Latest news with #RajBhawan
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
West Bengal Governor returns Aparajita Bill to State govt. for reconsideration
Raising concerns over the death penalty provisions in The Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has returned the legislation to the State government for further consideration. 'One of the proposed amendments seeks to enhance the punishment for rape under Section 64 of the BNS, 2023, raising it from the existing minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment for the remainder of one's life or death. The Ministry of Home Affairs has termed this change as excessively harsh and disproportionate,' an official of Raj Bhawan, Kolkata, said. The West Bengal Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed the Aparajita Bill on September 3, 2024, introducing stringent punishment in cases involving sexual assault. The Bill was sent to President Droupadi Murmu by the Governor on September 6, 2024. The legislation, which was passed 25 days after the rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, provides for the death penalty in five categories of offences — rape, rape by a police officer or public servant, rape causing death or resulting in a persistent vegetative state, gang rape, and repeat offenders. Raj Bhawan officials pointed out that the Bill proposes to make the death penalty mandatory in cases where the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state under Section 66 of the BNS. 'The Ministry of Home Affairs has raised concerns over the removal of judicial discretion in such cases,' the official said. According to Raj Bhawan, the Bill also proposes to delete Section 65 of the BNS, 2023, thereby eliminating the distinction in punishment for the rape of women under 16 and under 12 years of age. 'The Ministry has observed that the removal of such classification violates the principle of proportionality in sentencing,' the official added. The development comes amid repeated appeals by the Trinamool Congress government urging the Union government to grant assent to the Bill. A delegation of Trinamool Congress MPs met President Droupadi Murmu on February 13, to press for early approval of the legislation. Certain legal experts had described the Aparajita Bill as a knee-jerk response by the West Bengal government.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
LU donates 113 refurbished computers to Anganwadi centres
Lucknow: on Friday distributed 113 refurbished computer kits to at a programme held in AP Sen Hall of the varsity. The kits aim to improve digital resources in Anganwadi centres. Chief guest governor and chancellor of state universities encouraged university students to help set up the computers and train workers in their use. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She also suggested making simple educational videos for children on topics like hygiene, environment and values. Earlier, the governor inaugurated new examination building, 'Kautilya Bhawan', on the campus. The building is designed to bring all stages of the exam process under one roof, making checking and result declaration more efficient. It was completed ahead of schedule at a cost of Rs 22.5 crore, which was below the approved budget. "Basic facilities like toilets are extremely important for students' well-being. Blood tests of female hostel students had shown signs of thickened blood due to low water intake, which was linked to inadequate access to proper toilet facilities. To address this, we submitted a proposal of Rs 5 lakh each to Raj Bhawan for new toilet complexes on both the old and new campuses. These have now been successfully built and are in use," said LU vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai. He also highlighted improvements to the second campus, which now has new boundaries, better classrooms and refurbished departments. Over 5,000 students study there. The university has added 4 new faculties, 13 new departments and 3 new institutes.
India Gazette
11-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Arunachal Pradesh Governor interacts with SHGs, celebrates Lakhpati Didis as pillars of a 'Viksit Arunachal'
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], July 11 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.), along with the First Lady of the State, Anagha Parnaik interacted with members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across the State during a special event held at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on Friday. According to the Press release from the Raj Bhawan, the Governor and the First Lady of the State visited exhibitions set up by various SHGs. They were deeply impressed by the rich display of traditional craftsmanship, organic produce, and innovative products. As a gesture of encouragement, they made purchases of various products displayed by SHGs, reinforcing the message that every purchase can empower a rural woman entrepreneur. These products would be distributed to poor people in the districts. Organised by Raj Bhavan in collaboration with the Arunachal State Rural Livelihood Mission under the Department of Rural Development, the event served as a platform to celebrate the spirit of 'Lakhpati Didis', women who are transforming their lives and communities through enterprise, resilience, and vision. In his address, the Governor emphasized the need for dedicated SHG Product Marketing Hubs in key towns including Itanagar, Ziro, Tezu, Pasighat, Namsai, Aalo, Bomdila, and Tawang. He said that the Government can provide the infrastructure, but the leadership and ownership must come from the SHGs. 'The hubs must become vibrant SHG Bazaars, windows into the creativity and strength of our rural women,' he said, as per the release. The Governor, who has been interacting with SHGs during district tours, encouraged them to dream big, start small, and scale fast. He asked them to embrace technology, improve packaging and branding, learn digital marketing, and take Arunachal's products from local to global. The Governor inspired the women to be proud entrepreneurs, urging them to register their ventures, build group brands, and actively participate in exhibitions across the State and the country. Highlighting the importance of innovation rooted in tradition, he encouraged them to make the best use of local resources, like bamboo, wild fruits, herbs, recycled materials, and textiles, blending traditional knowledge with modern techniques. He envisioned the rise of a strong 'Made in Arunachal' identity. The Governor advised the SHGs to coordinate with cooperative societies to identify markets within and outside the State. He assured the provision of working offices and market areas in districts, with assistance from the Deputy Commissioners and the administration. The Governor also called upon SHGs to the 'Train the Trainers' initiative to build a cadre of Master Didis who can mentor other SHGs in essential skills like business management, accounting, hygiene, packaging, and customer service. He encouraged them to document their journeys, stories of struggle, growth, and success to inspire others and contribute to a proposed 'Voices of Change' series, which would capture the spirit of grassroots development in Arunachal. Recognising that most SHG members are mothers, the Governor called on them to play an active role in society, especially in combating drug abuse and tuberculosis, promoting hygiene and sanitation, and ensuring every child completes their basic education. Responding to the concerns and suggestions raised by SHG members, the Governor assured them of his support. He said he would recommend to the State Government measures such as strengthening transport services, encouraging CSR contributions from business houses, and facilitating product outlets at airports and in metropolitan markets to promote SHG products and expand their reach. The Governor affirmed that the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower two crore Lakhpati Didis is already taking shape in Arunachal Pradesh. He said that 'Self-Help groups of Arunachal Pradesh are the living proof that this transformation is real, women creating wealth with dignity, driving economic change from the grassroots, and laying the foundation for a Viksit Arunachal and Viksit Bharat' Reassuring the women of continued support, the Governor said that Raj Bhavan is not just a seat of governance; it is your partner, your friend. We will listen to you, support your dreams, and celebrate your achievements, he said. The Governor felicitated the Mete Dene Cluster Level Federation from Sagalee, Papum Pare District, Namker Kiyer Mother's Kitchen Unit from Sangram, Kurung Kumey District, and Engo Koje SHG from Pasighat, East Siang District, the Self-Help Groups, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in their work on the special occasion. Earlier in the programme, Sonal Swaroop, Secretary, Department of Rural Development, briefed the gathering about the Lakhpati Didi initiative. The event witnessed participation from 69 Self-Help Groups across 22 districts, from Tawang to Longding. Commissioner (Agriculture Production) Vivek Pandey, Commissioner to Governor, Pawan Kumar Sain, and CEO, Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission, Sangeeta Yirang, were present amongst others in the programme. The Governor and the First Lady of the State hosted a High Tea celebrating the spirit of women-led development. (ANI)
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Upendra Prasad Singh appointed PPU VC
Patna: Governor-cum-chancellor of universities, Arif Mohammed Khan, on Thursday appointed former principal of Patna-based T P S College, Upendra Prasad Singh, as the new vice-chancellor (VC) of Patliputra University. The appointment was made following effective consultation with CM Nitish Kumar and based on a panel recommended by a three-member search committee constituted by the chancellor. Singh will serve a term of three years from the date he assumes office, as per the official notification issued by Raj Bhawan. The post of VC had remained vacant following the completion of the three-year term of R K Singh. In another key appointment, Anwarul Haque Ansari, professor of History at S D M College, Punpun (under Patliputra University), has been appointed registrar of Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic and Persian University, Patna.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pahalgam attackers not locals; probably got shelter by ‘coercion': CM Omar Abdullah
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday (June 24, 2025) that none of the attackers involved in the Pahalgam terror attack were locals, and those who allegedly provided shelter 'probably did so under duress.' 'There was no local involvement in the Pahalgam incident. The people who shot and killed those 26 persons were all outsiders,' Mr. Abdullah, who attended a function to promote tourism in Gulmarg, said. Referring to the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) recent arrests of two locals for harbouring the terrorists, Mr. Abdullah suggested that those arrested 'were forced to help under duress.' 'If they (locals) helped the attackers, it was not of their own will. Coercion in such situations cannot be ruled out,' he said. The Chief Minister urged the NIA 'not to draw sweeping conclusions.' 'We must not allow the actions of a few foreign militants to paint our people as collaborators,' Mr. Abdullah said. The NIA has arrested two locals, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, for their alleged role in providing shelter to the attackers in Pahalgam's Hill Park area. Meanwhile, Mr. Abdullah again pressed for restoration of Statehood to J&K. Underlining that Statehood belonged to the people and not the politicians, Mr. Abdullah said. 'It's people's constitutional right. If statehood is restored, my government would not object in any way,' he added. Pahalgam terror attack: A tribute to the victims Mr. Abdullah said if elections are imperative to restore Statehood, his government will not shy away from approaching the Raj Bhawan to dissolve the Assembly. 'My legislators won't be coerced by using this threat of holding elections first,' he added. He warned against 'misleading narratives on restoration of Statehood.' 'Don't attempt to intimidate us with scripted stories. Statehood is our right and not a bargaining chip,' the Chief Minister said.
