Latest news with #NarendraModi-led
News18
13 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
From Guns To Growth: How Amit Shah Led India's Fight Against Naxalism
Last Updated: Over 8,000 Maoist cadres have surrendered since 2014. In just the past 16 months, more than 1,600 laid down arms, choosing peace over bloodshed. In 2014, Naxalism was a dominant internal security challenge in India, especially across central and eastern states. In several districts, Maoist groups wielded such control that they operated parallel administrations—complete with their own 'people's courts." Public services were non-existent, and civilian as well as security personnel casualties from frequent attacks were alarmingly high. The reach of the insurgency, at its peak, extended across more than 18,000 square kilometres. According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the decade between 2004 and 2014 saw over 16,400 incidents of Naxal-related violence, resulting in the deaths of 1,851 security personnel and 4,766 civilians. In 2010 alone, 2,213 such incidents were reported, marking the deadliest year with over a thousand fatalities. As many as 126 districts were officially designated as Naxal-affected. Yet, things took a drastic turn after 2014. With the arrival of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, the Centre adopted a focused, integrated approach that treated Naxalism not merely as a law-and-order issue but as a complex socio-economic challenge. Recognising that development was key to disempowering extremism, the government rolled out a series of coordinated measures under the umbrella strategy known as SAMADHAN—Security, Aggressive operations, Motivation, Administrative measures, Development, Harnessing technology, Action plan for capacity building, and No access to arms/ammunition. This multifaceted strategy combined precision intelligence operations with targeted development in affected regions. Aggressive counter-insurgency efforts such as Operation Prahar and Operation Octopus directly hit the Maoist leadership, leading to the arrest or elimination of several senior commanders. At the same time, the government ramped up investment in basic infrastructure—roads, communication, policing, and rehabilitation. The results of this approach have been dramatic: This isn't just data—it's the difference between fear and freedom for millions. Over 8,000 Maoist cadres have surrendered since 2014. In just the past 16 months, more than 1,600 laid down arms, choosing peace over bloodshed. Many are now back in their villages – some running shops, others driving autos, a few even working with local police units as informants or volunteers. The government's rehabilitation schemes gave them not just money, but dignity. Each affected district now gets Rs 30 crore annually under a Special Central Assistance Scheme, with a total of over Rs 6,500 crore spent on modernising local policing and building capacity at the grassroots. This success is rooted in a twin-engine approach. While Prime Minister Modi focused on delivering development and infrastructure to previously ignored regions, Union Home Minister Amit Shah led an assertive internal security doctrine – cracking down on arms supply chains, neutralising leaders, and dismantling the organisational structure of Maoist insurgents. Together, this combination of development and decisive policing has changed the game. What once seemed like an intractable problem now stands as a case study in effective counter-insurgency. The government's commitment, from precision operations to grassroots upliftment, has yielded measurable change. The reduction in violence, improved governance, increasing surrenders, and growing connectivity all point to a new era of stability. India's fight against Naxalism isn't just a counter-insurgency operation. It's a national recovery story. It's about a country refusing to leave its most vulnerable behind. It's about a mother no longer having to hide her son from either the rebels or the police. It's about reclaiming forgotten lands not just with boots on the ground, but with hospitals, roads, schools, and dignity. As the government sets its sights on a Naxal-free India by March 31, 2026, the mission is clear—but it's also deeply personal. For every surrendered insurgent who found a new life, for every child now going to school in a red zone, for every family that sleeps in peace tonight – it already is a victory. Not just a victory over violence. A victory for India. The author is State Secretary, BJP Tamil Nadu. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mint
2 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Parliament Monsoon Session: Income Tax overhaul, Anti-Doping reform & more – full list of key Bills listed by Modi Govt
Parliament Monsoon Session: The monsoon session of Parliament will be held from July 21 to August 21. After a break of over three and a half months, both houses of Parliament—the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha – are scheduled to convene on July 21 at 11 am. This will be the first session of Parliament after Operation Sindoor – India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government has listed eight new Bills to be introduced in this session, in addition to taking up seven pending bills that were introduced earlier. Also Read | Cong to corner Modi govt on Pahalgam, voter list revision during Monsoon Session The opposition led by the Congress party will, on the other hand, raise issues including the Pahalgam terror attack, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar, the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and rising atrocities against women in the country, during the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament. The government's top agenda item is the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of Parliament on February 13 before being referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) led by BJP MP Baijayant 'Jay' Panda. The JPC is scheduled to adopt the draft report on Wednesday, after which the amended bill will be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval and is expected to be brought to Parliament for passage during this session. Among the other bills listed for consideration is the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to align the state GST law with the central legislation. Another key bill is the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, which seeks to promote ease of doing business and improve regulatory compliance. Extension of President's Rule in Manipur The government has also listed a resolution for the extension of President's Rule in Manipur, imposed on February 13, 2025. Parliament's approval is required every six months, and President's Rule cannot be extended beyond three years, as per constitutional provisions under Article 356(1), Here are the details of legislative business, as prepared by PRS Legislative Research, scheduled this Monsoon Session of Parliament: Bills listed for introduction, consideration and passing 1-The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025: To amend the Manipur Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. 2-The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025: To amend certain tax laws. 3- The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025: Seeks to foster ease of doing business. Also Read | Monsoon Session of Parliament to be held from July 21 to August 21 4-The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025: To add IIM Guwahati to the schedule of the Indian Institutes of Management Act, 2017. 5-The Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2025: To provide for the declaration, preservation, and maintenance of geoheritage sites and geo-relics of national importance for research, education, awareness generation, and tourism. 6-The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025: To provide for the recovery of critical minerals, the inclusion of contiguous areas in a mining lease for mining of deep-seated minerals, and widening the scope of the National Mineral Exploration Trust. Also Read | Govt may tighten seed law this year 7-The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025: To provide for the promotion of sports, sportspersons' welfare, and ethical practices in sports; to establish standards for the governance of sports federations; and to institute measures for the resolution of sports grievances and disputes. 8-The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025: To align the definitions and provisions of the National Anti- Doping Act, 2022 with the World Anti-Doping Agency Code and international best practices, and to ensure the independence of the National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel. Bills listed for consideration and passing 1-The Income Tax Bill, 2025: Replaces the Income Tax Act, 1961. Retains most of its provisions, including tax rates and offences. Primarily seeks to simplify the language and remove redundant provisions Introduced in Lok Sabha during the Budget Session on February 13, the bill was referred to select committee of the lower house 2-The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024: This bill reserves seats in the Goa Legislative Assembly for Scheduled Tribes. It was introduced in Lok Sabha last August 3-The Indian Ports Bill, 2025: Repeals the Indian Ports Act, 1908: This bill provides for regulation of the ports sector by creating Maritime State Development Council, State Maritime Boards, and Dispute Resolution Committee. This bill was also introduced last year. 4-The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024: Replaces the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, modifies provisions related to the registration and ownership of ships, regulation of maritime training, seafarer welfare, and pollution control. This Bill has been pending in Lok Sabha since December 2024. 5—The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024: The Bill to regulate vessels engaged in trade within Indian coastal waters is pending in the Rajya Sabha. It was passed in theLok Sabha in April 2025. 6- The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024: Replaces the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, which provides for the rights and liabilities attached to goods transported by sea from Indian ports. Retains most provisions of the Act. This Bill passed in Lok Sabha in March last year is pending in Rajya Sabha. 7-The Bills of Lading Bill, 2024: Replaces the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, which provides for a legal framework for issuing bills of lading, which provide conclusive evidence of goods on board. Retains most of theprovisions of the Act. This Bill was passed in Lok Sabha in March 2025 and is pending in Rajya Sabha. (With inputs from PRS Legislative Research)
India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
8th Pay Commission BIG Update: Bad news for Central government employees, delay likely in implementation of..., salary may increase by over...
8th Pay Commission Latest Update 8th Pay Commission: The Narendra Modi-led Central government had earlier approved the 8th Pay Commission, which will benefit millions of current government employees and retired personnel. To recall, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in January this year, had said that once implemented, the salaries and pensions of central government employees would be revised. However, growing concerns have emerged among employees about whether the 8th Pay Commission will be implemented on time. It is important to note that the 8th Finance Commission is expected to submit its recommendations by the end of 2025, after which they are expected to come into effect from January 2026. First, the Commission has to prepare its report. Then it will be submitted to the government. The government will then decide whether the recommendations are appropriate or not. Only after this will the approval be granted. Will there be a delay in the 8th Pay Commission? The proposal-submission-approval process may lead to its implementation in the financial year 2027, according to a report by Ambit. The report claims that salaries could see an increase of around 30 to 40 percent. Notably, the Terms of Reference (ToR) have not yet been finalized. In such a case, the implementation of the 8th Finance Commission may take longer than expected. According to an Economic Times report, it could either be implemented by the end of 2026 or in early 2027. It is worth noting that the 7th Pay Commission was announced in February 2014 but came into effect two years later, in January 2016. Once implemented by the government, the 8th Pay Commission will benefit 5 million current employees and 6.5 million retired central government employees. Here are some of the key details: The recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission will directly benefit approximately 44 lakh central government employees across various ministries and departments The 8th Pay Commission will benefit over 68 lakh pensioners, totalling up to more than a crore direct beneficiaries. Notably, the 4.4 million central government employees and armed forces personnel represent 0.7% of India's 60 crore labour force, and nearly 9% of the formal sector
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Infrastructure push key achievement of PM Modi rule: MoS Harsh Malhotra
As the Narendra Modi-led government completes 11 years at the Centre, the transformation of India's infrastructure stands out as one of its defining achievements. At the heart of this growth is the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). In an interview with Parvez Sultan, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra spoke about challenges, milestones, and the vision shaping India's infrastructure journey. Excerpts: What are the key milestones in infrastructure development during Narendra Modi's tenure as Prime Minister in the last 11 years? India's highway infrastructure has seen remarkable growth over the past 11 years. Before 2014, the country had 92,000 km of highways, with construction progressing at 12 km per day. Today, that pace has more than doubled to 28 km per day, and during COVID, it touched 34 km per day. Since 2014, 58,000 km of new highways have been built. Under the PM Gram Sadak Yojana, aimed at connecting villages to cities, 3.5 lakh km of rural roads have been constructed. Every rupee spent on roads boosts GDP by 3.2 percent, and over the past five years, road infrastructure projects have generated 650 crore man-days of employment. Major expressways such as the Delhi-Mumbai Corridor, Delhi-Amritsar-Katra, and the nearly complete Delhi-Dehradun Expressway are transforming travel; cutting the Delhi-Dehradun journey to just 2.5 hours. A spur from Saharanpur to Haridwar and bypasses for Rishikesh toward Kedarnath and Badrinath are also underway. The government is building all-weather roads to the Char Dham and has completed a route to Kailash Mansarovar via Pithoragarh. Connectivity is also being strengthened to key religious cities—Ayodhya, Varanasi, Chitrakoot, and Prayagraj—with a major road underway between Ayodhya and Gorakhpur. Why has the Char Dham all-weather connectivity project been delayed? There is no delay in the Char Dham project. The region faces extreme weather and difficult terrain, with frequent rain, cloudbursts, and landslides. Roads are built but often get damaged due to natural calamities. Despite these challenges, work is progressing continuously. Wherever damage occurs, repairs are promptly undertaken, and durable concrete roads are being constructed to withstand future disruptions.
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Vehicular movement hit by twin strike
Bhubaneswar: Vehicular movement in different parts of Odisha, including in capital city of Bhubaneswar, was affected on Wednesday due to strike by trade unions and drivers' associations. A joint forum of 10 central trade unions staged Bharat bandh on Wednesday in protest against the four labour codes, contractualisation and privatisation of PSUs among others. The forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates, which include, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), HMS, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) participated in the nation-wide protest. The Opposition Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) extended their support to the protest of trade unions. Similarly, the drivers of different transportation vehicles including buses, taxis and trucks resorted to the cease work protest since Tuesday morning demanding welfare measures for the drivers in the State. The protesters staged demonstrations in different places and blocked several roads including national highways in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Balasore, Bolangir and Sambalpur. Due to the protest by trade unions and thousands of drivers, vehicular movement has been severely affected in the State, said a police officer. A large number of vehicles remained stranded on both sides of major roads and NHs as the protesters picketed on the roads. The protesters were also seen staging a protest blocking the railway tracks in Bhubaneswar station. The commuters remained stranded in the bus stands across the State. Several Central government offices, banks, business establishments and educational institutions were also partially affected in some places including Rayagada, Berhampur, Nabarangpur and Gajapati districts, police said. Fuel stations in Bhubaneswar remained closed as the trade union members picketed before the petrol pumps. However, the offices and educational institutions functioned normally in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and some other cities. Trade union leader Sura Jena, who was leading a protest near the railway station here, alleged that the Narendra Modi-led Central government is exploiting the labourers of the country by imposing the Labour Codes. 'The Central government is privatising Central PSUs, airports and other public properties one after another and failed to control inflation and unemployment, which is at its peak,' he said. Among major demands, the Trade Unions demanded immediate rollback of the four Labour Codes, Rs 26,000 per month wage for workers, reinstating the old pension scheme and strengthening protections for workers in both organised and unorganised sectors. Under the banner of Odisha Drivers' Mahasangha, thousands of drivers of buses, trucks, vans, taxis, auto rickshaws and other commercial vehicles have been staging 'steering down' protest as their talk with the State government remained inconclusive. The protesting drivers held different meetings for over four hours on Tuesday night with the Transport department officers and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena. Aditya Prasad Behera, treasurer of the association, said, 'No decision has been taken yet. Our president will announce if the strike will be called off.'
