Latest news with #UjjwalaYojana
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Ahead of PM's visit, MP LoP Umang Singhar questions govt on women welfare, demands answers on key schemes
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 30 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress MLA Umang Singhar on Friday raised a series of pointed questions ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bhopal, where he would address a women-centric program on Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniversary. Speaking to ANI, Singhar said, 'PM Modi is coming to talk about women empowerment, but I want to ask him directly--will Ladli Behans actually receive Rs 3,000 under the Ladli Behna Yojana? Will self-help groups (SHGs) of women, who do not have employment and are running only on paper, receive any real financial assistance? Will they be connected to livelihood? PM Modi should tell us.' Singhar also criticised the BJP, accusing it of prioritising image-building over substance. 'Why has the government stopped providing benefits under the Ujjwala Yojana? Will the cylinders, which are kept empty, be refilled again? Will inflation be reduced in the state and the nation? We see there is a shortage of urea. Will Madhya Pradesh get urea? Will the income of farmers double? What support will farmers and small businesses receive through MSMEs in Madhya Pradesh? Your government has also reduced funds allocated to MGNREGA and tribal welfare schemes. Today, the BJP has become a party focused only on advertisements. It has become a party above public sentiment,' the Congress leader said. The Congress leader further alleged that the BJP government has disrespected women. 'A female army officer was insulted (referring to MP minister Vijay Shah's remark against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi), who is a daughter of Madhya Pradesh. Will PM Modi ask for Vijay Shah's resignation? I think PM Modi talks about something in the Mann ki Baat program, but has something else in his inner heart,' he added. PM Modi will address the 'Women Empowerment Maha Sammelan' program at Jamboree Ground in Bhopal on May 31. The event, centered on women, is expected to witness the participation of around two lakh women from across the state. (ANI)
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
PM Modi lays foundation stone for ₹1,010 cr City Gas Project in Bengal
The project will provide piped gas to over 250,000 homes and boost clean energy access in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar of West Bengal New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for a new City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in West Bengal's Alipurduar, a significant step towards expanding the CGD network in India. Speaking at the gathering, he extended his warm wishes to the people of West Bengal from the historic town of Alipurduar. The PM spoke of Alipurduar's deep cultural roots, stating that the region is more than just its geographical borders. He said it is enriched by traditions and meaningful connections. Alipurduar shares a border with Bhutan and is surrounded by Assam, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar. He expressed his gratitude for visiting the region, calling it an essential part of Bengal's heritage and unity. 'As India moves towards becoming a developed nation, Bengal's participation is both expected and essential,' said PM Modi, underlining the central government's efforts to improve infrastructure, attract investment, and encourage innovation in the state. He described the launch of the CGD project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar as an important milestone in this journey. PM Modi announced that over 250,000 households would benefit from clean, safe, and affordable piped gas. 'City Gas Distribution Project is not merely a pipeline initiative but a testament to the government's commitment to doorstep delivery of essential services,' he emphasised. This new initiative will reduce the need for households to buy liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, making gas supply more secure and hassle-free. The project also includes the expansion of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, making green fuel more accessible. PM Modi said this would save time and money while helping the environment. He congratulated the people of Alipurduar and Cooch Behar on this important step forward. PM Modi highlighted the country's progress in moving towards a gas-based economy. In 2014, city gas services were limited to only 66 districts. Today, the network has grown to over 550 districts, including rural areas and small towns. Impact of the Ujjwala Yojana Prime Minister Modi mentioned the role of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016, in promoting clean fuel usage. He said the scheme has brought relief to poor women from smoke-filled kitchens, improved their health, and provided dignity in household cooking. In 2014, India had fewer than 140 million LPG connections. That number has now gone beyond 310 million, helping realise the goal of universal gas access. He added that LPG distributors have more than doubled—from under 14,000 to over 25,000—making gas cylinders widely available even in rural areas. Urja Ganga: A game-changer Modi called the Urja Ganga Project a revolutionary step towards building a gas-based economy. This project has expanded gas pipeline connectivity to eastern India, improving access in West Bengal and neighbouring regions. He noted that these developments have also created job opportunities, from pipeline construction to gas supply. 'India is now progressing towards a future where energy is affordable, clean, and universally accessible,' he said. Boosting infrastructure in West Bengal The Prime Minister said West Bengal has long been a centre of culture, knowledge, and science. He stressed that India's development is incomplete without the progress of Bengal. He listed key infrastructure efforts by the central government, such as the Purva Expressway, Durgapur Expressway, modernisation of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, expansion of the Kolkata Metro, upgrades to New Jalpaiguri Station, and new train services on the Dooars route. 'The newly launched project is not merely a pipeline, but a lifeline of progress,' said Modi. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to making life easier for people and ensuring a brighter future for Bengal. He ended his speech by wishing continued development for the state and success for its people. The event was attended by Union Minister Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, and Alipurduar MP Manoj Tigga, among other dignitaries. The CGD project, with an investment of over ₹1,010 crore, aims to supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to more than 250,000 homes, and over 100 commercial and industrial units. It will also include 19 CNG stations for vehicles, as part of the government's Minimum Work Programme (MWP) targets. This project is set to provide reliable, environment-friendly, and affordable energy while creating jobs in the region.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India exports defence equipment to 90 countries, says Union min
1 2 3 Ramgarh: Union minister of state for defence, Sanjay Seth, on Tuesday said that India is moving quickly towards becoming self-sufficient in terms of its defence requirements and is exporting war equipment and weapons to 90 countries worldwide. The Indian Navy has achieved 75% self-sufficiency over the years, he said. Speaking at the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar at Radha Govind University (RGU) in Ramgarh, the minister said, "India, which was earlier an importer of war equipment and weapons, has now become an exporter. India has become the fourth largest economy in the world with a four trillion dollar economy and a 6.85 lakh crore defence budget." The grand success of Operation Sindoor is being celebrated across the country with the Tiranga Yatra, he said. "The success of Operation Sindoor against terrorists has made 140 crore people of the country feel proud," Seth stated, adding that these overwhelming and significant changes became realistic due to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is fulfilling promises made to the people of this country. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรด CFDs ด้วยเทคโนโลยีเทรดสุดล้ำ และ รวดเร็วกว่า IC Markets อ่านเพิ่มเติม Undo Following in the footsteps of Ahilyabai, who ruled over Indore for 28 years, PM Modi has taken various steps for women's empowerment as the govt has opened doors for women in military services. "Now, women can enrol in Sainik schools, through which they can join military services," Seth said. "Considering the plight of women, 18 crore toilets were built in the country, and 20 crore women received cooking gas under the Ujjwala Yojana. Tap water supply has been provided to 28 crore houses," the minister said adding that with 33% reservation for women, by 2029 there will be 33% women in parliament and assemblies in states.
New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Delhi govt to roll out free, subsidised LPG cylinder scheme ahead of Diwali
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government's commitment to provide free and subsidised LPG cylinders to women from poor families is likely to be implemented before Diwali, as the preparation of the beneficiary database is still underway. The Rekha Gupta-led government in the national capital has completed three months in office. During the Assembly elections, the BJP had promised to launch the scheme as soon as possible. However, the scheme received Cabinet approval only a couple of months ago. Sources in the Delhi government said the delay in rolling out the scheme is due to poor record-keeping by the previous government. 'There were thousands of fake beneficiaries in the past who received benefits from government schemes. Now, the government is removing those names from the lists. This process is taking time, which is why the delay has occurred,' an official said. Several BJP leaders, including Delhi ministers, have repeatedly criticised the AAP for not maintaining a proper list of eligible beneficiaries. The minister said that to implement any scheme correctly, a proper database is necessary, as the government cannot set criteria for benefits without it. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa earlier informed that the government is taking all necessary steps to launch the scheme. He also mentioned that nearly 2.54 lakh women have already benefited under the Ujjwala Yojana in the city. In the last week of February, the minister held a meeting with senior officials to focus on the immediate implementation of the LPG subsidy scheme and instructed them to speed up the process. Under this scheme, every poor household in Delhi will receive two free LPG cylinders annually — one on Holi and another on Diwali. Additionally, during the remaining ten months, one LPG cylinder will be provided each month at a subsidised rate of just Rs 500. 'Financial planning, identification of beneficiaries, and eligibility criteria are key points. Women who have LPG connections registered in their names will be eligible for the scheme. The government may announce the rollout before major festivals like Diwali,' an official said.
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Cong govts did not conduct caste census, could not deal with terror. BJP is doing both': Dharmendra Pradhan
Among the Narendra Modi government's most prominent Other Backward Class (OBC) faces, Dharmendra Pradhan calls himself a strong votary of a caste census, which the Centre announced last month would be conducted along with the next population Census. In an interview with The Indian Express, the Union Minister of Education, whose political career began with the RSS student wing ABVP, speaks about the caste census decision, its timing, and Congress position on the exercise. Excerpts: Social justice is our conviction. It is a natural step forward. Since the days of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the precursor to the BJP), there is clarity on our approach towards social justice. Samajik samarasata (social harmony) is inbuilt in our concept of social justice. From Antyodaya to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, all are part of social justice. Our social justice reflects in every level from public policy to governance… Union Home Minister Amit Shahji has hinted since 2024 that caste would be counted. Now that the Census is going to be done, we have decided to hold a caste count as well. Some people are just barsati mendak (opportunists). The Congress did not hold a caste census despite it being recommended by the Kaka Kalelkar Commission in 1955 and by the Mandal Commission in 1980… Caste count was not done along with the Census even in 2011 (under the UPA government), despite promises. The Congress's own leaders opposed it. The Congress has never been honest on the caste census issue. Such issues are always in discussion. There is an evolutionary process for every such decision. Every decision is taken at the right time. We don't make such decisions by polarising the society, we do it with a balance. This was the right time for it. They (the Congress, Rahul Gandhi and other parties) are praising themselves (over it) because of a bankruptcy of ideas… We could have done it in 2021 but the Census itself could not happen. That is why it could not be decided in 2024. That is why the decision is taken now, in 2025, when preparations for the Census are going on. We don't have caste data post-1931. This information is needed for balanced development of OBCs and balanced development of all castes. This (decision) has come through experience. We never make such decisions considering any polls or politics… This is our commitment towards social justice… A huge number of people from deprived sections have benefited from Jan Dhan bank accounts, Ujjwala Yojana, rural housing, and other schemes. This government gave the National OBC Commission Constitutional status, we gave 10% reservation to the EWS in the general category. There are parties run by families that function like a feudal system. But affirmative action is our policy, it's not a political tool for us. Society always drives government policy. There were demands from many quarters for a caste census. Therefore, we took this decision. I know there could be abnormalities and anomalies, as you are raising. But that is to be sorted out by professionals, Census officials. Today we are discussing caste census… But, on other things, it is an evolutionary process. I can say that the Narendra Modi government has shown much inclusiveness, and affirmative action in higher positions. Before that, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs was created by then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji's government. (A P J Abdul) Kalam saheb was elected President of India during Vajpayeeji's regime. Since 2014, two Presidents have been elected, one (Ram Nath Kovind) is from a Scheduled Caste and the other (Droupadi Murmu) is from a Scheduled Tribe. Modiji himself is an OBC. A large number of our MPs, MLAs, Chief Ministers, ministers, party office-bearers are from deprived sections. We appointed Professor Santishree Dhulipudi Panditji, who is an OBC, as the V-C of Jawaharlal Nehru University. We appointed Professor Shashikala Wanjari, who is an OBC, as the V-C of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration. We always find a balance between merit and social justice. This is revised by the government from time to time. It will be done in due course. The Prime Minister has reiterated that talks and terror or talks and trade will not go on simultaneously. Military has shown so much valour in this Operation. We have fought wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, we have fought Kargil, but did we destroy Pakistan's 11 air bases prior to Operation Sindoor? Did we kill the most wanted terrorists? The Prime Minister gave our forces a free hand and our Army, Air Force and Navy made us proud. This has given our country a new identity. The country's identity is not decided on social media, it is not decided by global leaders. Pakistan came to its knees and, being a peaceful country, only then we decided on a ceasefire. The Congress never dealt with Pakistan-sponsored terror firmly. We are dealing with it firmly. There are some issues related to the military. I am a civilian person. Some issues should be left to the military. (PoK) is not a matter to be discussed here. Shyamlal Yadav is one of the pioneers of the effective use of RTI for investigative reporting. He is a member of the Investigative Team. His reporting on polluted rivers, foreign travel of public servants, MPs appointing relatives as assistants, fake journals, LIC's lapsed policies, Honorary doctorates conferred to politicians and officials, Bank officials putting their own money into Jan Dhan accounts and more has made a huge impact. He is member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). He has been part of global investigations like Paradise Papers, Fincen Files, Pandora Papers, Uber Files and Hidden Treasures. After his investigation in March 2023 the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York returned 16 antiquities to India. Besides investigative work, he keeps writing on social and political issues. ... Read More
