• 17 Apr 2023

Second phase of the caste census in Bihar started

Why in News?

On 15 April 2023, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar started the Caste-Based Census of 2 crores 59 lakh families in the state by going to his ancestral home in Bakhtiyarpur and registering all the family statistics.

Key Points

• This second phase of the caste census will continue till 15 May 2023. For this enumeration, 5 lakh 19 thousand employees (about the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) have been deployed in the entire state.
• In this phase, 17 types of information are being sought from all the state's families. A code has been fixed for each piece of information, which will be entered into the app.
• It is worth mentioning that the first phase of the caste census in Bihar was conducted between 7 to 22 January, in which information about people's houses was collected.
• Significantly, caste enumeration was being demanded by many political parties in Bihar for a long time. Due to this, on 18 February 2019 and again on 27 February 2020, a proposal related to the caste census was presented in Bihar Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, which all the parties supported.
• The Government of India also did caste enumeration in the 2011 census but did not make the data public.
• After the completion of this caste census of Bihar, its report will be presented in the State Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council and then it will be made public.
• With this caste census, the number of castes in the state, and their economic condition will be known, which will help the government to make provisions for reservation and proper implementation of various schemes.

Formation of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Sikh Welfare Board in Rajasthan

Why in News?

On 14 April 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the formation of the Shri Guru Nanak Dev Sikh Welfare Board for specific social, economic & cultural upliftment and all-round development (welfare) of the Sikh community, a notified minority community, on Baisakhi festival. A notification regarding the constitution of the board has been issued by the Minority Affairs Department.

Key Points

• The Guru Nanak Dev Sikh Welfare Board constituted by the state government will have a total of 7 nominated members, of which there will be a president, a vice-president and 5 members. Also, representatives of various departments will join it as members. The Deputy Director level officer of the Minority Affairs Department will perform the work in the post of Secretary of the Board.
• The term of the chairman, vice-chairman and members of this board will be three years.
• The purpose of this board is to propose schemes for the upliftment of various sections of the people of the Sikh community and to give suggestions regarding the promotion of employment.
• This board will also give suggestions on better implementation of welfare schemes for the Sikh community. Along with this, the board will also give suggestions to promote the art & culture of the Sikh community and to modernize the traditional businesses of the community.
• According to the notification, the board will continuously review the participation of the Sikh community in social, economic & educational schemes, the progress of new schemes for the community and the difficulties and solutions coming in their implementation.
• The work of this board is to identify the problems of different sections of the Sikh community, conduct surveys and work for their overall development. Its purpose is to propose various schemes for economic growth, upliftment, and welfare of the people of different sections of the Sikh community and to suggest measures to promote employment.
• Along with this, the work of the board is to prepare draft plans related to the development of different sections of the Sikh community by sending them to the state government with its recommendation, to suggest concrete measures against the social evils and malpractices of the Sikh community to the state government with recommendations, to co-ordinate with various departments and give suggestions for better implementation of various welfare schemes for the Sikh community.
• Apart from this, the main tasks of the board are to give suggestions for upgrading the present status of the traditional business of the Sikh community, methods of change in the situation from a modern point of view, to suggest measures to promote the art and culture of the Sikh community, to suggest the government to provide better employment opportunities/facilities to the Granthis/Sevaks and employees working as personnel in the religious and social institutions and trusts of the Sikh community.
• The administrative department of the Shri Guru Nanak Dev Sikh Welfare Board will be the Minority Affairs Department.

State-Level Ambedkar Award Distribution Function

Why in News?

On 14 April 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot distributed awards to various people at the state-level Ambedkar Award distribution ceremony under the 'Workshop to make budget announcements accessible to the general public' at Birla Auditorium, Jaipur.

Key Points

• During this, the Chief Minister honoured Natthulal Verma with Ambedkar Seva Puraskar, Sunita Chhabra with Ambedkar Mahila Kalyan Puraskar and Advocate Harilal Bairwa with Ambedkar Justice Puraskar.
• On this occasion, the school children of the state who got first place in various categories were also rewarded.
• In the workshop, the Chief Minister discussed literature related to the life of Mahatma Gandhi, text material related to the constitution, digital library, literature for the spread of literacy in rural areas, library run by students, important information related to the provisions of the constitution and observed the innovations to make the general public aware about the public welfare schemes of the state government.
• On this occasion, presentations of songs based on the schemes of the state government by folk artists and presentations of short films based on public welfare decisions were also performed.

Panch Teerths associated with the life of Dr. Ambedkar were linked to the Mukhyamantri Teerth-Darshan Yojana

Why in News?

According to the notification issued by the Madhya Pradesh Religious Trust and Endowment Department on 14 April 2023, five pilgrimages related to the life of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, his birthplace Mhow, Shiksha-Bhoomi London, Deeksha-Bhoomi Nagpur, Mahaparinirvan-Bhoomi Delhi And Chaitya Bhoomi Mumbai has been linked to the Mukhyamantri Teerth-Darshan Yojana.

Key Points

• For the convenience of the devotees coming to Mhow, the birthplace of Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar, a Dharamshala with all facilities will be constructed in Mhow, for which no-objection certificate has been received from the army for three and a half acres of land.
• By giving this land on lease to Dr. Baba Saheb Memorial Committee, Dharamshala and other necessary arrangements will be made for the convenience of the devotees.
• It is worth mentioning that by the notification issued by the Department of Religious Trust and Endowment, Ambedkar Birthplace Mhow, Shiksha-Bhoomi Memorial at 10 King Henry's Road in London, Deeksha-Bhoomi-Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Library and Research Center Nagpur, Mahaparinirman Bhoomi- Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial New Delhi, Chaitya-Bhoomi Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Mumbai has been added to the Mukhyamantri Teerth-Darshan Yojana Rule 2012.
• It is known that in the notification Sant Ravidas Temple located in Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh has also been included in the pilgrimage scheme.

Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala inaugurated Bhim Digital Library

Why in News?

On 14 April 2023, Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana, Dushyant Chautala, dedicated the Bhima Digital Library to the public at Ambedkar Bhavan, Panchkula Sector 12A, on the 132nd birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and promised to give Rs 21 lakh from his voluntary fund.

Key Points

• On this occasion, the deputy Chief minister said that every possible help would be provided in opening a digital library in Ambedkar Bhawan and supply of books for the preparation of competitive exams & installation of software for education.
• He said that with the vision of a digital library to light up education, society will progress, and the future of the youth will be bright & happy. Along with this, in reality, Baba Saheb's thinking will also be given a concrete form.
• Apart from arranging computers in this library, the work of installing a lift will also be done. Apart from this, even if some work is left, it will be done from the CSR fund of HAFED.
• On this occasion, Director ICS Parimal Kumar announced to provide teaching faculty in the coaching centre and JJP Secretary Randhir Singh announced to give laptops.
• It is worth mentioning that Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow (Dr. Ambedkar Nagar) located in the Indore city of Madhya Pradesh. He died on 6 December 1956.
• Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was mainly a jurist, economist, social reformer and politician by profession.
• Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination against untouchables (Dalits). He also supported the rights of workers, farmers and women. He was the first Law & Justice Minister of independent India and the father of the Indian Constitution.

Chhattisgarh gets honoured at National Level for Excellent Implementation of PM Fasal Bima Yojana

Why in News?

On 14 April 2023, in the 9th National Review Workshop organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, in the capital Raipur, Chhattisgarh was awarded the Excellence Award for better and successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

Key Points

• In the 9th National Review Workshop organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, in the capital Raipur, Manoj Ahuja, Secretary to the Government of India, handed over the citation to the Agriculture Production Commissioner of Chhattisgarh, Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, honoring him with the excellence award.
• In the national review workshop, it was informed that the ambitious scheme of the Government of India, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, has been successfully implemented in Chhattisgarh with the Digi claim module for automatic calculation and settlement of the National Crop Insurance Portal. Along with this, remarkable success has been achieved in registering the portal and taking the benefits of insurance to the farmers.
• Under this scheme in Chhattisgarh, in the year 2022-23, 6 lakhs 77 thousand 558 eligible farmers have been given the benefit of crop insurance. An amount of Rs 192.41 crore has been given as an insurance amount to the farmers.
• It may be noted that Chhattisgarh is one of the leading states across the country in the implementation of the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance.

Sub Health Center Khajuri got 1st place in the state

Why in News?

On 13 April 2023, in the presence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Health Minister T. S. Singhdev, an award ceremony was organized in Raipur under the 'Rejuvenation Scheme' for the year 2022-23, in which Health and Wellness Center, Sub Health Center Khajuri has got the first position in the state.

Key Points

• Under the 'Rejuvenation Scheme', marks are awarded on the basis of the facilities being made available in the health institutions by the senior officers of the health department and allied institutions.
• In this sequence, the health and wellness centre sub-health centre Khajuri of the district was honoured with the Rejuvenation Award by the Chief Minister and Health Minister for getting the first position in the entire Chhattisgarh.
• Apart from this, Primary Health Center Ranhat of the district has also been honoured with the Appreciation Award.

Surajpur district got 1st and 2nd Prize under Rejuvenation Scheme

Why in News?

On 13 April 2023, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel gave the first prize to Sub Health Center Jur Vikas Khand Bhaiya than in the category of Sub Health Center in the year 2022-23 at the state-level award distribution ceremony organized by Chhattisgarh Health Department under Kayakalp Swachh Hospital Yojana and second prize was awarded to Sub Health Center Dadri development block Surajpur.

Key Points

• Along with this, the Chief Minister gave away consolation prizes to 81 health institutions.
• 100,000 was awarded to the hospital which secured the first position at the sub-health centre level and Rs.50,000 to the second prize-winning hospital.
• And in the year 2021-22, first place in the state was awarded to the Health and Wellness Center Nawapara Kala Vikas Khand Premnagar & Primary Health Center Basdei.
• This award is given on the basis of better management, delivery of better health services to the general public as well as cleanliness in hospitals.
• Apart from this, Ms. Shubham Srivastava from the district was awarded the best RMNCH A award in the state for doing excellent work. On the other hand, Dr. Teras Kanwar Ophthalmologist, Dr. Deepak Markam Dental Surgeon were also awarded for doing excellent work.

CHC Janakpur of Manendragarh Chirmiri Bharatpur district Tops in Cleanliness & Better Management in the state

Why in News?

On 13 April 2023, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel awarded a certificate, shield and given a check of Rs 15 lakh as an award to the Community Health Center Janakpur of Manendragarh Chirmiri Bharatpur district for securing first place in the state for cleanliness and better management at a function organized in Raipur under the aegis of Chhattisgarh Health and Family Welfare Department.

Key Points

• This award was given for 2022-23 under the Rejuvenation Scheme.
• Janakpur community health centre of the remote Vananchal area in the newly formed district Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, has been awarded the first prize in the category of Community Health Center for the year 2022-23 based on cleanliness management, and disease control, building and premises beautification, improvement in disease service, implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission, and Swachh Hospital Yojana in government hospitals.
• The infrastructure of Community Health Center Janakpur is in favour of private hospitals of the state. Apart from the MCB district, patients from other states like MP are also benefiting from the services in this hospital.
• Here patients are given quality treatment, as well as quality free food for patients, prompt disposal of bio-waste, and is a source of inspiration for other health centres in the district.
• Here the methodology adopted by the hospital management is excellent to protect patients and staff from infection.

Rejuvenation Award to 5 Health Institutions of Kabirdham District

Why in News?

On 13 April 2023, Health Minister T.S. Singhdev presented the award of the Rejuvenation Scheme to five health institutions of Kabirdham district at the state-level felicitation ceremony organized in Raipur under the aegis of Chhattisgarh Health and Family Welfare Department.

Key Points

• Under the Kayakalp Clean Hospital Scheme 2022-23, five health institutions of the district, District Hospital Kabirdham, Community Health Center Pandariya, Urban Primary Health Center Kawardha, Primary Health Center Indori and Madmada Sub Health Centers (Health and Wellness Center) were awarded with Rejuvenation Award.
• This award was given to Kabirdham district for achieving first position in Chhattisgarh in various parameters of health services review in the year 2022-23 and cleanliness management, disease infection control, building & premises, beautification, patient service in health institutions operating in the state under Rejuvenation Campaign, a time-bound program for improvement is awarded on meeting the criteria of declared internal assessment, peer assessment & external assessment.

Chief Minister launched Ganga Samagra 'Aviral Ganga Nirmal Ganga' program

Why in News?

On 16 April 2023, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the program by participating as a chief guest in the Ganga Samagra Aviral Ganga Nirmal Ganga program organized at Parmarth Niketan.

Key Points

• Under the Aviral Ganga Nirmal Ganga Abhiyan, works are being done to keep Ganga clean, which includes conservation and promotion of water sources along with keeping Ganga clean.
• The central and state governments are continuously working to preserve the original form of the Ganga. Along with Ganga, work is also being done on its tributaries.
• Under the first phase, the water from 132 dirty drains found in the Ganga has been cleaned through STPs, while the proposal for the second phase has been received.