Latest news with #UP-based
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Behind Apna Dal (S) naming a Dalit UP chief, a bid to cut into BSP's voter base
Gautam, an old loyalist and the party's co-operative wing chief, has now taken up the responsibility. The 60-year-old hails from the Sitapur district, and has also been a Dalit rights activist and social worker for the past two decades. Earlier this month, the former state president, Raj Kumar Pal, had resigned from the position after accusing Anupriya and her husband Ashish Patel—a minister in Uttar Pradesh cabinet—of neglecting him and mistreating party workers. Lucknow: Union Minister Anupriya Patel's Apna Dal (Sonelal) appointed Jatav R.P. Gautam as the president of its Uttar Pradesh unit Thursday, in a move which is being viewed as the party's attempt to woo the Dalit community. The position of state president was previously held by an OBC leader (Pal), but now the party has picked a Jatav (segment of Dalit community) leader for the role for the first time in a bid to increase its outreach, according to party functionaries. 'This is the first time we have appointed a Jatav state chief, in line with our social engineering plan. We are hoping for positive results,' Ashish Patel told ThePrint. A senior functionary said, on the condition of anonymity, that the party wants to step out of the image of an OBC party. 'This move comes at a time when the support base of BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party), which is considered the first choice of Jatavs, has been shrinking for the last few years. Jatavs are looking for an alternative. So, our leadership has decided to focus on increasing its base. The population of Jatavs is above 12 percent in the state, which is significant in creating an impact in electoral politics,' the leader told ThePrint. Now, as the party focuses on the preparation for the upcoming local body elections this year and the 2027 assembly elections, Gautam has been given this big responsibility, he added. However, Apna Dal (S) is not the only party eyeing BSP's core vote bank. The Samajwadi Party's 'Pichda, Dalit, Alpasankhyak (backward-Dalit-minority)' plank got a big boost in April this year, following the induction of former minister and BSP founding member Daddu Prasad, along with a few other local BSP leaders. Before this, SP had inducted several BSP leaders last year, too. Additionally, SP's district units had also held a week-long 'Swambhiman Samman Samaroh' to mark the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar this year. The aim was to reach out to prominent members of the Dalit community at grassroot level and felicitate them. Similarly, Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad-led Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) is also planning to expand their base, having completed the process of appointing local units in all 75 districts of the state. UP-based political analyst Shilp Shikha Singh explained that BSP's 'downfall' has opened up space for other parties in terms of the Dalit voter base. 'Every party has realised after Lok Sabha results in UP that there is scope to gain this 'loyal' vote bank of the BSP, as the old party is not able to perform well in polls. The grand celebration announcements on Ambedkar Jayanti last month have also given a hint that every party is eyeing Dalit votes. As of now, it seems like a smart move by a BJP ally (Apna Dal).' (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: Why Raj Kumar Pal stepped down as UP chief of Apna Dal (S), a '2-personality show'
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
AAP appoints Board heads, draws flak from opposition
Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Deepak Chauhan was on Monday appointed as the chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board, while Reena Gupta has been named the chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). The appointments, however, evoked criticism, with opposition leaders slamming the AAP govt for picking two "non-Punjabis" for these positions. While Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said "never before in the history of the state have outsiders been handed over all important posts", leader of opposition in Punjab assembly Partap Singh Bajwa mocked the Bhagwant Mann govt's "badlav (change)" claim. "What a masterstroke by CM Bhagwant Mann. Deepak Chouhan – ex-PA to AAP backroom boss Sandeep Pathak, hailing from UP – is now chairman of Punjab's Large Industrial Development Board. No industrial experience? Not Punjabi? Loyalty over merit? And yes, all perks funded by Punjabis' hard-earned taxes. Meanwhile, Reena Gupta – another non-Punjabi and former Delhi SEIAA member – is now chairperson of Punjab Pollution Control Board. Nepotism? No, no… it's called Badlav," Bajwa posted on X. Another Congress leader and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira said: "Shocking to learn that a non-Punjabi (Chauhan), probably belonging to Uttar Pradesh and personal assistant to Sandip Pathak, the Rajya Sabha MP of AAP, has been appointed as chairman of the Punjab Industrial Corporation by CM Mann," said Khaira. "Firstly, it's an insult to all those AAP volunteers who have worked for the party and secondly, it shows AAP is so bankrupt of leadership that they couldn't find a suitable person from Punjab for this office," he added. Sukhbir, in a post on X, said: "Chief minister @BhagwantMann has again shown that he is ready to sell his conscience and his state to @ArvindKejriwal to remain in his chair. Now he has surrendered two key posts – chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board and chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board to acolytes of Kejriwal and the matter's henchman @SandeepPathak04 — Reena Gupta (advisor to Kejriwal and secretary, Delhi AAP) and Deepak Chauhan (UP-based aide of Pathak). " AAP spokesperson Pawan Kumar Tinu also figures in the list of 31 persons appointed as chairman, vice chairmen, and directors in various govt boards and corporations. Tinu, who unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha election from Jalandhar, has been named the chairman of the Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank. Prabhvir Brar has been appointed as the chairman of PUNSUP, while Tejpal Singh Gill has been appointed as the chairman of PUNGRAIN. Additionally, nearly 20 vice-chairmen and directors have been appointed across different boards and corporations. The govt has also appointed two new members to Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Posting the lists on his X account, chief minister Bhagwant Mann congratulated the new appointees and asked them to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and honesty. Sukhbir, though, claimed that the AAP leadership wanted to "loot" Punjab. "The intention is clear. The @AamAadmiParty leadership in Delhi wants to loot Punjab's industry and fill its coffers. Bhagwant Mann has become a willing tool in this systematic policy of plunder," he said. Questioning the appointments, Congress' Patiala MP Dharamvira Gandhi posted on X: "CM Bhagwant Mann has completely surrendered the chair to his Delhi bosses. Punjab will not accept such appointments." Gandhi was commenting on a post by RTI activist Manik Goyal, who posted: "Kejriwal's Delhi gang continues to tighten its grip on Punjab with the appointment of Reena Gupta as Chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board. This is one of the most crucial boards in the state. How can a non-Punjabi, with no understanding of Punjab, be appointed to such a key position? Did CM Bhagwant Mann not find a single capable engineer from Punjab to lead this board, or is Kejriwal running the Punjab govt now?" Several AAP leaders had been waiting for these appointments as a reward for the grassroots level workers who contributed to the party during the last assembly and Lok Sabha elections. "The fact that these appointments are now being made indicated that the party leadership is bracing up for the next electoral battle," said an AAP leader. AAP leader Reena Gupta replaced Adarsh Pal Vig as the chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). She is believed to be the first woman to head the body ever since it was set up in 1975. A separate order was issued for her appointment by the secretary, department of science and technology and environment, on Monday. Criticising the decision, Khaira posted on X: "Bhagwant Mann's double blunder, after committing a serious mistake of appointing a non-Punjabi as chairman of the Industrial Board he has now handed over the most vital position of chairperson, Punjab Pollution Control Board, to one Reena Gupta, secretary, AAP Delhi, and former advisor to the Kejriwal govt." "Both appointments clearly show that Arvind Kejriwal wants to control the industry of Punjab through his henchmen… This blatantly wrong appointment should be scrapped immediately, and an eminent Punjabi should be appointed to this vital position," he added. Vidhan Sabha Panels (BOX) Punjab assembly speaker on Monday nominated MLAs as chairpersons of various House committees. AAP MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar will head the public accounts committee, while Manjit Singh Bilaspur will be the chairperson for the committee on estimates. Deputy speaker Jai Krishan Singh will be the ex-officio chairman of the House committee and Budh Ram will head the committee on panchayati raj institutions. MSID:: 121272867 413 |
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Nancy Tyagi returns to Cannes red carpet in self-made gown carved from Seelampur fabrics
Listed among the most influential digital creators in India, the 24-year-old former UPSC aspirant and now a full-time fashionista, Nancy Tyagi, took our breath away last year with her Cannes debut. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ditching wearing luxurious couture on the Cannes red carpet in 2024, she became the first attendee to create flutter with her own design and instantly rose to success in the Indian influencer industry. Enjoying a following of millions on social media for all the right reasons, Nancy Tyagi sewed her way back to the Cannes Film Festival this year, leaving the internet in awe yet again. The internet dubbed her as 'The doll of Cannes 2025', as she created a stunning silver gown featuring a plunging neckline, corseted bodice frame, and structured detailing from her midriff decorated with charming sequins. (Image Credits: Instagram) With rose florets on the skirt with a multi-layered tulle skirt attached to the hemline, this figure-snatching showcase was teamed with a roaring headpiece on the back. She quickly styled the gown with statement-making jewels, including dangling earrings having emerald-cut stones and a glittering stack of rings, with bold silver-shaded nails. From Uttar Pradesh to Cannes 2024: Fashion influencer Nancy Tyagi's triumph on the red carpet Tying her hair in a sleek centre-parted twisted bun, she opted for smoky eyes, winged eyeliner, feathered eyebrows, mascara-adorned lashes, and glowing highlighter with a brown lip shade and neatly balanced the overall glam show. (Image Credits: Instagram) The UP-based fashion influencer got her big break last year when she made waves at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where she designed her own red carpet gown. Creating a mesmerising grand ensemble in a mere 30 days, her attention to detail and determination with creative power made her receive a spot on Forbes India's top digital influencer list for 2024. Receiving several other accolades, including 'Disruptor of the Year' and 'The Fashion Favourite Heritage Icon of the Year' at the National Creators Award last year, she quickly became the subject of interest in fashion circles, not for the glam or grandeur, but for her creative energy, focus, and hard work. With social media noting her grace and talent everywhere, her couture-level drama is impossible to miss.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Government rolls out UP GCC Policy
With an aim to make the state a hub for global services and achieve the $1-trillion economy target, the Yogi Adityanath government on Tuesday implemented the UP Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy, 2024 on Tuesday. This policy will attract global companies to invest in Uttar Pradesh, creating new job opportunities and boosting economic growth in tier-2 cities, officials said. With rising global demand in sectors like AI, robotics, quantum computing, and fintech, the policy provides a strategic roadmap to support both advanced R&D and large-scale operational expansion. (For representation) The GCCs are offshore units of multinational corporations that provide specialised services such as IT, R&D, data analytics, and customer support. With rising global demand in sectors like AI, robotics, quantum computing, and fintech, the policy provides a strategic roadmap to support both advanced R&D and large-scale operational expansion. The policy has been framed to position the state as a preferred destination for the GCC investments, officials said. Backed by the strongest fiscal and non-fiscal incentives yet, is set to drive large-scale investments and job creation across key service sectors. Designed to position the state as a premier GCC investment hub, it offers a comprehensive support framework to attract global enterprises in IT/ITeS, BFSI, healthcare, automotive, telecom, and emerging technologies, they added. MAIN POINTS Operational subsidy: Twenty per cent subsidy on operating expenses, including on lease rentals, bandwidth expenses, power charges & data centre/cloud service costs, up to ₹ 40 crore per annum to level-1 GCCs and up to a maximum of ₹ 80 crore per annum to advanced GCCs, for five years. Payroll subsidy: Reimbursement of salaries, up to ₹ 1.8 lakh per employee having UP-domicile per year and up to ₹ 1.2 lakh per employee per year for other employees subject to maximum of ₹ 20 crore per year for a period of three years. Freshers' recruitment subsidy: This will be given @ ₹ 20,000 per fresher employee having UP-domicile passing out from UP-based colleges/ institutions, for annual recruitment of at least 30 such employees, for a period of five years. R&D and innovation incentives: Grants of maximum ₹ 10 crore for setting up centres of excellence, support for startup ideation, and academic partnerships, as per IIEPP-2022. Subsidy for IPR: Reimbursement of full cost incurred for filing patents up to a maximum of ₹ 5 lakh for domestic patents and up to a maximum of ₹ 10 lakh for international patents. Land subsidy: Around 30 to 50 per cent subsidy on land from State Industrial Development Authorities or any other state government agency. SGST refund: Reimbursement of state GST on capital goods. Interest subsidy: Five per cent subsidy on term loans for up to ₹ 1 crore per year for five years. Single window & fast-track approvals: Priority land allocation, online clearances, and dedicated investor facilitation through Invest UP. Why UP best positioned for GCC growth UP's thriving digital infrastructure includes India's largest IT Park in Noida, electronic manufacturing clusters, and expanding 5G connectivity. With five strategic focus cities (Noida, Greater Noida, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi), the state offers designated GCC zones and plug-and-play infrastructure. A robust business ecosystem, home to global IT firms, startup hubs, and world-class transport networks, further strengthens its position. Ranked at the top in the National Logistics Index and Ease of Doing Business rankings, UP also boasts India's largest single-window clearance system, Nivesh Mitra, ensuring seamless investment facilitation.
Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Indian Express
Criminal breach of trust FIR: High Court stays disciplinary action against Jamnagar police inspector
The Gujarat High Court on Thursday granted ad-interim relief to a police inspector in connection with an FIR of criminal breach of trust lodged against an Uttar Pradesh based woman in Jamnagar. The High Court stayed the disciplinary action ordered against Police Inspector Nikunjkumar Chavda — attached to the Jamnagar City A-Division police station by a Sessions Court Judge in Jamnagar on April 9. Chavda had moved the HC seeking quashing of the Sessions Court order. The petition contended that the disciplinary action ordered by the Sessions Judge while hearing the anticipatory bail plea of the accused was an 'obvious case of judicial overreach'. Chavda's petition stated that the Sessions Judge had served a show cause notice and then ordered a disciplinary inquiry against the police inspector for lodging an FIR against UP-based Manju Pande. The FIR was lodged in an alleged case of criminal breach of trust, based on the June 2024 complainant of Bhavin Mange, who had approached the Jamnagar City A Division police station claiming that Pande had defaulted on a payment of Rs 21.91 lakh against the supply of brass goods since January 2020. In her anticipatory bail application before the Jamnagar Sessions Court, filed in February this year, Pande contended that 'the dispute was only of a civil nature and the complainant had tried to invoke a criminal process', alleging that the police officers 'had become recovery agents of time-barred dues'. The second Additional Sessions Judge of Jamnagar on March 11 issued a show cause notice to PI Chavda, asking him to file a reply as to why necessary action should not be ordered against him 'for putting criminal law in motion in a time-barred civil dispute'. The police inspector submitted his reply on March 17 and the order in the bail application was passed on April 9, with the Sessions Judge directing disciplinary proceedings against the inspector. The Sessions Judge also directed the state government to submit a primary compliance report within a month and final compliance report within a period of six months. In his petition, Chavda informed the court that as part of the preliminary inquiry, the police had gone to the residential address of the accused in Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh). However, the accused had allegedly shifted residence within UP as 'police from other units had also come looking for her'. Following the probe in UP, the Jamnagar City A division police station registered an FIR on January 18 under Sections of the Indian Penal Code for criminal breach of trust, this year, and the accused was served a notice to remain present before the police at the Sen Paschim Para Police station in Kanpur on January 23, where 'she had been questioned'. Thereafter, as the police also served upon her a notice to remain present at the Jamnagar City A Division police station, she did not appear and instead, filed for anticipatory bail in February. Chavda's lawyer Utkarsh Dave submitted to the court, 'If there has been any lapse on the part of the officer, the court can only place the facts before the Disciplinary Authority for its consideration'. 'It cannot direct the Disciplinary Authority to initiate any particular action against the erring official… Similarly, it cannot call for a report from the Disciplinary Authority and cannot act as a supervisory authority to the disciplinary authority… Moreover, the Learned court has passed the order in an anticipatory bail application; the investigations are not yet complete. Charge-sheet has not been filed and trials have not commenced… Despite this, the Learned court has conducted a mini-trial…' the lawyer stated before the court. Stating that the order of the Sessions Judge is 'obviously a case of judicial overreach', the petition also contended that 'no misconduct can be alleged' against Chavda as the chargesheet was yet to be filed. During the arguments, advocate Dave also relied upon the Supreme Court judgment in a 2014 case. Dave said, 'It was a case, in which, the SC had ruled in favour of a petitioner seeking police action and stated that the police are required to register an FIR as soon as they receive information about a cognizable offense. Failure to do so is considered a violation of legal and constitutional obligations and shall invite contempt… The petitioner was only doing his duty as per the law.' In the oral order delivered on May 2, Gujarat High Court Justice Divyesh Joshi considered the argument which placed reliance on the SC case and said, '…as per the settled proposition of law laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court as well as other High Courts, it is observed that at the time of deciding the bail application, the court concerned has to consider as to whether bail should be granted or not and the court concerned need not have to enter into the arena of bail application by issuing direction for initiation of inquiry against the concerned IO and thus, the learned Judge concerned has acted against the settled proposition of law… therefore, prayed that the said order is required to be stayed.' The court order issued notice upon respondents and also granted 'ad-interim relief till then' to the petitioner by straying the disciplinary proceedings against him. The next hearing in the matter has been slated for June 30.
