State PCS

• 25 Sep 2023

28 Officers and Volunteers honoured for their Excellent Work

Why In News?

On September 24, 2023, the Higher Education Department held the state level National Service Scheme (NSS) award distribution ceremony at the Indira Gandhi Auditorium of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana. In this, 28 NSS coordinators, program officers and volunteers from across the state were honored with State NSS Awards.

Key Points:

• Along with this, 50 NSS program officers and principals were given citations for their special contribution in NSS activities.
• 10 Master Trainers were honored with citation certificates for NEET survey, 12 District Higher Education Officers and Principals were honored with citation certificates for Sports and Socio-Eco Survey.
• 12 volunteers were honored for the state level poster making competition.
• During this, NSS District Coordinator Vijay Sharma was awarded the State Level National Service Scheme Award.

Haryana Chief Minister lays the Foundation Stone of Flipkart Fulfillment centre in Manesar

Why In News?

On September 22, 2023, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar laid the foundation stone of Flipkart's regional distribution center in Manesar, Gurugram and virtually inaugurated the grocery fulfillment center in Sonipat.

Key Points:

• A warehousing and transport hub is being set up by Flipkart on 285 acres of land. Out of this, this regional distribution center, to be built on 140 acres of land with an investment of Rs 1389 crore, will be the largest distribution center in Asia.
• This will provide direct and indirect employment to 10 thousand people, while the grocery supply center in Sonipat will create around 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
• It is noteworthy that this is a new chapter in the development of the Global City area being developed in Gurugram district. The Global City is to be developed on approximately 1,000 acres of land between NPR (Northern Peripheral Road) and CPR (Central Peripheral Road).

Final Shape Given to PESA Law in Jharkhand

Why In News?

On September 24, 2023, the Jharkhand government finalized the PESA Rule-2022, taking a rational decision on all the objections and suggestions.

Key Points:

• In the PESA rule, a provision has been made to make the Gram Sabhas ‘Powerful’ and ‘Empowered’. Under this, only traditional heads like Manki, Munda etc. will preside over the meetings of the Gram Sabha.
• The Panchayat Secretary will work as ‘Gram Sabha Secretary’. To complete a quorum in meetings, the presence of 1/3 of the members is necessary. To complete the quorum, presence of 1/3rd of the prescribed number of women is also necessary. The Chairman of the Gram Sabha has been given the right to expel from the meeting any member who misbehaves or breaks discipline in the Gram Sabha meeting.
• Land cannot be acquired without the consent of the Gram Sabha. The decision of the Gram Sabha will be final. Even in the matter of buying and selling land of tribals, the consent of the Gram Sabha will be mandatory.
• With the aim of restoring law and order in the village, the Gram Sabha will be able to impose a penalty ranging from a minimum of Rs 10 to a maximum of Rs 1000 on those committing crimes under a total of 36 sections of the IPC.
• The penalty will be appealed directly to the High Court after the traditional higher level. While determining the role of the police in the PESA rule, it has been made mandatory to inform the Gram Sabha about the reasons for the arrest within 48 hours (about 2 days) of someone's arrest.
• It is noteworthy that objections and suggestions were sought till August 31 on the draft PESA rule issued by the state government. Considering this, many organizations had lodged objections to the draft of the rule. Many suggestions were also given.
• The government has rejected the objections and suggestions, which were contrary to the provisions of the High Court, the Supreme Court and the PESA Act, Jharkhand Panchayat Raj Act-2001. Also, PESA Rule-2022 has been finalized by accepting the relevant suggestions. It has a total of 17 chapters and 36 sections.
• In the PESA rule, there is a provision to establish a fund in the Gram Sabha. It will be known as food fund, labor fund, commodity fund and cash fund. Donation, incentive amount, penalty, fee, royalty from forest produce, amount received from lease of pond, market etc. will be kept in the cash fund. Only a maximum of Rs 10,000 will be kept in a box in the Gram Sabha. The amount deposited more than this will be kept in the bank account.
• According to the Paisa Rule, Gram Sabhas will decide the grants to be received under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution and the schemes to be implemented from the District Mineral Development Fund (DMFT). The beneficiaries of the scheme will be selected through Gram Sabha. The schemes run by the department will have to be discussed by the Gram Sabha.
• In case the provisions of PESA rule are contrary to social, religious and custom, the Gram Sabha will have the right to register an objection to it. In such cases, the Gram Sabha will pass the resolution and send it to the State Government through the Deputy Commissioner.
• The government will form a high-level committee within 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks). This committee will submit its report to the government within 90 days. Based on the report the government will take a decision and inform the Gram Sabha.
• The Gram Sabha will manage natural resources within its traditional limits. Gram Sabha has been given rights over forest produce. Also, all non-timber forest products of plant origin have been included in the list of forest produce.
• The list of forest produce includes bamboo, brushwood, stump, cane, tussar, cocoon, honey, wax, lacquer, char, Mahua, Harra, Bahera, Karanj, Sarai, Amla, Rugra, Tendu, Kendu leaves, besides medicinal plants and Herbs are included.
• Gram Sabha has been given the right to mine minor minerals. Gram Sabhas will control community resources through traditional methods and practices of the community. However, during this time, other laws including Wilkison Rules, Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act will be kept in mind.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel Inaugurated the Newly Constructed State-of-the-Art Central Library (Granthalaya).

Why In News?

On September 24, 2023, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, during his stay in Kondagaon, inaugurated the newly constructed, state-of-the-art Central Library with all facilities at a cost of Rs 6 crore in the Government Gundadhur College campus.

Key Points:

• This library will prove helpful in increasing the knowledge and skill development of the youth of the district, so that the youth will be able to shape their future.
• It is known that this central library has been started to make Kondagaon district an education hub. This library will be dedicated to children, youth and senior citizens of all age groups.
• For convenience, this library has been divided into a Newspaper Zone, Magazine Zone, Kids Zone, Discussion Zone, Reading Zone so that all aspects of reading and understanding can be covered.
• Along with this library, an e-knowledge portal was also launched. Through this portal, a database of all the books available in 128 government secondary school and high school libraries has been created and is being made available online.
• Through this portal, any student or common citizen of the district, who needs any book, can get any book available in the 128 libraries of the district allotted to him sitting at home and that book can be distributed to him through the Block Source Coordinator. Will be made available within 7 days.
• Along with this, Incubation and Innovation Hub Kondagaon was inaugurated to promote self-employment in the district. Guidance is being given to youth receiving unemployment allowance and those wishing to start startups.
• For this, MoUs were signed today with leading institutes of the state like IIT Bhilai, Triple IT, Naya Raipur and Head Start. These institutes will provide guidance to the founders admitted in the incubator on various essential points in business operations.

Chief Minister Inaugurated the Chief Minister Breakfast Scheme

Why In News?

On September 24, 2023, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched the Chief Minister Breakfast Scheme in 681 primary schools of Sukma district at Chhindgarh in Sukma district.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, the Chief Minister distributed tiffin to school children.
• Under this scheme, children from classes 1 to 5 will be given snacks under different menus five days a week. Like poha will be given on Monday, porridge on Tuesday, chana fry on Wednesday, moong dal on Thursday and veg pulao on Friday.
• About 17 thousand children of Sukma district will benefit from this. Under this scheme, an additional incentive amount of Rs 800 will be provided to the school cooks.

Chhattisgarh's CHALK Project gets Approval from World Bank and Government of India

Why In News?

With a view to bring rapid changes keeping in mind the changing scenario of school education in the state of Chhattisgarh, on September 22, 2023, the CHALK project was approved by the World Bank and the Government of India for improving school education. The project documents were officially signed by the World Bank, Government of India and Government of Chhattisgarh.

Key Points:

• With the help of the World Bank, it has been decided to rejuvenate the schools along with improving the quality of education, under this a provision of Rs 400 crore has been made by the Chhattisgarh government in the first phase.
• Through this project, a total assistance of $ 300 million (approximately Rs 2500 crore) will be received by the World Bank in the next 5 years (July 2023 to September 2028).
• Through this project, various works are mainly done towards improving the achievement of children, based on the demand of parents, starting new schools giving excellent results on the lines of Swami Atmanand, to improve the infrastructure of schools running in remote areas of the state. Necessary support etc. work can be done.
• With the arrival of this project, it will be easier to speed up and expand the various reform works started in the last four years in the state of Chhattisgarh and there will be a comprehensive improvement in the quality of school education.
• Under this project, training related to teaching-learning as per class level, opportunity for teachers to choose suitable training for themselves (on-mode training), remedial teaching for every subject and concept for classes from upper primary to higher secondary level. , Arrangement of analysis of children's results using digital technology for effective assessment in schools, availability of high quality test items ICT and science laboratory, smart classrooms, benefit of infrastructure development to selected schools, large number of Scheduled Caste and Tribe settlements. The focus will be on work like the proposal to open schools in the development blocks.
• Apart from this, various capacity development programs will also be organized through CMET to bring changes in school education by training the school principals working in the state on other useful issues besides academic and administrative leadership.

Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) Awarded for the Third Consecutive Time

Why In News?

On September 21, 2023, Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) was awarded the Star Performance Award for the best performance at the national level in the field of energy conservation in a function organized in New Delhi.

Key Points:

• This honor was given by the Society of Energy Engineers and Managers (SEEM) at the 8th National Energy Management Awards ceremony.
• The said award was received by Alok Katiyar, Chief Executive Officer, Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) in the presence of Dr. Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Government of India.
• It is noteworthy that for 3 consecutive years (2020, 2021 and 2022) CREDA has been awarded the National Award by SEEM like the best performing state nominated agency in the field of energy conservation.
• Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) has made important achievements in the field of energy conservation and energy efficiency in the state in the last 11 years.
• Under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, in the first and second phase, a total of 44 industrial institutions in the state have reduced carbon emissions of about 6.67 million Tonnes by saving about 2.198 million Tonnes of oil equivalent (MTO) of energy.
• Under this project, the industries of the state have received a total of more than ten lakh energy saving certificates through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. To promote energy conservation in the commercial building sector, Chhattisgarh Energy Conservation Building Code has been notified by the state government and a total of 15 buildings in the state have been certified as green buildings and a proposal has been made to designate 8 government buildings as star rating. Has been forwarded to the Central Government.
• Continuous work is being done to make the residential projects of the state energy efficient by adopting energy efficient building construction techniques under the Eco NIWAS Samhita in residential buildings. In this sequence, more than 150 awareness programs have been organized by CREDA for engineers and architects.
• With the aim of promoting energy efficient appliances in rural areas, a total of 77 villages have been developed into model energy efficient villages. Similarly, 56 health centers have been developed as model energy efficient health centers and 376 government schools have been developed as model energy efficient government schools.
• With the aim of making school students aware about energy conservation, CREDA has formed Energy Clubs in a total of 603 schools and the target is to form Energy Clubs in more than 1 thousand educational institutions in the coming year.

Increase in Honorarium of Contract Sports Trainers in the State

Why In News?

On September 23, 2023, Uttarakhand Sports Minister Rekha Arya increased the honorarium of contractual sports trainers working in the sports department in the state by 78 to 140 percent. Special Principal Secretary Abhinav Kumar has issued an order in this regard.

Key Points:

• As per this order, the revised rates of honorarium will be applicable from October 01, 2023.
• It is known that sports trainers working on contract in the Sports Department had been demanding an increase in honorarium since 2014.
• After the matter came to light in the review meeting of the department held at the Directorate under the chairmanship of Sports Minister Rekha Arya on June 15, 2023, the minister had instructed the departmental officers to prepare a proposal for an honorarium increase.
• According to the government order, the honorarium of Arjuna, Dronacharya awardees, sportspersons who have participated in Olympics, World Cup competitions, medal winners in SAFF Games and regular course training diploma holders from NIS has been increased from Rs 20,000 to Rs 45,000.
• The honorarium of Asian, Commonwealth Afro Asian, SAFF Games medalists etc. has been increased from Rs 17,000 to Rs 35,000, the honorarium of coaches participating in Afro Asian and SAFF Games competitions in Asian Commonwealth has been increased from Rs 14,000 to Rs 25,000, and that of senior national's medal winners from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.
• In the senior category, the honorarium of the coaches of the players participating in the national and winning medals in the All-India Inter-University Competition has been increased from Rs 7,000 to Rs 15,000, while the honorarium of the coaches participating in the All-India Inter-University Competition, participating in the Senior North Zone has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 12,000.
• The order will benefit 210 contract sports trainers.

Four New Sainik Schools and Five Kendriya Vidyalayas will open in Uttarakhand.

Why In News?

On September 23, 2023, State Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat said that four new Sainik Schools and five Kendriya Vidyalaya's will open in the state. After the approval of Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, the government has sent its proposal to the Central Government.

Key Points:

• These Sainik Schools will open in Patisain, Pauri Garhwal, Udham Singh Nagar, Dehradun and Champawat, the birthplace of the famous Peshawar massacre hero Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali. The new schools will run in partnership mode under Sainik School Society.
• It is known that there is only one Sainik School Ghorakhal in the state, which is operated by the Defense Ministry.
• It is noteworthy that according to Education Secretary Ravinath Raman, the Central Government has decided to open 100 Sainik Schools across the country, under which the Central Government has approved 23 new Sainik Schools in the country in the first phase. After this, Sainik School is to be approved in the second phase.
• A proposal for four new Sainik Schools has been sent by Uttarakhand for the second phase. After meeting all the standards and approval of the Chief Minister and Education Minister, this proposal has been sent.
• For Sainik School, 10 acres of land is available in village Dungarasethi Tehsil Champawat, while 250 acres of land is available in A.N Jha Inter College Rudrapur Udham Singh Nagar and 9.5 acres of land is available in Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya Nanurkheda Dehradun.
• Apart from these, five new Kendriya Vidyalayas will be opened in the state. The Education Department has sent a proposal to the Central Government to open a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Panduvakhal Tehsil Chaukhutia District Almora, Dwarahat District Almora, Kotdwara District Pauri Garhwal, Narendranagar District Tehri Garhwal and Madannegi District Tehri Garhwal of Pratapnagar Assembly Constituency.

189 Atal Utkrisht Schools of the State will Remain Firm, only the Board will Change

Why In News?

On September 24, 2023, State Education Secretary Ravinath Raman said that 189 Atal Utkrisht Schools of the state running in English medium affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will continue to run through this medium as before, but the board of the school will be changed to Uttarakhand Board.

Key Points:

• After the demand of the Government Teachers Association to bring these schools back to the Uttarakhand Board, its proposal is being prepared by the department. There are three different proposals for these schools.
• Under the first proposal, the board of these schools will be changed to the Uttarakhand Board.
• Under the second proposal, the CBSE pattern will be implemented from class 6 instead of class 10 and 12 and thirdly, teachers in these schools will be posted on good salaries from the private sector or others.
• The State Council of Educational Research and Training has been asked to prepare a proposal for this, which will be brought to the cabinet.

Prime Minister Laid the Foundation Stone of International Cricket Stadium in Ganjari, Kashi

Why In News?

On September 23, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium in Ganjari, Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

• This is the first stadium being built in Uttar Pradesh by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
• The International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi will be a step towards realizing the Prime Minister's vision of developing modern world-class sports infrastructure.
• The modern international cricket stadium will be developed at Ganjari, Rajatalab in Varanasi at a cost of approximately Rs 450 crore and will be spread over an area of more than 30 acres.
• The architecture of this stadium is inspired by Lord Shiva, in which the designs of crescent-shaped roof cover, trident-shaped lights, seating arrangement based on ghat stairs and belpatra-shaped metal sheets on the façade have been developed. The capacity of this stadium will be 30,000 spectators.
• On this occasion, 16 Atal Residential Schools of Uttar Pradesh were also inaugurated by the Prime Minister at Rudraksh Convention Center in Banaras.
• The Prime Minister also awarded the winners under 'Kashi Sansad Cultural Mahotsav-2023'.
• This innovative program to honor these cultural workers has taken place for the first time. More than 40,000 artists participated in different programs.
• The Prime Minister also inaugurated the portal and QR code for ‘Kashi Sansad Sports Competitions’ to be held from October 15 to November 05, 2023.

Lucknow's ABC Centre will Become a Model for the Country

Why In News?

On September 22, 2023, the Lucknow Urban Development Department of Uttar Pradesh signed a contract with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), an organization of the Government of India, to run the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre.

Key Points:

• It is known that Uttar Pradesh is one of the few states in the country where the action plan for construction of ABC centers is underway in 17 municipal corporations.
• Through this, the ABC center built in the capital will be completed with the latest technology and made a model for the whole of India.
• Uttar Pradesh is the first state in the country, where such a high-level training center is being established by the state government in collaboration with the Government of India.
• This agreement was signed in the office of the Special Secretary of Urban Development Department located at Bapu Bhawan Secretariat.

Bihar Fire Training Academy will be Built in Anandpur Bihta, Patna.

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on 24 September 2023, the Home Department has approved the creation of Bihar Fire Training Academy located at Anandpur Bihta in the capital Patna.

Key Points:

• Here all the officials and personnel of the fire service will be trained under Bihar Fire Service. The fire fighters of the state will be equipped with modern fire extinguishing techniques.
• Preparations have been started regarding the construction of the academy building and training etc.
• Under Bihar Fire Service Rules, 2021, provision for Deputy Director level Principal has been made in Bihar Fire Training Academy.
• For the design of Bihar Fire Training Academy building, study has been done by sending concerned officials to other states.

Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Train Flagged off

Why In News?

On September 24, 2023, Prime Minister Modi flagged off a total of 9 Vande Bharat trains through video conferencing. In which Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat train was also included. The inauguration ceremony was also organized at Patna Junction.

Key Points:

• Vande Bharat train running between Patna and Howrah will connect the two states. This is the second Vande Bharat train running in Bihar.
• Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat departed from platform number 1 of Patna on its maiden journey. On the first day she went to Howrah as an inauguration special.
• The command of this train was handed over to two women loco pilots.
• It will be in regular operation from 26th September. The train will run 6 days a week. There are a total of eight coaches in this train.
• Vande Bharat train will have stops at Patna Sahib, Mokama, Lakhisarai, Jasidih, Jamtad, Asansol, Durgapur, Howrah.
• This train will take one hour less time than Jan Shatabdi to cover the distance from Patna to Howrah.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the Foundation Stone of 55 Schemes for Development Works in Various Cities.

Why In News?

On September 23, 2023, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone of 55 schemes in various cities of the state through remote from the Integrated Command and Control Center of the Smart City Building in Patna.

Key Points:

• Under this, there are 55 schemes related to storm water drainage schemes, crematorium cum Mokshadham and drinking water supply in various districts. Rs 2355.96 crore will be spent on these schemes.
• These schemes launched by the Chief Minister in Patna also include 6 storm water drainage and drinking water schemes of Darbhanga, Arrah, Madhepura, Samastipur, Danapur at a cost of Rs 586.44 crore.
• Apart from this, work was also started on 10 storm water drainage schemes in Patna city at a cost of Rs 1283 crore.
• The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of 38 schemes of crematorium cum Mokshadham in 38 municipal bodies of 36 districts under Saat Nischay-2.
• These 38 municipal bodies include Sitamarhi, Purnia, Kishanganj, Manihari, Banka Khagaria, Madhepura Araria, Supaul, Darbhanga, Bhabua, Arwal, Rivilganj, Jehanabad, Katihar, Sasaram, Saharsa, Siwan, Sheikhpura, Buxar, Lakhisarai, Muzaffarpur, Behat, Bihar Sharif, Bhagalpur, Motihari Sultanganj, Gopalganj, Gaya, Munger Shivharara, Aurangabad, Bettiah, Hajipur, Jamui, Samastipur and Nawada.

Water Supply Minister laid the Foundation Stone of Water Supply Schemes Worth Rs 130 Crore

Why In News?

On September 24, 2023, Rajasthan's Public Health Engineering Minister Dr. Mahesh Joshi laid the foundation stone of three reorganized urban water supply schemes of Jaipur worth about Rs 130 crore, included in the Chief Minister's budget announcement 2023-24.

Key Points:

• These schemes include reorganized water supply scheme worth Rs 46 crore 37 lakh, renovation of pump house for smooth drinking water supply in Baiji Ki Kothi, Model Town and surrounding areas, construction of new high reservoir, new pipe in Baiji Ki Kothi and Model Town area. The work of connecting and laying the line will be done. The 50 thousand population of this area will get the benefit of this scheme.
• Under the Reorganized Urban Water Supply Scheme Jagatpura (Jaipur) worth Rs 44 crore 30 lakhs, work will be done to construct a new high reservoir, clean reservoir and pump house and to connect and lay new pipelines in Jagatpura area.
• Under the scheme, there will be a high reservoir of 18 lakh liter capacity, surface reservoir of 18 lakh liter capacity, laying of pipeline in about 80 km (about 49.71 mi) area on the land allotted by JDA in Manoharpura Kachchi Basti and reconnection of 5 thousand water connections. The 32 thousand population of this area will get the benefit from this scheme.
• Under the reorganized urban water supply scheme Gator worth Rs 37 crore 16 lakhs, work will be done to renovate the currently established pump house, construct a new high reservoir and connect and lay new pipelines in the entire Gator area.
• In this, there will be a high reservoir of 15 lakh liter capacity in Siddharth Nagar behind the Northwestern Railway Headquarters, connecting and laying pipelines in about 62 kilometers (about 38.53 mi) and replacement of 5500 water ties. Pure drinking water can be provided with proper pressure to a population of about 30 thousand.

Inauguration of ‘Gandhi Vatika’

Why In News?

On September 23, 2023, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated 'Gandhi Vatika' built in the Central Park of Jaipur.

Key Points:

• The state government has taken this innovative initiative to introduce the new generation to the thoughts and values of Mahatma Gandhi.
• The theme of Gandhi Vatika in Central Park, built at a cost of Rs 85 crore, has been prepared under the guidance of a committee of Gandhian thinkers. On the ground floor of the garden, the period from the arrival of the British to India till Gandhi's stay in South Africa has been depicted in 5 parts.
• On the first floor, Gandhiji's movements against the British in India and his philosophy have been displayed. A special library, seminar hall and conference room have been constructed on the second floor.
• The conference room has been divided into three sections, ‘Rajasthan has followed Gandhi’s path’, ‘Gandhi: Apne aaine me mein’ and ‘Gandhi ji’ Ke Sapno ka Sansar’ respectively.
• Mud walls have been specially prepared for simplicity in building construction and environmental protection.
• Besides, 14 thousand trees and plants have been planted in the garden. Facilities like cafeteria, open theater stage, and discussion room will also be available in the garden.

Constitution Club of Rajasthan

Why In News?

On September 22, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the Constitution Club of Rajasthan, built on the land of MLA Nagar (East) located near the Legislative Assembly in Jaipur on the lines of the Constitution Club of Delhi.

Key Points:   

• On this occasion, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of the Officers Institute to be built in HCM Ripa.
• It is known that many important institutions are being established one after the other in Rajasthan, which include Constitution Club, Rajasthan International Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Social Sciences, Gandhi Museum, Fintech University etc.
• Construction of Constitution Club is a unique scheme of the Housing Board.
• This is the grandest and best Constitution Club of the country, equipped with modern facilities, where the new members elected to the Assembly will be able to benefit from the experience of the former members.
• The Constitution Club will play an important role in strengthening democracy and will become a platform for exchange of views of the Assembly members.
• This club is built on 4 thousand 950 square meter land. The amount of Rs 90 crore will be spent on the construction of this club built on an area of 1 lakh 84 thousand 480 square feet.
• The club has a restaurant, coffee house, swimming pool, auditorium, meeting hall, conference hall, library, gym, salon, badminton and tennis court, billiards and table tennis, indoor games and guest rooms.

Eco-Park Inaugurated in Rewa

Why In News?

On September 24, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Girish Gautam inaugurated the eco-park in Rewa.

Key Points:

• Behar Ecotourism and Adventure Park has been constructed in Rewa city between Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board and Rewa Leisure Private Limited with public participation on DBFOT model.
• This eco-park has been developed on 5.20-hectare land on the island of Bihar River originating from Rewa city.
• This eco park will give new impetus to tourism activities. Employment opportunities will also be created here.
• It is noteworthy that the eco-park built with private capital investment in Rewa on the lines of the metropolis is the first eco-park in the state.
• There is cooperation from the Eco Tourism Board and the Forest Department in the construction of a world class eco-park built in an area of 5.20 hectares, in which the facilities have been developed keeping in mind the national as well as international tourists.

Various Areas Notified in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

Why In News?

On September 22, 2023, various areas were notified in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, New Delhi with a view to the conservation and promotion of wild animals.

Key Points:

• In compliance with the condition imposed in the approval given by the Central Government to the Ken-Betwa Link Project, the area of Veerangana Durgavati Sanctuary has been included in the previously notified Nauradehi Sanctuary in District Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur.
• Veerangana Durgavati Sanctuary is the seventh tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh. An area of 1414.00 sq km of tiger reserve has been notified as core area and 925.120 sq km area as buffer area.
• The previously notified eco-sensitive zone of Nauradehi and Veerangana Durgavati sanctuaries and the surrounding forest area have been included in the notified buffer area.
• Since no other new revenue area has been included in this Tiger Reserve, no additional restrictions will be imposed on the local people around the Tiger Reserve. Already notified sanctuary areas or eco-sensitive areas have been included in the Tiger Reserve.
• The establishment of this tiger reserve will increase the ecological services received from these forests.
• Continuous availability of ecosystem services will be ensured, which will provide ecological security for present and future generations.