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Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
MP report card: Curtailing debate in House undermines spirit of democracy: Jai Parkash
Congress veteran and former Union minister Jai Parkash is a fourth-term MP from Hisar. As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at his performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for the constituency. Congress veteran and former Union minister Jai Parkash is a fourth-term MP from Hisar. (Sourced) How do you look at your experience in the first year of the 18th Lok Sabha? As a member of the opposition, I am committed to raising the issues of farmers, labourers, wrestlers, and other sections of society inside and outside Parliament. I have spent 100% of the MPLAD funds in the first year. My focus remains on providing electricity connections in dhanis, water tankers in villages and construction of community halls for all classes. What was the high point of the year for you personally and your party in the House? Winning the Lok Sabha election for the fourth term from the Hisar constituency is no less than a dream for a person who comes from a farming community. I was able to draw the attention of the House towards rising crime, unemployment, farmers' and labourers' distress in the state. In the previous session, no discussion was held on rising inflation, and the government failed to give a concrete reply on steps taken to ensure that farmers get a minimum support price (MSP) on crops. My party is continuing its fight to save the constitution and people's democratic rights, which are under threat under the current regime. Are you satisfied with the number of sittings of the Lok Sabha? The decline in the number of House sittings is a dangerous trend being done by the ruling BJP to avoid addressing and giving replies on pressing national issues. Curtailed sittings give members less time to raise our issues, and this is exactly what this government wants. Parliament is a platform for debate and legislation, and reducing its sittings reflects adversely on the spirit of democracy. The treasury benches should cooperate with the opposition and solve the issues amicably. As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at his performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for the constituency. What is the most effective way to raise issues of public importance in the House? The effective ways to raise people's voice are zero hour, starred and unstarred questions, calling attention motions, and debates. We can also address issues in the district development, coordination and monitoring (DISHA) meetings. What difference have you made to your constituency in the last one year, and what do you plan to do in the remaining term as MP? Over the last few years, as an MP and as well as MLA, my focus has remained on promoting developmental structure and ensuring my constituents get their share in development from the Centre as well as from the state. Our United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had approved an airport at Hisar, but this government got a licence for an aerodrome. I have raised this issue inside and outside the parliament. Addressing rising unemployment, railway connectivity, farmers' crop compensation not given by the insurance companies, and restoration of student body polls in the state will figure in my plans for the remaining term.
Hans India
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Extension of free legal advice helpline service subject to review: Union Minister
New Delhi: A review will be conducted before deciding to extend beyond March 2026 a pan-India scheme which has helped 2.10 crore people access justice between 2021and June 30 this year through services like free litigation advice helpline, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, in a written reply, said that the 'Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice India' (DISHA) scheme is approved for 2021-26. 'In order to continue the scheme beyond March 31, 2026, during the next Finance Commission Cycle, the scheme is required to undergo an appraisal and approval process based on an outcome review,' said Meghwal. He said the DISHA scheme provides easy, accessible, affordable and citizen-centric legal services through its components - Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) and Legal Literacy and Legal awareness programmes and does not involve disposal of pending cases. The Tele-Law connects citizens with lawyers through video conferencing facilities and a mobile app 'Tele-Law' and also through Toll toll-free number for rendering pre-litigation advice. Toll-free number for citizens through 14454 has been operationalised for instant advice and counselling. The Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono legal services) enables seamless connection through the Nyaya Bandhu Application (available on Android/IOS) between the interested Pro Bono Advocates and registered beneficiaries, who are entitled to free legal aid under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The third component of DISHA is the Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness programme, through which the beneficiaries are sensitised about their rights, duties, and entitlements. He said that till June 30, 2025 DISHA Scheme, through its various programmes, has reached approximately 2.10 crore beneficiaries in the country. In order to broaden and strengthen the outreach of the services to the citizens, various measures have been undertaken, the MoS said. He said to enhance the outreach, the Tele-Law web portal and Tele-Law application have been translated into 22 scheduled languages. Special endeavours have also been made to increase its outreach through both print and digital media. Meghwal said special efforts have been made to integrate Tele-Law with the Nyaya Bandhu (Pro bono Legal Services) platform for pre-litigation advice and legal representation of the beneficiaries. Under a collaboration with Doordarshan, 56 legal awareness TV programmes were developed in 6 languages, which were aired, and the videos were disseminated through YouTube and channel of Doordarshan reaching out to over 70.70 lakh citizens. In addition, 20 thematic legal awareness webinars have also been organised from September 2021 to October 2023 on socio-legal issues, he said.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- The Hindu
Boy falls to death from apartment
The Pothencode police have registered a case in connection with the death of a 14-year-old boy who fell from a high-rise apartment near Kazhakuttom on Wednesday. According to the police, the incident occurred when the deceased fell from the balcony of the 16th floor in Chenkottukonam. Preliminary findings suggested the possibility of suicide. The flat where the incident took place belongs to the boy's grandfather and was unoccupied. The Class 9 student is suspected to have taken the keys to the flat, and gone there after school. The front door was found to be locked from within. An investigation has been launched into the incident. (Suicide prevention helpline: DISHA – 1056, 0471-2552056) (EOM)
Hans India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Every scheme must reach the people: Dr Mallu Ravi
Nagarkurnool: 'Comprehensive measures are needed for the development of Nagarkurnool district, and all Central and State welfare schemes should be implemented effectively,' said Dr Mallu Ravi, MP and Chairman of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA). He emphasised that education, healthcare, and employment are vital to improving the living standards of the poor. On Tuesday, Dr Mallu Ravi chaired the DISHA meeting in Nagarkurnool, which was attended by District Collector Badavath Santosh, MLAs Dr Rajesh Reddy, Dr Vamshi Krishna, DFO Rohit Gopidi, Additional Collectors P Amarender and Dev Sahayam, among others. Dr Ravi stressed that government schemes must align with national and state development goals. He instructed officials to monitor Central schemes regularly, and if there are challenges, to bring them to the attention of him or local MLAs. He stated that public representatives and officials must work in coordination to ensure that Nagarkurnool emerges as a model district in development and welfare. He advised banks to provide loans across all sectors, especially to small entrepreneurs, and urged them to ensure the full implementation of crop loans and priority sector lending targets. He instructed National Highway officials to prepare proposals for highway expansion and inter-state bridges like the Maddimadugu–Macharam bridge. He also directed that SC Corporation loan grounding from 2017 to 2025 be completed and that banks take special interest in utilizing SC Corporation funds. Regarding education, Dr Mallu Ravi emphasized that quality education is a fundamental right. He highlighted the need to expand schools and colleges, improve teacher training, and modernize education policies. The government is working to ensure that Telangana's education sector becomes a national leader. In healthcare, he said that the government has already enhanced facilities at the district medical college, offering advanced training and services. Efforts are underway to provide quality medical care in tribal and rural areas. He also instructed officials to ensure 100% student enrolment in welfare hostels and gurukuls and to send proposals for any additional requirements.
India Today
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kangana Ranaut says MPs are disrespected, work with less budget than MLAs
Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut shared her thoughts on the challenges faced by Members of Parliament (MPs) in India. Highlighting the role of MPs as a 'bridge' between the state and the Centre, she expressed concerns about the lack of respect and resources they receive. In a recent interview with Times Now, Ranaut described MPs as being in a state of 'twilight', caught between two governing bodies, and often feeling frustrated with their who is a BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, elaborated that many MPs feel disconnected and unsupported both in their states and at the Centre. She said, "When you go to your state, you don't have a single place where you're grounded or connected, or where you're running a project. And when you go to the Centre, you're always waiting in queues outside ministers' offices." According to her, even local panchayats and MLAs enjoy greater budgets and authority, leading to a perceived lack of respect for MPs."A lot of MPs end up feeling very frustrated, and we talk to each other (about such matters). It's not like others have some privileges; you just struggle with a lot. You (the MPs) are the connecting link between the state and the Centre. So, you are basically nowhere. We are like twilight," she said. Discussing the role of MPs, Ranaut explained how their job requires significant communication and coordination. She emphasised that MPs often find themselves "floundering" due to the territorial nature of MLAs and the busy schedules of ministers."When you go to your state, you don't have a single place where you're grounded or connected, or where you're running a project. And when you go to the Centre, you're always waiting in queues outside ministers' offices. A lot of MPs also complain that even a panchayat or an MLA has a lot more budget than an MP. They don't respect us," she hailed the establishment of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committees (DISHAs) as a significant improvement. She noted that DISHA allows MPs to better engage with state government officials, providing them with a clearer role and purpose. Ranaut remarked, "The job (of an MP) demands a lot of communication. DISHA is a huge step."Through her candid insights, Ranaut shed light on the systemic issues that MPs face, drawing attention to the need for more respect and resources. Her comments sparked conversations about the efficacy and responsibilities of MPs in the Indian political observations come as a call to recognise and address the challenges within the system, particularly the need for clearer roles and more substantial support for MPs to effectively fulfil their duties. Her remarks underscore the importance of initiatives like DISHA in bridging gaps and enhancing the functionality of parliamentary 39-year-old's interview came after she told the media that she neither had a Cabinet post nor had funds for disaster relief in Himachal Pradesh. "I do not have any funds for disaster relief or hold any Cabinet post. MPs have work that was limited to Parliament. We are very small in the scheme of things. But, I can help to get disaster funds from the Centre," Ranaut, the MP from Mandi, told news agency ANI.- EndsTrending Reel IN THIS STORY#Kangana Ranaut
