Latest news with #Diwakar
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Bihar pushes up its Ayushman Bharat health insurance coverage
Bihar is now among the Indian States leading in the enrolment of cardholders under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), with 3.94 crore Ayushman cards created till date, according to data released by the State government. It has also helped beneficiaries save over ₹1,000 crore in out-of-pocket medical expenses within a single year. Bihar is the third most populous State in the country, with about 80% rural population, and a literacy rate of less than 70%. It faces health challenges, including high infant and maternal mortality rates, malnutrition, and limited access to quality healthcare. As part of its drive to ensure maximum coverage, a recent four-day drive, from May 26-30, brought 17.38 lakh more cardholders into the Central government-run cashless health insurance scheme, offering treatment for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation for the economically weaker sections of society. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are the other two States that have recently indicated a high enrolment rate. The flagship health insurance scheme, launched in 2018, offers cashless healthcare treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. Initially, the State Government had adopted the Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC 2011) data for implementing the AB-PMJAY scheme, Shailesh Chandra Diwakar, Administrative Officer, Bihar Swasthya Suraksha Samiti (Ayushman Bharat), said on the recent focus to expand the coverage of the Ayushman card. In February 2024, the Bihar Government adopted the National Food Security Act (NFSA) database and provided coverage to all NFSA-registered family members. 'This saw many more ration cardholders coming into the AB-PMJAY fold. More than 2.8 crore Ayushman cards were created in 2024,' Mr. Diwakar said. Besides this, the State has launched various measures, including an enhanced cash incentive of ₹15 (from ₹5) to ASHA workers involved in verified enrolments; camps at railway stations to capture those in need when people travel back into the State for festivals; and door-to-door campaigns. 'These extensive mop-up rounds are for individuals who have been left behind,' Shashank Shekhar Sinha, CEO, Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY-Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission), said. The State has also recently registered enrolment of 2.82 lakh persons under the Ayushman Vaya Vandana card (for senior citizens 70 years and above). According to the State government, the total claims paid rose from 3.03 lakh cases in FY 2023-24 to 7.52 lakh cases in FY 2024-25, and more than 2.83 crore Ayushman cards were created in 2024. A first time Ayushman card user, speaking of his enrolment, and experience with availing the treatment, said that he had had his card made only after he reached the hospital to be treated for cataract. 'Though we had heard about the Ayushman card, since we didn't need hospitalisation, we never got the card made,' Lalan Choudhary, a resident of Bihar's Nalanda district, who is now undergoing free treatment at a private healthcare facility in Gaya under the AB-PMJAY, said. 'This is a problem we are facing in the State — though people know about the card, they will enrol under the scheme often only when they seek treatment,' Mr. Diwakar added. The State is now trying to rope in eligible individuals who have not opted for the scheme. Khushi Praveen, 19, who was operated for spinal deformity 10 days ago, speaking about her use of the Ayushman card, said that she had been suffering for a nearly a year without money to secure treatment and surgery. 'Though I needed surgery, without money, there was no access to healthcare. My doctor in the private sector suggested that I get my Ayushman card and get operated. Using the card, I got surgery and am healing well now, and hope to be able to walk soon,' Ms. Praveen said. Parmilla Devi, 50, had her cataract operation performed under the scheme. 'My husband and I work as farmers and couldn't have afforded the surgery otherwise. My husband is also now planning to apply for his card also,' Ms. Devi said. Rajaram Prasad, Chief Surgeon, Gaya district, said that in Gaya district (one of the 38 districts in Bihar), which is seeing robust enrolment and use of the card, in 2024-25, a total of 18,734 people were treated in government hospitals at an expense of about ₹15 crore under the Ayushman scheme. 'Affordable, quality medical care is now no longer a distant dream for the rural population of Bihar,' Dr. Prasad said. Besides the enrolment of more individuals under the scheme, Bihar is also looking at enhancing the number of hospital service providers. Currently, over 1,100 hospitals are empanelled under the scheme in Bihar, 50% of which are private hospitals, a senior Bihar health official.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Vijayanagara DC issues fee ultimatum to 406 private schools
Hosapete (Vijayanagara): Deputy commissioner, MS Diwakar set a deadline of June 5 for fee declarations from 406 private educational institutions in the district. He warned that failure to comply would result in the schools' names being published on the district's website. Following the guidelines, every private school is obligated to declare its fees by Dec. "However, 406 private educational institutions, which make up 25% of the 1,612 schools in the district, have not yet provided their fee details. Consequently, a deadline of June 5 has been imposed for these schools," remarked the DC. During a recent meeting with private unaided primary and high schools' governing bodies at his office hall, he addressed this issue. He noted that no private institution had submitted fee details. He warned that schools collecting additional fees will face disciplinary action according to regulations. Schools must display their fee structures on notice boards. DC Diwakar also issued specific instructions regarding student safety. He noted that 112 school vehicles in the Vijayanagara district are over 15 years of age. He instructed all BEOs to inspect private schools by June 5, document vehicles without proper RTO licence and insurance, and submit their findings to the district administration. The govt has banned schools from selling uniforms, shoes, bags, notebooks, and textbooks, as well as from forcing students to buy these items from the institution. "If any complaints are lodged regarding this matter, disciplinary measures will be enforced against those schools," he cautioned. "Sanitation personnel should be hired in schools, similar to teaching staff. Many schools are not adhering to govt regulations. Private schools should operate with a sense of humanity alongside delivering quality education," the DC stated. Diwakar highlighted concerns about inadequate toilet facilities for students. He emphasised that addressing toilet sanitation takes precedence over drinking water provisions. Students bringing water from home indicate either the absence of water systems or poor water quality. The DC observed that inadequate toilet facilities in private institutions compel female students to refrain from drinking water. "Do the school management boards have any concern regarding the issues that may arise for girls because of this? First and foremost, prioritise the sanitation of toilets," he instructed. DDPI Venkatesh Ramachandrappa confirmed these strict measures, explaining that as chairman of the district-level education regulatory authority committee, the DC holds the power to revoke recognition of unauthorised schools, those teaching unauthorised syllabi or medium, conducting unauthorised classes, or facing teacher complaints. Schools must focus on student welfare and educational quality, he said. Since becoming a new district, various efforts have been initiated to enhance the educational environment in Vijayanagara district. As a result, in the last two years, the district has achieved superior results in SSLC and PUC examinations compared to its parent district, Ballari, and these efforts are now experiencing increased momentum.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Time of India
E-rickshaw driver gets life for killing woman over Rs 7.5k dues
Agra: A court in Firozabad has sentenced a 34-year-old e-rickshaw driver to life imprisonment for murdering a 30-year-old woman who demanded Rs 7,500 in pending dues for parking and charging his vehicle. Additional district govt counsel (crime) Priya Pratap Singh said, "The incident occurred around 9:30 pm on Nov 28, 2022, when Rinku Diwakar arrived at Gaurav Gupta's residence in the Shikohabad police station area. He had an outstanding rent of Rs 7,500 for five months and Gaurav's sister, Honey Gupta, asked him to clear the dues. Enraged by this, Diwakar attacked her with a screwdriver, striking her on the head. She sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the district hospital, where she later succumbed to her wounds. " A case was registered against Diwakar under IPC section 302 (murder) at the Shikohabad police station based on a complaint filed by the victim's brother. He was arrested three days after the incident and a chargesheet was filed against him on Feb 16, 2023. The ADGC said, "The court examined statements from at least seven witnesses, including Gaurav, and reviewed technical evidence such as the postmortem and forensic reports submitted by the prosecution. Based on this, additional sessions judge, Rajiv Singh, sentenced Diwakar to life term on Friday." He added, "The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000. In case of non-payment, the convict will have to serve an additional six months in prison."
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Time of India
Two TSPC rebels arrested in Ranchi
1 2 Ranchi: Police arrested a sub-zonal commander and a member of banned extremist group Tritya Sammelan Prastuti Samiti (TSPC) during an operation in Gambharia forest in Ranchi district. DIG cum Ranchi SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha on Friday said that the arrested persons are sub-zonal commander Diwakar Ganjhu and member Akshay Ganjhu. "Two country-made pistols, six cartridges, TSPC pamphlets, five mobile phones, four JIO routers, three power banks and four mobile chargers have been seized from them," he said. He added, "Police received information that the gang led by Diwakar was present in Gamharia forest with the intent to commit violence. The group was also checking mobiles of passers-by and beating them. A team led by Khalari deputy SP Ram Narayan Choudhary surrounded the forest and held two members of the group while others managed to flee taking advantage of forest." He said that Diwakar was a member of TSPC for past 15 years and had become area commander in 2018. He used to demand extortion from contractors involved in implementing development works and owners of stone crushers and brick kilns in Ranchi, Ramgarh and Hazaribag districts.
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Chaithu Jonnalagadda steals the show in ‘HIT: The 3rd Case';gears up for big leaps ahead
Chaithu Jonnalagadda is proving to be one of Telugu cinema's most exciting young talents. After turning heads with his memorable role as Yadagiri in Bubblegum, he has once again captured the spotlight with his performance in Nani's latest investigative thriller, HIT: The 3rd Case. Portraying Sub-Inspector Diwakar, Chaithu delivers a performance packed with wit, charm, and punchy dialogue. His now-viral line, 'AbkiBaar Arjun Sarkar,' delivered with flair and impeccable timing, had fans erupting in theatres. His scenes with Nani, who plays the sharp and intense Arjun Sarkar, are being widely praised for their chemistry and energy. The dynamic between Arjun and Diwakar, blending camaraderie, tension, and humor, has become one of the film's most unexpected highlights. A recurring comedic gag—Diwakar asking for leave and being flatly denied—added a much-needed dash of levity to the film's intense narrative and became a fan-favorite moment. Chaithu not only shines on his own but also enhances every scene with the ensemble cast, proving his versatility and screen presence. His consistent delivery of engaging performances signals the rise of a promising star. Looking ahead, Chaithu has a packed slate that includes an ETV Win project, a Bollywood debut, and two major Telugu films. With his growing fanbase and impressive screen graph, ChaithuJonnalagadda is clearly on a rapid ascent in Indian cinema—and there's no slowing him down.
