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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Teenage girl killed in Rajasthan after balcony of under-construction school collapses on her
A teenage girl was killed and another injured after the balcony of an under-construction government school collapsed on them in Rajasthan's Udaipur district on Friday morning. The incident took place in Pathar Padi village in the tribal-dominated area of Kotra. The two girls were grazing goats on the premises when the balcony collapsed. One of them died on the spot, while the other was taken to a hospital in Gujarat. Following news of the girl's death, angry villagers staged a protest at the spot. Police and district administration officials arrived to control the situation. Speaking to the media, several villagers accused the administration of using sub-standard construction materials, which they alleged led to the collapse. Speaking to The Indian Express, District Education Officer Bharti said, 'The building is being constructed by officials in charge of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. As per initial reports, two girls were grazing cattle and the balcony of the upper primary school, which is under construction, collapsed. One girl died, and the other is undergoing treatment. There is no educational activity ongoing on the premises. Students are studying in a building 100 metres away. An investigation is on.' Reacting to the incident, Banswara Lok Sabha MP and Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) founder Rajkumar Roat wrote in a post on X in Hindi: '… Our country is celebrating its 79th Independence Day today, but the future of the nation is losing its life, crushed under the poorly constructed school due to the corrupt system of independent India.' 'This is the home assembly constituency of TAD Minister Babulal Kharadi. Poor construction right under the minister's nose has taken the life of an innocent today. Is this Amrit Mahotsav?' he added. In another incident, five students were injured when a false ceiling collapsed at a private school in Bundi during an Independence Day function. The school administration has admitted the injured children to the district hospital. One student received stitches while the others were discharged after receiving medical aid. Officials from the education department, police, district administration, and public representatives reached the hospital and enquired about the condition of the injured children. These incidents come barely 20 days after a government school building collapsed in Jhalawar village, killing seven children and injuring 20 others.
Economic Times
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Old age pension: Is a major pension hike coming for senior citizens? Here's what we know
ET Online Old age pension hike The government confirmed that senior citizens aged 60-79 years receive a monthly pension of Rs 200, while those aged 80 and above receive Rs 500 per month under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). States/Union Territories (UTs) add Rs 50 to Rs 3,800 to the central government pension, bringing the total monthly pension to around Rs 1,000 in most cases. Many pensioners, however, have enquired whether there is a proposal to increase the pension amount for senior citizens. During a recent Lok Sabha session held on August 5, 2025, Member of Parliament Rajkumar Roat asked the following questions on old age pension. CGHS beneficiaries: Hospital claims to be rejected without geo-tagged photo upload in these cases, revised rules issued ET Wealth Online breaks down the government's response to three key questions: Question: Whether it is a fact that senior citizens aged 60 years and above are provided with a pension of Rs 200 per month and those aged 79 years and above receive Rs 500 per month under the National Social Assistance Programme. If so, the details thereof: The government responded in Parliament and said, "The central pension under the Old Age Pension Scheme of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is Rs 200 per month per beneficiary from 60 to 79 years of age and Rs 500 per month per beneficiary from 80 years onwards. As per the guidelines of NSAP, the states/UTs are encouraged to provide a top-up amount of at least an equivalent amount to the assistance provided by the central government so that the beneficiaries could get a decent level of assistance. At present, states/UTs are adding top-up amounts ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 3,800 per month per beneficiary under the old-age pension scheme of NSAP, resulting in an average monthly pension of around Rs 1,000 in most of the states/UTs." Question: The total funds released for old-age pensions under the said programme during the last five years, state-wise, particularly district- and category-wise in Rajasthan; The government responded in Parliament and said, "Under NSAP, funds are released to the states/UTs, which have the responsibility of implementation of the scheme, including further disbursal of pension to beneficiaries in districts/blocks/villages/towns. State-wise, total funds released under the old-age pension scheme during the last five years are given at Annexure-I. There was no separate allocation of funds for SC and ST beneficiaries under NSAP before 2021-22. From 2021-22, SC and ST beneficiaries are identified among the existing beneficiaries of NSAP, and funds are being allocated/released under SC and ST heads. Category-wise funds released under the old-age pension scheme during the last five years to the state of Rajasthan are given at Annexure-II." Question: Whether the central government proposes to increase the pension for senior citizens aged 60 to 79 years to Rs 1,000 per month and for those aged above 79 years to Rs 1,500 per month; and if so, the time by which it is likely to be completed, and if not, the reasons therefor? The government replied in Parliament that it is not currently considering any such proposal. N.R. Narayana Murthy Founder, Infosys Watch Now Harsh Mariwala Chairman & Founder, Marico Watch Now Adar Poonawalla CEO, Serum Institute of India Watch Now Ronnie Screwvala Chairperson & Co-founder, upGrad Watch Now Puneet Dalmia Managing Director, Dalmia Bharat group Watch Now Martin Schwenk Former President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz, Thailand Watch Now Nadir Godrej Managing Director, of Godrej Industries Watch Now Manu Jain Former- Global Vice President, Xiaomi Watch Now Nithin Kamath Founder, CEO, Zerodha Watch Now Anil Agarwal Executive Chairman, Vedanta Resources Watch Now Dr. Prathap C. Reddy Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Watch Now Vikram Kirloskar Former Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Watch Now Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Executive Chairperson, Biocon Limited Watch Now Shashi Kiran Shetty Chairman of Allcargo Logistics, ECU Worldwide and Gati Ltd Watch Now Samir K Modi Managing Director, Modi Enterprises Watch Now R Gopalakrishnan Former Director Tata Sons, Former Vice Chairman, HUL Watch Now Sanjiv Mehta Former Chairman / CEO, Hindustan Unilever Watch Now Dr Ajai Chowdhry Co-Founder, HCL, Chairman EPIC Foundation, Author, Just Aspire Watch Now Shiv Khera Author, Business Consultant, Motivational Speaker Watch Now Nakul Anand Executive Director, ITC Limited Watch Now RS Sodhi Former MD, Amul & President, Indian Dairy Association Watch Now Anil Rai Gupta Managing Director & Chairman, Havells Watch Now Zia Mody Co-Founder & Managing Partner, AZB & Partners Watch Now Arundhati Bhattacharya Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India Watch Now
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Old age pension: Is a major pension hike coming for senior citizens? Here's what we know
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills The government confirmed that senior citizens aged 60-79 years receive a monthly pension of Rs 200, while those aged 80 and above receive Rs 500 per month under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). States/Union Territories (UTs) add Rs 50 to Rs 3,800 to the central government pension, bringing the total monthly pension to around Rs 1,000 in most pensioners, however, have enquired whether there is a proposal to increase the pension amount for senior a recent Lok Sabha session held on August 5, 2025, Member of Parliament Rajkumar Roat asked the following questions on old age pension ET Wealth Online breaks down the government's response to three key questions:The government responded in Parliament and said, "The central pension under the Old Age Pension Scheme of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is Rs 200 per month per beneficiary from 60 to 79 years of age and Rs 500 per month per beneficiary from 80 years onwards. As per the guidelines of NSAP, the states/UTs are encouraged to provide a top-up amount of at least an equivalent amount to the assistance provided by the central government so that the beneficiaries could get a decent level of assistance. At present, states/UTs are adding top-up amounts ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 3,800 per month per beneficiary under the old-age pension scheme of NSAP, resulting in an average monthly pension of around Rs 1,000 in most of the states/UTs."The government responded in Parliament and said, "Under NSAP, funds are released to the states/UTs, which have the responsibility of implementation of the scheme, including further disbursal of pension to beneficiaries in districts/blocks/villages/towns. State-wise, total funds released under the old-age pension scheme during the last five years are given at Annexure-I. There was no separate allocation of funds for SC and ST beneficiaries under NSAP before 2021-22. From 2021-22, SC and ST beneficiaries are identified among the existing beneficiaries of NSAP, and funds are being allocated/released under SC and ST heads. Category-wise funds released under the old-age pension scheme during the last five years to the state of Rajasthan are given at Annexure-II."The government replied in Parliament that it is not currently considering any such proposal.
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Banswara MP accuses BJP of disrupting rally in Jhalawar
1 2 Jaipur: Banswara MP Rajkumar Roat Sunday accused the BJP of orchestrating a disruption during a Bhil community rally in Jhalawar which turned chaotic after a faction protested his presence. The rally, held in Khandia area Sunday, was organised as a pre-event to mark World Tribal Day, officially observed on Aug 9. Roat in a post on X said that BJP and ABVP leaders arrived at the venue carrying saffron flags and launched a targeted provocation. "They didn't come to participate; they came to create chaos. BJP and ABVP leaders, wielding saffron flags, attacked us while we were raising our voices for justice for the students who died in the Jhalawar school tragedy," Roat alleged. He further stated, "BJP leaders do not want to give justice to the students who lost their lives, but they are ready to resort to hooliganism dressed in saffron against those who demand accountability." The disturbance began when a group of Bhil leaders, objecting to Roat's political messaging, approached the stage and raised slogans demanding that he stop promoting the BAP (Bharat Adivasi Party) ideology at the community event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo Both groups clashed with each other, following which the police swung into action and resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the crowd. In response, Roat attempted to calm the crowd, saying, "Let's sit down and talk." However, the protesters refused to engage, prompting police intervention to remove them from the immediate vicinity of the stage. The situation quickly escalated when police mistakenly tried to detain Arvind, a supporter of the protest group. As officers attempted to escort him away, his associates intervened, pulling him back and engaging in a brief scuffle with the police. The confrontation intensified when members of the crowd began pelting stones at the police, forcing authorities to use mild force to disperse the protesters and restore order. Roat later blamed BJP for instigating the protest. "Those behind this disruption are connected to the BJP organisation," he said, accusing the opposition party of exploiting internal divisions within the tribal community for political gain. He also said Rajasthan govt's recently announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for tribal families was a symbolic gesture lacking real commitment. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
MP Roat's demand for Bhil Pradesh reignites tribal assertion, triggers constitutional debate in Rajasthan
JAIPUR: The political temperature in Rajasthan has risen sharply after Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MP Rajkumar Roat raised the demand for a separate Bhil Pradesh. Rajkumar Roat, MP from Banswara-Dungarpur and leader of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), recently released a controversial map demanding 'Bhil Pradesh'. Following this, there was a political upheaval. BJP leader Rajendra Rathore, MP Mannalal Rawat, and State Minister Babulal Kharari levelled serious allegations like treason and sedition against Rajkumar Roat. In response, Roat accused Rathore of insulting tribal aspirations and misrepresenting constitutional norms. On Thursday, a massive rally and cultural conference was held at Mangarh Dham in Banswara as part of the Bhil Pradesh Sandesh Yatra, where BAP founder and Lok Sabha MP Rajkumar Roat reignited the long-standing demand for a separate Bhil Pradesh. Addressing a crowd of thousands, Roat called for the creation of a new tribal state by combining over 40 tribal-dominated districts across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Ahead of the event, Roat had already stirred political controversy by releasing a proposed Bhil Pradesh map on social media, an act that many see as a direct challenge to constitutional procedure. Roat frequently cites a historic episode from 1913, when over 1,500 tribal people were allegedly killed at Mangarh under British rule while demanding tribal rights under the leadership of social reformer Govind Guru. That incident is commemorated every year, and Thursday's rally marked yet another powerful remembrance of the sacrifice—this time with a renewed political message. This year's yatra, an annual event, was organised on an unprecedented scale, signalling BAP's intention to push the demand more aggressively, both on ground and in Parliament. The demand has sparked intense political reactions. Former Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan, BJP's Rajendra Rathore, condemned the call for Bhil Pradesh as 'treason,' accusing Roat of promoting divisive politics. The statement triggered a sharp exchange between the two leaders on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore argued that the Bhil Pradesh demand violates the Constitution and national unity. Rathore directly questioned Roat's release of the proposed Bhil Pradesh map: 'Is it appropriate to consider yourself above the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the Constitution by releasing a state map without following the legislative or constitutional process? How can you bypass Parliament in such a serious matter?' Rathore emphasised, 'Any slogan or campaign that seeks to divide the country or challenge its unity should not be accepted under any circumstances. Unfortunately, some people are promoting misleading and divisive narratives like Bhil Pradesh, ignoring constitutional spirit and national interest.' He referenced the formation of Telangana in 2014 as a constitutionally sound example, backed by extensive debate and consensus. The Bhils are one of India's largest tribal communities, primarily found in western and central India. They form a significant population in parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the supporters of Bhil Pradesh argue that the cultural identity, dialects, traditions, and socio-economic conditions of the tribal-dominated areas are vastly different from the rest of their respective states, warranting the need for a separate state. Though the idea has been around for decades, it has largely remained on the margins of mainstream politics. However, the recent rise of the Bharat Adivasi Party and Rajkumar Roat's vocal advocacy have given new momentum to the issue. In a sharp rebuttal, Rajkumar Roat reminded Rathore of his own legislative experience: 'You have always been known for your grasp of parliamentary procedure. I did not expect such an irresponsible statement from a politician of your stature.' Roat took further strong objection to the term 'treason,' saying, 'By using such language, you have insulted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee—who created Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand—as well as your own colleague Nandlal Meena's father, who once advocated for Bhil Pradesh.' Roat cited constitutional grounds for his demand: 'Our Constitution clearly provides for the formation of new states. Bhil Pradesh satisfies multiple criteria—cultural and linguistic homogeneity, geographic contiguity, lack of equitable resource distribution, and underdevelopment.' Concluding his response, Roat urged Rathore to revisit the Indian Constitution and the history of state formation: 'Such fact-less and baseless statements are unbecoming of a seasoned parliamentarian. I urge you to study the constitutional provisions on state reorganisation before making misleading public comments.' 'Bhil Pradesh is not a demand raised on emotion alone—it is our right, our truth, and our constitutional resolution,' Roat said. With both constitutional debates and tribal identity politics now in motion, the future of this demand will depend on how national parties, the judiciary, and civil society respond to the intensifying conversation.
