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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Andhra CM proposes 3 sub-groups of states to fast-track Viksit Bharat vision by 2047
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday proposed the formation of three sub-groups of state governments to accelerate progress towards the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047, asserting that his state is committed to contributing significantly to this national aspiration. Speaking at the 10th Niti Aayog Governing Council Meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naidu praised India's remarkable economic transformation over the past decade, rising from the world's 10th to 4th largest economy and being on track to become the third. The Telugu Desam Party chief acknowledged transformative reforms, including Digital India, GST, Startup India, PM Gati Shakti, and Jal Jeevan Mission, which he said, have redefined India's development landscape. Emphasising India's strengthened global stature, exemplified by Operation Sindoor, Naidu noted that having the right leadership at the right time has been crucial in steering the nation toward its ambitious goals, an official statement said. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trekking pants for mountain sports and adventure travel Trek Kit India Shop Now Undo Naidu proposed three focused sub-groups of states, in collaboration with the Union government and Niti Aayog, to fast-track progress towards Viksit Bharat. The first sub-group on GDP growth would aim to boost investments, manufacturing, exports, and job creation, supported by central viability gap funding for PPP projects. Live Events The second sub-group on population management would help India leverage its demographic advantage while preparing for future challenges like ageing and low fertility. The third sub-group would focus on technology-driven governance, utilising AI, quantum computing, drones, and digital platforms for real-time and citizen-centric administration. Naidu also highlighted that Andhra Pradesh's Swarna Andhra @2047 vision stands as "a bold, inclusive roadmap integrating technology, welfare, and grassroots empowerment". "The state is committed to contributing significantly to the national aspiration of Viksit Bharat @2047 (and) a USD 30 trillion economy marked by high-quality infrastructure, equitable development, and empowered citizens." According to the state government, the chief minister's presentation was well-received, with the Prime Minister lauding "Andhra Pradesh's growth blueprint". Modi said that "all states should examine and study the reforms of Andhra Pradesh" and that there could be a "lot of inputs in the blueprint for growth projected by CM Naidu for other states also", according to the statement. Under its Swarna Andhra @2047 vision, the state aims to achieve Zero Poverty by 2029 through the innovative P4 model, which unites government, private sector, and citizen efforts to support vulnerable families and promote economic upliftment. The Family Benefit Management System digitally tracks welfare benefits at the household level, ensuring transparency and inclusion. The state's "One Family, One Entrepreneur" initiative fosters entrepreneurship and skill development to boost grassroots employment. Driving technology-led growth, Andhra Pradesh has established specialised hubs, including Quantum Valley in Amaravati, Drone City in Orvakal, and biomedical manufacturing in Visakhapatnam. AI-powered governance and the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub support startups and job creation. Aligned with the Prime Minister's Mission Circular Economy, the state is advancing sustainable waste management and balanced regional growth through model economic zones. "Rooted in family-centric governance, innovation, digital infrastructure, and sustainability, the Swarna Andhra @2047 vision offers a scalable, inclusive model for national development," Naidu added. As India approaches its centenary of its Independence, the chief minister reaffirmed Andhra Pradesh's commitment to lead by example, showcasing how states can drive national transformation through strong, coordinated leadership at state and Union levels.
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Business Standard
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Centre denying Kerala its rightful share in tax devolution: CM Vijayan
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday slammed the Centre, accusing it of denying the State its rightful entitlement in the tax devolution. The Chief Minister said that if the tax share had been allocated fairly, Kerala would have received an additional Rs2,282 crore in 2022-23 and Rs2,071 crore in 2023-24, respectively. "In the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24, Kerala's share in the total own tax revenue generated by all Indian states was 3.7%. However, the tax devolution Kerala received from the Union government during the same period was only 1.53% and 1.13%, respectively. Based on Kerala's population share, the rightful entitlement should have been 2.7%," Vijayan said at a public event to mark his government's fourth anniversary. "If the tax share had been allocated fairly, Kerala would have received an additional Rs2,282 crore in 2022-23 and Rs2,071 crore in 2023-24. This is not an extra demand -- it is Kerala's rightful share," he added. The Chief Minister said that his government presented this "injustice" before the 16th Finance Commission and made efforts to bring together other states to raise a collective voice. "But the discriminatory attitude of the Union Government continues. Even in the 2024-25 financial year, the Centre has restricted state borrowings by Rs3,300 crore under the pretext of guarantee limits," he added. "It is not just a denial -- false propaganda is being spread to justify this bias, portraying Kerala's financial management as poor. This is far from the truth. We've made consistent progress. Kerala's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has risen from Rs5.6 lakh crore in 2018 to Rs13.11 lakh crore today. In 2016, per capita income was Rs1.48 lakh; now it is significantly higher. These figures reflect our economic growth and resilience," he added. The Chief Minister said that despite deliberate roadblocks and financial restrictions from the Centre, Kerala has successfully implemented major projects. " We have enhanced our domestic revenue and continued to push development initiatives forward," he said. "Another important point is expenditure. The share of total government expenditure borne by the state governments is increasing. For the current financial year, the state's contribution is estimated to be around 70%. While the Centre's burden is decreasing, the responsibilities of states like Kerala are growing," he added. He said that Kerala has consistently shown improvement in many economic sectors. "We have managed to keep going. That is the strength of our economic policy. Whether it's in infrastructure, IT, or public welfare, Kerala has consistently shown improvement. Kerala was home to the country's first IT park with 640 companies. Although others advanced faster in recent years, our government, since coming to power in 2016, has worked to regain leadership in this domain, and we are seeing results," he said. He said that Kerala has progressed significantly since 2016, when he assumed office as the Chief Minister. "The LDF has now completed nine continuous years in office -- a rare achievement. When we compare the situation in 2016 to now, it's clear that Kerala has progressed significantly," he said. "During this time, we have achieved results we can be proud of. In 2016, we released a manifesto after carefully studying Kerala's condition. Except for a few items, nearly all promises have been fulfilled. We released a progress report, and the people have endorsed it. Today, on completing the fourth year, we will present the latest progress report," he added. The Chief Minister said this was a unique moment for Kerala. "In a democratic nation like ours -- and across the world -- no other government has presented a report card of achievements in such a transparent manner," he said. "Despite this, there is a persistent wave of negative propaganda claiming that Kerala is in economic ruins and no projects are progressing -- that we are a state adrift. Such falsehoods are being systematically spread. However, these narratives do not reflect reality," he added. The Chief Minister said that the data from the Reserve Bank of India showed Kerala's debt-to-GSDP ratio has actually improved. "In 2022-23, the gap between the state's debt and its internal revenue was 35.3%, and in 2023-24, it further dropped to 34.2%. This shows better financial management. In contrast, in 2023-24, Bihar's ratio was 39.3%, Punjab's in 2023-24 was 47.6%, and West Bengal's was 38.3%. The central government itself has a ratio of 56%," he said. "Kerala's relatively low and improving ratio proves we are managing our finances wisely. These are not empty claims -- they are backed by credible data from RBI," he added.
News18
19-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Stalin Urges Opposition CMs For 'Coordinated Legal Strategy' Against Presidential Reference In Top Court
Last Updated: MK Stalin urged non-BJP CMs to oppose the Presidential reference to the Supreme Court, calling it an attempt to undermine a key judgment upholding state rights. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday wrote to his counterparts across eight states, urging them to oppose the Presidential reference to Supreme Court on deadlines for the President, Governor over Bills. The letter, which was also sent to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also batted for a coordinated legal strategy. In his letter, Stalin mentioned that it was wee known that the advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court cannot be invoked or exercised when the issue in question has already been decided by an authoritative pronouncement of the court. 'Yet, the BJP government has pressed ahead with seeking a reference, which points to their sinister intent," he alleged. He requested the chief ministers of non-BJP-ruled states to oppose this reference sought by the President before the Supreme Court. In the letter dated May 17, Stalin wrote, 'We must evolve a coordinated legal strategy before the court and present a united front to preserve and protect the basic structure of the Constitution, as upheld by our Supreme Court in its historic judgement (State of Tamil Nadu vs Governor of Tamil Nadu)." 'I look forward to your immediate and personal intervention in this vital issue," he mentioned. Besides West Bengal, the letter by Stalin was sent to the chief ministers of Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Jharkhand, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Stalin said President Droupadi Murmu, under the advice of the Union government, posed the Supreme Court 14 questions, under Article 143 of the Constitution on 13 May, 2025. Though the reference does not specifically refer to any state or judgment, its intent is to question the findings on law and interpretation of the Constitution given by the Supreme Court in the case of State of Tamil Nadu vs Governor of Tamil Nadu. This historic judgement is not only for Tamil Nadu but for all states since it upholds the federal structure and distribution of powers between the States and the Union, thus effectively preventing the obstruction of legislations enacted by democratically elected state legislatures by an appointee of the union and an unelected figurehead – the governor. BJP-led union government has used governors to obstruct and impede functioning of opposition ruled states. They inordinately delay assent to Bills, withhold assent without valid constitutional or legal reasons, sit over routine files and government orders sent for signature, interfere in appointments to important posts and have abused their position as chancellor of universities to politicise educational institutions. 'They have been able to do so by taking advantage of the fact that the Constitution is silent on certain issues, because the framers of the Constitution trusted that those holding high constitutional office would act in accordance with constitutional morality." It was in this context that the Supreme Court passed the landmark judgement in the Tamil Nadu Governor's case. 'Now this judgement will ensure that the Union Government does not unduly interfere with the State Governments performing our roles and responsibilities within the spheres given to us under the Constitution." Obviously, the BJP is attempting to unsettle this judgment, which can be invoked as a precedent by other states when faced with an obstinate governor. The BJP government advised the President to seek a reference before the Supreme Court and it was a ploy, Stalin alleged. First Published: May 19, 2025, 09:07 IST
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Unemployment rate at 5.1%, increase in women labour force: PLFS data show
According to the first monthly bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), released here on Thursday by the Union Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation under a revamped method, the unemployment Rate (UR) in current weekly status (CWS) in the country among persons of age 15 years and above was 5.1% in April, 2025. UR among males in the country was higher at 5.2% compared to the female UR of 5.0%. The rural unemployment rate for all persons in all ages was 4.5% and the urban unemployment 6.5%. The urban unemployment rate among females in the age between 15 and 29 years was 23.7%. The revamped model assesses employment and unemployment data from rural areas too. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in CWS among persons of age 15 years and above was 55.6% during the period. LFPR in rural areas was 58.0% and in urban areas it was 50.7% for in April for persons of the same age group. While LFPR for males above 15 years in rural and urban areas were respectively 79.0% and 75.3% during April, among females the LFPR in rural areas was 38.2% and 25.7% in urban areas. Worker Population Ratio (WPR) in rural areas among persons of age 15 years and above was 55.4%. 'WPR in urban areas among persons of the same age group was 47.4% with the overall WPR at the country level observed as 52.8% during April, 2025. WPR for female of age 15 years and above for rural and urban areas were respectively 36.8% and 23.5% in April, 2025 and the overall female WPR of the same age group at the country level was observed as 32.5%,' the Ministry said in the release. Commenting on the revamped PLFS, labour economist Sridhar Kundu said it is a big effort of the Union government to track the employment status monthly in the case of urban areas and quarterly, from both rural and urban areas. 'Importantly, the size of sample households has increased, which can help provide better information about the labour market and its seasonality factor. 'Yes, of course, the government is putting enough resources into this cause. But what is the broader objective? Can the information help make better policy decisions? What is the roadmap to deal with the mixed labour force, both skilled and unskilled? Second, the PLFS usually fails to provide adequate information about the functioning of the labour market-oriented government schemes, such as MGNREGA and others. 'The survey does not cover information about wage rates in various sectors and sub-sectors. The survey should address these areas adequately,' Dr. Kundu sad.
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Expanded immunisation service under UIP launched
The State health department launched the expanded the immunisation services under the Universal Immunisation Programme at all 500 functional health and welfare centres on Wednesday. Health minister M. Subramanian, who launched the programme at a HWC centre in T. Nagar said to achieve 100% coverage of routine immunisation for vaccine preventable diseases in the state, all the UIP vaccines would be made available in all HWCs on every Wednesday. Such an arrangement is currently available in all the 2,286 Primary Health Centres. The government will soon be commissioning another 208 HWCs and the vaccines will be administered there as well, he added. The minister said under the UIP, 11 vaccines are provided to children and pregnant women against 12 vaccine preventable diseases. In 15 endemic districts vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is also provided. According to him the state consistently achieved immunisation coverage of over 99% annually, with around 9.5 lakh pregnant women and 8.76 lakh children/infants being administered the vaccines under UIP. Immunisation sessions will be offered daily in all primary health centres, paediatric units of government medical colleges, district headquarters, taluk and non-taluk hospitals. Every Wednesday outreach sessions will be held in villages and towns. The cold chain is maintained for the vaccines being supplied by the Union government, the minister explained. They are transported through refrigerated vans to regional vaccine stores and then distributed to the district vaccine stores, Mr. Subramanian informed. Senior health department officials, including the health secretary, the director of public health, the director of National Health Mission besides health officials of the Greater Chennai Corporation were present at the launch.
