Latest news with #GaribKalyanAnnaYojana
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
State will take steps to control ‘goondaraj': CM
Bhubaneswar: OdishaChief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said he has given 'absolute power' to the police to take action against those involved in crimes against women. Addressing the Independence Day function at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said his government will not hesitate to bring a special legislation to 'completely end' organised crimes. From the function, the Chief Minister also announced an additional 5 kg of rice will be provided to the poor people in 11 districts for three months. 'People who are involved in crimes against women have no place in society, they must be in jail. Therefore, I have given absolute power to the police to take necessary actions in such cases,' he said. Majhi said nobody, how influential he may be, will be spared if he is involved in crimes against women. The statement came as the State reported a slew of crimes against women, with the Opposition raising questions on the law and order situation. 'The law and order situation of the State is more or less under control. However, we have to strengthen and make it more effective,' he said. Noting that intoxication was one of the major factors behind the rise in crimes, Majhi said he has directed the police to against such activities. 'The government will take all measures to firmly control 'goondaraj'. The process of identification of criminals has already started,' he said. 'In order to completely end organised crimes, the State government will not hesitate to bring special legislation. Extortion and other such activities are completely illegal and those will be considered as organised crimes and dealt with firmly,' he said. Majhi said his government was committed to making colleges and universities safe for women by implementing initiatives like 'Shaktishree'. He maintained that women's empowerment is not just a slogan for his government. 'We have provided financial assistance to over 1 crore women through 'Subhadra Yojana'. Women have been able to become small entrepreneurs by utilising the assistance. The State has so far produced 17 lakh 'lakhpati didis',' he said. The Chief Minister said the State's commitment to women's empowerment is evident from the 2025-26 annual budget, in which allocations of Rs 89,861 crore have been made for schemes in regard to this. Listing the social welfare measures undertaken by his government, Majhi announced that 27 lakh poor families, who are beneficiaries of the 'Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana', in 11 districts will be given 5 kg additional rice per month for three months free of cost.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Odisha announces 21 NACs to boost infrastructure and services under urbanisation
The Mohan Majhi Government on Friday (August 15, 2025) announced the creation of 21 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) to boost infrastructure and services in line with Odisha's urbanisation needs. 'Better infrastructure and urbanisation are key components of development. Only 17% of our population lives in urban areas. Considering the State's rapid growth and people's aspirations, our government has decided to establish 21 more NACs,' Chief Minister Mohan Majhi declared during the Independence Day celebrations here. The creation of NACs was a major campaign plank ahead of the 2024 elections. The previous Naveen Patnaik Government had promised to set up NACs and municipalities to woo semi-urban voters, but the names were never announced. The Majhi Government also unveiled a welfare measure under which every family covered by the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana will receive an additional 5 kg of rice per month for the next three months, benefiting 27 lakh families. After unfurling the Tricolour, Mr. Majhi dwelt at length on women's empowerment and safety — an issue on which the Opposition parties had been sharply critical. 'I have said on various platforms that the government follows a policy of zero tolerance towards crimes against women. Anyone committing violence against women — no matter how powerful or influential — belongs behind bars, not in civilised society,' he asserted. The CM, who also holds the Home portfolio, said the police had been given full authority to take necessary action. 'I have issued clear instructions that any neglect of women's safety will invite strict legal action. While law and order is generally under control, it must become more effective and robust,' he said. The State Government has recently faced criticism following a spate of incidents — including four girls committing self-immolation and several cases of gang rape and sexual assault — with both the Congress and Biju Janata Dal attacking its handling of women's safety.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Odisha to give 5 kg addl rice free to 2.7 million poor families for next 3 months: Majhi
Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said more than 2.7 million poor families in 11 districts would receive 5 kg of additional rice for three months free of cost in addition to the rice being supplied under Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. FILE PHOTO: Labourers unload rice crop from a trolley in a grain market. (REUTERS/Representative Image) Speaking at a function here on Friday, Majhi said each eligible family in eight KBK districts, including Boudh, Gajapati, and Kandhamal, will receive 5 kg of free rice per month for the next three months. Majhi said the government will spend ₹180 crore to distribute 41,082 tonnes of additional rice among them. The announcement comes after the state government decided in July to suspend ration distribution to 2.058 million beneficiaries who have not completed the mandatory e-KYC for their ration cards. At the time, food supplies and consumer welfare minister Krushnachandra Patra had declared that beneficiaries had three months to complete the process or face permanent cancellation. Officials said the decision would also help ease the pressure on the state's godowns, which were holding surplus parboiled rice. The Food Corporation of India is not lifting parboiled rice from Odisha and the three other states, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand, haven't evinced interest in lifting parboiled rice either. FCI has so far lifted 14.33 lakh tonne till the end of July, leaving a stockpile of nearly 12 lakh tonne with the rice millers.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Police given 'absolute power' to act in cases of crimes against women: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday (August 15, 2025) said he has given "absolute power" to the police to take action against those involved in crimes against women. Addressing the Independence Day function at the Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, Mr. Majhi said his government will not hesitate to bring a special legislation to "completely end" organised crimes. From the function, the CM also announced that an additional 5 kg of rice will be provided to the poor people in 11 districts for three months. Independence Day LIVE: Specially-abled students perform national anthem in sign language in Srinagar "People who are involved in crimes against women have no place in society, they must be in jail. Therefore, I have given absolute power to the police to take necessary actions in such cases," he said. Mr. Majhi said nobody, how influential he may be, will be spared if he is involved in crimes against women. The statement came as the State reported a slew of crimes against women, with the Opposition raising questions on the law and order situation. "The law and order situation of the State is more or less under control. However, we have to strengthen and make it more effective," he said. Noting that intoxication was one of the major factors behind the rise in crimes, Mr. Majhi said he has directed the police to against such activities. In his longest-ever Independence Day speech, PM Modi emphasises self-reliance, self-respect; warns of attempt to change India's demography "The government will take all measures to firmly control 'goodaraj'. The process of identification of criminals has already started," he said. "In order to completely end organised crimes, the State Government will not hesitate to bring special legislation. Extortion and other such activities are completely illegal and those will be considered as organised crimes and dealt with firmly," he said. Mr. Majhi said his government was committed to making colleges and universities safe for women by implementing initiatives such as 'Shaktishree'. He maintained that women's empowerment is not just a slogan for his government. "We have provided financial assistance to more than 1 crore women through 'Subhadra Yojana'. Women have been able to become small entrepreneurs by utilising the assistance. The State has so far produced 17 lakh 'lakhpati didis'," he said. What were the key announcements in PM Modi's Independence Day 2025 speech? The CM said the State's commitment to women's empowerment is evident from the 2025-26 annual Budget, in which allocations of $89,861 crore have been made for schemes in regard to this. Listing the social welfare measures undertaken by his government, Mr. Majhi announced that 27 lakh poor families, who are beneficiaries of the 'Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana', in 11 districts will be given 5 kg additional rice per month for three months free of charge. He said the government will spend ₹180 crore to distribute 41,082 tonne of additional rice among them. Outlining the achievements of his government, the CM presented a roadmap for the State's development. He said the government has been working to strengthen education, healthcare, and infrastructure, with special focus on the welfare of senior citizens. "A proposal has been made to upgrade MKCG Medical College Hospital in Berhampur. The government is also making arrangements for affordable accommodation for attendants of patients in three large medical colleges in the State," he said. "Under the Vaya Vandana scheme, medical benefits worth ₹936 crore have been extended to people aged more than 70," he said. Maintaining that his government was tough on corruption, Mr. Majhi warned officials against indulging in any irregularities. Odisha govt mandates use of Odia on signboards at shops "The Vigilance Department's sword is hanging. I have directed authorities to take action first and then consider the post of officials. Every night of the corrupt will be spent in fear and sorrow, I guarantee this," he said. Stating that industrialisation of all districts was a priority of his government, Mr. Majhi noted that the State will soon host a conclave to bring in investments in the pharmaceutical sector. He said plans are afoot to formulate new schemes for the empowerment of the youth. Mr. Majhi also appealed to all to work in tandem for the development of the State. Stop using 'Harijan' word in official communications: Odisha Government "In a democracy, everyone has the right to criticise the government, and it should be done. However, while criticising the government, sometimes some individuals and organisations are crossing the line between 'government' and 'nation', which is not good. We may differ on issues, but when it comes to the nation, all should unite," he said. Mr. Majhi said his government will continue to work for preserving and promoting the Odia identity.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From Awas Yojana to scrapping of Article 370: 11 big achievements in 11 years of PM Modi government
PM Modi. (File photo) NEW DELHI: The Modi government marked the completion of one year in its third term and 11 years in office overall on June 7, 2025. Based on official data, here are 11 notable accomplishments from 2014 to 2025 that have shaped India's trajectory over the past decade under the BJP-led NDA government. Serving the poor and honouring the marginalised at the heart of governance Over the past 11 years, the Modi government has expanded its welfare outreach to historically underserved communities. 81 crore people have been receiving free food grains under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, while over 12 crore toilets have been built under Swachh Bharat. A report released by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also notes that 15 crore households now have tap water connections, and more than 4 crore homes have been completed under PMAY. Financial empowerment has also been a focus—over 52 crore loans have been given under the Mudra Yojana, 68 lakh street vendors were supported through PM SVANidhi, and 20 crore women received cash transfers during the Covid lockdown. Notably, 60 per cent of current ministers are from SC, ST, or OBC communities, and 112 aspirational districts have shown development progress above the state average. Ensuring farmer welfare: Investing in the backbone of India's economy Over the last 11 years, the Modi government has significantly scaled up its support for farmers, both in policy focus and budgetary allocation. The agriculture budget in 2025–26 rose to five times its 2013–14 levels. Nearly 25 crore soil health cards have been distributed to promote scientific farming practices. Under the PM Kisan scheme, Rs 3.7 lakh crore has been disbursed directly to farmers, while over Rs 1.75 lakh crore has been settled under PM Fasal Bima Yojana claims, giving financial protection against crop loss. Procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) has seen a 7,350 per cent rise for pulses and 1,500 per cent for oilseeds. Infrastructure support has also increased—Rs 1 lakh crore has been disbursed through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, and 1,473 mandis have been linked through eNAM to streamline produce marketing. New momentum for Nari Shakti Over the past 11 years, the Modi government has focused on empowering women through targeted schemes, legal safeguards, and economic inclusion. For the first time, India has recorded a sex ratio of 1,020 women per 1,000 men (NFHS-5). Under the PMMVY, Rs 18,593 crore has been distributed to 3.98 crore pregnant and lactating women. The Ujjwala Yojana has enabled over 10.33 crore households to shift to smoke-free kitchens, improving women's health. Paid maternity leave was extended from 12 to 26 weeks. Over 35 crore Mudra loans — amounting to Rs 14.72 lakh crore — have been given to women, accounting for 68 per cent of the total disbursement. Additionally, 10 crore women have been brought into more than 90 lakh Self Help Groups, while the government has pledged to support 3 crore women in becoming "Lakhpati Didis". Building a future-ready generation With an eye on India's long-term growth, the Modi government has placed a strong emphasis on nurturing the 'Amrit Peedhi' — the youth of India — through a combination of education reform, skill development, entrepreneurship support, and sports infrastructure. The National Education Policy (NEP), introduced after more than 30 years, has laid the foundation for a more flexible, modern learning environment. Over 1.6 crore individuals have been trained under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana. In the startup ecosystem, more than 1.6 lakh startups have been officially recognised, generating 17.6 lakh+ jobs. In the realm of education infrastructure, 14,500 schools are being modernised under the PM SHRI scheme; 7 new IITs and 8 new IIMs have been added, bringing their total to 23 and 21 respectively. The number of AIIMS has tripled, and 2,045 medical colleges (including allopathy, dental, and AYUSH) are now operational. The government has also focused on sports through the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), supporting 94 athletes in the core group and contributing to India's rising medal tally in global events. Rapid growth in infrastructure India's infrastructure landscape has transformed remarkably over the past 11 years, marked by rapid expansion and modernization. Road transport and highway budgets saw a massive 570% surge between 2014 and 2023-24, while the rural road network now covers 3.96 lakh km with 99% connectivity. The speed of highway construction has climbed to an impressive 34 km/day. Railways too witnessed a nine-fold budget hike, facilitating the launch of 400 Vande Bharat trains. Urban mobility progressed with metro rail networks growing from 248 km in 2014 to 1,013 km in 2025. Additionally, 86 airports have been operationalized, and over 3,600 km of high-speed corridors have been built in the last five years, underscoring the government's focus on building infrastructure at an unprecedented scale and pace. Nation first India's commitment to national security and global diplomacy was underscored through landmark operations and decisive reforms. The success of Operation Sindoor and Operation Kaveri reflected a resolute and sovereign nation prioritizing the safety of its citizens worldwide. Defence exports surged to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024–25, alongside a 34-fold rise since 2014. Strategic decisions like the removal of Articles 370 and 35A and the conversion of the Ordnance Factory Board into seven PSUs, six of which are profitable, demonstrate a robust defence posture. India becoming economic powerhouse India has emerged as a global economic powerhouse, with FDI jumping to $42 billion, crossing $1 trillion cumulatively. India leads in real-time digital transactions (49 per cent globally) and is projected to be the fastest-growing major economy. The PLI scheme generated Rs 14 lakh crore in output and 11.5 lakh jobs. With NPAs down to 2.6 per cent and MSMEs receiving over Rs 3.68 lakh crore, India's robust, tech-driven, and inclusive growth is reshaping the global economic landscape. Ease of doing business India has significantly improved its ease of doing business, rising 79 ranks between 2014 and 2019. Over 1.8 lakh new companies were registered in 2023–24, supported by tax reforms, labor code simplifications, and the repeal of archaic laws. The country also witnessed a seventeen-fold rise in patent grants, reflecting a more innovation-friendly business environment. Preserving culture The government in the past 11 years has also prioritized the conservation of India's rich cultural heritage through major redevelopment initiatives and restoration projects. Iconic sites like Kedarnath, Somnath, and Ram Mandir have seen renewed focus, while over 640 stolen artefacts have been brought back since 2014. Through schemes like Swadesh Darshan and the HRIDAY project, 76 thematic circuits and 12 heritage cities are being developed. Events like Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the opening of Kartarpur Corridor further celebrate India's spiritual and historical legacy. Digital revolution India's digital revolution is redefining scale and reach. With 116 crore mobile subscribers and 6.93 lakh km of optical fibre laid under BharatNet, the country's connectivity push is unprecedented. Over 2.14 lakh gram panchayats are now connected via fibre, and 5.76 lakh Common Service Centres are operational under Digital India. Affordable internet has become a reality, with data prices dropping from Rs 308 per GB to just Rs 9.34. Meanwhile, the UPI ecosystem hit Rs 24 lakh crore in transactions in April 2025 alone, accounting for 49 per cent of global real-time digital payments. Empowering middle-class In the past 11 years, India's middle class has witnessed a significant transformation in quality of life, marked by impactful reforms and digital inclusion. Over 4 crore urban and rural homes have been built under the PM Awas Yojana, while income tax rebates under the new tax regime now extend up to Rs 12.75 lakh, offering substantial relief to salaried families. Affordable internet data—with a 97% drop in cost—and widespread 5G rollout in 99.6% of districts have made connectivity more accessible than ever.
