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Hans India
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
UP Holds High-Level Review Meeting on Backwards Class Welfare
Lucknow: A high-level state meeting was convened on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Chairman of the National Commission for Backwards Classes (NCBC). The session aimed to evaluate existing welfare schemes for backwards classes and shape strategic future directions in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh government. The meeting was attended by NCBC Member Bhuvan Bhushan Kamal and Secretary Meeta Rajeev Lochan. Representing the state government, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backwards Class Welfare and Empowerment of Disabled People, Narendra Kashyap, joined alongside Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Backwards Class Commission Rajesh Verma, Principal Secretary Subhash Chandra Sharma, Director Vandana Verma, and other departmental officers. Opening the meeting, officials presented a brief history and functional overview of the Uttar Pradesh Backwards Class Commission, outlining its constitutional responsibilities and current initiatives. The Commission emphasised its dual mandate: grievance redressal and delivery of social justice through research and policy advice. A technical assessment of its organisational structure—including staffing levels, approved posts, and administrative workload—was shared, along with a review of financial provisions and the budgetary needs for future expansion. Among the key points discussed was the Commission's ongoing effort to identify backwards castes, update caste schedules, and conduct region-wise socio-economic assessments. Officials highlighted that several castes, sub-castes, and surnames listed by the Uttar Pradesh Commission have not yet been included in the Government of India's Central List. Recommendations for their inclusion are underway, pending inputs from the state administration. Minister Kashyap reaffirmed the government's dedication to empowering the backwards class community. Continuous efforts are being made to bring equity and development to all marginalised sections. We urge the Commission to expedite its recommendations regarding deprived castes,' he stated. Chairman Rajesh Verma also spotlighted the Commission's work through extensive public hearings, surveys, and outreach initiatives across the state. He called for closer synergy between state and central authorities to streamline implementation. Concluding the session, Chairman Ahir commended Uttar Pradesh's proactive measures, noting that its approach could serve as a template for other states. 'We are fully prepared to cooperate with the Uttar Pradesh government. All collected data will be compiled and submitted to the Centre, ensuring timely policy action,' he affirmed. The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening institutional coordination and shaping inclusive strategies for the upliftment of backwards classes in the region.
India.com
29-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Sansad Ratna Awards 2025: 17 MPs Honoured For Outstanding Parliamentary Performance
The 15th edition of the Sansad Ratna Awards 2025 was held at Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi, honouring outstanding Members of Parliament (MPs) and parliamentary committees for their exemplary performance in the 18th Lok Sabha. The ceremony aimed to recognise and honour the exceptional Parliamentarians and Committees of the 18th Lok Sabha. Seventeen individual Parliamentarians from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha along with two Parliamentary Standing Committees, received the prestigious Sansad Ratna Awards this year, spanning across three distinct categories. The nominations were made by the Jury Committee, chaired by Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Chairman of the National Commission for Backwards Classes (NCBC), a constitutional authority holding the rank of Union Cabinet Minister. The Awards were presented to the winners during the 15th edition of the Sansad Ratna Awards ceremony by the Chief Guest Shri Kiren Rijuju, Hon'ble Union Cabinet Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Co-Chair of the Jury, Shri T S Krishnamurthy, former Chief Election Commissioner and Shri K Srinivasan, Founder Prime Point. Background of the Awards The Sansad Ratna Awards were instituted in 2010 by Prime Point Foundation and the eMagazine PreSense, following the suggestion of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Dr Kalam also inaugurated the first award ceremony in Chennai in May 2010. Notably, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir was the first recipient of the award. The awards are presented on behalf of civil society. As of 2024, 125 awards have been presented across 14 award ceremonies, recognising individual Parliamentarians and Parliamentary Standing Committees. The Jury Committee — comprising distinguished Award-winning Parliamentarians and representatives of civil society — nominates the awardees based on performance data. This data is sourced from the official records of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats, as well as PRS Legislative Research. Performance indicators include the number of initiated debates, private members' bills introduced, and questions raised. Individual Awards This year, 17 individual awards were conferred, including four Special Awards by the Chairman of the Jury Committee, recognising 'Outstanding and Consistent Contribution to Parliamentary Democracy'. These Special Awards were presented to Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJP, Odisha), N.K. Premachandran (RSP, Kerala), Supriya Sule (NCP SP, Maharashtra), Shrirang Appa Barne (Shiv Sena, Maharashtra) and these four Members of Parliament were top performers during the 16th and 17th Lok Sabha terms and continue their top performance in the 18th Lok Sabha also. Other Awardees from Maharashtra are Smita Uday Wagh (BJP), Arvind Ganpat Sawant (Shiv Sena UBT), Naresh Ganpat Mhaske (Shiv Sena), Prof. Gaikwad Varsha Eknath (Indian National Congress), Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni (BJP). From other States, Praveen Patel and Ravindra Kishan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan (both BJP) are from Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Nishikant Dubey and Bidyut Baran Mahato (both BJP) are from Jharkhand, P.P. Chaudhary and Madan Rathore (both BJP) are from Rajasthan, C.N. Annadurai (DMK) represents Tamil Nadu, Dilip Saikia (BJP, Assam). Under the Individual category, this year Maharashtra bagged 7 Awards; Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan bag 2 awards each; Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam bag one award each. Awards to Standing Committees Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kiren Rijuju, Union Cabinet Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs said, "Sansad Ratna Awards is a commendable initiative by Prime Point Foundation to recognise the excellent performance of Members of Parliament, which strengthens parliamentary democracy".
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
NCBC submits pending annual reports for 2022–24 to President
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has submitted its Annual Reports for 2022–23 and 2023–24 to President Droupadi Murmu, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said in a statement on Friday (May 30, 2025) The reports were presented to the President on Thursday (May 29, 2025) by NCBC Chairperson Hansraj Gangaram Ahir and Commission Member Bhuvan Bhushan Kamal. As per its constitutional mandate, the NCBC is required to submit these reports annually, reviewing the implementation of safeguards for communities classified as Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The Commission is also empowered to recommend measures that the Union and State governments ought to take for the 'protection, welfare, and socio-economic development' of these communities. While the submission to the President is part of the regular process, the reports are made public only after they are laid in Parliament, accompanied by Action-Taken Reports (ATRs). The last NCBC report that was laid in Parliament was its consolidated tenure report for the period 2019–2022. The latest submissions follow a considerable delay. Officials familiar with the process explained that the compilation of such reports involves collecting data from various State governments, which often leads to delays. Furthermore, tabling the reports in Parliament is contingent on the preparation of ATRs by different governments, adding to the time taken. As The Hindu reported earlier this year, the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and Scheduled Tribes (NCST) had also not submitted their Annual Reports for 2023–24 and 2024–25 as of last month. The NCSC's 2022–23 report, though submitted to the President in February 2024, is still awaiting tabling in Parliament. In the case of the NCST, five reports covering the years 2018–19 to 2022–23 have been submitted to the President but are yet to be laid in the House.
Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Sansad Ratna Awards 2025: Maharashtra leads with 7 MPs among 17 awardees
Seven Members of Parliament (MPs) from Maharashtra are among the top 17 MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha who have been nominated to receive the prestigious Sansad Ratna Awards 2025. Two parliamentary committees have also been nominated for the award. Supriya Sule, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) MP from Baramati Lok Sabha constituency; Shrirang Barne, three-time MP from Pune's Maval Lok Sabha Constituency; Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni; Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad; Smita Uday Wagh (BJP); Arvind Ganpat Sawant (Shiv Sena UBT); and Naresh Ganpat Mhaske (Shiv Sena), are the awardees from Maharashtra. The Sansad Ratna Awards were instituted in 2010 by Prime Point Foundation and the eMagazine PreSense, following the suggestion of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Dr Kalam also inaugurated the first award ceremony in Chennai in May 2010. Hansraj Gangaram Ahir was the first recipient of the award. As of 2024, 125 awards have been presented across 14 award ceremonies, recognising individual parliamentarians and parliamentary standing committees. This year, 17 individual awards will be conferred. Under the Individual category, Maharashtra has bagged seven awards; Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan have won two awards each; whereas Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam have bagged one award each. There are four special awards by the Chairman of the Jury Committee, recognising 'Outstanding and Consistent Contribution to Parliamentary Democracy'. Sule, Barne, Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJP, Odisha), and N K Premachandran (RSP, Kerala) will receive special awards for their contribution to parliamentary democracy. These four MPs were top performers during the 16th and 17th Lok Sabha terms and have continued their top performance in the 18th Lok Sabha also. The nominations were made by the Jury Committee, chaired by Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Chairman of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). The Awards will be presented during the 15th edition of the Sansad Ratna Awards ceremony, scheduled for the last week of July in New Delhi. K Srinivasan, Founder and Chairman, Prime Point Foundation, told The Indian Express that the Jury Committee – comprising distinguished Award-winning parliamentarians and representatives of civil society – nominates the awardees based on performance data. 'This data is sourced from the official records of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats, as well as PRS Legislative Research. Performance indicators include the number of initiated debates, private members' bills introduced, and questions raised,' Srinivasan said. He also observed that it was remarkable that there was a high number of MPs from Maharashtra. 'Though they belong to different political parties, what stands out and commands respect is their unified voice when it comes to the progress of Maharashtra. Almost every year, the contingent from Maharashtra is the largest among the Sansad Ratna awardees,' Srinivasan said. Priyadharshni Rahul, Chairperson, Sansad Ratna Awards Committee, said that for the past 15 years, they have been presenting the awards and are committed to the belief that the parliamentary system is the best form of governance. 'We continue to stand firmly by it. When we conduct our analysis and see the emergence of new and promising members, it strengthens our faith that the nation is in good hands,' Priyadharshni said. 'In fact, it is a moment of pride that all the women MPs nominated this time are from Maharashtra, and for the first time, a woman MP, Smita Uday Wagh, has won for the overall performance across the country,' she added. When contacted, three-time MP Shrirang Barne from Pune's Maval Lok Sabha constituency attributed his nomination for the Sansad Ratna award to the love and support he has received from people. 'I have been able to raise important questions in Parliament and have maintained a 95 per cent attendance while fulfilling my responsibilities. I am extremely grateful and honoured to have been nominated for this recognition,' Barne told The Indian Express. Praveen Patel and Ravindra Kishan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan (both BJP) from Uttar Pradesh, Dr Nishikant Dubey and Bidyut Baran Mahato (both BJP) from Jharkhand, P P Chaudhary and Madan Rathore (both BJP) from Rajasthan, C N Annadurai (DMK) from Tamil Nadu, and Dilip Saikia (BJP, Assam) are among the other awardees. Two standing committees have also been chosen for their performance based on their reports presented to Parliament. This includes the Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJP, Odisha), and Standing Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Dr Charanjit Singh Channi (Congress, Punjab). When contacted, Dr Channi said that 'this was a very good initiative, and serves as an important source of motivation and encouragement for our Members of Parliament.'
Hans India
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Govt fully prepared to act against Pahalgam perpetrators: NCBC chief Hansraj Ahir
Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes and former Minister of State for Home Affairs, strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, saying the government is fully prepared to respond and will not spare anyone involved in such acts. Speaking to IANS, Ahir said: "After such attacks, it is natural for people to be angry, but the government is taking strong steps and will continue to do so. Our country shares borders with multiple nations, and terrorists take advantage of any opportunity to infiltrate. But they are cowards, cowards who kill innocent people. The government is capable of taking solid steps against such acts." Recalling his tenure in the Home Ministry, he emphasised the progress made in securing India's borders: "I was myself the Minister of State for Home Affairs. I know how much work the government has done regarding the borders. Highways have been built in border areas. Earlier, there was a lot of insurgency in the Northeast, but now it is peaceful. Even insurgents have cooled down. Elections are held properly in state governments, and people come out to vote." He further stressed the vigilance of the armed forces and the government. "To deal with these kinds of secret, cowardly attacks, the government and the army are always alert. I have worked on this; I know how seriously the government operates," he claimed. On being asked about action against Pakistan, Ahir replied bluntly: "Whenever we retaliated against such behaviour of Pakistan, we never spared them. The government has always dealt with them strictly and firmly, and we will continue to do so. But this is not a cricket ground that today we go and do some good batting, it is not like that. This is a matter of two nations." He elaborated on the complexity of the issue: "This is a matter between two countries, and it is a very serious situation. Our population is larger and our borders are longer, but the government will act thoughtfully; it will not leave them." Assuring the nation of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's resolve, Ahir stated: "It is certain that under the leadership of PM Modi, the government will not tolerate such actions by Pakistan. The terrorists and Pakistanis have committed an unforgivable crime. The government is not in the mindset to forgive them, we will act at the appropriate time." He also warned political opponents to be cautious with their words: "Those who make statements should think that they should not make such remarks on matters of national security. It is a matter of national protection." In conclusion, he affirmed the government's capability and commitment: "The government's intention is clear, it is capable, and we respond with strength. Not just Pakistan, but even China, we have given a proper reply to them too. We should trust our government. The opposition must understand that they should not weaken the country with their statements."
