Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the state government will soon distribute 100-yard plots to 2 lakh eligible landless applicants under the CM Rural Housing Scheme. This is the first phase of the scheme, with plans to distribute plots to all eligible beneficiaries in subsequent phases. The CM also announced the release of Rs 2,100 to women, fulfilling an election promise. Saini emphasized the government’s commitment to development, highlighting the renovation and repair of roads across the state and the implementation of a new system to expedite development projects. He also criticized the opposition, accusing them of making false promises about government jobs and highlighting the Punjab government’s failure to procure farmers’ crops. Saini’s visit to his Ladwa constituency included attending thanksgiving events, announcing grants for villages, and launching new bus services.
08.11.2024
Senior BJP Leader Appointed as Chairman of Gujarat’s Fourth State Finance Commission
Yamal Vyas, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat, has been appointed as the chairman of the state’s fourth State Finance Commission (SFC). Vyas, a chartered accountant and company secretary, previously served as a member of the third SFC and as an independent director for several state-owned companies. His appointment comes with the responsibility of recommending the distribution of state taxes between the state government and local bodies, including gram panchayats, taluka panchayats, district panchayats, municipalities, and municipal corporations. The SFC will also analyze the income generation models of these local bodies and propose measures to enhance their financial standing. Following his appointment to this constitutional post, Vyas has stepped down from his position as chief spokesperson for the Gujarat BJP.
Gujarat Unveils Rs 3,000 Crore Plan to Combat Air Pollution in Major Cities
Gujarat is facing a significant air pollution challenge in its major cities, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot. To address this, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) and the state government have proposed a comprehensive “Clean Air Action Plan” with over Rs 3,000 crore in funding. The plan identifies industrial activities and vehicle use as key contributors to pollution and aims to mitigate these through various measures. These include research and implementation of a net zero transport plan, pilot projects in mid-sized cities, and a focus on sustainable urban mobility. The state government has already received significant funding from the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and has utilized additional funds from state and central schemes to implement air quality improvement initiatives. This multi-pronged approach aims to reduce air pollution, improve public health, and promote sustainable development in Gujarat’s major urban centers.
Gujarat’s 2025 Asiatic Lion Census: A Blend of Tradition and Technology
The upcoming Poornima Avaloka, Gujarat’s official Asiatic lion census, scheduled for the second week of May 2025, will utilize a combination of traditional and modern methods. While the forest department will rely on the tried-and-tested beat count method for the final population estimate, they plan to incorporate technology for data collection and analysis. This census will cover an expanded area of 35,000 square kilometers, encompassing 13 administrative forest divisions across Saurashtra. The department will deploy 1,500-2,000 field personnel to collect detailed data, including individual identification marks, GPS locations, and digital imagery, which will be integrated into the e-gujforest system. The census methodology has evolved over time, with the current beat count method being praised for its cost-effectiveness and adaptability to new technologies. The 2025 census aims to build upon the success of the 2020 count, which revealed a significant increase in the lion population.
Gujarat’s New Policy Prioritizes Wastewater Recycling for Sustainable Water Management
The Gujarat government is developing a new policy focused on wastewater recycling and reuse to address the growing pressure on drinking water resources. This policy will mandate industries and commercial entities to utilize treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes, offering incentives for such practices. The policy aims to create a legal framework for mandatory wastewater recycling, particularly for water-intensive industries like chemical, chip-making, and textile sectors. This initiative is driven by concerns about water scarcity, which the World Bank predicts could reduce India’s GDP by 6% by 2050. The policy aligns with the NITI Aayog’s Comprehensive Water Management Index, which emphasizes the importance of wastewater reuse and recycling. By promoting sustainable water management, the government aims to improve public health, support agriculture, and bolster economic stability.
Goa Tourism Department Apologizes for Dolphin Poster Error
Goa’s tourism department has acknowledged and apologized for an error in its promotional posters for the World Travel Mart in London, which featured a bottlenose dolphin instead of the local Indian Ocean humpback dolphin. The department initially claimed the dolphin was a symbolic representation of Goa’s marine life, but after criticism from ecologists and community members, they admitted the oversight and pledged to ensure accuracy in future promotional materials. They expressed gratitude for the feedback and stated their commitment to accurately representing Goa’s natural heritage.
Vice President Dhankhar Lauds Chhattisgarh’s Contributions at State Foundation Day Celebration
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar visited Raipur to attend the closing ceremony of Chhattisgarh’s State Foundation Day celebration. He was warmly welcomed by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and served as the chief guest at the “Rajya Alankaran Samaroh,” where individuals and institutions were honored for their contributions to society. Dhankhar congratulated the honorees, emphasizing the significance of Chhattisgarh’s natural resources, particularly its iron ore and coal, which are vital for India’s industrial growth. He stressed the interconnectedness of the state’s development with the nation’s progress, urging everyone to consider state interests from a national perspective. The three-day celebration, which began on November 4th, included a grand inauguration by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and a foundation day exhibition showcasing government departments and cultural events.
Bihar Kokila Sharda Sinha Laid to Rest with State Honors
Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, known for her soulful Chhath and folk songs, passed away at the age of 72 on Tuesday night. She was cremated with full state honors in Patna on Thursday, with hundreds of fans and admirers gathering to bid farewell. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid his respects, and her son, Anshuman Sinha, performed the last rites. Sinha, fondly known as “Bihar Kokila,” was celebrated for her unique blend of classical and folk elements in her renditions, particularly of Chhath and wedding songs. Her passing on the first day of Chhath, a significant festival in Bihar, has deeply resonated with fans. Her musical legacy extends beyond Bihar, reaching parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, and she even graced the soundtrack of the 1990 Bollywood blockbuster “Maine Pyar Kiya” with her rendition of “Kahe tose sajna.”
Uttar Pradesh Extends Ecotourism Season to Boost Tourism and Local Employment
The Uttar Pradesh government is extending the ecotourism season by at least a month to boost tourism and create more employment opportunities for locals. The move comes as the state witnesses a significant increase in tourist numbers at its tiger reserves and national parks. The ecotourism season in Uttar Pradesh typically starts on November 15th, but this year it was opened earlier on November 6th. The government also extended the season’s closure from June 15th to June 25th. The state is focusing on developing Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary to the same standard as Dudhwa and Pilibhit Tiger Reserves, aiming to attract even more tourists. Despite no increase in entry fees for several years, the state has seen a substantial rise in revenue due to the growing number of visitors. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve saw a 54% increase in tourist numbers from 2022-23 to 2023-24, while Pilibhit Tiger Reserve witnessed a near-doubling of visitors during the same period. The increase in tourist numbers at other reserves like Amangarh and Ranipur further highlights the growing popularity of ecotourism in Uttar Pradesh.
National Integration Tour Inspires Arunachal Students
Twenty students from Saint Xavier School in Arunachal Pradesh are embarking on a 10-day national integration tour to Delhi and Chandigarh, organized by the Gajraj Corps under Operation Sadbhavana. The tour aims to broaden the students’ worldview by showcasing India’s rich heritage, achievements, and cultural diversity. Through visits to iconic landmarks, interactions with leaders, and explorations of India’s cultural tapestry, the students will gain firsthand insight into the nation’s growth story, connecting with its past and present. The tour emphasizes instilling national pride, fostering lifelong connections, and shaping future leaders, encouraging the students to embrace their heritage and pursue their aspirations with renewed vigor.