Latest news with #Manch
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Demand for quota in jobs, exams to test govt
Jaipur: The OBC Adhikar Manch, Rajasthan, formally extended its support to the Gurjar Arakshan Manch in their ongoing demand for the full constitutional implementation of the 5% reservation granted to Gurjars, Rebaris, Banjaras, Labanas, and Gairis under the Most Backward Classes (MBC) category in Rajasthan. Lokendra Gurjar, state spokesperson of the OBC Adhikar Manch, released a statement Sunday affirming the Manch's support and expressing deep concern over the continued denial of legal recognition to the quota. "Despite the sacrifices of over 80 community members in the police firing in 2007 and 2008 and repeated promises by successive govts, this reservation still lacks constitutional protection. It is not just a policy failure—it is an injustice," he said. He also highlighted the exclusion of eight southern districts—Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Udaipur, Sirohi, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, and Pali—from the benefits of the MBC quota, further disadvantaging aspirants in TSP (Tribal Sub-Plan) areas. "Youth from these regions are being systematically excluded from police, REET, patwari, and other key govt recruitments due to lack of age and cut-off relaxations. This must end," he added. Calling on the state govt to act decisively, Gurjar said, "Before the 2023 Assembly elections, Union minister Bhupender Yadav and BJP in-charge Arun Singh promised action on this issue. Now, the govt must fulfil its word. Enough of delays and diversions." The Manch also confirmed that it submitted a memorandum to the chief minister and requested a formal meeting on the issue. "If the govt continues to ignore the genuine and constitutional demand of the Gurjar community, a joint movement cannot be ruled out," said Gurjar.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Teachers' forum: Rationalisation to promote privatisation & corruption
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Sarva Shiksha Sanjha Manch, a joint forum of teacher organisations, on Saturday demanded an immediate rollback of the ongoing teacher rationalisation process in the state and including teachers' perspectives. The Manch termed the exercise 'inconsistent' and detrimental to the education system, announcing a series of protests, including district-level 'pol-khol' (expose) rallies on 10 June, divisional rallies on the 13th, and a boycott of the 'Shala Praveshotsav' (school admission festival) from 16 June. Speaking at a press conference at the Raipur Press Club, Virendra Dubey and other representatives asserted that the current rationalisation drive would promote privatisation of education and foster corruption. They clarified that their opposition was not to ensuring teacher availability in single-teacher or teacher-less schools. The forum also mentioned that a teachers' body had approached HC and they were also exploring legal options in case their protests are not responded to. 'Process Halted Last Yr But Resumed Without Inccluding Improvements' The representatives highlighted that similar rationalisation directives issued in Aug-Sept 2024 faced widespread criticism and protest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like NYC Hotel Smartphone Booking | Bookmark Now! | New York City Hotel Booking | Mill Canyon Road Click Here Undo Although that process was halted last year, the department restarted it on 1 May 2025, without incorporating any improvements. The Manch alleged widespread nepotism and corruption, citing the replacement of a former education minister and suspension of four divisional joint directors and several other officials. They claimed that several points in the current directive violate the departmental set-up of 2008 and the recruitment and promotion rules of 2019. They also opposed the merging of schools based on low enrolment, short distance, or same campus. 'On Ground Changes That Will Affect Teachers & Students Not Being Addressed' A key concern raised is the reduction of the minimum set-up for primary schools from three posts, including the headmaster, to two. This, they argued, makes proper functioning of primary schools unfeasible, especially with the attachment of 'Balwadis', raising concerns about education quality and child safety. The reduction will lead to a large number of assistant teachers becoming surplus, causing significant disorder and discontent, they said. The Manch criticised the exemption of new recruits on probation from being declared surplus, while existing teachers are being removed, terming it an 'injustice' and a protection of arbitrary actions by departmental officials. Furthermore, they highlighted the the uncertain future of hundreds of Pota Cabin schools in Bastar division that lack departmental set-up approval. The rationalisation process in high and higher secondary schools, which identifies surplus teachers based on the number of periods, was deemed inappropriate, with the Manch arguing for more posts based on sections. The Manch put forward several key demands: immediate review and improvement of the rationalisation directives issued on 2 Aug 2024; a meeting of all teacher organisations for a consensual solution; no immediate changes to the departmental set-up of 2008; exclusion of headmaster posts from teacher count in primary and middle schools; and a minimum subject-free set-up for primary (01+02) and middle (01+04) schools. Finally, the Manch urged the department to establish departmental advisory committees at all levels. Dept Speaks On Process Meanwhile, education department secretary Siddhartha Komal Singh Pardeshi clarified that the rationalisation is being done as per the RTE Act 2009 and NEP 2020, assuring that no teacher will lose their job. He stated the aim is to provide quality education to children. Pardeshi explained that the rationalisation of 10,372 schools (98.6%) is being carried out on the same campus, encompassing primary, middle, high school, and higher secondary sections. He asserted that this 'one school, one campus' approach aligns with national and international criteria for better performance and results. He added that a teacher will monitor children from class 1 to 12 and that the rationalisation will make the method flexible, allowing a teacher of higher or higher secondary school to teach students of middle or high school in case of absence of any teacher. Pardeshi reiterated that no schools will be closed. He stated that out of approximately 48,000 schools, 10,538 are undergoing rationalisation, with 10,372 (98.6%) on the same campus. Adding that only 166 schools are being rationalised based on distance or student-teacher ratio. The secretary further explained that as per the RTE Act, a headmaster is required for every 150 students in primary schools, but if there are 60 students, two teachers will be present. He noted that present headmasters are handling both teaching and administrative work. Regarding Atmanand schools, he clarified that those on deputation are not under the purview of rationalisation, but those working as part of mergers and regular employees will be affected. Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Sarva Shiksha Sanjha Manch, a joint forum of teacher organisations, on Saturday demanded an immediate rollback of the ongoing teacher rationalisation process in the state and including teachers' perspectives. The Manch termed the exercise 'inconsistent' and detrimental to the education system, announcing a series of protests, including district-level 'pol-khol' (expose) rallies on 10 June, divisional rallies on the 13th, and a boycott of the 'Shala Praveshotsav' (school admission festival) from 16 June. Speaking at a press conference at the Raipur Press Club, Virendra Dubey and other representatives asserted that the current rationalisation drive would promote privatisation of education and foster corruption. They clarified that their opposition was not to ensuring teacher availability in single-teacher or teacher-less schools. The forum also mentioned that a teachers' body had approached HC and they were also exploring legal options in case their protests are not responded to. 'Process Halted Last Yr But Resumed Without Inccluding Improvements' The representatives highlighted that similar rationalisation directives issued in Aug-Sept 2024 faced widespread criticism and protest. Although that process was halted last year, the department restarted it on 1 May 2025, without incorporating any improvements. The Manch alleged widespread nepotism and corruption, citing the replacement of a former education minister and suspension of four divisional joint directors and several other officials. They claimed that several points in the current directive violate the departmental set-up of 2008 and the recruitment and promotion rules of 2019. They also opposed the merging of schools based on low enrolment, short distance, or same campus. 'On Ground Changes That Will Affect Teachers & Students Not Being Addressed' A key concern raised is the reduction of the minimum set-up for primary schools from three posts, including the headmaster, to two. This, they argued, makes proper functioning of primary schools unfeasible, especially with the attachment of 'Balwadis', raising concerns about education quality and child safety. The reduction will lead to a large number of assistant teachers becoming surplus, causing significant disorder and discontent, they said. The Manch criticised the exemption of new recruits on probation from being declared surplus, while existing teachers are being removed, terming it an 'injustice' and a protection of arbitrary actions by departmental officials. Furthermore, they highlighted the the uncertain future of hundreds of Pota Cabin schools in Bastar division that lack departmental set-up approval. The rationalisation process in high and higher secondary schools, which identifies surplus teachers based on the number of periods, was deemed inappropriate, with the Manch arguing for more posts based on sections. The Manch put forward several key demands: immediate review and improvement of the rationalisation directives issued on 2 Aug 2024; a meeting of all teacher organisations for a consensual solution; no immediate changes to the departmental set-up of 2008; exclusion of headmaster posts from teacher count in primary and middle schools; and a minimum subject-free set-up for primary (01+02) and middle (01+04) schools. Finally, the Manch urged the department to establish departmental advisory committees at all levels. Dept Speaks On Process Meanwhile, education department secretary Siddhartha Komal Singh Pardeshi clarified that the rationalisation is being done as per the RTE Act 2009 and NEP 2020, assuring that no teacher will lose their job. He stated the aim is to provide quality education to children. Pardeshi explained that the rationalisation of 10,372 schools (98.6%) is being carried out on the same campus, encompassing primary, middle, high school, and higher secondary sections. He asserted that this 'one school, one campus' approach aligns with national and international criteria for better performance and results. He added that a teacher will monitor children from class 1 to 12 and that the rationalisation will make the method flexible, allowing a teacher of higher or higher secondary school to teach students of middle or high school in case of absence of any teacher. Pardeshi reiterated that no schools will be closed. He stated that out of approximately 48,000 schools, 10,538 are undergoing rationalisation, with 10,372 (98.6%) on the same campus. Adding that only 166 schools are being rationalised based on distance or student-teacher ratio. The secretary further explained that as per the RTE Act, a headmaster is required for every 150 students in primary schools, but if there are 60 students, two teachers will be present. He noted that present headmasters are handling both teaching and administrative work. Regarding Atmanand schools, he clarified that those on deputation are not under the purview of rationalisation, but those working as part of mergers and regular employees will be affected.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Police Dispute That Jonathan Joss Was Victim of Hate Crime
The post Police Dispute That Jonathan Joss Was Victim of Hate Crime appeared first on Consequence. Police in San Antonio say they have found 'no evidence' to suggest King of the Hill voice actor Jonathan Joss was the victim of a hate crime. Joss was shot and killed on Sunday following a dispute with a neighbor. In a subsequent statement posted to Facebook, Joss' husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, claimed the shooting was a hate crime. He alleged that during their time living in the neighborhood, the couple had been 'harassed regularly by individuals who made it clear they did not accept our relationship' and had even received threats that their home would be set on fire. That home was, in fact, destroyed in a fire earlier this year. This past weekend, Joss and de Gonzales returned to San Antonio to check their mail when, according to de Gonzales, a neighbor began 'started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us' before opening fire and killing Joss. However, in a statement released Tuesday, the San Antonio Police Department said it has 'found no evidence to indicate that the [sic] Mr. Joss's murder was related to his sexual orientation. SAPD investigators handle these allegations very seriously and have thoroughly reviewed all available information. should any new evidence come to light, the suspect will be charged accordingly.' Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez was arrested and charged with Joss' murder. He reportedly admitted to police that he shot Joss, but a motive has not yet been established. The two apparently had a previous run-in in 2024, according to a police report. Several neighbors told that Joss frequently got into disputes with people in the neighborhood over issues involving his dogs, trash, property, and traffic. However, another neighbor told News 4 San Antonio that Joss and de Gonzales were regularly harassed by neighbors 'because they were gay.' According to San Antonio Express-News, police had been called to Joss' San Antonio home a total of 74 times since January — including 11 responses for disturbances, nine for shootings, six for fires, six mental health-related calls, and five welfare checks. There is also some discrepancy surrounding the cause of the fire that destroyed Joss' home. In a previous interview with the San Antonio Express-News, Joss himself stated that the blaze may have started after he lit a barbecue grill inside the house. 'I told them it was my fault,' he said at the time. 'Very easily, it could have started because of my stupidity.' Joss voiced John Redcorn on King of the Hill from seasons 2 to 13, and had recorded lines for the series' upcoming revival set to air on Hulu this summer. He also notably played Chief Ken Hotate on the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation. Popular Posts King of the Hill Revival Gets Hulu Release Date, New Opening Sequence Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence Are Now In-Laws Dave Mustaine: Metallica Stole "Enter Sandman" Riff from Another Band Sabrina Carpenter Announces New Single "Manchild" Jonathan Joss, Voice of John Redcorn on King of the Hill, Shot and Killed by Neighbor T-Pain Announces 20th Anniversary US Tour Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sanyukt Kisan Manch demands ban on Turkish apple imports
1 2 3 Shimla: A delegation of the Sanyukt Kisan Manch met governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a ban on the import of apples from Turkey. The convener of the Manch, Harish Chauhan, informed the governor that India currently imports apples from around 44 countries, with Turkey alone exporting nearly 1.29 lakh metric tonnes. He said Turkey earned approximately Rs 800 to 1,000 crore from apple exports to India. Highlighting the significance of the apple industry in Himachal, Chauhan informed the governor that the state produces between six to ten lakh metric tonnes of apples every year, and nearly three or four lakh families were directly dependent on this sector. Banning apple imports from Turkey will not only boost the economy of the state but also send a strong message against countries that support terrorism and maintain close ties with Pakistan, he added. The governor expressed support for the demands of the Kisan Manch and assured the delegation that their memorandum would be forwarded to the President and the Prime Minister. He said the matter directly concerned the economic well-being of the state and the interests of the farmers and orchardists must be protected.
Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Alternative reading of Bhima Koregaon: How a Dalit outfit in Maharashtra is pushing Hindutva worldview
At a time when the Opposition, particularly the Congress, has made caste census, the representation of marginalised classes in structures of power, and their share in welfare benefits its key political planks, a recent initiative of Dalits subscribing to Hindutva and seeking to resolve caste faultlines is active in Maharashtra, with some support from the RSS and the BJP. BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan released a book last weekend in New Delhi on the battle of Bhima Koregaon, the turning point of the third Anglo-Maratha war that was fought near Pune on January 1, 1818. Paswan commended its author, Rohan Jamadar Madwalkar, a seventh-generation descendant of a participant in the battle, for 'bringing out evidence' to counter the narrative that the battle marked a defeat of the Brahmin Peshwas at the hands of Dalit Mahars. Two portraits graced the occasion, one of Dr B R Ambedkar and the other of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Paswan praised an organisation called the Vivek Vichar Manch that is promoting the book to send across a message of social unity rather than caste divide. 'Today, there is an industry trying to divide society in the name of Dalits. Who has given these people the contracts? Will Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge now decide the reality of Bhima Koregaon? Repeated attempts are made to separate Dalits from the matrix of Hindutva,' he said at the April 26 event. Last year, after the BJP suffered a setback in Maharashrtra in the Lok Sabha elections, the Vivek Vichar Manch organised meetings across districts in the state to counter the narrative that the Narendra Modi government intended to change the Constitution. The BJP saw this narrative as one of the primary reasons for its Lok Sabha reversals, including in Maharashtra. As the state headed towards the Assembly polls later in the year, the Manch held Samajik Samvad Sammelans (social dialogue programmes) as part of the drive and invited local leaders of the Dalit communities with an eye on reversing the Constitution-in-danger narrative. The organisation was born as a response to the Bhima Koregaon violence in 2018 on the 200th anniversary of the East India Company's victory over the Maratha confederacy, something that several Dalit outfits mark as the victory of Dalits over Brahminism represented by the Peshwas. The Manch, which was formed subsequently as a Dalit Hindutva initiative, has a name similar to the older Vivekananda Vichar Manch that has a clear Hindutva footprint. The Manch also met the two-member commission that investigated the Bhima Koregaon violence, which, it believes, was provoked by the ' Urban Naxals ' who instigated Dalits a day before the riots erupted. Now, the organisation is promoting Madwalkar's book, which argues that multiple castes, and not just the Mahars, fought for the British at the battle. 'On the side of the British were Marathas, Rajputs, Brahmins, Sikhs, and Meenas. On the side of the Marathas were Arabs and Gosavis. This is there in archival documents,' said Madwalkar. The priorities of the Manch are clear. 'Samrasta (harmony), samata (equality), and bandhu-bhaav (fraternity) are part of our ideology,' Sagar Shinde, the organisation's Maharashtra coordinator, told The Indian Express. The Manch also has a clear idea of who its adversaries are: Maoists and their urban supporters, whom Shinde calls 'Urban Naxals', and BAMCEF (Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation) that Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram had formed in 1978 as an organisation of government employees from Dalit, Adivasi, backward class, and minority communities. 'We can see that BAMCEF has connections with Khalistanis and PFI (Popular Front of India) too. They spread conspiracy theories against Brahmins and try to divide Hindu society and culture,' said Shinde. While Dalit activism is generally understood as resistance to 'Brahmanical Hinduism', the Vivek Vichar Manch's goal is to foster Hindu sentiments among Dalits, harmonise caste differences, and target Dalit activism critical of Hinduism and Hindutva. This dovetails with the BJP and the Sangh Parivar's core ideological goal of achieving 'Hindu unity', or the creation of a social coalition where support from the upper castes is complemented by subaltern Hindutva, a term coined by political scientist Sajjan Kumar, and the fulfilment of demands of the backward classes, Dalits, and Adivasis for greater representation. Shinde admitted that the organisation, whose president is former BJP MP Pradeep Trimbak Rawat, was 'ideologically close' to the BJP. 'We take up issues of atrocities against Dalits. We stand with Dalits, provide legal help, and also pursue the matter with the police. We are Hindutvavwadi by ideology and the BJP is in power. So, we can fast-track justice for Dalits,' he said, adding that the RSS's work was also 'positive' and it also believes in harmony. The Manch has links to the Maharashtra government leadership. In June 2023, then Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde attended a social-justice conference that the outfit had organised. The Manch also hands out social justice awards and launched a campaign in Maharashtra last year for government-aided cremation grounds where people from across castes can be cremated. Dalits usually face problems with cremation as they do not have land.
