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The Hindu
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Wrong call: On Assam and arming civilians
The decision by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Assam government to issue arms licences to 'eligible' indigenous communities in remote and vulnerable areas in the State is fraught with danger. The State government seems to suggest that indigenous communities living in the border areas abutting Bangladesh are vulnerable and that armed licences would be a deterrent and improve their personal safety and confidence. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also insisted that these grants would not be for people near inter-State borders in Assam. But these caveats still do not take away from the fact that arming specific civilian groups is liable to be rampantly misused for acts such as vigilantism and inter-community rivalry, as the lines between law enforcement — which carries legal authority and has a monopoly over armed instruments — and private citizens are blurred. In a State that has been beset with insurgent violence and where the threat from groups such as the ULFA (Independent) remains, introducing more arms into civilian hands risks propagating further violence and arms proliferation rather than ensuring enhanced security. Instead of arming civilians, ostensibly for self-defence — a move akin to abdicating its core responsibility — the State government has the clear alternative of enhancing its own law enforcement and security presence in these 'vulnerable areas'. It is well understood that in modern states, the monopoly over instruments of violence will remain with the government and its law enforcement agencies. In India, arms licences are issued in a restricted manner as a delegated and a limited right to self-preservation to select individuals through a stringent licensing process under the Arms Act, 1959 and the Arms Rules, 2016. These rules under the law preclude the provision of such licences to larger, identified groups — where identification itself could be fraught with the risk of conflicts — as they not only present administrative challenges but also make it difficult for the government to license, monitor and recover firearms as the law requires it to. Arming civilian groups, even with an intention to do so with some stringent implementation, runs the risks of having these weapons entering grey markets and falling into the wrong hands, besides designating those groups with an authority that could backfire on the state. This was evident when security forces in Chhattisgarh arming civilian groups for protection against the Maoist threat — in the Salwa Judum campaign in the late 2000s — led to severe human rights violations and lawlessness, before the Supreme Court of India intervened to deem the policy to be illegal. Considering these problems, Assam must reverse its decision.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Delhi: 100 days on, a govt in motion focuses on tech, infra, reform
On its 100th day in power, ministers and departments from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Delhi government released updates outlining a flurry of activity since the formation of the new government — road repairs, electric buses, fee regulations, and environmental pushes, all in a bid to signal a government in motion. Taking charge after a sweeping mandate in February 2025, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta's administration has tried to show it means business, rolling out schemes and reviving long-pending projects in line with the BJP's pre-election promises. What emerges is a governance agenda marked by infrastructure revival, tech-led public services, and a visible shift in climate and transport planning. Infrastructure: roads and drains Delhi's crumbling arterial roads — many untouched for years — have been at the centre of the government's infrastructure focus, officials said. The Public Works Department (PWD) reported repair work across more than 228km of roads, with advanced bituminous resurfacing completed on over 66km so far. 'We focused on zones such as Karol Bagh, Rohini, and parts of east and south Delhi were prioritised, especially those overdue for repairs by over five years,' a senior PWD official said. Work, meanwhile, continued to be underway on another 114km, while estimates for 25km have been approved and proposals for 7km await clearance. Attention has also turned to long-stalled flyover and underpass projects — notably, Barapullah Phase-III, delayed by seven years. Simultaneously, departments directed a major chunk of their efforts on pre-monsoon desilting drives across Delhi's clogged stormwater drains — a routine that had often fallen behind schedule in earlier years. PWD has cleared silt and encroachments from 800 km of its 2,100-km network, while the irrigation department has desilted over 60% of its larger drains. Transport: Push for buses One of the key highlights in the transport sector has been the launch of the long-delayed 'Devi' bus service. These nine-metre electric buses, designed to improve last-mile connectivity, had been held up for over two years despite procurement. Now, over 400 of them are operational across key routes. Technological upgrades are also shaping Delhi's public transport landscape. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has initiated route rationalisation — aimed at reducing dead mileage — based on an IIT Delhi study. A metro-style automated fare collection system using UPI and smart cards has also been introduced. For its green push, charging infrastructure is expanding in Delhi, with over 40 EV depots under construction. A new bus terminal in Narela is among the newer projects initiated in the last three months. On the policy side, the transport department has launched AI-based verification of documents and opened an automated vehicle testing centre that can inspect up to 72,000 vehicles annually. It has also approved 20 multi-modal integration projects worth ₹1,000 crore and installed automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at over 500 petrol pumps to monitor pollution-related and 'end-of-life' vehicle violations. Transport minister Pankaj Singh has also floated a cabinet note on the creation of a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) and an Urban Transport Fund (UTF), which is expected to reach the cabinet soon. Environment: Smog guns, pollution curbs With unpredictable weather and chronic air pollution still looming large, the environment ministry has stepped up enforcement across the Capital. Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has overseen the launch of two major plans — the air mitigation action plan and the summer action plan — to tackle seasonal pollution and heat-related stress. In a landmark move, the department banned non-essential, non-EV from entering forest and reserved forest areas. On Friday, the city government ordered all high-rise commercial buildings — malls, hotels, and institutional buildings with over 3,000 square metres built-up area or more than five floors — to install anti-smog guns within six months. These rooftop devices are to be operated in specific bursts, during high-pollution hours. The industries department, in coordination with the environment ministry, has also rolled out plans for CNG-powered water sprinklers and anti-smog guns in industrial areas — a first for Delhi. Water: Expanding access In a city where water continues to divide communities and shape politics, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has undertaken a visible overhaul. Officials say that 98 new borewells have been commissioned, increasing water availability compared to the same time last year. Meanwhile, the long-promised GPS-based tanker monitoring system has finally gone live — an attempt to curb pilferage and increase accountability. Critics, however, point out that this is a legacy promise made by previous governments too. To combat Yamuna pollution and frothing, DJB has installed new aeration units along major drains. Real-time flood monitoring using cameras has also been launched ahead of the monsoon. Education: Fee reforms, digital push In education, the government's agenda has pivoted heavily toward regulating private school fees and expanding digital infrastructure. The new Delhi School Fee Regulation Policy empowers a tribunal to examine unjustified fee hikes. Over 80 private schools have already been served notices for allegedly unfairly hiked fees, officials said. A web portal has been launched for parents to lodge complaints directly, and private schools are now mandated to submit audited financials justifying their fee structures. Other reforms include a ₹1,000 monthly stipend for Scheduled Caste students in polytechnic institutions, and approval for 125 digital school libraries, 100 Dr APJ Abdul Kalam language labs, and 75 'CM Shree' model schools with upgraded infrastructure. Free coaching for competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, and CUET has also been extended to 163,000 students — a significant scaling up of outreach programmes. Conclusion: The need to sustain momentum While the new administration has presented a report card heavy with infrastructure metrics, technology-driven reforms, and symbolic green policies. Many of the initiatives — such as road repair, tanker GPS, or the EV bus rollout — had been announced years ago but had stalled for a wide variety of reasons. But plenty of tests remain. The monsoon will test drainage promises. School fee regulation and bus route reform demand constant oversight. Opposition leaders have already flagged gaps — including delays in the rollout of the ₹2,500 monthly benefit scheme for women and the lack of clarity on the Yamuna clean-up plan. The question now is not whether the administration has started moving — but whether it can sustain this pace.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Assam arms licence policy recipe for communal violence: Akhil Gogoi
GUWAHATI Assam activist-turned-MLA Akhil Gogoi said the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government's arms licence policy was a recipe for communal violence ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The MLA, who represents the Sivasagar Assembly constituency and is the president of Raijor Dal, said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was pushing a 'dangerous political strategy' by paving the way for indigenous communities to acquire guns legally. He said the policy was a calculated attempt to stoke Hindu-Muslim tensions in the name of protecting those deemed to be original inhabitants of Assam. 'In a way, it is an admission that the government cannot protect the indigenous community. If this is the case, the Chief Minister should resign,' Mr Gogoi told journalists on Thursday (May 29, 2025) evening. He claimed that the licences would be issued to empower members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and drive fear among the minorities, particularly the Muslims. 'This decision can divide Assam and destroy peace before the 2026 elections, he said. He also expressed concern over marking people, including teachers, as illegal immigrants and trying to deport them without any extradition agreement with neighbouring countries. 'The administration is being used to target certain communities and keep them under pressure,' he said. Mr. Gogoi sniffed a pattern in the 'sinister' steps being taken by the Assam government, demanding the revocation of the arms licence policy. 'If the government really cares for the indigenous communities, it should deploy more security forces and improve the law and order. 'Giving arms to the common people and RSS members is not the solution,' he said. Former Assam Congress president, Bhupen Kumar Borah, also slammed the State Cabinet's nod for the arms license policy in some districts where Muslims are in the majority. 'The Chief Minister is trying to incorporate a gun culture similar to that of America, where even students carry firearms,' he said.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
CMs from NDA-ruled states pass resolution hailing Operation Sindoor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the success of Operation Sindoor, pointing out that it was a reaffirmation of the achievements the country has made in the defence sector. While addressing chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ruled states, he said the Union government's decision to carry out caste enumeration is a step towards bringing the marginalised and those on the margins of development into the mainstream said people aware of the details. A resolution hailing the valour of the armed forces during Operation Sindoor, India's military strike against terror camps in Pakistan; and government's iteration of a new national narrative that the country will respond to any terrorist attack decisively was passed at the meeting. A second resolution lauding the caste census that was announced by the Union government earlier this month was also passed. Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini proposed a resolution on caste enumeration. BJP president JP Nadda said the ruling NDA does not believe in caste politics, but caste enumeration will help those left behind in different fields to develop. According to people aware of the details, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma moved the resolution, congratulating the unprecedented success of Operation Sindoor. Maharashtra deputy CM and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde seconded the resolution that hailed the armed forces and the 'decisive, courageous, and nation-first leadership of Narendra Modi'. Also Read:Over 1.5 lakh applications received under UCC in four months: Uttarakhand CM Dhami The document commended the 'exemplary bravery, strategic military precision, and unwavering dedication to the nation demonstrated by the defense forces during Operation Sindoor and the strong and unequivocal message delivered to cross-border terrorists.' The NDA government's commitment to India's sovereignty and national security, historic reforms under PM Modi for defense forces — including One Rank One Pension, indigenisation, infrastructure development along the borders, and modernisation also found mention in the resolution. 'There was endorsement of a new national narrative- India will respond to any terrorist attack decisively — and strictly on India's terms,' said a person aware of the details. Seconding the resolution Shinde said, 'Operation Sindoor is not just a military operation; it is a symbol of India's national resolve. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India is facing every challenge with fearless world needs to hear this loud and clear — whoever dares to provoke India will be wiped out. The strength of our defense forces is the impenetrable shield protecting the nation.' He also said that no distinction will be made between terrorists and the countries or governments which support them. NDA leaders will spread counter terrorism messages across the world. UP CM Yogi Adityanath presented a booklet on the Mahakumbh that was organised in Prayagraj while Chhattisgarh CM, Vishnudev Sai gave a presentation on Bastar model and best practices. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also gave a presentation on the uniform civil code (UCC) which was implemented by the state and Union home minister Amit Shah is learnt to have spoken about Left-wing extremism (LWE). The meeting, which was held at Ashoka Hotel in the national Capital was attended by Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh, along with chief ministers, deputy chief ministers of about 20 NDA-ruled states, and leaders of constituent parties. Party chief Nadda said a slew of programmes will be conducted to celebrate 11 years of the NDA government and the International Yoga Day on June 21 and 50 years of Emergency.
Mint
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Delhi Govt slashes MLA local area fund by two-thirds – from ₹15 crore to ₹5 crore
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Delhi government has reduced the annual MLA Local Area Development (LAD) Fund from ₹ 15 crore to ₹ 5 crore, officials said on Monday. In October last year, the then Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had increased the MLA LAD Fund from ₹ 10 crore to ₹ 15 crore, months ahead of the assembly polls. The AAP was defeated by the BJP in the polls held in February this year. 'In pursuance of Cabinet decision… the allocation of funds under MLALAD (MLA Local Area Development) scheme has been kept to ₹ 5 crore per Assembly constituency per year from financial year 2025-26," read an order issued recently by the Urban Development department. Further, the Council of Ministers directed that this will be an untied fund and could be spent for the approved works of capital nature as well as repairs and maintenance of the assets without a ceiling, the notice read. A BJP MLA was quoted by news agency PTI saying that the government set aside ₹ 350 crore under the MLA LAD Fund that was divided into ₹ 5 crore each among the 70 legislators in Delhi. In the previous AAP regime, ₹ 4 crore was provided to each MLA in 2021-22 and 2022-23, which was enhanced to ₹ 7 crore in 2023-24 and eventually to ₹ 15 crore last year. MLALAD funds are issued every year to MLAs for local development. The works taken up using this fund includes repairing of roads, developing parks, and laying sewer lines in colonies. The MLALAD fund is modelled on a similar programme for MPs, where Parliamentarians are provided funds for their constituencies from the Union government. The MLAs and MPs do not directly receive the funds. They recommend projects for the scheme and get funds. In pursuance of Cabinet decision… the allocation of funds under MLALAD scheme has been kept to ₹5 crore per Assembly constituency per year. As an exception during Covid-19 pandemic, the funds were directed towards personal protective equipment such as masks and testing kits. The funds have also been used for natural disaster relief in some states. The union government allots MPLAD funds to a tune of ₹ 5 crore a year to each parliamentarian, state governments set their own allocations and guidelines.
