• 10 Jul 2023

PM flags off 2 Vande Bharat Trains from Gorakhpur Railway Station

Why in News?

On July 7, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off 2 Vande Bharat Express trains - Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express and Jodhpur-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati) Vande Bharat Express from Gorakhpur Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

• The Prime Minister was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Smt Anandiben Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan.
• The Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express will pass through Ayodhya, which will boost Tourism and improve rail-transport connectivity to important cities of the state.
• The Jodhpur-Sabarmati Vande Bharat Express will expand rail-transport connectivity to popular destinations like Jodhpur, Abu Road and Ahmedabad while boosting the socio-economic development of the region.
• The foundation stone for the redevelopment of Gorakhpur railway station at a cost of about Rs 498 crore has also been laid. After being redeveloped, passengers at Gorakhpur railway station will get world-class facilities.

PM Inaugurates and lays foundation stones of several Development Projects in Varanasi

Why in News?

On July 7, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth over Rs 12,100 crore in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

• The Prime Minister dedicated the Dedicated Freight Corridor to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Junction-Sone Nagar Railway Line. The new line, built at a cost of over Rs 6760 crore, will facilitate faster and more efficient movement of goods.
• He also dedicated to the nation three railway lines, which have been electrified or doubled at a cost of over Rs 990 crore. These include Ghazipur city-Aunrihar rail line, Aunrihar-Jaunpur rail line and Bhatni-Aunrihar rail line. These projects have helped in achieving 100% electrification of railway lines in Uttar Pradesh.
• The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the four-lane widening of the Varanasi-Jaunpur section of NH-56, completed at a cost of Rs 2,750 crore, making the journey from Varanasi to Lucknow easier and faster.
• The projects for which the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone include three two-lane Rail Over Bridges (ROBs) near Chaukhandi, Kadipur and Harduttpur railway stations; Vyasnagar - Pt. Construction of Deendayal Upadhyay Junction Rail Flyover; And construction and renovation of 15 PWD roads. These projects will be developed at a total cost of about Rs 780 crore.
• The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for 192 rural drinking water schemes to be built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission. This will provide pure drinking water to 7 lakh people in 192 villages.
• The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the redesign and redevelopment of Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats. The redeveloped ghats will have provisions for public amenities, waiting areas, timber storage, waste disposal and eco-friendly cremation.
• Other projects for which foundation stones were laid include the construction of a floating changing room jetty on six religiously important bathing ghats on river Ganga in Varanasi on the lines of the floating changing room jetty of Dashashwamedh Ghat and students' hostel at CIPET campus Karsara.
• During the event, the Prime Minister also distributed PM SVANidhi loans, keys to PMAY rural houses and Ayushman Bharat cards to beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh. This will lead to home admission of 5 lakh PMAY beneficiaries, disbursement of 1.25 lakh PM Svanidhi loans to eligible beneficiaries and distribution of 2.88 crore Ayushman cards.

Duration of Organic Corridor Scheme extended in Bihar

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 9, 2023, the period of the ongoing organic corridor scheme in 13 districts of Bihar has been extended. Now this scheme will run till 2025.

Key Points:

• It is known that earlier the period of the organic corridor scheme was till 2022-23.
• Under the organic corridor scheme, a total of 20,000 acres in selected 13 districts of the state will be made fully organic areas as per the standard of the National Program on Organic Production (NPOP).
• It is known that biological corridors have been made in Patna, Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Khagaria, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Bhagalpur, Munger, Katihar and Nalanda located on the banks of river Ganga. Biological corridors have been made an important component of water-life greenery.
• Organic farming will be promoted as a cluster. Under this, the health and quality of the soil will be protected by agricultural ecosystem management, free from harmful substances. Infrastructure will also be provided to the farmers.
• At present, organic farming is being done in 17507.363 acres in these districts. The Bihar State Biological Mission is monitoring it.
• Under this scheme, farmers will be given a grant of Rs 11500 per acre in the first year. Also, in the second and third years, a grant of Rs 6500-6500 per acre will be given.
• Common Facility Center will be constructed under this scheme. Isolation vans, refrigerated vans will be provided at a 75 percent subsidy. Marketing of organic products will also be done through the agency. This will enable farmers to get a fair price for their produce.
• An organic incentive scheme will be run in 38 districts of the state to produce poison-free food. Under this, the cost price of crops will be reduced and productivity will be increased. This will increase the income of farmers.
• Under this scheme, farmers will get subsidies for the construction of vermicompost, and commercial vermicompost units. For vermicompost, 50 percent of the cost or a maximum of Five thousand rupees per unit subsidy will be given.
• At the same time, a maximum grant of Rs 6.40 lakh will be given for commercial vermicompost manufacturing. The amount will be paid in three instalments to the beneficiaries of commercial vermicompost.

Financial Clearance to 19 Investment Proposals worth more than 2 Crores in various Industrial Areas

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 9, 2023, the Investment Promotion Council has given financial clearance to 19 investment proposals worth more than Rs 2 crore in various industrial areas of Bihar, in which an investment of Rs 156 crore is proposed.

Key Points:

• The investing entity has achieved financial convenience and eligibility for grants from the bank and the government. Now it can have financial help and bring the investment on the ground according to the proposal.
• In the field of food processing, some new investments are going to be made in Bihar, which will include chips and snacks in Daniyawan, Patna, juice and soft drinks in Barari in Bhagalpur and potato chips unit in Gaya.
• The highest investment is in the food processing and health sector. The financial proposals that have been given financial approval include areas of snacks, chips, crisps, soft drinks, fruit drinks and bakeries.
• Investments will be made in these places:
  • A chips and snacks-making plant will be set up at Daniyawan in the Patna district. Its investment proposal is Rs 66.99 crore.
  • An investment of Rs 38.61 crore has been proposed for the production of salty crispy potato chips in Hajipur industrial area of Vaishali district.
  • An investment of Rs 11.13 crore has been proposed in the field of fruit juice and soft drinks in Bhagalpur Barari Industrial Area.
  • An investment of Rs 10.34 crore has been proposed for sweet, bakery and namkeen production in Pataliputra Industrial Area in Patna district.
  • A plant worth about Rs 10 crore will be set up in Gaya district for potato chips production.
  • An investment of over Rs 10.86 crore is to be made for the spread of rice in Berhampur area of Buxar district.
  • In the healthcare sector, an investment of over Rs 23.35 crore has been proposed for the construction of a 65-bed hospital at Zoran Chhapra in Muzaffarpur and over Rs 4 crore for setting up a 100-bed hospital at Lahariaganj in Madhubani.
• Apart from this, green signal has been given to investment proposals of the general manufacturing sector in these proposals.

Public Relations Investiture Ceremony

Why in News?

On July 9, 2023, 24 personalities were honoured for their exemplary work in various services including public relations at a public relations investiture ceremony organized by Rajasthan Public Relations Society in Jaipur under the chairmanship of Dr. Sudhi Rajiv, Vice Chancellor of Haridev Joshi University, Jaipur.

Key Points:

• Former IAS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma honoured 24 eminent personalities who have done exemplary work in various fields with shawls, certificates and mementoes.
• Rajasthan Housing Commissioner Pawan Arora was honoured with the 'Public Relations Shri' award at the function. On his behalf, BL Swamy received the award.
• Apart from these, Special Officer (Chief Minister) of Rajasthan Housing Board Farooq Afridi was given lifetime achievement and renowned Ghazal singers Padmashri Ahmed Hussain and Mohammad Hussain were given special decorations.
• On this occasion, Udaipur Divisional Commissioner Rajendra Bhatt, Tilak Palawat, representatives of late Govardhan Lal Parashar, representatives of late Kamalnayan Sharma, Dr. Narottam Sharma, Digvijay Dabria, Umed Raj Jain, Dr. Kriti Bharti, Ashish Jain PRO, Shweta Pachauri, Akanksha Palawat PRO, Vinayak Sharma, Tarun Tak, Mahesh Kacholia, Shailendra Sharma, Ashish, Aman, Himanshu Patni, Rekha Chatterjee, Manoj Bhardwaj were present. Seema Raj, Chandrashekhar APRO, Snigdha Sharma and Lipi Singhal were also honoured.

CM approves the proposal of Teacher Interface for Excellence (TIE) Program

Why in News?

According to the information given by the Rajasthan Information and Public Relations Department on July 9, 2023, the proposal of the Teacher Interface for Excellence (TIE) program has been approved by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, under which 500 teachers of government colleges, government polytechnic colleges and universities of the state will now be able to get teaching-related training in prestigious institutions in the country and abroad.

Key Points:

• An expenditure of Rs 23.50 crore will be incurred in the financial year 2023-24 on research and training facilities under the Teacher Interface for Excellence (TIE) program. The guidelines of the program will be released soon by the department.
• With this approval of the Chief Minister, teachers will be able to take training in prestigious institutions with 1 to 100 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) rank abroad and 1 to 100 National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) rank in India. This training program will be for 1 to 6 months.
• Teachers will be familiar and trained with excellent educational policies and programs conducted. This will encourage quality teaching and research in higher education.
• This will further strengthen the position of higher educational institutions of the state in the grading of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The level of research in the state will increase.
• The scheme will be operated by the Rajasthan State Faculty Development Academy. The nodal department will be the college education department.
• It is noteworthy that an announcement in this regard was made by the Chief Minister in the budget 2023-24.

PM lays Foundation Stone and dedicates Development Projects in Bikaner

Why in News?

On July 8, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth more than Rs 24,300 crore in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Key Points:

• The projects inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi include the six-lane Greenfield Expressway section of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor; Phase-I of the Inter-State Transmission Line of Green Energy Corridor Bhiwadi Transmission Line developed by Bikaner Power Grid and 30 bedded Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital at Bikaner.
• The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the six-lane Greenfield Expressway section of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor.
  • The over 500 km stretch, stretching from Jakrawali village in Hanumangarh district in Rajasthan to Khetlawas village in Jalore district, has been constructed at a cost of around Rs 11,125 crore.
  • The expressway will significantly reduce travel time and improve transport connectivity between major cities and industrial corridors.
  • The expressway will not only facilitate the seamless transportation of goods but also increase tourism and economic development on its route.
• Giving a boost to the power sector in the region, the Prime Minister dedicated Phase-I of the Inter-State Transmission Line for the Green Energy Corridor, which has been constructed at a cost of about Rs 10,950 crore.
  • The Green Energy Corridor will integrate about 6 GW of renewable energy and help in grid balancing of renewable energy with thermal power generation in the western region and Hydro-Power generation in the northern region, thereby strengthening the transmission capacity between the northern region and the western region.
• The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the Bikaner-Bhiwadi transmission line developed by the Power Grid at a cost of about Rs 1,340 crore. Bikaner to Bhiwadi transmission line will help in the evacuation of 8.1 GW of solar power in Rajasthan.
• The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the new 30-bed Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital in Bikaner. The capacity of the hospital will be eligible for expansion to 100 beds.
• In addition, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Bikaner Railway Station. The redevelopment work, costing around Rs 450 crore, will involve the renovation of all platforms along with floors and ceilings while ensuring the preservation of the heritage status of the existing structure of the railway station.
• The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for doubling of the 43 km long Churu-Ratangarh rail section. The doubling of this railway line will enhance rail connectivity and facilitate the transportation of gypsum, limestone, food grains and fertilizer products from the Bikaner region to the rest of the country.

MPPSC's Documentary 'Pradipti' released by Governor

Why in News?

On July 9, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel released the documentary film 'Pradipti' prepared by the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission at Raj Bhavan.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, Governor Mangubhai Patel said that the efforts of the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission to reduce the fear of examination by making candidates aware is commendable. The documentary produced by the Commission is an innovative and exemplary initiative in this direction.
• The Governor said that the documentary prepared by the Commission regarding the preparations for the examination will free the candidates from the fear of examination. With the increase in awareness of the candidates, the functioning of the Commission will be more transparent.
• Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission Chairman Dr. Rajesh Lal Mehra said that in the documentary 'Pradipti', information has been given about the rules and instructions related to the examination to make the candidates appearing in various examinations and interviews of the Commission aware.
• Regarding various recruitment examinations, it has often been seen that many candidates keep making some mistakes and correspondence to correct them. They also do not have proper knowledge of the functioning of the Commission. This fully examinee-centric documentary will help them in this direction.
• The purpose of the documentary is to train competitive candidates by giving them various information related to the examination. In the documentary, the candidates have been given detailed information about the work to be done before the examination, precautions during the examination, interview information and useful information after the interview.

CRISP got recognition from AICTE

Why in News?

According to the information given by the Madhya Pradesh Public Relations Department on July 8, 2023, CRISP, a leading institution of Madhya Pradesh, has received the recognition of 'Post Diploma Certificate Program' from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

Key Points:

• This recognition is currently available for two academic sessions 2023-24 and 2024-25, in which one and a half years 'Post Diploma Certificate Program' has been recognized. The formal admission process for this will start from August 1, 2023 and classes will also start in Bhopal campus from September 1.
• CRISP is an autonomous body working under the Department of Technical Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh. CRISP will now offer specialized hi-tech post-diploma certificates such as Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Technology, Information Technology (Machine Learning), Information Technology (Computer Applications), and Hi-Tech Technology (Computer Applications).
• The proposed courses will provide 100 per cent placement to the candidates.
• CRISP Director Amol Vaidya said that after the accreditation from AICTE, CRISP will be able to organize FDP, TOT and set up incubation centres, industry 40 centres. It will also help in introducing futuristic courses like IoT, AI and ML.

25 players of Madhya Pradesh Academy selected so far in Asian Games-2022

Why in News?

According to the information given by the Madhya Pradesh Public Relations Department on July 8, 2023, 25 players of Madhya Pradesh Sports Academy have secured their place in the 19th Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, China. So far players from water sports, shooting, horse riding, and athletics have been included.

Key Points:

• The 19th Asian Games 2022 will begin in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.
• The Asian Games were postponed due to Kovid-19. In these Asian Games, once again the players of Madhya Pradesh are ready to wave the glory of India with their full preparation.
• Selected players in Asian Games
  • Shubham Kewat, Vishwajeet Singh Kushwaha, Ms. Shikha Chauhan, Ms. Ahana Yadav has been selected for the Indian team in Keno Slam.
  • Bad. Neha Thakur, Ms. Sheetal Verma, Ms. Harshita Tomar - Selling; Arjun Singh, Neeraj Verma, Nitin Verma, Ku. Shivani Verma, Ms. Kaveri, Ku. O. Binita Devi will represent India at the Asian Games in Kayakingcanoeing.
  • Madhya Pradesh Water Sports Academy in Roing. Rukmini Dangi and former academy player Ms. Anshika Bharti have been selected.
  • Para Keno players of Water Sports Academy Prachi Yadav and Manish Kaurav will be part of the Indian kayaking canoeing team.
  • Star equestrian Raju Singh of Madhya Pradesh State Equestrian Academy will represent India at the Asian Games.
  • Shankar Pandey of Madhya Pradesh Martial Arts Academy will join the Indian team in fencing's EP singles and team events.
  • Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar of Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy Ashi Chouksey is an Indian woman in rifle shooting at the academy. Manisha Keir will represent India in the shotgun trap event. Along with Ms. Preeti Rajak, who has been a former academy player, will join the Indian team in the Shotgun's trap event.
  • She was an associate member of the Madhya Pradesh Athletics Academy. Diksha in 1500 meters and Ms. Sapna Barman will represent the Indian athletics team at the 19th Asian Games in the heptathlon event.

Haryana Cabinet approves providing financial assistance to Widowers and Unmarried men and women

Why in News?

The Cabinet meeting chaired by Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal on July 7, 2023 has approved the proposal to provide financial assistance to widowers and unmarried men and women.

Key Points:

• The scheme will come into effect from July 1, 2023. Under this, unmarried men and women in the age group of 45 to 60 years will also be provided a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2750, whose annual family income is less than Rs 1.80 lakh.
• Apart from this, widowers who have attained the age of 40 years and whose annual income is less than Rs. 3 lakh will also be eligible for financial assistance of Rs. 2750 per month.
• The financial assistance under this scheme will be provided till the age of 60 years. After that, 'Old Age Honor Allowance' will be provided to the eligible persons.

Haryana Govt. Approved 'No Litigation Policy-2023'

Why in News?

In the cabinet meeting chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal on July 7, 2023, 'No Litigation Policy-2023' for expansion of Manesar Industrial Model Township in the revenue estate of Kasan, Kukrola and Sehrawan villages of Manesar tehsil of Gurugram district of the state. Approval was granted.

Key Points:

• The objective of this policy is to accelerate development and make landowners partners in the development process. Also, it has to be ensured that the farmers get proper benefits.
• Landowners who do not opt under the No Litigation Policy 2023 will be eligible for benefits under the Rehabilitation and Resettlement for Land Owners and Land Acquisition Displaced Policy (R&R).
• It is known that the State Government notified about 1810 acres of land in villages Kasan, Kukrola and Sehrawan in Manesar Tehsil of District Gurugram under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 on January 10, 2011, for the purpose of development of Manesar Industrial Model Township Extension.
• After the issue of notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act 1894, the Supreme Court vide order dated April 25, 2011, stayed the above-said acquisition proceedings. The stay granted by the Court was vacated on 2nd December, 2019 and thereafter the said land was notified under Section 6 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 on 17th August 2020 and subsequently, the award was announced on 8th August 2022.
• It may be recalled that on August 9, 2022, it was assured by the Chief Minister in the Haryana Assembly that in order to ensure proper rehabilitation of the displaced land owners, the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy 2010 would be amended for this acquisition proceedings.
• In pursuance of this, a specific policy has now been formulated for the rehabilitation of landowners whose land was acquired under Award No. 1, 2 and 3 of August 16, 2022 for an area of 1758 acres for Kasan, Kukrola and Sehrawan villages respectively.
• The benefit of this policy will be applicable to land owners whose land was notified on January 10, 2011, for compulsory acquisition under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, in respect of whose land under Section 9 of the Act through Award No. 1, 2 and 3 dated 16th August 2022 respectively. Compensation was declared for Kasan, Kukrola and Sehrawan villages.
• The No Litigation Policy-2023 allows eligibility of 1000 square meters of developed land/plot in lieu of one acre of land on a proportionate basis.
• Farmers/landowners will have the right to opt for the scheme within a period of 6 months from its notification and launch of the portal.
• In order to ensure immediate benefits to the land owners, HSIIDC may issue a land eligibility certificate assuring to development of residential or industrial areas based on the allotment share of the land owners within a period of 3 months from the closure of the scheme.
• Landowners or land eligibility certificate holders will have the freedom to trade, buy or sell land eligibility certificates. This implies that the landowner can monetize the certificate in the open market or sell it back to HSIIDC.
• This certificate can be transferred or pledged to any bank or financial institution. Plots developed by HSIIDC with the position will be offered to land eligibility certificate holders once infrastructure facilities are available in respect of the site to be allotted.
• For developed residential plots or industrial plots, as the case may be, eligible landowners will be offered plots at an allotment price equal to the reserve price fixed by HSIIDC at the time of first flotation.
• The size of the plot offered by HSIIDC will be of standard size, i.e. 100 sqm and 150 sqm plots for developed residential use and 450 sqm plot for developed industrial use.
• Allotment of residential plots will be ensured in cases where self-occupied residential was acquired due to unavoidable reasons.
• Under this category, owners of self-occupied residential structures/houses acquired by the government, which existed on or before notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act notified on January 10, 2011, will be assured of allotment of additional residential plots in addition to the proposed allotment share.
• The land owner will also be entitled to avail of the annuity payment being provided for a period of 33 years.
• The annuity payment will be Rs 21,000 per acre per annum for a period of 33 years. This annuity amount will be increased by a fixed amount of Rs 750 every year.
• To make the policy more acceptable and on the lines of Land Pooling Policy 2022, land owners/land eligibility certificate holders can request HSIIDC to buy back the valid land eligibility certificate.
• Further, to make the policy more acceptable and benefit farmers on the lines of Land Pooling Policy 2022, land owners/land eligibility certificate holders can request HSIIDC to buy back the land eligibility certificate at a price of Rs 35,400 per square meter if he/she does not avail the annuity payment incentive.
• If the land owner/land eligibility certificate holder avails the annuity payment incentive, the value of the buyback will be Rs 35,100 per sqm.

CM Inaugurated and Laid the Foundation Stone of various works

Why in News?

On July 8, 2023, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel laid the foundation stone, bhoomi pujan and inaugurated various construction works including the Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Stadium Hall located under the Mahatma Gandhi Stadium through video conferencing from the Chief Minister's residence office.

Key Points:

• The Chief Minister inaugurated this fully equipped multipurpose indoor hall built at a cost of Rs 4 crore 37 lakh 64 thousand here. There are 04 badminton courts, 03 table tennis, basketball and volleyball courts for the players.
• In the Multipurpose Indoor Hall, a separate changing room, washroom, clock room, sports equipment room, and seating area is available on the first floor for male and female players. There are also plans for a squash court, shooting range etc. for the future.
• Along with this, the Chief Minister inaugurated Swami Atmanand Excellence Schools in Keshavpur, Sohga, Rajapur, Bilaspur and Nimha constructed at a cost of 6 crore 86 lakh 11 thousand. On the other hand, Bhumi Pujan was done for works costing Rs 5 crore 39 lakh 47 thousand.

For the protection of Kharif crop, 'Roka-Chheka Abhiyan' to be launched this year as well

Why in News?

On July 7, 2023, the Agriculture Department of Chhattisgarh has directed all the Collectors and Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Panchayats to 'stop' in the villages till July 17, according to the local conditions, to control the animals grazing in the open and to protect the Kharif crops from them. Guidelines have been issued to run 'Chheka Abhiyan'.

Key Points:

• In the instructions issued by the Agriculture Department, it has been said that like last year, arrangements should be made according to the practice of Roka-Chheka. For this, a meeting should be organized at the village level by July 17 by running a Roka-Chheka campaign according to the local situation. Along with this, pastures should be established in all the constructed Gauthans before 30th July. Where there is fodder production.
• Officials have been asked to organize meetings at the village level under the Roka-Chheka campaign, in which the decision to save crops from animals will be taken by the village sarpanch, panch, public representatives and villagers as per the practice of 'Roka Chheka'.
• In order to save the crop from grazing, instructions have also been given to bring animals to Gothan regularly, to organize Munadi in every Gothan village and to organize veterinary and health camps in Gothans.
• In the issued instructions, under the 'Roka Chheka' practice, it has also been asked to organize a meeting of the Gothan Management Committee for proper arrangements for the management and maintenance of animals in Gothans. Instructions have been given to ensure the active participation of the members by amending the committee with the approval of the minister in-charge, as per the approval of the in-charge minister in such Gothans.
• It may be noted that this year also, a Roka-Chheka campaign is being started to control the animals grazing in the open and to protect the Kharif crops from them. Roka-Chheka is an old tradition of Chhattisgarh.
• On the initiative of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, it has been started in the state as a campaign, which has yielded very encouraging results. Keeping this in mind, this campaign is being run again in the state during the current year.
• It is worth mentioning that in the state of Chhattisgarh, the 'Roka Chheka' practice is prevalent for the control of animals grazing in the open before sowing of Kharif crops, in which to promote crop sowing and to protect the crop from loss due to grazing of animals. Arrangements for Pahatiya (Charwaha) etc. are done by the cattle rearers and the villagers to keep the animals tied. With this effort, not only farmers are able to do sowing work quickly, but they are also motivated to take another crop.

PM Inaugurates, Lays Foundation Stones in Raipur

Why in News?

On July 7, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth about Rs 7500 crore in Raipur, Chhattisgarh and dedicated them to the nation.

Key Points:

• Taking a major step towards infrastructure development, the Prime Minister today laid the foundation stone and dedicated five National Highway projects worth about Rs 6,400 crore.
• Among the projects to be dedicated to the nation, is 33 km of the Raipur to Kodebod section on the Jabalpur-Jagdalpur National Highway. Long 4-lane roadway included.
  • Apart from promoting tourism, this section is important for the movement of raw materials, finished products of steel plants near Jagdalpur and provides connectivity to iron ore-rich areas.
• At the event, the PM dedicated the national four-laning of the 33-km-long Raipur-Kodebod section of the National Highway 30, the 53-km-long four-lane Bilaspur-Pathrapali stretch of NH-130.
  • It will help in improving the connectivity of Chhattisgarh with Uttar Pradesh and promote coal movement by providing connectivity to coal mines in nearby areas.
• The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for 3 National Highway projects for the Chhattisgarh section of the 6-lane greenfield Raipur-Visakhapatnam corridor.
  • He laid the foundation stone for the construction of three sections - Jhanki-Sargi (43 km), Sargi Basanwahi (57 km) and Basanwahi-Marangpuri (25 km) - as a part of the six-lane Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor NH-130 CD.
  • Apart from this, a major component of this project is 2.8 Km. There is a long 6-lane tunnel, which includes 27 animal evacuation routes and 17 monkey shelters for the unrestricted wildlife sanctuary area in the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary area.
  • These projects will provide better connectivity to rice mills in Dhamtari and bauxite-rich areas in Kanker and also benefit the handicraft industry in Kondagaon. Overall, these projects will give prominence to the socio-economic development of the region.
• The Prime Minister completed 103 km at a cost of Rs 750 crore. He also dedicated the doubling of the long Raipur-Khariar road rail line to the nation. This will make it easier for industries in Chhattisgarh to transport coal, steel, fertilizers and other commodities from ports.
• He also inaugurated the 17 km Keoti-Antagarh link developed at a cost of Rs 290 crore. He also dedicated the long new railway line to the nation. The new railway line will provide connectivity to Bhilai Steel Plant with iron ore mines of Dalli-Rajhara and Rowghat areas and will connect remote areas of southern Chhattisgarh passing through dense forests.
• The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the bottling plant of the Indian Oil Corporation with a capacity of 60,000 metric tonnes per annum at Korba built at a cost of over Rs 130 crore.
• He also flagged off Antagarh-Raipur train through a video link. Apart from this, the Prime Minister launched the distribution of 75 lakh cards to the beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat.
• The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of two economic corridors in Chhattisgarh, the Raipur-Dhanbad Economic Corridor and the Raipur-Vishakhapatnam Economic Corridor.
• Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that these projects will make life easier for the people and strengthen the healthcare system in the state. These projects will increase employment opportunities in the state, as well as benefit paddy farmers, the mineral industry and the tourism industry of Chhattisgarh.
• Chhattisgarh Governor Vishwabhushan Harichandan, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, as well as Members of Parliament, were present on the occasion. and other dignitaries were also present.

State’s 64 Bridges to be Renovated with Rs 264 Crore: Approval by HPC Meeting

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 9, 2023, the health of damaged and over-aged bridges in Uttarakhand will be improved or replaced. In this regard, an amount of Rs 264 crore 69 lakh 52 thousand has been approved by the government for 64 such bridges under the World Bank-funded U-prepare project.

Key Points:

• Apart from this, the Public Works Department (PWD) has submitted an estimate of Rs 622.18 crore (estimated cost) to the government for 74 bridges.
• It is known that the state government is working on many fronts under the mitigation of disaster management in the state. For this, with the help of the World Bank, several works have been completed under the Uttarakhand Disaster Recovery Project (UDRP) in the first phase and some projects are underway, while in the second phase, the U-Prepare project has been started.
• Under this, this project has been started to improve the health of bridges. It also includes those bridges which were declared dangerous in the safety audit conducted by the government in December 2022.
• The project, funded by the World Bank, is to be completed in the next five years.
• It may be noted that the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted under the chairmanship of State Chief Secretary Dr. SS Sandhu had given green signal to the Uttarakhand Disaster Recovery Project (UDRP).
• Under the project, repair of damaged bridges, construction of new bridges and construction of missing link bridges are to be done. Bridges damaged in disasters have been taken on priority in the project.
• At present financial approval has been received for 64 bridges from HPC under the World Bank-funded U-Prepare project in the state. The department has submitted the details of the estimated expenditure for 74 bridges. As soon as the tender process is completed, the work of improving the bridges will be started.
• It is notable that in the safety audit conducted in December 2022 on the instructions of the government, 36 bridges were found unsafe. During that time, 3262 safety audits of five zones were conducted. Under this, the bridges which can be technically improved will be repaired.

Cabinet Nod to State Mental Health Policy

Why in News?

On July 7, 2023, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, Health Secretary, Uttarakhand said that strict action will now be taken against de-addiction centres and psychiatric institutions operating in the state by flouting the rules and standards. In this regard, the State Government has approved the State Mental Health Policy Manual.

Key Points:

• Now all mental health institutions and de-addiction centres will be operated under the rules of the State Mental Health Policy Manual.
• Apart from institutions, psychologists, mental health nurses, psychiatric social workers will have to compulsorily register with the State Mental Health Authority. A fee of Rs 2,000 has been kept for temporary registration of mental health institutions, but registration of mental health experts will be free.
• Two thousand rupees will be payable for a temporary license of one year. After that, a fee of 20 thousand will have to be paid for permanent registration.
• For violating the rules, a fine of 5 to 50 thousand rupees will be imposed the first time, 2 lakh the second time and 5 lakh in case of repeated violation. A provision has been made to fine up to Rs 25,000 on the employees working in unregistered de-addiction centres.
• If a person violates the rules, then in such a situation, that person will be punished with imprisonment of six months or a fine of Rs 10,000 in the first instance, and for repeated violations, a jail term of two years or a fine of Rs 50,000 to 5 lakh.
• It is known that the State Mental Health Authority was constituted in the year 2019. After this, the state government has formed a board for monitoring and hearing in seven districts. Of these, boards have been formed in Haridwar, Dehradun, Udham Singh Nagar, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Tehri and Uttarkashi districts, while the process is underway in six districts.
• Under the State Mental Health Policy Manual, de-addiction centres cannot keep a mental patient hostage in a room. The patient will be kept in the de-addiction centres and will be discharged only on the consultation of the doctor. Fees, stay, and food menu will have to be displayed in the centre.
• A doctor, a psychiatrist will have to be kept for the treatment of the patients. There should be an open space in the centre for the mentally ill.
• Monitoring will be done through the Mental Health Review Board at the district level. Mental patients will be given a phone facility to talk to their relatives. Apart from this, the distance from one bed to another has also been fixed in the rooms.
• With the implementation of this policy, mental patients of the state will get better treatment facilities. Along with this, there will be a ban on incidents happening in mental health institutions.

Security of Women Working Night Shifts in factories to be Strengthened

Why in News?

On July 7, 2023, in the Uttarakhand cabinet meeting, the proposal of the Labor Department was approved, deciding to strengthen the security for women employees working in factories in night shifts.

Key Points:

• It is known that whatever reliefs were given to women workers in the Factories Act 1948, the relief has been further increased by amending it.
• Now it will be mandatory to install panic buttons, GPS devices, and CCTVs in the vehicles carrying women workers working in night shifts in factories to their homes.
• Police verification of the driver-conductor operating these vehicles has also been made mandatory. It has also been clarified that women can work the night shift only in those factories where there are at least 20 women workers. Less than this, the night shift will not be allowed for women workers.
• When the new rules are implemented, it will be easier for women to travel from home to the factory.