eight months before the allegations the minister lashed out at the Samajwadi Party for launching PDA paathshalas, where students are being taught English alphabets as: A for Akhilesh Yadav, B for Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, C for Chaudhary Charan Singh, D for Dimple Yadav, and M for Mulayam Singh Yadav."I am not surprised, because this has always been the working style of the Samajwadi Party — whether it's filling government posts with people from only one caste or putting their own images on government-distributed laptops to promote themselves. These have always been their practices. Such activities have occurred in government spaces. Not only will we stop this, but it also goes against the democratic spirit," he said.- EndsTrending Reel
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Places of worship, not traffic signals, hot spots for beggars in Lucknow: Survey
LUCKNOW Contrary to perception, only a small percentage of beggars (2%) relies on traffic signals for their income. Temples and mosques are the primary locations where they receive alms, along with food and clothes, reveals a social organization's survey. According to the report, 2,411 people were found to be engaged in begging at 101 locations in eight zones of Lucknow. (File Photo) As many as 30% of the beggars target temples and mosques while a mere 2% use traffic signals, 1% use bus stops and 23% use all three places for seeking alms. Three per cent use both traffic signals and bus stops, 15% use traffic signals and temples/mosques, 25% use both bus stops and temples/mosques and around 3% do not have any fixed place for begging. They largely get cash in alms but also get ready-to-eat items, fruits, sweets, clothes, etc, on different occasions, as per the report by social organisation 'Badlav' that was handed over to minister of state for social welfare Asim Arun on Sunday. 'Religious places are hot spots for beggars as people go there with a sense of devotion and donation in the name of is why it becomes easier for beggars to get alms. We will raise the issue with the district administration and request them for anti-beggary drives outside religious places as well,' said Sharad Patel, director of 'Badlav'. The minister wrote on his X account: 'Yogiji is emphasizing on Zero Poverty Campaign and NGOs can be of great help in this. Today, I attended the presentation programme of the survey report (2024-25) based on 'Status of people involved in begging in Lucknow: Neglect and Inclusion' by NGO Badlaav in Lucknow. Such grassroots level surveys reveal the ground reality and help the government in policy making.' The objective of the study was to ascertain the number of people engaged in begging and understand the socio-economic status of these people. According to the report, 2,411 people were found to be engaged in begging at 101 locations in eight zones of Lucknow. As many as 97% of people engaged in begging are from 44 districts of UP, out of which the majority are from Lucknow and four neighbouring districts, including Barabanki, Hardoi, Sitapur and Unnao. The report also suggests that 3% among these people are widows, 3% are physically challenged and 11% senior citizens. Among the identified three categories of vulnerable people, 13% are receiving widow pensions, 40% are receiving disability pensions and 5% are receiving old-age pensions. As per the survey findings, one or more family members of 64% are engaged in the act of begging, whereas 36% are the only people who are in the act of begging in their family. All members of 22% of people, mothers of 41% of people and both parents of 20% of people are engaged in the act of begging. Shelter is a big issue for people engaged in begging, where around 38% of people have to spend their nights on the footway, 52% have small huts, 2% have kuccha houses, 5% live in pucca houses, 3% reside in rental spaces, suggests the report. District social welfare officer (Lucknow) Anjani Singh said the department will take note of the findings of the report and strategise accordingly. 'We are yet to receive a detailed report about the findings. Once we study the report, we will ensure that people involved in begging get benefits of government schemes and are brought into the mainstream of society. We will also ensure that kids engaged in begging get enrolled in schools,' emphasised. The survey report also revealed that the income of people engaged in begging is largely dependent on festivals and weather, where during extreme summer, winter and rainy seasons, they have to struggle to meet their daily needs. The daily income of 18% of these is below ₹50 per day, 32% is between ₹51 to ₹100 per day, 35% is between ₹101 and ₹200, 12% is between ₹201 and ₹300, whereas 2% of people earn more than ₹301 per day, claims the report. Around 33% of these people do not have any identity proof, 64% have an Aadhaar card, 30% have a ration card, 3% have a driving licence as well, and 1% have all three documents. At the same time, among people having ration cards, 80% are receiving rations for their families, it added. The majority (75%) of people do not have a bank account, which makes them vulnerable, as they cannot even save their earned income in a bank, which may provide safety during a crisis, suggested the report. District Magistrate Vishak G said a drive will be conducted outside religious places, not just to curb beggary, but also to provide support and rehabilitation to destitute people and those who don't have any support system. 'Organised child beggary is mainly done at intersections and busy streets, while at religious places there are many old people also who don't have any support system and are rescued by social organisations,' he said. 'Earlier in the anti-beggary drive, we covered intersections primarily because we found child beggars there. In the second phase, we will cover other places including religious sites with the help of social organisations. More than 100 people were rescued in the past from such sites with the help of social organisation 'Apna Ghar Ashram'. We will be calling them again and places of worship, along with hospitals, will be covered. People who need help genuinely, will be rehabilitated. Also, kids involved in begging will be enrolled in schools,' added the DM.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Slow-paced life rooted in nature, relationships need of the hour'
Lucknow: In an age defined by speed, digital overload, and social disconnection, a thoughtful gathering at the Police Officers' Mess on Sapru Marg offered a rare pause — a chance to reflect on the timeless relevance of slow living and ancient wisdom. Bringing together around a hundred thinkers, writers, civil servants, and community leaders, the session explored the value of traditional knowledge systems and the joys of a simpler life. Hosted by former DG, CRPF, AP Maheshwari, the event was attended by social welfare minister (independent charge) Asim Arun, historian Ravi Bhatt, senior journalist Naveen Joshi, Metaphor LitFest director Kanak Rekha Chauhan, former IAF officer Air Marshal Amit Tiwari, Dr Sandeep Kapoor, Prabha Srivastava, and Captain Paritosh Chauhan. Minister Asim Arun advocated blending of progressive old values with modern democratic tools like social media. Bhatt highlighted the importance of meaningful usage over material possession. Maheshwari introduced the concept of 'manthar gati' — the slow rhythm of life — advocating for a lifestyle grounded in nature, deep relationships, and intentional living. Highlighting the power of memory and value inheritance, Padma Shri Vidya Bindu Singh spoke about how mundane objects — a simple meal, a clay pot, or a piece of cloth — carry profound emotional significance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo She lamented how the younger generation, overwhelmed by speed and screens, often misses the oral traditions and emotional legacy handed down through generations. Naveen Joshi echoed this sentiment, saying, "There was a way of life back then — one of simplicity, laughter, anger, love, and most importantly, acceptance. My father always said that one should seek forgiveness and learn to forgive. That became a guiding principle for us." Kanak Rekha Chauhan remembered the everyday joys that once defined domestic life — shared meals, family conversations, and cooperative tasks. Drawing from the teachings of saints like Kabir, Meera, and Tulsidas, the session gave the message that true fulfilment comes not from speed but from stillness, compassion, and values that span generations. The event also featured traditional Rajasthani cuisine — particularly 'ker sangri' — which underscored the theme of reconnecting with cultural roots. The occasion marked the launch of 'The Kishangarh Boy', co-authored by AP Maheshwari and Vinita Chandak, along with its Hindi counterpart 'Teen Mein Na Terah Mein'.
