Latest news with #NREGA
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
2 fake NREGA job card holders found in Bengal in 2024-25
1 2 Kolkata: Trinamool Congress on Tuesday questioned the Centre's stance towards Bengal after junior rural development minister Kamlesh Paswan informed party MP Mala Roy that only two fake NREGA job card holders had been found in the state in 2024–25, whereas the figures for UP, Rajasthan, Bihar, Odisha and MP ran into the thousands. In a statement on X, TMC said the figures placed in the Lok Sabha by the central minister clearly showed that 11,07,814 fake MGNREGA job cards were deleted across India between 2022 and 2025. "BJP-governed Uttar Pradesh alone accounted for 4,50,172 deletions, 40.6% of the total. The other top offenders, Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, are all Double Engine states. Bengal saw just 5,984 deletions, a mere 0.5%," the party said. The party questioned BJP, asking, "Yet it is Bengal whose MGNREGA funds were cruelly blocked, with bogus allegations of irregularities. So, which is it, BJP? Were you lying all along to justify your economic blockade against Bengal out of pure political vendetta? Or are BJP-ruled states simply above scrutiny?" Calcutta High Court on June 18 directed the Centre to resume the 100 days' work programme in Bengal from August 1, saying the scheme could not be "put in cold storage for eternity". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo The NREGA scheme was suspended in the state for close to three years. A person who obtained wages illegally or under fictitious names could not go free and had to be dealt with firmly, Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam said. "But what about those who did the work genuinely?" he asked, observing: "A line should be drawn and a cut-off date announced. " You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "The Centre told Lok Sabha that it is examining the HC order. This is an unprecedented blockade. The data shows that Bengal is being punished for its transparency and BJP-governed states are being rewarded for their illegality."
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Time of India
Cyber fraud racket busted in Chirang, 11 held, 31 ATM cards seized
Guwahati: A racket operating from outside Assam was busted in Chirang district, leading to the arrest of 11 people, police said on Tuesday. The case came to light after a complaint by one Imran Hussain at Bijni police station 15 days ago, alleging that his wife's bank account details and SIM card were fraudulently used by one Afsar Uddin. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Chirang SP Akshat Garg said Hussain alleged that Uddin obtained the information by falsely promising to credit money against his wife's Mahatma Gandhi NREGA job card. "Hussain also alleged that a financial transaction of Rs 1 lakh was detected in his wife's bank account, and the account was found blocked when he checked it in the home branch of the bank," the SP added. A case was registered under sections of criminal conspiracy, cheating, breach of trust, and property theft under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant charges of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Following a 15-day investigation, police arrested 11 suspects and seized electronic evidence, including 31 ATM cards, 26 SIM cards, nine cheque books, and 12 bank passbooks. "The modus operandi of the accused was to target gullible villagers, luring them with money in the name of some job card or govt schemes. They collect the bank details and SIM card of the target villagers and share those details in certain Telegram groups," the SP said. He added that these Telegram groups are operated from different states of the country and even abroad. "The administrators operate the groups from different locations. The arrested people get an incentive of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per day for their work," he added. The bank accounts were allegedly used for financial transactions by cyber-frauds, the SP said, adding that the investigation will explore all possible angles and more developments are expected. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The arrested people are Afsar Uddin, Matleb Ali, Abdul Awal, Akher Ali, Saddam Hussain, Golap Hussain, Mir Kashem, Anwar Hussain, Jiarul Islam, Manju Ali, and Surman Ali. All are residents of Bijni under the jurisdiction of Bijni police station.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
2cr ghost toilet scam unearthed in Ankleshwar
Surat: Soon after the alleged Rs 7.3 crore NREGA scam was found, another racket has rocked Bharuch district. This time, it seems that at least Rs 2 crore has siphoned off from the exchequer, through ghost applications for govt assistance to build toilets in houses. A retired schoolteacher, Pravin Modi, reported the scam after getting information through a Right To Information (RTI) application. It appears that documents submitted to get marriage certificates from the Ankleshwar municipality were used to apply for allocation of funds for toilets. Modi says five agencies and govt officials are likely involved in the scam. Modi told TOI: "I got information that 'ghost' toilets were made in 2014-2015, to siphon of funds from the Gujarat Municipal Finance Board and from other govt schemes. I asked the Ankleshwar municipality for details via RTI a couple of months ago. I was shocked to find that people who own big houses and bungalows in Ankleshwar were shown to have received assistance for building toilets. When I contacted them, they said they never applied for the assistance. " The information given by the municipality shows that Anand Kadi Gramodhyog Trust, Navchetna Vikas Trust, Kamdar Kalyan Mandal, Mahatma Gandhi Gramnirman Trust and Vasundhara Sarvajanik Trust had built 1,906 toilets in houses. It seemed many of these toilets were never built. I will file a complaint with the CM, collector, DSP and vigilance department, people's documents were stolen to perpetrate this scam." Nirav and Krima Hazariwala, who live in an Ankleshwar society, married in 2011. Nirav said: "We submitted our Aadhaar cards for our marriage certificate in 2012. They were misused to apply for toilets. We live in Vatsalya Society, which has 30 bungalows. This scam damaged our reputation as people would think we applied for govt funds. The govt and police should take action against those who stole our documents." Another couple, Forum Patel and Roma Patel, were allotted funds for two toilets against their Aadhaar cards. "If Aadhaar cards are misused in this way, how can we trust govt offices? Strict punishment must be given to the scamsters," said Forum Patel, who lives in a bungalow in a posh Ankleshwar society. Romin Chharel, who lives in the Church area of Ankleshwar, told TOI: "They used my and my wife's Aadhaar cards, which were submitted for our marriage certificate in 2014. We discovered the misuse after 10 years. We suspect that the cards have been used elsewhere too. Police must investigate and hold those responsible accountable." Funds for a toilet were also disbursed in the name of Fazal Wadia's sister, who has been living outside Ankleshwar after her wedding. "My sister applied for a marriage certificate as she married in Ankleshwar. Even though she no longer lives there, a toilet was allotted in her name," Fazal said. Of the 1,906 toilets funded on the list, many are showing as having been allocated to two different families of different religions. "How can families of different religions live in the same house or building? This scam seems substantial based on its allotments," Modi said.
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Business Standard
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Updating your mutual fund KYC? Post offices can now do it for you
The Department of Posts (DoP) has partnered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi) to provide Know Your Customer (KYC) verification services through its vast network of over 164,000 post offices across India. The agreement, signed on July 17, aims to streamline KYC compliance for approximately 241.3 million mutual fund folios, including 190.4 million equity, hybrid and solution-oriented schemes. 'This collaboration harnesses our extensive postal infrastructure to support financial inclusion and simplify KYC processes for investors nationwide,' said Manisha Bansal Badal, general manager (Business Development), Department of Posts. Why does this matter for investors? KYC compliance is mandatory for investing in mutual funds. Until now, offline investors had to visit asset management companies (AMCs) or registrar offices for document verification. Under this initiative, postal employees will assist investors in: Completing KYC forms Verifying and attesting self-attested documents Forwarding them to AMCs for processing 'This MoU marks a significant step in the industry's efforts to ensure regulatory compliance for investors residing in remote areas,' said VN Chalasani, chief executive, AMFI. Experts see a big boost for participation Financial experts say the tie-up could help resolve long-standing bottlenecks in KYC compliance, particularly in underserved regions. 'Enabling KYC at post offices is a strong move. In rural and semi-urban areas, trust matters more than tech, and post offices are trusted places. This will remove a key entry barrier for mutual fund investors in these regions,' said Navy Vijay Ramavat, managing director, Indira Group. 'For those whose KYC is stuck or rejected, this brings a much-needed physical touchpoint. Even in bigger cities, many people still struggle with digital-first norms. If executed well, this step can bring first-time investors into the fold, not just by simplifying KYC, but by making investing feel accessible, human, and local,' he added. Niranjan Babu Ramayanam, chief operating officer, Anand Rathi Wealth Limited, believes this partnership could be a game changer, 'As per industry sources, there are many clients who have invested in the past but have not updated their KYC as per the latest regulatory requirements. With the widespread presence of post offices across the country, this MoU will help AMCs reach such clients and assist them in updating their KYC to restart investments.' he said What investors need to know? According to the Sebi's current guidelines, accepted documents for KYC include: Passport Driving licence Aadhaar card Voter ID NREGA job card (signed by a government officer) National Population Register letter How to check your KYC status? Visit any mutual fund website or registrar portal Enter your 10-digit PAN Check if your KYC status is: KYC Validated: Free to invest KYC Registered: Can invest in existing AMCs but may require fresh KYC for new ones KYC On-Hold/Rejected: Requires issue resolution A potential game changer for mutual funds India added nearly 9.7 million new mutual fund investors in FY25. Experts say this initiative could unlock further growth, especially as Sebi's tightened KYC norms have left many investors unable to transact. 'This initiative will help resolve the KYC 'On Hold' or 'Rejected' statuses more efficiently, especially in rural areas where investors lack guidance to complete documentation,' said Ramayanam. 'There will be a substantial rise in SIPs from such investors once their KYC is validated.' The agreement, effective for one year and renewable, includes strict confidentiality safeguards and Sebi compliance.
New Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Parliament session: MSP, water disputes on TDP's agenda
VIJAYAWADA: Ahead of the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament from July 22, Chief Minister and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu chaired a meeting with party MPs at his camp office on Friday. During the meeting, also attended by HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, Naidu and the TDP MPs discussed the strategy to be adopted during the session. Underscoring the importance of utilising the Parliament session effectively, Naidu directed the MPs to intensify efforts to secure necessary funds and advance key developmental projects for the State. He instructed them to raise crucial issues such as the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers, river water disputes, and industrial development during the session. He stressed the need to present the State government's initiatives on these matters to the Centre's attention through Parliament. On the occasion, the Chief Minister lauded the TDP MPs for their consistent attendance, and active engagement in parliamentary proceedings. 'Our MPs are performing commendably. While the national average attendance among MPs stands at 85%, TDP members have surpassed it with 86.2%, placing them at the top nationally,' he said. He noted that TDP MPs lead in both participation in debates and the number of questions raised in Parliament. Furthermore, Naidu encouraged them to continue voicing the State's concerns while also acknowledging the commendable work being undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'MPs have been assigned responsibilities according to specific departments. You must maintain consistent dialogue with Union Ministers regarding issues and pending matters, while ensuring coordination with the State administration,' he emphasised. Highl ight ing a recent achievement, he noted, 'It was due to continuous consultation that we were able to push Rs 180 crore worth of bills related to NRE GA back into process.' He urged MPs to similarly focus on Central schemes, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Ayushman Bharat Health Mission, to secure additional funds for the State. 'SIT found proof of YSRCP's hand in liquor scam' Pointing to the criminalisation of politics, Naidu said YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's behaviour exemplifies the dangers of allowing criminals into politics. Revealing that the SIT inquiry into the liquor scam during the previous YSRCP regime is nearing completion, Naidu informed the MPs that the crime committed by the then-ruling party leaders has been proven with all evidence.
