Latest news with #SocialJusticeandEmpowerment
NDTV
2 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Passerby Jumps In To Save 3 Workers Trapped In Septic Tank, All 4 Killed
New Delhi: Three workers and a passerby who jumped in to help them have died of suffocation after inhaling toxic gases in a septic tank in Odisha. The tragedy occurred when sanitation workers were removing the central slab of a newly constructed septic tank, measuring about 10×10 feet, at Padalguda village in Nandahandi block of Nabarangpur district on Tuesday. Local residents said two of the workers began to suffocate soon after they entered the septic tank. A third worker rushed in to try and rescue them, but he began asphyxiating too. Hearing their screams, a passerby jumped in to try and save them. Fire department personnel arrived after they were alerted and pulled all four people out of the tank. The three workers were declared dead on reaching the Nabarangpur District Headquarters Hospital while the passerby was admitted to the intensive care unit, but could not be saved. Local residents said the workers did not have safety equipment or oxygen support and entered the tank without any protection. A police official said, "We have begun an investigation. Forensic tests and the post-mortem reports will reveal the exact cause of the death and the nature of the gases they inhaled." The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment data, in a nationwide exercise, has identified 79,700 sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs), showing India's continued dependence on this form of hazardous manual labour. The exercise is part of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) programme, which is aimed at mechanising all sewer-related works to prevent injuries and deaths. The NAMASTE programme was launched in 2023-24, replacing the Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers. In a written reply in Parliament in 2023, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale had said 453 people had died while cleaning sewers and septic tanks in five years, since 2018.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Two exp trains to halt regularly at Orchha rly station
Prayagraj: In a significant move to enhance regional connectivity and promote tourism, the North Central Railway under the Jhansi Division announced the introduction of regular halts for two express trains at Orchha Railway Station. Starting May 30, the Khajuraho–Udaipur Intercity Express and Gwalior–Varanasi Bundelkhand Express will stop at Orchha, much to the benefit of local passengers and tourists alike. The inauguration ceremony for this facility is scheduled to take place on May 30 at Orchha station. The event will be graced by cabinet minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar who is expected to flag off the new halts. With this development, passengers from Orchha will now have direct and convenient rail access to major destinations, including Gwalior, Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Udaipur. This improved connectivity is expected to significantly boost tourism to Orchha, a town known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. Easier access for tourists will enhance the town's visibility as a prime travel destination. Moreover, the increased passenger flow is likely to stimulate local businesses, especially those related to hospitality, handicrafts, and other service sectors. Due to the inclusion of Orchha in the route, the timings of train number 11107 at several other stations have been revised, including Niwari, Teharka, Mauranipur, Harpalpur, Belatal, Kul Pahad, and Mahoba.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Caste census essential to ensure social justice: Ramdas Athawale
Caste census is essential to understand the representation of different communities and the exercise will strengthen social justice, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said. Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Mr. Athawale said the exercise would provide critical data and help the government to formulate policies for upliftment of backward classes. 'Empowering every caste is possible only when we know their real condition,' he said. Replying to a question, Mr. Athawale said India had clearly rejected any third-party intervention in the military conflict between India and Pakistan. He said that U.S. President Donald Trump had volunteered to mediate between the two countries, but we clearly rejected any third-party intervention. 'There can be no friendship with Pakistan till they return Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to India and there is a permanent solution to the threat of cross-border terrorism,' he said.
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Incentive prize for toppers under SC, SEBC categories in Class X, XII board exams raised by up to Rs 20,000
The state government, under the ongoing 'Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Incentive Prize' scheme, has increased the award amount by Rs 20,000 for first three toppers of state board Class 10 and 12 exams under the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Socially and Economically Backward Class (SEBC) categories. From Rs 31,000, the incentive prize for students securing first position at the state level has been increased to Rs 51,000. Similarly, for second position it has been increased from Rs 21,000 to Rs 41,000, and from Rs 11,000 to Rs 31,000 for the third place . The incentive will be implemented from 2025-26 as a budget allocation of Rs 53 lakh has been approved. The hike announced by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Bhanuben Babariya states, 'With the aim of developing academic competitiveness among the students of Scheduled Castes and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes and enabling more students to achieve academic development, the 'Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Incentive Prize' scheme has been implemented. The amount of incentive prizes given to the students has been increased, under which the students, who get the first three ranks in the General, Science, Vocational and Post-Basic streams in Class 12 and Class 10 at the state level have been increased by Rs 20,000.' In addition, the student who comes first at the district level in Class 10 and 12 were previously Rs 6,000, which will now be increased to Rs 15,000. For the second place, it has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 11,000 and Rs 9,000 for third. The prize money will be given to students through DBT method. Students taking board exams at the end of the academic year (March-April) will benefit from this scheme, and those who pass the exams taken in the middle of the academic year (October-November) will not. In addition, in case more than one Class 10 or 12 student secures the same rank with the same score, both will be given the prize.
