AP to borrow more from marketHouse, its asset in ...

Follow us on:

ANALYSIS 7

SELF-RELIANCE IN GAS IS THE WAY FORWARD

@TheDailyPioneer dailypioneer

MONEY 8

CAIRN CEO SAYS $1BN REFUND OFFER ACCEPTABLE TO FIRM, TO DROP CASES

SPORTS 11

WE ALWAYS AIM TO BE IN PRESENT: BUMRAH

VIJAYAWADA, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021; PAGES 12 `3

AIIMS TO ASCERTAIN PRESENCE OF COVID IN VARIOUS PARTS OF EYE

The RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at AIIMS is conducting a study to ascertain the presence of the coronavirus in various parts of the eye of those who have died due to the infection, the centre's chief Dr JS Titiyal said on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference on the 36th Eye Donation Fortnight celebration by the National Eye Bank, he said that five eye balls have been collected for carrying out the study. "The research will help ascertain the presence of the coronavirus in the cornea, optic nerve and retina of Covid infected deceased," Titiyal said.



COVID: PUBLIC GANESHA FESTIVITIES IN BENGALURU RESTRICTED TO 3 DAYS

The Bengaluru civic agency has permitted only three-day Ganesha Pooja celebrations in public places against the Karnataka government order allowing five days' of festivities in the state, to keep Covid infections in check. "Ganesha festival will not be allowed for more than three days in Bengaluru city. There should not be any procession while bringing the idol or during immersion," BBMP Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta said in a circular. The instruction came after Gupta had a meeting with senior district level officers and Bengaluru police commissioner Kamal Pant.

BENGAL GOVT CHALLENGES RELIEF TO BJP LEADER SUVENDU ADHIKARI IN HC

The West Bengal government on Tuesday filed an appeal before the Calcutta High Court challenging an order of a single bench that directed the police not to take coercive action against BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari in criminal cases relating to him in the state. The matter was mentioned by a state lawyer before a division bench presided over by Justice Subrata Talukdar with regard to filing an appeal against the single bench order. The state's appeal may be listed for hearing before the bench on Wednesday, a lawyer associated with the matter said.

RNI No.APENG/2018/764698

Established 1864 Published From VIJAYAWADA DELHI LUCKNOW BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN HYDERABAD

*LATE CITY VOL. 3 ISSUE 295 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable

{ } VDGEARS UP FOR HIS NEXT WITH SHIVA NIRVANA Page 12

ANTILIA BOMB SCARE: NIA SAYS WAZE WANTED TO REGAIN `SUPERCOP' TAG

Dismissed police officer Sachin Waze placed an SUV with explosives near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's house here to regain his reputation as a "supercop", the NIA has said in its charge sheet. Thane businessman Mansukh Hiran was subsequently killed as Waze thought him to be the "weak link" in the conspiracy, the NIA said. The NIA last week filed the charge sheet before a special court here against Waze and nine others in connection with the recovery of a vehicle with gelatin sticks near Ambani's residence `Antilia' on February 25 and the subsequent murder of Hiran.

Centre enhances limit, allows AP govt to monetise State Guest

AP to borrow more from market

House, its asset in Vijayawada city

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

The Andhra Pradesh govern-

n Major relief for cash-strapped govt, Aditya Nath Das efforts pay off

ment too has begun efforts to monetise its non-productive

assets to generate the much-

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

up the issue with the Finance already availed by the State gov- for the state for the year 2021-22, needed extra revenue to tide over

Ministry.

ernment. Finally, the Centre with a borrowing space of Rs the grave financial situation.

In a much-needed breather to the Both Rajendranath and

approved the State 37,163 crore for the first nine

In the first step, the govern-

cash-starved State, the Union gov- Das sent several pleas and

government's plea. months.

ment has decided to hand over a

ernment on Tuesday enhanced the SOS to the Centre.

With this, the total A debt statement prepared by 3.26 acre site in the heart of

Open Market Borrowing (OMB) Das along with

OMB allowed to the State Finance Department Vijayawada city for commercial

limit of Andhra Pradesh.

Rajendranath and also later

Andhra Pradesh during indicated that a sum of Rs development over the next 24

With the latest enhancement, made several trips to Delhi to

the current year would be 34,058.80 crore has already been months under the 'Mission Build

the State government can now meet Union Finance

Rs 31,251 crore, the borrowed from April to August AP.'

raise Rs 10,500 crore from the Minister

Nirmala

Finance Ministry said this year. The sum includes Rs

Though the expected revenue

market in the first nine months of Sitharaman and also sen-

in a letter to the 14,867.60 crore OMB in the first from the project has not been dis-

the current fiscal, 2021-22.

ior officials of the

Reserve Bank five months of the current fiscal closed, official sources monitor- However, it is now stuck in a legal

The breather to Andhra Pradesh Finance Ministry.

of India.

year, the statement said.

ing the project estimate that the tangle, with the High Court stay-

that has been struggling to even Das had taken spe-

T h e Andhra Pradesh's cumulative income could be "substantial". ing the proceedings.

pay salaries to its employees on cial interest and contin-

Centre fixed debt has now shot up to a whop-

"Importantly, the project will "We are not selling the proper-

time came after persistent and sus- ued correspondence

a

Net ping Rs 3,84,615.66 crore, includ- create tens, if not hundreds of ty in Vijayawada, where current-

tained efforts put in by finance with the senior officials

B o r r o w i n g ing Rs 1,27,105.81 crore borrowed jobs, and boost the local econo- ly the State Guest House is

minister Buggana Rajendranath of the Finance Minister

C e i l i n g by the Jagan government in the last my," a top official pointed out. housed. We are only giving it for

and especially by Chief Secretary that had raised several Aditya Nath Das who had taken queries regarding the loans

(NBC) of Rs two years. 42,472 crore

2

The 'Mission Build AP' was development," the official said. launched in late 2019 and the The State Guest House in

Jaganmohan Reddy government Vijayawada once used to be the

put some properties on sale. place of stay for all visiting dig-

14 top cops transferred in State

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

Jagan tells officials to gear up to

FACELESS ASSESSMENT

implement New Education Policy Rules for authentication

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

of e-records eased

Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan

The Andhra Pradesh govern- Reddy on Tuesday directed officials

PNS n NEW DELHI

the income tax department's por-

ment on Tuesday effected the to be prepared for the implemen-

tal shall be deemed to have been

transfer of 14 top police officers tation of New Education Policy

The finance ministry on Tuesday authenticated by the taxpayer by

across the State with DGP (NEP) across the State, ensuring

said electronic records submitted electronic verification code (EVC).

Gautam D Sawang issuing that each school has subject-wise

through registered account of tax- "Therefore, where a person sub-

orders.

teachers from Class 3 onwards.

payers in the income tax portal mits an electronic record by log-

Accordingly, K Prakash Rao

During a review meeting held on

shall be deemed to have been ging into his registered account in

waiting for posting was posted as Nadu-Nedu (schools) and NEP, the

authenticated by the taxpayer by designated portal of the income tax

DSP, CCS, Guntur Rural in the Chief Minister instructed the offi-

electronic verification code (EVC). department, it shall be deemed that

existing vacancy.

cials to improve the quality of text-

The Central Board of Direct the electronic record has been

E Balaswamy Reddy was post- books and told them to focus on

Taxes (CBDT) amended income authenticated by EVC...," it said.

ed as DSP, CCS Kadapa, M CBSE affiliation for all types of

tax rules on Monday to ease The ministry said this simplified

Ramesh Reddy was posted as schools along with ICSE affiliation.

authentication of records submit- process would also be available to

DSP, SB, West Godavari, M The officials informed that initial-

ted in faceless assessment proceed- companies, or tax audit cases and

Snehitha as DSP, CID in the ly 1,000 schools are being affiliat- ond phase of Nadu-Nedu works. In structed. Similarly, in the third ing.

they are mandatorily required to

existing vacancy and M ed with CBSE.

the second phase 12,663 schools phase 24,900 schools will be ren-

The ministry said the amended authenticate the electronic records

Balasundara Rao was posted as

Reviewing Nadu-Nedu, Jagan will be revamped with a cost of Rs ovated at an estimated cost of Rs rule provides that electronic by digital signature.

DSP, Intelligence.

asked the officials to immediately 4,535.74 crore, where 18,498 addi- 7,821 crore.

KVVNV Prasad was transferred and posted as ACP, CSP-

start the tender process for the sec- tional classrooms will be con-

2

records submitted through registered account of the taxpayers in

2

I, Vijayawada city, B Moses Paul

Ganesh Chavithi celebrations turn political was posted as DSP, CCS Guntur

urban, U Narasingappa was posted as SDPO, Guntakal, V Pothu

PAGE 3

Raju as SDPO Tulluru and J Ram Babu was posted as DSP North Guntur urban.

SNV SUDHIR n VIJAYAWADA

allow Chavithi celebrations at The TDP, perhaps fearing being Bhalla on August 28 to all the public places owing to imminent relegated to obscurity, joined the States in the wake of the begin-

Air India

U Nagaraju was posted as SDPO, Ongole, D Durga Prasad

threat of Covid third wave. The chorus against the government. ning of festive season. Probably for the first time in the government advisory asked the The Left parties however came However, the AP BJP has been

resumes

was posted as DSP, PTC, Ongole and V Srinivas Rao was transferred and asked to report at

history of Andhra Pradesh, cel- citizenry not to take out proces- out in support of the State gov- unrelenting in posing questions.

ebrating Vinayaka Chavithi, an sions and confine the celebrations ernment's decision.

It has been asking why the

event that heralds the year's to home.

On their part, YSRCP leaders YSRCP government singled out a

Vja-Muscat

police headquarters

Hindu festive season - has The BJP, which has been wait- and government heads had try- Hindu festival while allowing

become a bone of contention ing for such an opportunity, said ing to explain that the restrictions Christian gatherings and Muslim

between political parties.

that this was a direct attack on the have been imposed based on the festivals.

flights

TODAY

The St ate gover nment Hindu faith itself. It raked up the guidelines and advisory issued by announced that it would not issue and its cadres hit the streets. Union Home Secretary Ajay

2

nitaries, including the President and the Prime Minister. However, half of it is now in a dilapidated condition and the other half also needs a facelift.

As the state government is in no position to spend crores for that, it has decided to monetise the prime asset.

2

Govt gets one week to clear NREGS dues

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

The AP High Court has warned the State government that a contempt case would be initiated if it fails to clear the bills of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) by September 15.

The High Court was hearing petitions filed on payment of the bills on Tuesday.

The High Court expressed its anger at the government for failing to implement its orders issued two weeks ago in this case. The High Court pointed out that it had issued orders to clear MGNREGS bill arrears of 494 cases two weeks ago, but the government has cleared bills of only 25 cases even after two weeks elapsing.

On Tuesday, the High Court gave a one-week deadline for the State government to clear the dues or face contempt proceedings. The court directed the State government to give details of who have been paid the amounts so far.

The State government earlier said that the Centre failed to release the funds. However, the Centre filed an affidavit in the High Court stating that it does not owe any dues to AP government and that it has cleared all the bills submitted by the State government.

ALMANAC

Month & Paksham: Bhadrapada & Shukla Paksha Panchangam Tithi : Dwitiya 26:33 Nakshatram : Uttara Phalguni 15:55 Time to Avoid : Time to Avoid (Bad time to start any important work)

Rahukalam : 12:13 pm - 1:45 pm

Yamagandam : 7:38 am - 9:10 am

Varjyam : 11:50 pm - 1:20 am

Gulika : 10:41 am - 12:13 pm

Good Time : (to start any important work) Amritakalam : 9:04 am - 10:35 am Abhijit Muhurtham : Nil

VIJAYAWADA WEATHER

Forecast: Scattered thunderstorms Temp: 30/25 Humidity: 77% Sunrise: 6:02 am Sunset: 06:24 pm

Current Weather Conditions Updated SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 5:00 PM

Farmers lay siege to Karnal secretariat

PNS n KARNAL(HARYANA)

Thousands of farmers started marching towards the district headquarters here on Tuesday evening after union leaders said their talks with the local administration had failed.

Farmer unions had demanded action against officials over the lathi-charge against protesters on August 28 in Karnal. Otherwise, they had threatened farmers will lay siege on the Karnal mini-secretariat ? a threat they appeared to be carrying out.

Farmers reached the New Anaj Mandi for a mahapanchayat in the morning, riding tractors and motorcycles. As they gathered there, an 11-member delegation was invited by the local administration to discuss their demands and dissuade them from marching towards the secretariat.

"Our talks with administration failed as they did not agree to our

demands," senior farm leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan said about three hours later.

Farmer union leaders then urged the large gathering at the mahapanchayat to march peacefully towards the mini-secretariat, five kilometres away.

The leaders told the farmers not to enter into any confrontation with

policemen, and squat in protest wherever they are stopped.

Thousands of protesters walked towards the secretariat carrying farmer union flags. Several barricades have been put up on the route.

Earlier, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait told reporters that they had demanded the suspension of the

IAS officer who was caught on tape allegedly telling policemen to "break heads" of protesting farmers.

Rakesh Tikait, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Darshan Pal and Yogendra Yadav were among the senior Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders who had reached Karnal for the rally, being held days after a huge mahapanchayat in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar.

Farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have been protesting for months over the three farm laws enacted at the Centre, claiming that the legislation will lead to the erosion of the minimum support price (MSP) system.

Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, Karnal's Inspector General of Police Mamta Singh and Superintendent of Police Ganga Ram Punia, were among the officials who took part in the talks with farm leaders.

2

Govt to ask HC to review order on Vidya Deevena sop

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

Education Minister Adimulapu Suresh on Tuesday said that the State government will file a review petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court against the order of paying Jagananna Vidya Deevena amounts directly to principals of colleges instead of depositing it into the accounts of mothers of students.

Stating that the YSRCP government was implementing a full fee reimburse scheme as part of its election promise, Suresh said that the administration has decided to file a review petition in the HC against the order.

Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy conducted a review meeting on Mana Badi-Nadu Nedu in which Suresh and officials participated. It may be recalled that the High Court had heard the petition filed against payment of Vidya Deevena funds directly to the mothers and directed that the amount be paid to principals as that most of the students were not paying fees to the colleges. The court also heard the petition against the online admissions for Intermediate and ruled that the admissions be conducted as earlier in offline mode.

2

VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

vijayawada 02

Jagan should focus on creation of assets in AP!

What mirrors smooth administration? What

that are readily available. It has to go for mobilisation of

happens if welfare mea-

funds on a large scale

sures override real indi-

to meet its require-

cators of development? PIN

ments, often at

What would be the ulti- POINT exorbitant interest rates,

mate scene once the

from the Union govern-

state government's finan- ment and external funding

cial resources get exhausted? agencies. Besides, the gov-

Does a welfare state mean ernment is desperately think-

giving everything free to ing of selling its lands in

some people in view of their prime localities of various

BPL status and making them cities and town. Funds total-

happy? These are the crucial ing thousands of crores of

questions that are uppermost rupees may be available with

in the minds of those really this kind of indiscriminate

concerned about Andhra selling of lands. People gen-

Pradesh.

erally think that the govern-

An elected government ment is the custodian of pub-

naturally tries to bind to the lic properties like lands and

promises made by the ruling that it would protect them

party in its election mani- from encroachment by per-

festo.

sons enjoying proximity with

In Andhra Pradesh, one the rulers.

could get an overall picture of If the present government

the state's financial position sincerely protects govern-

just by looking into the ment lands in various

promises made in the places, then future genera-

YSRCP's manifesto. For, it is tions also would be able to

not possible for any govern- use public property.

ment to implement such wel- A popular chief minister of

fare agenda using only funds yesteryear, at a review of the

As per official data, the AP government has deposited Rs.1.05 lakh-crore of the Rs 1.27 lakh-crore it borrowed, into the accounts of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes in the state. Even a single rupee would not come back to the government from this huge amount.

Endowments Department, stated that thousands of acres of land worth Rs.4 lakh crore was available with the government. The officials and media persons present were taken aback. The same leader made a vain bid to go further in that line of action later. Thanks to public awareness in this regard, the government could not move freely in that direction.

Monthly borrowings have become common now to meet the minimum requirements of the state, including payment of salaries to government employees. Earlier,

the government had to enhance the retirement age from 58 years to 60 years mainly due to lack of funds to pay their retirement benefits.

Freebies are slowly becoming hurdles on the road to development.

Many departments in the government are forced to divert funds meant for developmental works. For example, the funds allocated to SC&ST Sub Plan get diverted to populist schemes.

The government often defends its act of diverting funds, saying the funds are being used for the welfare of

M D RATNA KUMAR

Senior Journalist

the same people. Some observers say that

freebies are going to cause 'fiscal paralysis' of the state of Andhra Pradesh in the backdrop of the government's borrowings for the implementation of welfare schemes.

There is dire need for balancing welfare measures and developmental schemes. For instance, in view of the rainy season, roads across the state are in a bad shape with dead-

ly potholes that may claim the lives of road users. Yet, the government is not in a position to repair even very badly affected roads due to financial crunch.

As per official data, the Andhra Pradesh government has deposited Rs.1.05 lakh crores, out of the Rs.1.27 lakhs crore it borrowed, into the accounts of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes in the state. Even a single rupee would not come back to the government from this huge amount.

This amount of Rs.1.05 lakh crores is almost double the amount that is required for the Polavaram multi-purpose project, which is considered to be the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh in the backdrop of the state's bifurcation.

Imagine how pleasant it would be if the Polavaram project is realised! The irrigation situation would be very comfortable in AP with 'assured water' to every major and medium irrigation projects across the state.

The present government

headed by YS Jaganmohan Reddy got 86% of seats (151 seats out of 175) of the total strength of AP Assembly. Every member of the ruling party, including its president, may agree that their party would not get the same number of seats (151) in the next elections even if it retains power.

He can still do wonders with his majority and make the rest of his political journey hassle-free. He has no opposition both within the party and the government. Jagan would do well to take up the Polavaram Project in right earnest. Only by taking daring steps the state government can create assets.

Creation of assets will be the real gift and service to future generations.

Despite being hampered by financial crunch in the initial years of the Andhra State that was carved out of composite Madras State in 1953, the then Chief Minister of Andhra State T.Prakasam laid the foundation stone for the

Krishna Barrage (later named after him) at Vijayawada in 1954. In fact, initially he got a negative reply from then Prime Minister Pandit Nehru when he sought financial help from the Centre for the project. Still Prakasam had his way finally. Jagan is in far better position now.

People are no doubt getting thousands of rupees for the purpose of creating livelihood options for themselves.

They set up a small business establishment like grocery shop or something else with the sum of Rs.30, 000/given freely by the government. They simply wind up those establishments once that amount gets exhausted within days. Since there is no recovery or question of repayment of that money to the government by the beneficiaries, they are free to do anything. That means the government is indirectly making its own people shed responsibility and commitment.

Let us hope the AP government becomes far-sighted.

Jagan tells

officials to gear...

Continued from Page 1

The officials informed the Chief Minister that currently, engineers who will be taking up Nadu-Nedu works are undergoing training at village secretariats and soon training for parents' committees will also start before initiating Phase-2 works.

The Chief Minister said that special attention should be paid to the maintenance of schools and toilets; else they are likely to go back to the earlier state. He suggested keeping a contingency fund in every school for any emergency repair works and directed the authorities to prepare an SOP in this regard.

Further, reviewing Jagananna Vidya Kanuka, Jagan instructed officials to provide the kits by the time the next academic year starts and to ensure that items of good quality are distributed. He asked them to include sports shoes and sports dress in the kit from the coming year.

AP govt to

monetise...

Continued from Page 1

The Centre's NBCC (India) Limited, which has been entrusted with the Mission Build AP plan, has appointed Rudrabhishek Enterprises Limited (REPL) to provide comprehensive architectural and engineering consultancy services for the development of the proposed project in Vijayawada.

REPL has drawn up plans to reconstruct the State Guest House with a built-up area of one lakh square feet and a commercial complex with a built-up area of 2.5 lakh square feet.

REPL CMD Pradeep Misra said the proposed project was being designed as an energy efficient campus with unique and inspiring space to work, rest and rejuvenate.

The company would prepare a master plan, concept designs and a detailed project report and also assist in project coordination and bid process management, he said.

REPL said in a release that it was currently working on preparing GIS-based master plans of four clusters in 14 urban local bodies.

CHICKEN RATES `/KG

Dressed/With Skin

Without Skin Broiler at Farm

`251 `271 `139

EGG RATES `/100

VIJAYAWADA

425

HYDERABAD

398

VISAKHAPATNAM 425

RETAIL PRICE

(IN VIJAYAWADA)

`4.25

Heavy rains batter Telangana PNSnHYDERABAD

GENGO plans 2 Rules for

more hydel units usually busy Bus Stand,

authentication of e-records eased...

Telangana State on Tuesday

Pragati Nagar, Karimnagar Road and other areas were

Continued from Page 1

witnessed nearly 9 times more

flooded. Rainwater entered PNS n HYDERABAD

er's works before dispatch,

rainfall than the normal, caus-

the District Collector's office,

supply, transportation, storage "In order to provide the ben-

ing deluges in various districts.

causing severe inconvenience The Andhra Pradesh Power at site, insurance, erection, efit of the simplified process

According to TSDPS, the

to employees. District Generation Corporation testing and commissioning of authentication by EVC to

State's average rainfall on 7

Collector Anurag Jayanti and (APGENCO) has recently of two 115 MW capacity ver- these persons (such as com-

September, 2021 was 63.5

Superintendent of Police floated tenders for two units tical francis turbine generator panies, tax audit cases, etc.) ,

mm, against the normal 7.5

Rahul Hegde supervised the of the Lower Sileru power- units along with all associat- it has been decided to extend

mm.

relief measures in the affected house of 115 MW capacity ed auxiliary and ancillary the simplified process of

According to Eldorado

areas.

each.

equipment, 220 kV switchyard authentication by EVC to

Weather, Nizamabad was

Municipal and Police per-

These two units will be in and power evacuation struc- these persons also," the min-

among the top 5 rainiest places Extremely heavy rain i.e. The GHMC's Disaster sonnel entered marooned addition to the four units of tures including balance civil istry added.

in the world at 4th position, greater than 20 cm occured at Response Force teams were houses surrounded by flood 115 MW capacity each that works of power house, pen-

Hence, assessees who are

with 182 mm rainfall on 10 places in Telangana and deployed with boats and water with the help of cranes are already up and running in stock, butterfly valve, spheri- mandatorily required to

Tuesday, while Vishakapatnam very heavy rainfall was record- equipment in Sircilla on the and rescued stranded people. Lower Sileru powerhouse. cal/shutoff rotary valves, etc at authenticate electronic

was at 15th position with 107 ed in 39 places in a few dis- instructions of Minister KTR directed the district

Engineers have been point- Lower Sileru Power House in records by digital signature

mm rainfall.

tricts of TS and heavy rainfall MA&UD K T Rama Rao. The administration to intensify ing out since long that there Andhra Pradesh on EPC shall be deemed to have

The heavy rain phase has was recorded at 61 places of teams will assist the district relief efforts in view of the was scope for another two (turnkey) basis.

authenticated the electronic

passed for the state and the the state. Heavy rainfall was administration in rescue & flood waters coming to the units in the Lower Sileru As per tender notification, records when they submit the

state will only witness light to seen over Warangal Rural, relief operations in view of the town of Sirisilla and reaching powerhouse that could meet bids can be submitted by record through their regis-

moderate rain or thunder- Warangal Urban, Jayashankar, incessant rains and flooding. the colonies after three days of peak demand.

October 1.

tered account in the Income

showers at a few places over Bhadradri Kothagudem, Heavy rains flooded heavy rains.

As per the tender, The The work will entail an tax department's portal.

Telangana until 12 September. Karimnagar, Peddapalli and Telangana's Sircilla town and KTR held a teleconference scope of work envisages investment of Rs 384 crore

Legislative amendments in

According to IMD director Rajanna Sircilla districts.

some other parts of Rajanna with the District Collector, SP design, engineering, manufac- with a completion period of this regard would be brought

Naga Ratna, "The South West About 40 per cent more Sircilla district on Tuesday. and

Municipal turing, testing at manufactur- 24 months.

in due course.

Monsoon has been very vigor- rainfall has been recorded Massive downpour since Commissioners on Tuesday

ous over Telangana for the past starting from the rainy season Monday evening inundated morning, after learning that

Govt to ask HC... Ganesh Chavithi... 24 hours. Rain occurred at until 7 Sept, i.e. 885.5 mm the low-lying areas and turned heavy rains since Monday

most places in Telangana. against the normal 631.1mm". streets into cesspools. The night had devastated colonies.

Continued from Page 1

Farmers lay

Centre enhances limit, allows AP The Minister said that they will go for an appeal on

Continued from Page 1

impose local restrictions with

a view to curb such large gat-

In fact, BJP leaders went a step herings. In all crowded places,

siege to Karnal..

Continued from Page 1

to borrow more from market...

Jagananna Vidya Deevena and Intermediate online admissions.

He said that mothers are

ahead and branded the YSRCP government as "anti-Hindu" and also staged protests across the State. BJP cadres have

Covid-appropriate behaviour should be strictly enforced. We need to continue focus on the five-fold strategy i.e. Test-

Continued from Page 1

year.

Finance Ministry noted in a taking responsibility for their been on the roads demanding Track-Treat-Vaccination and

Addressing the mahapan-

The State government has recent letter to the state children's studies by going to the government to lift the adherence to Covid appropri-

chayat earlier, Yogendra Besides, other outstanding been requesting that the Principal Finance Secretary. educational institutions, pay- curbs on Vinayaka Chavithi ate behaviour for effective

Yadav said, "We have come to loans for which the State Centre review the whole It sought details of the ing fees and further enquir- celebrations.

management of Covid-19.".

ask the government which government gave guarantees thing in light of the repay- loans raised by the State and ing about the progress and

"Why target only Hindu YSRCP leaders point out

Constitution, which law gives climbed to Rs 96,500.36 ments made under State the revenue sources that have studies of their children.

festivals? This government is that the State government had

an IAS officer permission to crore, an increase of Rs Development Loans pertain- been pledged or escrowed to

He questioned who would anti-Hindu. The government issued orders curbing public

give orders to break the farm- 47,058 crore in the last two ing to the erstwhile undivid- repay the loans.

take the responsibility for had allowed many Muslim gatherings during Bakrid and

ers' heads."

years.

ed AP, official sources said. Last week, Rajendranath the children's education if the festivals and large gatherings Muharram.

"Under which law are

Unable to pay even the Rajendranath made sever- had called on Sitharaman yet Vidya Deevena scheme by Christians. Even temples, Criticising State BJP for

police allowed to carry out staff salaries in time, the al trips to New Delhi and again and gave a detailed amount was given to the churches, schools and malls politicising the restrictions on

brutal lathi-charge resulting Jaganmohan Reddy govern- made repeated SOS pleas to clarification on the issue, principal and it was mis- are open and functioning. celebrations of festivals in

in the death of one and ment has pleaded with the Sitharaman to allow the State official sources here said.

used.

Why then restrictions only on public, Brahmin Corporation

injuries to several others," he Centre to give consent for to borrow more money to According to highly placed

Suresh said that without 75 Vinayaka Chavithi?" asked BJP Chairman Malladi Vishnu said

added.

raising Rs 17,810 crore meet the basic needs.

sources in the government on percent attendance, the sec- State general secretary S that the restrictions were put

The authorities have, how- through OMB in the first But, the Centre found fault September 3, the Department ond instalment will not be Vishnuvardhan Reddy.

only as per Union Home

ever, denied that any farmer nine months of financial year with the manner in which the of Expenditure under the credited. He said that the

TDP chief N Chandrababu Secretary directives.

died due to the violence on 2021-22.

state has been raising fresh Union Finance Ministr y reservations were not fol- Naidu called on his party "Restrictions are only on the

August 28.

The Centre adjusted an loans by pledging future tax wrote to the Internal Debt lowed in Inter admissions cadres to celebrate the festival public celebrations keeping

The Haryana Police had amount of Rs 17,923.94 crore revenues.

Management Department of previously.

in public places following the possible Covid third wave

that day lathi-charged a with the available borrowing Prima facie, the pledging of the RBI, asking it to make

The Minister also said that Covid norms but defying the in view and there is no neces-

group of farmers disrupting space on account of over-bor- future tax revenues appears to necessary arrangements in the online approach is for restrictions.

sity to politicise the issue. In

traffic on the national high- rowing by AP during the be not in consonance with consultation with the State complete transparency, which

The Left parties issued a order to avoid mass gather-

way while heading towards previous years and thereby the Article 266 (1) of the government to enhance the has been successful in degree joint statement accusing the ings, the State government

the venue of a BJP meeting. brought down the NBC this Constitution, the Union OMB.

admissions.

BJP of unveiling its communal had postponed the events like

Over 10 protesters were

agenda in the State as it did in YSR Achievement awards,

injured. The SKM had said a

Gangavaram port sets cargo record murdercaseshouldberegis-

tered against IAS officer Ayush Sinha over his alleged

other States to make political inroads.

In the advisory issued by the Union government to all the

Teacher's Day celebrations and even celebrated 75th Independence Day without allowing public participation

"break heads" remark.

States on August 28, Ajay in the State function," point-

Sinha, who was later trans- PNS n VIJAYAWADA

The management of M/s loading. GPL loaded 46,700 smooth coordination between Bhalla said: "State Governm- ed Malladi Vishnu.

ferred in a reshuffle also

IPL, the receivers of the cargo MT iron ore pellets by using RINL and GPL teams.

ents / UT Administrations Endowments Minister

involving some other IAS Gangavaram Port, the deepest expressed their gratitude and the ship loader at their Berth- GPL executive director G J are advised to take suitable Vellampalli Srinivas said that

officers, has now been post- and the most modern port in appreciated the port manage- 4 on 24 hour basis, which has Rao said, "We are extremely measures to avoid large gath- BJP is trying to instigate com-

ed as the additional secretary the country, on Tuesday stat- ment and staff who helped in surpassed earlier record of delighted at these achieve- erings during the coming fes- munal violence in AP for its

in the Citizen Resources ed that it has set some records achieving this milestone.

41,314 MT in 24 hour basis. ments by our team. The record tive season and if required, vested interests.

Information Department.

in various cargo commodities. The port recorded another MV KM Hakata carrying cargo discharge of various

Farm leader Gurnam

The port has vast storage milestone in pig iron loading. 82,500 tons of iron ore pellets commodities yet again reaf-

Singh Chaduni said a meet- facilities and state of the art GPL leaded 23,500 MT of pig berthed at GPL mobile har- firms our superior port infra-

ing with district administra- material handling systems Iron by using vessel cranes at bour cranes. Gangavaram Port structure and operational effi-

tion officials was held here on which help quick import and their berth-7 on 24 hour basis, reached another milestone by ciency. Gangavaram port offers

Monday as well.

export of cargo.

which surpassed its earlier coal transfer to RINL.

substantial economic benefits

After failing to get any

The port discharged 26,885 record of 16,600 MT in the Gangavaram Port has trans- to Indian importers in terms of

satisfactory response on their MT of fertilizer in just 24 ho- same time period.

ferred 6,08,706 MT of coal reduced ocean freight, highly

demands the farmers decid- urs by using the Mobile Har- MV African Jacana carrying cargo through conveyors to the efficient operations, advanced

ed to hold a mahapanchayat bour Cranes (MHCs) which 44,000 tonnes of pig Iron RINL plant in the month of material handling and evacu-

on Tuesday, he added. He had surpassed their earlier record berthed at GPL mobile har- August, 2021. This is the ever- ation system, vast storage areas

earlier sought the registration of 16,690 MT in 24 hours. bour cranes. The vessel was highest achievement in trans- for all types of cargo, extensive

of a case against those

MV Kmax Emperor carry- berthed on August 30, 2021, fer of cargo since inception, ancillary facilities, and faster

involved in the lathi-charge. ing 64,575 MT of urea berthed entire cargo loaded in just 46 which has surpassed old record turnaround time and delivery.

Security had been beefed at GPL on account of IPL, this hours, this new loading record of 5,67,888 MT which was We are extremely happy to see

up in Karnal a day ahead of achievement stands out as the achieved on September 1.

achieved in April-21. The mile- the trade derive benefits of

mahapanchayat and central fastest urea discharge rate in The port recorded another stone was achieved due to modern deepwater infrastruc-

forces deployed.

the history of the port.

milestone in iron ore pellets operational efficiency and ture at Gangavaram Port".

Although every possible care and caution has been taken to avoid errors or omissions, this publication is being sold on the condition and understanding that information given in this publication is merely for reference and must not be taken as having authority of or binding in any way on the writers, editors, publishers, and printers and sellers who do not owe any responsibility for any damage or loss to any person, a purchaser of this publication or not for the result of any action taken on the basis of this work. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent court and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only. Readers are advised and requested to verify and seek appropriate advice to satisfy themselves about the veracity of any kind of advertisement before responding to any contents published in this newspaper. The printer, publisher, editor and any employee of the Pioneer Group's will not be held responsible for any kind of claim made by the advertisers of the products & services and shall not be made responsible for any kind of loss, consequences and further product-related damages on such advertisements.

Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, D.No. New 3-88, Old 3-22, Chandra Theatre, Gosala, Penamaluru Mandal, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh - 521 151, Executive Editor: Navin Upadhyay. Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00.

VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

vijayawada 03

Ban on public celebration of

Ganesh fete hits artisans hard

PRADEEP KUMAR n VIJAYAWADA

Ban on the public celebration of the Ganesh Chaturthi by the AP government this year has not only come as a bolt from the blue for idol-makers but also as a big blow to their livelihood. Orders banning festivities in public were issued just a few days ago.

In a double whammy for the already Covid-battered idolmakers, the government's ban orders have poured cold water on their hopes to make good their losses during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. No orders were placed last year on account of Covid restrictions last year and this year too the government's order has come as a dampener with no business opportunities.

Barely over a day's time left for the festival on September 10, the idol sales have come to a grinding halt, leaving the artisans clueless on what to do with the `gods' they created.

On the other hand, the State government is firm on preventing mass gatherings during the nine-day festival period due to the probable Covid third wave threat which hangs like Sword of Damocles on the entire country, not just the State.

Meanwhile, political parties,

including TDP, BJP, and JSP, are

keen on celebrating the Ganesh

festival on a grand scale in pub-

lic, following Covid protocols.

They all find fault with the

State government for restricting

Ganesh festivities, confining

them to homes.

The Covid pandemic has

had a huge impact on the

income of the upper and lower

middle-class

people.

Consequently, a majority of the

people are planning to celebrate

the festival spending lavishly. It

is also one of the reasons why

people prefer buying small

idols.

Collecting donations also has

become a herculean task for the

organisers of Ganesh festival

pandals. Festival enthusiasts used to install big idols of Ganesh in the pandals and perform special pujas with pomp and piety. However, this year, the people are reluctant to donate money generously to the festival committees.

Last year, several restrictions were placed on the celebrations at public places, especially the main roads. This year, the police are implementing the ban orders strictly and are advising the festival organisers not to take the risk.

An artist Mohan Bhatia from Rajasthan, who settled in Vijayawada 10 years ago, said that his team had started making big Ganesh idols four

months back and they are ready for sale. "With the State government imposing restrictions on big idols, we do not know what to do."

He said that last year, due to the Covid first wave, he had incurred a loss of Rs 7 lakh due to poor sales. He further said that he has no money to pay the interest of the loans he had taken.

"We have invested Rs 10 lakh in the current season. After the government's announcement, our business has fallen flat," he said and demanded that the government compensate for the loss as it had banned the use of big idols just a few days before the festival.

Air India's Vja-Muscat flights resume

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

Air India has resumed flight services from Vijayawada International Airport at Gannavaram to Muscat, the capital of Oman from Tuesday.

As per reports, the airlines will run only one service per week and the flight duration is of 3.30 hours.

As per Air India officials, an Airbus A321 with a seating capacity of 182 passengers departs from Hyderabad every Tuesday at 11 am and reaches Gannavaram. It leaves for Muscat at 12 noon. Air India representatives said the flight would reach Muscat at 2 pm local time.

Due to the Covid situation leading to poor occupancy, Air India had cancelled its weekly flight to Muscat from Vijayawada International Airport which was scheduled to start in July. As per the schedule, Air India has announced to operate the H y d e r a b a d - Vi j a y a w a d a Muscat flight.

Govt order on Ganesh puja unjust: Kanna

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

Senior BJP leader Kanna Lakshminarayana has said that mass gatherings during Ganesh Chuturthi celebrations are a tradition in the State. It is unjust for the State government to confine celebration of the festival to home, he said.

In a representation submitted to Governor Biswabusan Harichandan here on Tuesday, Lakshminarayana demanded action on the issue. He said that his party would celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi following all Covid rules.

Lakshminarayana alleged that about 150 incidents of attacks on temples took place so far during

the YSRCP government but no action has been taken to date. He further said that the Jaganmohan Reddy government was looking down upon the Hindus in the State. VHP State vice-president P Venkataswamy Baidu said that Ganesh Chaturthi was a very important festival for the Hindus and said that the YSRCP government was against the Hindus in the State. He criticised Endowments Minister Vellampalli Srinivas Rao for talking against the Hindus in the State.

He further alleged that the minister was talking ill of Hindus and made it clear that the BJP would celebrate Ganesh festival in the State.

TDP propaganda on condition

of roads false: YSRCP MLA

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLA Vasantha Krishna Prasad has come down heavily on TDP leaders for propagating what he called false information on maintenance of roads across the State and said it was due to the negligence of N Chandrababu Naidu during the previous government that the roads were damaged.

Addressing a press conference at the party central office here on Tuesday, the MLA said TDP leaders are hiding facts and misleading the people through biased information. He said the previous government had constructed 1,356 km new bitumen roads during its five-year rule at an average of 271.2 km per year and had done 8,917 km of

widening and repair works, with an average of 1,783 km per year.

He said the government had constructed a 1,883 km bitumen road with an average of 942 km per year, in the last two years after YSRCP, formed government and added that the State government had taken up widening and repair works along 4,015 km roads with an average of 2,000 km per year in last two years. He said the State government had already approved for construction of 9,557 km roads at a cost of Rs 7,828 crore and the tender process was almost completed.

The MLA said the roads were damaged due to heavy rains after YSRCP came to power and they would be repaired once the monsoon season was over.

The roads were damaged due to heavy rains after YSRCP came to power and they would be repaired once the monsoon season was over.

`Walk-in' liquor shops draw flak from TDP

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and former minister Nakka Ananda Babu on Tuesday accused the Jaganmohan Reddy government of increasing the number of liquor shops in a phased manner in the State instead of fulfilling its election promise on the phased implementation of the total prohibition.

Anand Babu strongly objected to the Government's proposal to open 300 new liquor shops in urban areas in the name of 'walk-in' stores. Another 175 shops were already opened under the cover of tourism promotion.

Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy's Statewide Padayatra seemed to be an inspiration for these 'walk-in' stores.

In the Padayatra, he promised to phase out liquor but now he was opening 'walk-in' stores to promote consumption.

Addressing a press conference here, the TDP leader

termed it atrocious on the part of the ruling YSRCP to convert liquor as the main source of revenue for its Government. Moreover, CM Jaganmohan Reddy had brought Rs 25,000 crore loans by mortgaging the drinkers and by showing liquor revenue as security.

Alcohol consumers in the State were mortgaged to the banks for the next 15 years in violation of the established rules and laws. This was something no other State or Central Government did ever before in the country.

Ananda Babu said that a salesman was appointed for every 50 houses to ensure a higher sale of liquor. In the name of the government shops, the CM was selling his own liquor brands.

In a very alarming manner, CM Jaganmohan Reddy had turned all revenue from liquor sales into his own personal income.

Like this, the ruling party was setting its sights on higher income for themselves from all resources of the government.

Tammileru in spate, first warning sounded

PNS n ELURU

The Tammileru river is in

spate following heavy rain in

the catchment areas and the

first warning was sounded by

the Irrigation department

officials.

The Tammileru is receiv-

ing heavy inflows after the

incessant rains in the catch-

ment areas for the last three

days. The water level stood at

15.10 m at the bifurcation

point located at the FCI

godown.

The floodwater is over-

flowing

on

the

Sanivarapupeta causeway.

The officials asked the peo-

ple living in the low-lying

areas to be alert.

Teacher thrashed for `misbehaving' with girl

PNS n GUNTUR

A Hindi teacher working at the ZP High School in Vatticherukuru of the district was thrashed by irate parents for allegedly misbehaving with their daughter on Tuesday.

Police said that Ravi was working as a Hindi teacher at ZP High School in the village. A 7th Class girl student complained to her parents that the Hindi teacher was misbehaving with her.

The irate parents and their relatives rushed to the school,

dragged the teacher out of the school and thrashed him. When headmaster Srinivasa Rao and two women teachers tried to rescue him, they were also attacked.

The parents lodged a complaint with the police alleging that the Hindi teacher had misbehaved with their daughter.

The school teachers also lodged a complaint with the police for beating up their colleague while the teachers' union condemned the attack.

Ravi said that he did not misbehave with the girl but only asked her to study well.

ACTING TOUGH

Police personnel took strict action against vehicles users violating Covid norms in Vijayawada on Tuesday

Big threat to democracy:

Former minister Kalva

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

TDP politburo member Kalva Srinivasulu on Tuesday asserted that Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy would go down in history as the only CM who has broken all his promises only to cause great pain and suffering to all sections of people.

Srinivasulu said that over half a dozen ministers in the YSRCP government were competing with the Chief Minister in looting public

wealth through mindless corruption. The TDP leader termed it a big threat to democracy that the CM, his ministers and advisors were thinking of buying anything and everything with their illgotten wealth. Jaganmohan Reddy had never focused on governance and administration but got busy only with personal publicity propaganda. The Cabinet Ministers were minting easy money and spending luxurious lifestyles.

Cops rescue shepherds, 3,000 sheep

PNS n ELURU

The timely action taken by the Velerupadu police saved the lives of some shepherds and over 3,000 sheep at Maddigatla village in Velerupadu mandal of West Godavari district on Tuesday.

Police said that shepherds, along with over 3,000 sheep, were stuck in the floodwater of Pedavagu stream.

When the shepherds camped at the island area in the eucalyptus grove they were surrounded by the swirling floodwater.

After receiving information, Velelrupadu SI Sadiqe, along with the police personnel and villagers, rushed to the spot and brought the shepherds and sheep from the floodwater.

Head constable Daniel, Satyanarayana, Writer Ganga Prasad and other police personnel took part in the rescue operation.

`Victory Flame' visits schools in Vizag city, reaches Rajahmundry

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

As part of the `Swarnim Vijay Varsh `celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of India's victory in the 1971 War on Pakistani Armed Forces and to inspire young minds on valour and patriotism, the `Victory Flame' visited various schools in Vizag on Monday before arriving in Rajahmundry on Tuesday.

The schools included Navy Children Schools, Nausena Baugh (NSB) and 104 Area, Kendriya Vidyalayas in NSB,

Malkapuram and Sri Vijay Nagar Colony. Principals, teachers, and children of five schools - Sanskriti Global School, Chaitanya Public School, Srishti World School, Apple I English Medium School and Timpany School - also participated in the commemorative programme conducted at Navy Children School, NSB Campus.

The `Victory Flame' was given a grand reception at all locations by the staff and children of the respective schools. Commemorating programmes at all locations included the

playing of short movie clips on the Indian Navy's role in the 1971 Liberation of Bangladesh War, the singing of patriotic songs by children and the dance/ skit on patriotic themes. All events were shown online to the children to educate them on the historical war of 1971 resulting in the birth of a new nation, Bangladesh.

The `Victory Flame' arrived in Rajahmundry in a military convoy from Eastern Naval Command on Tuesday. The `Victory Flame' was received at Late Sepoy Ravi Prasad Circle

at Rajahmundry by ZSB Officer and Ex-Servicemen who escorted it to the felicitation venue at Hotel River Bay in a motorcycle rally. The `Victory Flame' was handed over to Gallantry Awardees of the 1971 War in the presence of Capt VSC Rao, ENC.

Later, the Gallantry Award winners, veterans and their next of kin were felicitated for their glorious service to the nation. The `Victory Flame' was kept for public view after the culmination of the ceremony.

Malla produced in Vizag court, taken to Odisha

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

Sleuths of Odisha CID's crime wing, who took YSRCP senior leader Malla Vijay Prasad into their custody after raiding his residence in Visakhapatnam on Monday evening, produced him in a local court on Tuesday.

Before producing Vijay Prasad before the magistrate, Odisha CID sleuths conducted medical tests on him at King George Hospital. Later, with the magistrate's permission, he was taken to Odisha as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged Rs 1,200 crore chit fund scam being probed by Odisha CID. An FIR was registered against him by the Odisha police under IPC sections 406, 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120 (B).

Vijay Prasad, who lost the 2019 polls to TDP candidate PVGR Naidu, had only recently taken over as chairman of Andhra Pradesh Education and Welfare Development Corporation.

It is learnt that his company Welfare Group has allegedly duped investors of around Rs 1200 crore. The company was mainly active in Berhampur, Jeypore, Similiguda, Bhadrak, Balasore

and some coastal areas in Odisha. Many cases were registered against his company at various police stations in Odisha.

Not only cases in Odisha, CBI has filed at least four FIRs against Malla Vijay Prasad in Jharkhand. CBI has registered cases against Vijay Prasad under the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Scheme Act 1978, The RBI Act 1934, SEBI Act 1992, The Company Act 1956, Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002.

The Welfare Group is popular among the lower and lower middle class families across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand for its money collection schemes offering high interest in return.

VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

vijayawada 04

AP urges Centre to expedite

Minister reels out efforts

Bengaluru-Vja expressway

to develop livestock in AP

PNS n GUNTUR

PNS n NEW DELHI

Andhra Pradesh Roads and Buildings Minister Shankara Narayan on Tuesday urged the Centre to expedite construction work of the Greenfield express road between Bengaluru and Vijayawada.

In a meeting with Union Road Transport and Highways Secretary Giridhar Aramane, Shankara Narayan discussed ongoing national highway works in the State, new roads to be sanctioned, funds to be provided by the Central government, among other issues.

After the meeting, the Minister told reporters here that he requested the Central government to expedite the construction work of the Greenfield express road between Bengaluru and Vijayawada to improve the connectivity.

Project reports related to the work should be prepared soon, he added.

He also said projects like Visakhapatnam Beach Road and port connectivity roads, Vijayawada Eastern Bypass works and Benz Circle project in Vijayawada should be completed expeditiously.

A representational image of the Vijayawada-Bengaluru Expressway.

The Andhra Pradesh government has also urged the Centre to declare 10 state roads, including the connection road from H-69 to NH-44

and NH-342, as national highways.

State Principal Secretary for Roads and Buildings M T Krishnababu, and Members

of Parliament Midhun Reddy, Lau Krishnadevarayalu and Magunta Srinivasa Reddy, along with other officials were also present in the meeting.

Official sacked

for shifting

Ganesh idols in

garbage vehicle

PNS n GUNTUR

Municipal Commissioner Challa Anuradha sacked a sanitary supervisor who shifted Ganesh idols in a garbage tractor here on Tuesday.

The news went viral on social media and the sanitary supervisor's act drew flak from various Hindu outfits and the BJP. The Municipal Commissioner in a statement here said that the ID Hospital authorities objected to the sale of Ganesh idols in front of their hospital building. They complained to the sanitary supervisor about the issue.

The supervisor shifted the Ganesh idols in a tractor used to transport garbage. "The sanitary supervisor was working as an outsourcing employee in the Guntur Municipal Corporation. He was sacked for his act. The Deputy Commissioner was directed to conduct an inquiry into the incident and submit a report," the Commissioner said.

SHORT TAKES

Steps apace to stop rainwater from entering GGH wards

`Baby shower' for woman cop

GUNTUR: In a touching gesture, the police have shown their affection and generosity by holding 'Seemantham' to a pregnant woman constable attached to the Gurazala police station on Tuesday. The Gurazala One Town police held `Seemantham' to lady constable

PNS n KAKINADA

Joint Collector Kirthi Chekuri has said that all steps are being taken to ensure that rainwater does not enter the wards in the Government General Hospital at Kakinada.

Rainwater entered the OP, Medical, Surgical and other wards on Monday after heavy rain, causing untold hardships to the patients and their attendants in the GGH. The attendants of patients themselves drained out the rainwater from their wards.

Joint Collector Kirthi Chekuri and Municipal

Commissioner Swapnil Dinakar visited the GGH here on Tuesday. They inspected all the wards and the hospital premises. They also spoke to the GGH Superintendent and other medical officers about the reasons for rai water entering the wards.

Talking to the media, the Joint Collector said that steps were taken to ensure that rainwater does not enter the wards. All the blocks were closed and drains and outlets were cleaned. The JC said that the municipal sanitary and MSIDC staff were directed to take all steps to stop rainwater

from entering the wards again. Municipal Commissioner

Swapnil Dinakar said that some wards in the Government hospital were located at a place whose level is lower than that of the road which caused rainwater gushing into the wards.

The Commissioner said that a plan would be formulated in three days to start work in this regard.

RMO Dr Giridhar, Municipal Superintending Engineer Satyanarayana Raju and Executive Engineer Satya Kumari accompanied the officials.

Animal Husbandry Minister Seediri Appala Raju on Tuesday inaugurated a livestock research centre under the Mission Punganur programme, along with the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU) scientists at Lam Farm.

The minister explained the efforts being made by the State government for the development of livestock and dairy development. The minister lauded the efforts of the scientists of Mission Punganur.

"The government has allocated Rs 65 crore to protect the Ongole breed bull and Punganur breed cattle," he said.

Later, the minister inspected the livestock research centre, released a brochure and planted saplings to mark the occasion.

Later, the Minister held a review meeting with the officials in which Home Minister Mekathoti Sucharita and MLAs Undavalli Sridevi and Sk. Mustafa were present.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the milk collection centres were being increased in all villages and Rs 5 to Rs 10 is being paid additionally for 1 litre milk at the procurement centres.

"The State government has

reached an agreement with the Amul Dairy only to help the farmers and not to damage the prospects of other dairies. The veterinary hospitals are being modernised under the NaduNedu programme. The dairy production will play a key role in the progress of State government," the Minister said.

Appala Raju said that one veterinary doctor was appointed per 1,000 animals by the government.

Step up raids on illegal liquor sale: Addl SP

PNS n GUNTUR

Additional Superintendent of Police and Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) Joint Director Bindu Madhav has directed the police officials to intensify the raids on the illegal liquor and gambling dens.

The Additional SP held a review meeting with the officials here on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, he directed the officials to conduct extensive raids to check illegal liquor sales, gambling, illegal extraction, and transport of sand in the district.

He asked them to take stringent action against the perpetrators, whoever they are, and register cases against them.

Bindu Madhav asked them to keep a strict vigil on the illicit liquor brewing units and transportation of illegal liquor and take tough action to check them.

The Additional SP directed the officials to implement the

non-bailable warrants to such a manner that the offenders should fear committing crimes once again.

"Take steps to ensure that punishments are given to the offenders. "Deal with an iron hand, the import of liquor from Telangana, Goa and Karnataka states," the Additional SP directed the officials.

SEB and Excise officials were present at the meeting.

Covid death toll up by 10 in the State

PNS n VIJAYAWAD

Andhra Pradesh reported 1,178 fresh cases of coronavirus, 1,266 recoveries and 10 deaths in 24 hours ending 9 am on Tuesday. The total Covid-19 positives in the state now increased to 20,32,242, the latest bulletin said.

The number of active cases stood at 14,452 after a total of 19,94,855 recoveries and 13,935 deaths, the bulletin added.

Chittoor reported 204 fresh cases, SPS Nellore 177, Krishna 151, Guntur 135, West Godavari 124 and Prakasam 118 in 24 hours.

The remaining seven districts added less than 100 new cases each, with Vizianagaram registering only nine.

Krishna, SPS Nellore and Prakasam districts reported two fresh Covid-19 deaths while Chittoor, East Godavari, Visakhapatnam and West Godavari had one each in a day.

Bangaramma who is pregnant. On the directions of CI Surendra

Babu, the Gurazala police personnel held the `Seemantham' to the pregnant constable. Moved with the affection of her colleagues, the woman constable thanked the CI and her colleagues.

TTD darshan tokens from today

TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is considering the issue of Slotted Sarva Darshan Tickets (SSDT) on a trial basis from September 8 onwards with a quota of 2,000 tickets per day. The issuance of tickets in counters would begin from 6 am onwards. TTD in a release here on Tuesday said that these SSDT tokens would be issued for Chittoor district residents initially at the Bhudevi complex near Alipiri. TTD has appealed to devotees to cooperate and observe all Covid guidelines while taking tokens

SV Zoo to adopt animals, birds

TIRUPATI: The animal lovers can adopt birds, reptiles, and cats of their choice under the new scheme launched by the famous Sri Venkateswara Zoo here. Disclosing this at a press conference here on Tuesday Zoo Curator M Hema Shailaja said the zoo authorities had launched the adoption scheme for birds, reptiles, cats, or even aqua varieties of aqua life. The names of Donors of above Rs.25,000 would be scripted at the enclosures, the curator said. Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, the biggest in Asia, spread over 1247 hectares of Seshachala forests comprising over 10,087 animal wealth, the curator informed. The curator appealed to all animal lovers to opt even online for adopting animals or birds of their choice. Adoption Scheme Account Details: The Curator, SV ZOO PARK, Tirupati, Canara Bank, Main Branch, Tirupati, A/C No.31712210040128, IFSC Code:

Plant saplings, Mayor tells people

PNS n ONGOLE

Mayor G Sujatha has called upon the people to plant saplings and reduce the use of plastic objects to check air pollution. On the occasion of the `International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies', on Tuesday, the Mayor flagged off an awareness rally in the city.

Speaking on the occasion, she emphasised upon the need

for planting saplings and nur-

turing them to check air pol-

lution. She appealed to the

people to minimise the use of

plastic material.

Deputy Mayor V V

Suryanarayana, Municipal

Commissioner

K

Bhagyalakshmi, Assistant

Commissioner Srinivas and

Environment Engineer

Nagireddy were among those

present.

More legal hurdles for retired judge Kanagaraj

SENSITISATION INITIATIVE

Cops drove 2 TDP workers to suicide bid: Dhulipalla

PNS n ONGOLE

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) senior leader and former MLA Dhulipalla Narendra Kumar alleged that the harassment by the police has driven two TDP activists to attempt suicide.

The TDP leader called on the two TDP activists, Pallapotu Srikanth and M Rataiah, who allegedly attempted suicide unable to bear the harassment of the police and undergoing treatment in a private hospital, in Kandukur on Tuesday.

He asked the TDP activists not to be disheartened and be brave. He interacted with them and enquired about the reasons for taking the extreme step. He assured the activists to extend all help.

Later, talking to the media, he alleged that disenchantment with the YSRCP government was growing among people. Unable to bear the police harassment, the two TDP activists attempted suicide at Mogalicherla

Village in Kandukur constituency, he said.

CNRB0013171. Curator mobile: 94408 10066 for more details.

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

Blood donation camp held

TIRUPATI: The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) Chittoor district region and Indian Red Cross Society organised a blood donation camp at Alipiri RTC depot here on Tuesday as part of the road safety week. APSRTC Chittoor Regional Manager (RM) T Changal Reddy inaugurated the blood donation. Speaking on the occasion, he said such programs were organised to spread awareness among the RTC workers to save lives. The RTC workers of Alipiri, Tirupati and Mangalam, Srikalahasti, Pileru Depots participated in the blood donation camp. APSRTC Deputy Traffic Manager T Madhusudan, Indian Red Cross Society treasurer Gala Sudarshan Rao, and among others participated in the programme.

Mumbai man's charge against TBZ

MUMBAI: A cheating case has been registered by the police in Mumbai against well-known jewellery retail chain TBZ on the complaint of a city-based jeweller over alleged dues of Rs 6.57 crore, an official said on Tuesday. The FIR was lodged against two directors of the firm last week on the complaint of jeweller Harsh Susaniya, who has told the police he had done work worth Rs 6.57 crore for the retail chain but was never paid, the official informed. No arrest has been made in the case, lodged at the Mulund police station in suburban Mumbai, and a probe is underway, he added.

`Defer Kerala visit plans'

BENGALURU: ln view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in Kerala, Karnataka government on Tuesday advised public to defer their plans to visit the neighbouring state till the end of October, if there is no emergency or urgency, with a view to avoid third wave of COVID19 and in larger interest of public health. The government in an advisory has also advised all administrators or principals of the educational, nursing, paramedical institutions to instruct their wards who have not yet returned to Karnataka from Kerala, to defer or postpone their return till the end of October.

Madras High Court retired

judge Justice V Kanagaraj,

who was appointed chair-

man of the Andhra Pradesh

State Police Complaints

Authority by the

Jaganmohan Reddy gov-

ernment is facing another

legal hassle.

Now, P Kishore, an advo-

cate from Amaravati, has

challenged

Justice

Kanagaraj's appointment in

the AP High Court on tech-

nical grounds. Kishore filed

a petition to this effect on

Tuesday and the case is

expected to come up for

hearing on Thursday.

Kishore argued that the

appointment of Justice

Kanagaraj as the AP Police

Complaints Authority

chairman was against a

Supreme Court order in

another case. Describing

Justice Kanagaraj's appoint-

ment as illegal, arbitrary

and mala fide exercise of

power by the State govern-

ment, the petitioner

appealed to the court to

issue an appropriate order

cancelling his appointment.

Justice Kanagaraj was

given the new post after the

High Court struck down his

appointment as State

Election Commissioner.

The Polam Badi programme was organised by East Godavari district Agriculture officials in a paddy field near Kakinada on Tuesday to sensitise the farmers on the use of modern techniques in farming.

Prakasam collector interacts with students

PNS n ONGOLE

Prakasam District Collector

Pravin Kumar has directed

the school teachers to conduct

additional classes for

Mathematics and Science sub-

jects to the students and

explore the innate talent in

them.

The Collector inspected the

ZP Boys High School at

Markapur, the 15th ward sec-

retariat

and

Ramachandrapuram village secretariat on Tuesday.

He interacted with the 10th class students at the ZP High School and enquired about the activity of the students during lockdown. He asked the students why they did not put on uniforms and shoes, given to them by the government.

The Collector inspected the `pulihora', `sambar', boiled eggs and `chikki' which were provided as part of the midday

meal. He expressed dissatisfaction at the poor maintenance of the kitchen.

The teachers told the Collector that the high school was established in 1940 and now it has a strength of 1,240 students.

The Collector asked the students to wear uniforms every day. He asked the students and the teachers to follow physical distance, wear masks and use sanitisers to wash their hands.

VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

nation 05

INDOIRANER Gadchiroli HbClarsetsaecrcvuesseodr'dseprleoan aying the fundamental right to protection of life and liberty guaranteed by Article 21 of C Sthe constitution applied to everyone, including prisoners, the Bombay High Court on

Tuesday said it will consider alleged Maoist leader Nirmala Uppuganti's plea seeking transfer from prison to a hospice "from all angles" permissible under the law. A bench of Justices SS Shinde and NJ Jamadar reserved its order on Uppuganti's plea seeking such transfer. An accused in the 2019 Gadchiroli IED blast case, Uppuganti had filed a plea in

the HC earlier this month seeking that she be shifted from the Byculla women's prison to a hospice as she is terminally ill with cancer. At least 15 security personnel of the Gadchiroli Quick Response Team and one civilian were killed in an IED explosion triggered by Naxals in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on May 1, 2019. In her plea filed through senior counsel Yug Chaudhry and advocate Payoshi Roy, Uppuganti asked to be shifted to a hospice for palliative care so that she will be "properly taken care of during her final days". On Tuesday, Roy told the bench that Uppuganti's had metastatic cancer that had spread to her lungs and other organs.

ICMR should look into complaints against private labs, suggests HC

The Delhi High Court Tuesday said the ICMR should look into the complaints received against private pathology laboratories and revoke licences in case of breach of conditions. It is the ICMR which gives licences to the labs and it cannot be sitting in ivory towers, the high court said. "You have to look into it. You give licences to them. The whole year has gone by. The whole nation is suffering. The whole NCR is suffering," Justice Najmi Waziri said. The high court was hearing a plea seeking contempt action against the authorities for not adhering to

the Delhi High Court's earlier direction to take action against online health service aggregators which are operating illegally and collecting samples for COVID19 tests. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that monitoring of the activities of online health service aggregators does not come under its purview. Advocate Shashank Deo Sudhi, representing petitioner Dr Rohit Jain, argued that common people are dying and the ICMR is setting guidelines but says that the issue does not pertain to the research body.

Over Rs 1.64 crore seized from drug peddler's kin in J&K's Rajouri

Over Rs 1.64 crore was recovered during a joint search operation by the police and the Army in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, a senior police officer said. Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajouri, Sheema Nabi Qasba said the recovery was made from two bags belonging to local resident Manzoor Ahmad in Saryah village. "A case under various sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act has been lodged in police station Nowshera in connection with the recovery and efforts are on to arrest Ahmad for further

investigation," Qasba told reporters. She said the joint operation was carried out on credible inputs and the money kept in the two bags amounting to Rs 1,64,70,600 was seized in the presence of a magistrate. Ahmad is a relative of drug peddler Sikandar who was recently arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act by a joint team of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir Police from Nangal in Punjab. On September 4, Rs 29.5 lakh was recovered from the house of Sikandar by a joint team of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir police from his village Saryah in Nowshera sector.

Mehbooba questions claim of normalcy, under house arrest

PNS n SRINAGAR

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti was put under house detention on Tuesday and she claimed that the decision of Jammu and Kashmir authorities to restrain her movement had "exposed the government's claims of normalcy".

She also hit out at the Centre alleging that while the government was expressing concern for the rights of the people in Afghanistan, the same were being denied to Kashmiris.

"I've been placed under house arrest today because according to admin (administration) the situation is far from normal in Kashmir. This exposes their fake claims of normalcy," Mehbooba, who is the last chief minister of the erstwhile state, tweeted.

"GOI expresses concern for the rights of Afghan people but wilfully denies the same to Kashmiris," she added. Mehbooba posted pictures of a security forces' vehicle blocking the main gate of her Gupkar residence.

According to officials, Mehbooba had expressed a desire to attend a family function in South Kashmir's highly volatile Kulgam district.

The authorities persuaded her not to go for the function as some anti-nationals were still trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the val-

ley following the death of proPakistan separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Mehbooba has been vocal since his death and on Monday she accused the administration of turning the valley into "an open air prison" where "the dead aren't spared".

"A family isn't allowed to mourn and bid a final farewell as per their wishes. Booking Geelani sahab's family under UAPA shows GOI's deep-rooted paranoia and ruthlessness. This is New India's Naya Kashmir," she tweeted.

However, hours later, the

Jammu and Kashmir Police released videos of the funeral of Geelani, who died on September 1 at his home after a prolonged illness. He was 91.

A statement was also released by the police clocking events after his death saying that its officers were made to wait for three hours at the separatist's home when they went there for his burial.

Refuting rumours allegedly being floated from across the border, the Jammu and Kashmir Police also released four videos

through its Twitter handle to show that Geelani was laid to rest as per rituals in the intervening night of September 1 and 2.

"After the death of SAS Geelani, IGP Kashmir Shri Vijay Kumar met both of his sons at their residence at 11 pm, condoled them and requested for burial in the night for the larger interest of the general public due to potential major L&O (law and order) situations. Both agreed and asked to wait for two hours until relatives reached," the police said on its Twitter handle.

At Shikshak Parv, Modi launches key education sector initiatives

PNS n NEW DELHI

The teaching-learning process has to be constantly redefined and redesigned to make the education sector in the country world-class, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday.

Noting that the transformations being undertaken in the education sector are not just policy-based but also participation-based, the prime minister launched several initiatives in the education sector which, he said, will play an important role in shaping India's future.

Addressing the inaugural conclave of 'Shikshak Parv' through video-conferencing, he expressed confidence that these measures will not only make our education system globally competitive but also make the youth future-ready.

"We have to constantly redefine and redesign our teachinglearning process in order to make our education sector world-class. In this rapidly changing era, our teachers also have to learn about new systems and techniques rapidly. The country is preparing its teachers for these changes," he said in his address.

"If we are in the midst of a transformation period, fortunately, we also have modern and futuristic new National Education Policy. These transformations in the education sector

are not just policy-based but also participation-based," he added.

Prime Minister Modi praised the contribution of academicians, experts and teachers at every stage in the formulation of the National Education Policy and its implementation. He urged everyone to take this participation to a new level and also to involve society in it.

"During COVID, we have all witnessed capabilities of our education sector. There were a lot of challenges, but you solved all challenges swiftly. Online classes, group video calls, online exams - such terms weren't heard by many earlier," he added.

Modi launched the Indian Sign Language Dictionary (audio and text embedded sign language video for the hearing impaired, in conformity with Universal Design of Learning)and Talking Books (audio books for the visually impaired).

DU asked to reinstate texts by Mahasweta Devi, Bama

PNS n NEW DELHI

Over 1,100 academicians, writers and civil society members have written to Delhi University's acting vice-chancellor, urging him to reinstate the works of Mahasweta Devi, Bama and Sukirtharani in the English (Honours) syllabus. The petition came a few days after the teachers of English in the university made the same plea and accused the Oversight Committee of making a "complete mockery of all democratic and due processes" while drafting the syllabus. The petition has been signed by the likes of writers Arundhati Roy and Vikram Chandra, actors Sharmila Tagore and Shabana Azmi, filmmaker and writer Adoor Gopalakrishnan and filmmaker Anand Patwardhan. "The exclusion of Bama and

Sukirtharani is a blatantly casteist act as it discriminates against contemporary Dalit women authors in a core paper on women's writing, Surely, to delete, without any justification, two living Dalit women authors is a rare example of political disregard, omission and marginalisation of existing living writings... "Both Bama and Sukirtharani are contemporary Tamil writers, is it not important to teach and know, in a central university located in Delhi, the regional diversity of India," the petition questioned. Mahashweta Devi's short story Draupadi, which has been dropped from the syllabus, revolves around a Dalit woman who is picked up by the police on the accusation of being a Naxal and is then raped.

ED's actions against Maha leaders bid to subdue govt: Pawar

PNS n PUNE

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday claimed the Enforcement Directorate's actions against various Maharashtra leaders were an attempt to encroach on the state government's rights and discourage political opponents.

Notably, the ED is conducting a probe into separate money laundering cases against former state home minister and Anil Deshmukh, NCP leader Eknath Khadse. The central agency last week also conducted raids at multiple premises in Maharashtra linked to Shiv Sena MP Bhavana Gawali in connection with a money laundering case.

The NCP shares power with the Shiv Sena and Congress in Maharashtra.

Talking to reporters here, Pawar said, "Never heard of so many ED's actions in

Maharashtra in the past. One action is going on against Khadse, another against Anil Deshmukh, also against Bhawna Gawali. There is an attempt to encroach upon the state government's rights case and discourage the opponents by using these agencies as tools."

To a question on the ED's raids at premises linked to Bhavana

Gawali, Pawar said the issue is about educational institutions. "When there are allegations against these kind of institutions, the complaints can be lodged before the charity commis-

sioner. If not the charity commissioner, then there are state government agencies, but here directly the ED was involved," the former Union minister said. Asked about the possibility of a third COVID-19 wave, Pawar said, "I have seen many events happening where the (COVID19 prevention) protocols are not being followed."

IAS officer booked for Whatsapp text

PNS n KOCHI

Kerala police on Tuesday registered a case against IAS officer N Prasanth for allegedly insulting the modesty of a woman journalist by sending her inappropriate stickers over WhatsApp while she reached out to him for an official reaction.

Police told PTI that a case has been registered in the incident, which happened in February this year after obtain-

ing legal advice on the issue.

"We have registered a case under Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code," police said.

The section deals with the offence of insulting the modesty of any woman, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such a word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be

seen, by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman. Prasanth, the Managing Director of Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation

(KSINC), was caught in a political controversy early this year after the corporation signed an MoU with a US firm on deep sea trawling.

The reporter from a vernacular daily texted Prasanth introducing himself and sought a

reply on the controversy. In the screenshots of the WhatsApp messages that were circulated, the journalist could be seen asking whether it was a good time to talk regarding a news story.

To this Prasanth replied with just a sticker. When she replied saying the story was not to harm him, and asked him to give a statement regarding the controversy, he replied with an inappropriate and obscene sticker.

NCB nabs Nigerian, three others in drug raids in Mumbai, Goa

MUMBAI: The NCB has arrested a Nigerian national and three other drug traffickers in different operations in Mumbai and Goa, and seized a huge stock of heroin, cocaine among other narcotic substances, an official said on Tuesday. Based on a tip-off, the Mumbai unit of the NCB on Monday raided the house of Mohammed Nasir Saifur Rehman Khan at Byculla and recovered 27 kg of Codeine syrup, and arrested the accused and his aide Mohammed Salman Shaikh, the official said. Following this, the NCB raided the house of one Ajay Nagraj at Mazagaon and recovered 7.5 kg of Codeine syrup, 105 gm of heroin, 400 gm (700 tablets) of Nitrazepam and 250 gm of ganja, he said. In another operation, the NCB team conducted a raid at Foreign Post Office at Ballard Estate in south Mumbai and seized a 60 gm of multi-strain buds (cannabis) on Monday, the official said. The buds were concealed in a box of chocolates, which had originated from Canada, he said, adding that the multi-strain buds are worth over Rs 5,000 per gm in the illicit market. Meanwhile, the NCB's Goa team nabbed David Chibuike Chisom alias Eze Chukwebuka Joshua, the official said.

UP: 5 killed in truck-car collision on Meerut Expressway

GHAZIABAD: Five people, including two minors, were killed in a head on collision between a truck and a car on the Meerut Expressway under Masuri Police Station area here, police said on Tuesday. The accident occurred near Bhojpur town at around 9.30 pm on Monday when the truck, being driven on the wrong side of the road, collided with the car in which seven people were travelling, they said. All seven passengers, who were on their way to Ghaziabad from Haridwar, sustained serious injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital in Ghaziabad, they said. Ashish (33), his wife Shilpi (30), and son Dev (1), residents of Azad Nagar of Aalam Bagh, Lucknow, alng with Sonu (35) and his daughter Pari alias Kavya (11) ? hailing from Ratroi village in Aligarh -succumbed to injuries, police said. Nidhi (28), wife of Sonu, and Shivi (4), daughter of Ashish and Shilpi, are undergoing treatment, Superintendent of Police (Rural) Iraj Raja said. Truck driver Bablu was arrested and the vehicle impounded. An FIR under appropriate sections of the IPC has been registered, police said

37 pc students in rural areas, 19 pc in urban not studying at all

PNS n NEW DELHI

There have been "catastrophic consequences" of the prolonged school closure in the country due to COVID-19, with over 37 per cent of students in rural areas not studying at all and 48 per cent not being able to read more than a few words, a recent survey has claimed.

The School Children's Online and Offline Learning (SCHOOL) survey, titled "Locked Out: Emergency Report on School Education", involving nearly 1,400 students from underprivileged households was conducted in August in 15 states and union territories. It was released on Monday.

"The picture that emerges from

this survey is absolutely dismal. In rural areas, only 28 per cent of children were studying regularly at the time of the survey, and 37 per cent were not studying at all. The results of a simple reading test are particularly alarming: nearly half of all children in the sample were unable to read more than a few words," it said.

The corresponding figures for students studying regularly, not studying at all, and unable to read more than a few words in urban areas were 47 per cent, 19 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively, the survey claimed.

The main findings of the SCHOOL survey are focused on the relatively deprived hamlets where children generally attend government schools.

Schools and other educational institutions across the country have been closed for over a year and a half since the onset of the

pandemic. Following a marked improvement in the COVID-19 situation, several states are reopening the schools in a phased man-

ner from September. As per the report, the propor-

tion of children who were studying online regularly was just 24 per cent and eight per cent in urban and rural areas, respectively.

Lack of money, poor connectivity, or no access to smartphones were some of the reasons behind the "very limited" reach of online education among sampled students, the survey noted.

"One reason for this is that many sample households (about half in rural areas) have no smartphone. But that is just the first hurdle: Even among households with a smartphone, the proportion of children who are studying online regularly is just 31 per cent in urban areas and 15 per cent in rural areas. Smartphones are often

used by working adults, and may or may not be available to school children, especially the younger siblings (only nine per cent of all SCHOOL survey children had their own smartphones)," it explained.

Even among the underprivileged households, the figures were "much worse" for Dalit and Adivasi families than for others, be it for online education, regular study, or reading abilities, claimed the survey.

For instance, only "four per cent" of rural SC/ST children were studying online regularly, in comparison to 15 per cent among other rural children. Barely half of them were able to read more than a few letters in the reading test, the survey added.

IIT-Jodhpur initiative

to conserve, restore

Thar desert

PNS n NEW DELHI

The Indian Institute of

Technology (IIT), Jodhpur has

launched a unique initiative to

conserve and restore the Thar

desert, its minerals, medicines,

flora and fauna by carrying out

ecosystem phenomics through

transdisciplinary framework of

medical, engineering, environ-

mental and life sciences.

The initiative called Desert

Ecosystem Sciences Guided by

Nature and Selection (DESIGNS)

was launched under the aegis of

the Jodhpur City Knowledge

and Innovation Cluster.

According to officials, Thar is

a hot desert, unique to the Indian

subcontinent and is characterised

by high maximum temperature

with large diurnal variations,

scanty rainfall, extreme aridity,

and intense UV radiations.

This has been one of the

largest natural laboratories for

evolving innovative 'designs' that

ensures adaptation and survival

of its constituent species, their

interdependencies and the con-

servation of the entire ecosystem.

"The impact of loss of natural

deserts is immense as these habi-

tats are rich in flora and fauna as

well as minerals and medicines

that nurture and maintain differ-

ent life forms on earth. Often

considered as wastelands, deserts

are crucial for stabilisation of cli-

mate.

"Any shift

in climate change or anthro-

pogenic activity can lead to mal-

adaptations for organisms who

live at the ebb of physiological

extremes, loss of diversity through extirpations and ultimately an ecosystem collapse. This threatens the lives and livelihood of the native inhabitants," said Mitali Mukerji, professor and head, Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering.

Under this initiative, the researchers will use IOT enabled devices and Big Data analytics framework to crowd source observations from the local ecosystem to the regional level keeping the cultural context and traditional medicine knowledge in perspective.

Researchers would also integrate computer vision and machine learning along with domain knowledge to infer links between environment, phenotype and genotype at geo-spatio temporal scales and identify signatures of Thar DESIGNS for early actionable intervention strategies.

"This knowledge generation will result in providing a 'Desert Ecosystem Knowledge Grid' that could foster the cycle of engineering- research-development-commercialisation.

"This data grid will be helpful in finding solutions for management of diseases common and endemic to desert regions, novel bioprospecting opportunities and innovative bio-inspired engineering designs. It could also help evolve unique strategies for ecological conservation and restoration that ensures sustained livelihood for its inhabitants," Mukerji said.

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download