Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 to be inaugurated on 15th February

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The Governor of Tamil Nadu, Thiru R.N. Ravi, flagged off the train carrying the first batch of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 delegates—including students, teachers, and writers—today at Dr. MGR Central Railway Station, Chennai. This 10-day-long event is scheduled to take place from 15^th to 24th February 2025. Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Prof. V. Kamakoti and other dignitaries were also present at the event.

The Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, in a social media message, welcomed everyone to embrace the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ at Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0. He emphasized that the event serves to cherish, celebrate, and strengthen the deep-rooted bonds between Kashi and Tamil Nadu—two enduring centers of culture, civilization, and knowledge.

The central theme of this edition of KTS will be Maharishi Agasthyar and Mahakumbh and Shri Ayodhya Dham will be the backdrop. The event will offer a divine experience and bring Tamil Nadu and Kashi—the two timeless centres of our civilisation and culture, more closer.

This year, the government has decided to bring around 1000 delegates from Tamil Nadu under five categories/groups: (i) Students, Teachers, and Writers; (ii) Farmers and Artisans (Vishwakarma Categories); (iii) Professionals and Small Entrepreneurs; (iv) Women (SHG, Mudra Loan beneficiaries, DBHPS Pracharaks); and (v) Start-up, Innovation, Edu-Tech, Research. This year, an additional group of around 200 students of Tamil origin studying in various CUs will be a part of this event to enliven the bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. Participation of youth in all categories has been encouraged this year. The duration of the tour for the delegates will be 8 days (4 for travel, 4 at site). The first group left Tamil Nadu today and the last group will return to Tamil Nadu on 26th February 2025.

The objective of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is to rediscover, reaffirm, and celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi—two of the country’s most important and ancient seats of learning.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India in collaboration with other ministries including Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, I&B etc. and the Govt. of UP. The programme aims to provide an opportunity for scholars, students, philosophers, traders, artisans, artists and people from other walks of life from the two regions to come together, share their knowledge, culture and best practices and learn from each other’s experience. It also aims to make the youth aware and experience cultural oneness. The endeavour is in sync with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge. IIT Madras and BHU are the two implementing agencies for the programme.

The Government has so far celebrated the Kashi Tamil Sangamam on two occasions earlier; i.e., for one month in 2022 and for a fortnight in 2023 and around 4000 delegates from Tamil Nadu have been a part of this event. In both the editions of KTS, there were overwhelming responses from people of Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. IIT Madras will be the sender institution and BHU the receiving institution, as in the earlier editions.

Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, launched the registration portal for KTS 3.0 on 15^th January 2025. The portal for registration was open till 1st February 2025.

KTS 2.0 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Varanasi on 17th December, 2023, with the first-ever real-time, app-based translation of a part of the Prime Minister’s speech in Tamil for the benefit of visiting Tamil delegates.

Registration Portal for Kashi Tamil Sangamam Phase 3

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Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, launched the registration portal for the 3rd edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS). The Minister, while addressing a press conference, announced that KTS 3.0 will commence on 15th February 2025 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This 10-day-long event will conclude on 24th February 2025, he added. The portal, kashitamil.iitm.ac.in – hosted by IIT Madras, will accept registrations till 1st February 2025, he added.

Secretary, Ministry of Education, Shri Sanjay Kumar; Principal DG, PIB, Shri Dhirendra Ojha; Additional Secretary, Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal; Chairman, Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti, Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, and other officials also attended the Press Conference.

Shri Pradhan, while interacting with the media, said that the inseparable bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi are set to come alive through Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0.

The Minister highlighted that Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a brainchild of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is an inspirational initiative to celebrate the timeless bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, strengthen the civilisational links and further the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.

Shri Pradhan said that Kashi Tamil Sangamam will be a celebration of one of India’s most revered sages—Maharishi Agasthyar. Maharishi Agasthyar’s legacy is deeply woven into India’s cultural and spiritual fabric, Shri Pradhan highlighted. His intellectual brilliance is the bedrock of Tamil language and literature as well as our shared values, knowledge traditions and heritage, he added.

Shri Pradhan said, that this year, Kashi Tamil Sangamam holds a special significance as it is coinciding with the Mahakumbh, and it is also the 1st Sangamam after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya.

With Maharishi Agasthyar as the central theme and Mahakumbh and Shri Ayodhya Dham as the backdrop, Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 will offer a divine experience and bring Tamil Nadu and Kashi—the two timeless centres of our civilisation and culture, more closer than ever, he said.

Shri Pradhan encouraged people of Tamil Nadu to participate in Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 wholeheartedly.

An exhibition on the different facets of Sage Agasthyar and his contributions to world of Health, Philosophy, Science, Linguistics, Literature, Polity, Culture, Art, particularly to Tamil and Tamil Nadu, etc. and Seminars, workshops, book release, etc. will be organised at Kashi during KTS 3.0. Competitions and other awareness programs in Tamil Nadu prior to KTS 3.0 will be organised in a befitting manner in major cities of India and abroad where there is considerable Tamil diaspora.

The duration of the tour will be 8 Days (4 for travel, 4 at site). The first group will leave Tamil Nadu on 13th February 2025 and the last group will return to Tamil Nadu on 26th February 2025.

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Registration Portal for Kashi Tamil Sangamam Phase 3

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Shri Pradhan, while interacting with the media, said that the inseparable bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi are set to come alive through Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0.

Shri Pradhan encouraged people of Tamil Nadu to participate in Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 wholeheartedly.

The duration of the tour will be 8 Days (4 for travel, 4 at site). The first group will leave Tamil Nadu on 13th February 2025 and the last group will return to Tamil Nadu on 26th February 2025.

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Department of Fisheries organizes the Fisheries Summer Meet 2024 at Madurai, Tamil Nadu

With an aim to hold strategic discussions with States/UTs to deliberate on the progress and way forward for the development of the fisheries sector, Department of Fisheries, Government of India organized the ‘Fisheries Summer Meet 2024’ at Madurai, Tamil Nadu today. A total of 321 impactful projects under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an outlay of Rs.114 Crore, covering 19 State/UTs were virtually inaugurated by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh. Ministers of state for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian were also present on the occasion. During the program, live virtual interactions with fishermen and fisherwomen were held from the inaugural sites.

The Union minister inaugurated an exhibition that showcased various aquaculture technologies such as RAS, BioFloc, technologies used for ornamental fisheries, pearl cultivation etc. Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh also distributed KCC, presented PMMSY achievement award letters to beneficiaries and felicitated FFPOs onboarded on Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC). He also interacted with the entrepreneurs and scientists during the walkthrough of the exhibition.

Department of Fisheries (GoI) has provided financial assistance for formation of 2195

FFPOs under PMMSY and around 95 FFPOs have been onboarded on the ONDC network. This collaboration with ONDC has served numerous benefits for the FFPOs like reduced transaction costs, increased market reach, improved transparency, increased competition & competitiveness, innovation, employment generation etc. Six participants onboarded onto the ONDC network, namely, Gorakhpur Kissan Producer Company Limited, District Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Kapsi Fishery Farmer Producer Company Ltd., District Kanker, Chhattisgarh, Banmankhi Fish Farmer Company Limited, District, Purnia, Bihar, Bastarpearl Fish Farmer Producer Company Limited, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Lari Fish Producer Company Ltd., District Deoria, Uttar Pradesh and Kondapaka Fisheries Producer Company Limited, District Siddipet, Telangana were felicitated for their contribution in the growth of the Fisheries sector during the event.

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh also distributed KCC certificates and PMMSY sanction orders to the beneficiaries. The recipient beneficiaries for ornamental fisheries units included Ms Yogeshwari W/o. Shri Kathiresh Kumar, Ms Suguna W/o. Shri Muthu Pandi, Ms Sindhu W/o. Shri Sudhakar, Ms Kalaiyarasi W/o. Shri Sakthivel and Ms Pachaiyammal W/o. Shri Mathialagan.

Department of Fisheries, Government of India and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal

Department of Fisheries along with Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry &

Dairying (GoI) marked five years of its creation in 2024. Since its genesis, Department of Fisheries (DoF) has undertaken various strategic initiatives for the growth and development of the Indian Fisheries sector. In order to harness the potential of fisheries resources in a sustainable manner and bringing in holistic development in the Fisheries sector, DoF (GoI) has launched various schemes, namely Blue Revolution (BR), Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Kisan Credit Crad (KCC) and the upcoming sub-scheme under PMMSY. It envisages a cumulative investment of Rs 38,572 crore through these schemes to address sectoral gaps and bring in structural changes.

The event also witnessed the presence of Dr. Sanjay Kumar Nishad, Minister of Fisheries, Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Renu Devi, Minister of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Bihar, Shri Keshab Mahanta, Fisheries Minister, Assam, Shri Alexander Laloo Hek, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Fisheries Department, Meghalaya, Shri Gabriel D. Wangsu, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Food & Civil Supply, Arunachal Pradesh and Shri Gokulananda Mallik, Minister of State (Incharge), Odisha.

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Department of Fisheries organizes the ‘Fisheries Summer Meet 2024' today at Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, organized the ‘Fisheries Summer Meet 2024’ Today at Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The ‘Fisheries Summer Meet 2024’ aimed at recognizing the contributions made by fish farmers, aquapreneurs, and fishermen for the development of the fisheries sector, showcase the achievements of DoF (GoI) and raise awareness about the sector.

312 Fisheries Projects covering 19 States/UTs across the country with an investment of Rs. 114 crore, supported under the DoF (GoI) flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), were inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in the presence of Prof. S P Singh Baghel MoS, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Shri George Kurian, MoS, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Union Minister Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh discussed the role of various stakeholders in the fisheries sector and implementation of the PMMSY scheme, that aims to enhance fish production and productivity through modern fishing and aquaculture methods. Shri Singh emphasized on the importance of high-quality seeds, brood banks, RAS, Biofloc, deep-sea vessels, and technology infusion for increasing production. He encouraged States/UTs to raise awareness about KCC, insurance etc. Additionally, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the sector’s unorganized nature but expressed confidence that collaborative efforts amongst stakeholders shall address these issues.

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Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, commended the exchange of knowledge and perspectives amongst beneficiaries and senior officials from various states. He underscored the significance of the fisheries sector in bolstering the Indian economy and acknowledged the vital role of fishers and fish farmers in meeting rising demands of food and nutrition. He also highlighted the importance of sustainable fishing practices that enhances productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, he encouraged approval of KCC to the beneficiaries from Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sectors.

Shri George Kurian, MoS of MoFAH&D and the Ministry of Minority Affairs, highlighted the achievements of the Indian fisheries sector, noting the unique contribution of inland fisheries. Emphasis was laid on the substantial investments in schemes and GoI’s vision for holistic growth, prioritizing socio-economic prosperity for fishers and farmers.

State Fisheries Ministers present during the event shared the growth and development in the fisheries sector in their respective states. Ministers highlighted state-specific gaps and areas of focus to ensure the sustainable growth of the fisheries sector in their states. While they emphasized on taking up technical training, capacity building, handholding, technology infusion, and research as major focus areas, they proposed to prioritize support for the families and welfare of traditional fishers and fish farmers.

The august gathering of senior leadership was welcomed by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, DoF, GoI, that was followed by an impactful video on the achievements of DoF (GoI).

Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (IF), presented the overall progress of sector and effort made by DoF (GoI) covering various focus areas. This included production and aquaculture, various GoI schemes and initiatives, the progress and impact of ongoing schemes, and a discussion on focus areas for the States/UTs. Additionally, he shared information on Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a new sub-scheme under PMMSY, outlining its goals and components and conveyed the expectations from the State/UTs for their active participation.

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Beneficiaries from different States/UTs namely Shri Harendra Rabha, Assam, Shri Prem shankar, Bihar, Smt. Purnima Sahu, Chhattisgarh, Shri Clement Fernandes, Goa, Shri Vinod Kumar, Himachal Pradesh, Smt. Shifa Jahur Hakim, Maharashtra, Smt. Geeta Saxena, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Hajerommabi M., Lakshadweep, Shri Nithish Kumar, Karnataka and Shri Nishant Kumar, Jharkhand interacted with the Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh. The beneficiaries discussed their experiences, highlighted their issues and appreciated the efforts of DoF (GoI). They also highlighted that support recieved in form of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and financial assistance under PMMSY helped and supported them in making their initiatives and businesses successful.

Dr. J K Jena, DDG (Fisheries) from ICAR gave a presentation on the research and development initiatives undertaken in fisheries and aquaculture. This was followed by a deliberation in which representatives from the different states presented their viewpoints. The senior officials present were Shri Rajeev Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Haryana, Shri Thiru. Shunchonngam Jatak Chiru, Commissioner of Fisheries, Tamil Nadu, Shri Aboobaker Siddiqui P, Secretary, Fisheries, Jharkhand, Smt. Nandini Paliwal, Commissioner-Cum-Secretary Andaman Nicobar Island, Shri E.Vallavan, Secretary, Goa. Focus areas and priorities that came up during the discussion included strengthening of infrastructure, maintaining a comprehensive fisheries’ database, ease of availing KCC by fishers and fish farmers, availability of quality seed, improved coordination with state governments, boosting tourism etc.

Hence, the observations received during the Fisheries Summer Meet 2024 are expected to play a crucial role in defining priorities at Center and States/UTs for successful implementation of projects and identify sectoral needs and priorities for sustainable, equitable and inclusive development of the Indian fisheries sector.

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Sagar Parikrama Phase VIII in Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala and Minister of State Dr L Murugan will jointly launch Sagar Parikrama Phase-VIII on 31st August in Thengapattanam Fishing harbour in Kanyakumari district. This phase of Sagar Parikrama will be covering four coastal districts of Tamil Nadu including Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram.

The Tamil Nadu leg of Sagar Parikrama will begin on the 31st and will end on the second of September with the foundation laying stone of the Integrated Seaweed Park at Valamavur in Thondi, Ramanathapuram district. A Tamil song on Sagar Parikrama will also be launched during the event.

Sagar Parikrama Yatra is an outreach program intended to reach out fisher community across the coastal belt. The initiative has been launched to better understand the issues, experiences, and aspirations of fishermen, as well as to examine the scope of seafood exports and popularise programs available to fishermen in coastal areas.

Union Fisheries Ministers Shri Purushottam Rupala along with Minister of State Dr L. Murugan along with the State fisheries Department Tamilnadu, District officials and Senior officials from Department of Fisheries, Government of India and from State Government, National Fisheries Development Board, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India, National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training, Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical & Engineering Training and fishermen will participate in the Sagar Parikrama awareness campaign for three days.

Fishermen representatives, fish-farmers, entrepreneurs, fishermen cooperative society leaders, professionals, scientists, and other stakeholders in the four districts of Tamil Nadu will participate in the events.

Tamil Nadu has 1,076 km long coastline, which is the second largest in the country. The state is enriched with marine, brackish water and inland fisheries resources amenable for capture and culture fisheries. Marine fish production (2021-22) of the State stood at 5.95 lakh MT, of which 1.14 lakh MT, valued at Rs.6,559.64 crore was exported. The fisheries industry supports the livelihood of 10.48 lakh marine fishers through 5,830 mechanised and 45,685 traditional fishing crafts which are actively engaged in fishing and 4,41,977 marine fisherfolk enrolled in Tamil Nadu Fishermen welfare Board.

The rich fisheries biodiversity of Tamil Nadu provides livelihood opportunities to more than a million people directly and in the ancillary activities. During the year 2021-22, the sector’s contribution to the State agriculture GDP is 5.78%. The State’s contribution from fisheries sector in the foreign exchange is Rs.6,559.64 crore by exporting 1.14 lakh metric tonnes of fish and fishery products during the year 2021-22.

During the Sagar Parikrama journey across four coastal district of Tamil Nadu, Certificates/sanctions relating to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), and State Schemes shall be distributed to progressive fishermen, particularly coastal fishermen and fish farmers, young fisheries entrepreneurs. Literature on the PMMSY scheme, State schemes, e-shram, FIDF, KCC, will be widely disseminated through print media, electronic media, videos, and a digital campaign using jingles among fishermen to promote the schemes for their awareness and benefits.

The first seven phases of Sagar Parikrama has covered 3600 km in 8 Western Coastal states/UTs including Gujarat, Diu & Daman, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, and Andaman & Nicobar. The journey signifies an evolutionary initiative of the Government of India demonstrating solidarity with fisher folk, fish farmers, and other concerned stakeholders across the coastal belt. Aiming to resolve the challenges faced by the fishing community and facilitate their economic upliftment through various fisheries schemes and programs implemented by the government, such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and to disseminate information about various fisheries related schemes and programs, promoting responsible fisheries with a focus on sustainable balance, and protection of marine ecosystems.

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KVI activities in Tamil Nadu

Chairman, KVIC Shri Manoj Kumar inaugurated several KVI activities during Tamil Nadu visit and interacted with Khadi workers during this visit. Presiding over a Khadi Karigar Sammelan held on August 19, 2023, at SITRA, Coimbatore, he expressed gratitude for the love and care extended by the Tamil people over the last 2 days. He emphasized that this event is not only a Khadi Karigar Sammelan but also a heartfelt interaction (“Man Ki Baat”) between him and the rural artisans. He said Khadi serves as a weapon against poverty, starvation, and unemployment, while also contributing to development in villages and promoting women’s empowerment.

The Chairman honored the best-performing spinners and weavers by presenting them with certificates and momentum awards, in addition to distributing tool kits and equipment to around 40 Wood Craft artisans who have successfully completed the Training Programme on Waste Wood Craft which was attended by 800 rural artisans. During the event, a booklet showcasing success stories of the PMEGP beneficiaries was unveiled by the Chairman.

In his address Shri Kumar said according to data released by Niti Ayog, 13.05 Crore people have been lifted from poverty, and the dreams of the people are turning into reality under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

While Khadi was the pride of the national movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, it now stands as the symbol of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ under the guidance of Prime Minister,Shri Kumar said. “Like Gandhiji who used Khadi as a powerful weapon against the British rule, Prime Minister Modi has transformed Khadi into a potent and successful weapon for eradicating poverty, empowering artisans, ensuring food security, uplifting social status of women, and overcoming unemployment,” he said.

The Chairman said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has called on many occasions from national and international forums to buy Khadi and Village Industries products and has mentioned about promoting this sector which since 2014 has seen tremendous growth. He said for the last 9 years, production of Khadi has augmented 260%, while sales of Khadi has increased 450%. He said that the Khadi Institutions in Tamil Nadu have registered a production of Rs.262.55 Crore and sales of Rs.466.77 Crore during the year 2022-23, which has helped to provide continuous employment to 14,396 artisans. Further, he informed that it has been proposed to increase the production to Rs.303.39 Crore and sales to Rs.477.02 Crore. He said KVIC through various schemes such as Khadi Vikas Yojana, Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, PMEGP, Scheme of Fund Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) has generated more than 9.5 Lakhs employment. Chairman.

Earlier in his visit Chairman, KVIC inaugurated the PMEGP unit at Kalapet, the newly Renovated Sales outlet at Gandhigram Khadi Village Industries Public Charitable Trust at Gandhigram, Dindigul and a Common Facility Centre (CFC) of Yarn dying unit under KRDP Scheme of KVIC at the newly constructed workshed of Ramanathapuram District Sarvodaya Sangh, Srivilliputhur . He distributed tool kits and equipment to 25 Waste Wood Craft artisans and Pedal Operated Agarbathi Machines to 10 artisans under Gramodyog Vikas Yojana on 17th august 2023 and 18th August, 2023 respectively. The Chairman interacted with Khadi spinners and weavers during the Khadi Artisans’ meet, and visited Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan of Madurai District Sarvodaya Sangh at Madurai.

The Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme is a flagship scheme of Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, providing sustainable employment both in Rural and Urban areas in setting up of micro and small units. The Scheme provides subsidy ranging from 15% to 35% depending upon the social category of the applicant and location of the unit with total project cost of Rs.50.00 Lakhs for manufacturing activity and Rs.20.00 Lakhs for Service activity.

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Top 5 tourist places in Tamil Nadu

Custodial Violence: The Way Forward

The recent death of a father-son duo in Tamil Nadu has sparked anger amongst the people of the country. The country also saw people raising hands to how this set of news being particularly from the Southern part has been neglected without losing even a breath. The legal issue covered in the case is on Custodial Violence. Such a violence is what takes place in the judicial and police custody. It is where a person who is alleged to commit the crime is tortured mentally as well as physically. In certain cases, the torture crosses the limits of rape and death as well.

The father-son case has raised several legal concerns such as the poor regard of fundamental rights as the SC identified in the case of Rama Murthy v. State of Karnataka in 1996, as how while upholding fundamental rights of prisoners, the ‘Torture and ill treatment’ in prisons is an area that requires reform. However, no such follow up has been seen. The question on the methods of investigation involving torture are particularly also against the fundamental right to life and dignity as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The case puts lights to how the misuse of power of arrest happens in the country. The 3^rd report of the National Police Commission observed how 60 per cent of all arrests were completely “unnecessary”. Furthermore, how the unnecessary applications under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 orders to get non-bailable remand for the accused and is against Article 19 of the Constitution which enables freedom as a fundamental right under the blanket of some reasonable restrictions.

The arresting involves ignorance of rules and use of torture by Police which mostly happens not in respect to the procedure as laid under the Criminal Procedure Code where the police custody is up to 15 days or judicial custody up to 60-90 days, etc. Such acts fall under extra-legal behaviours.

A major concern lines from this incident. It is how the laws still cannot protect its citizens due to the lack of implementation in the process. But when the laid laws are seen, it also reflects how there is a lack of strong legislation against such tortures in India. It shows how the mere release of draconian rules for non-compliance has turned the sector unprogressively ineffective to be bound by law.

India, despite the variety of laws protecting residents, tourists, animals is still yet to criminalise custodial violence. The country had signed the UN Convention against Torture in 1997 but like the trail, the ratification is still on hold.

The country has seen days after days when the police officials have been criticised for such a behaviour. But one needs to understand that there is lack of independent functioning in the particular sector. The Police Act of 1861 is specifically silent on ‘superintendence’ and ‘general control directions’. Such silence is deceptive as it only enables the executives to reduce the police to mere tools but more often not, they are used fulfil mere political interests.

The same could also been minimised through tightening the officials as right now, there stands no second thought before attaining the position of power. The process will certainly fall under regulations if the law permits common citizens to sue a police officer directly without the approval of the Government.

The law as such as has various loop holes. Including the weak functioning of National Human Rights Commission which righteously empowers to summon any witness, order certain production of evidence and also to recommend that the government which can initiate prosecution of officials. Needless to mention, the implementation loses hands they have mostly been limited. Merely to provide compensations or any other immediate interim relief by calling on the Government.

The way forward, however, looks progressive as India has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Though it has only signed the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment but positively, both of it prohibits torture.

Along with it, there is a reformation under Section 197 of CrPC as distinct so that there need not be requirement of any government approval before pursuing charges against police where the alleged crime is torture, arbitrary detention and also other criminal acts.

There have also been strict implementations of the DK Basu judgment given in 1997 by the SC. In the case, the apex court had issued 11 directions with the objective to increase the transparency and also to fix responsibility while any police official is making an arrest.

The effective role of magistrate is encouraged throughout the process as they have a duty to prevent the overreaching of police powers and have a right to ensure the wellbeing of suspects in custody by directly questioning them. They also have to ensure that the right to counsel is available to suspects so that Article 22 of the Constitution is not violated at any stage.

Various other steps as such as to ensure the police accountability, getting technically uplifted by providing training in scientific methods of investigation, introducing different gadgets to help the process as Body cameras used in the U.S. and the U.K and importantly, CCTV cameras inside the police stations.

Death due to torture is purely a criminal act and no authority should have power positioned to do it. The steps have certainly been put but it all that matters is that the entire way forward is duly maintained.

Preparedness and containment measures taken for COVID-19

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare in continuation of series of focussed meetings with the States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, held a high level meeting today with Dr. C. Vijayabaskar, Health Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri Etela Rajendra, Health Minister of Telangana and Dr. K. Sudhakar, Medical Education Minister of Karnataka in presence of Sh. Ashwini Kumar Choubey, MoS (HFW) and senior officials from both Centre and the States to review the situation, actions being taken and preparedness for management of COVID-19 in the three States.

At the outset, Dr. Harsh Vardhan appreciated the dedication of all the States in combating COVID-19 in the country. He informed the States about the present situation in the country and the steps taken by the Centre to combat COVID-19 so far. He further added that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is continuously monitoring and guiding all the concerned Ministries/Departments to implement more effective containment plans, surveillance, contact tracing and screening for COVID-19.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated, “Appropriate measures are being taken to combat COVID-19 and with the cohesive efforts of both Centre and States, adequately growing numbers of dedicated COVID hospitals, Isolation & ICU beds and Quarantine being identified and developed so far, we are well-prepared to face any eventuality due to COVID-19”. Centre is also supporting by providing sufficient number of masks & Personal Protective Equipments, Ventilators etc. to the States/ UTs / Central Institutions, he further added.

After a brief presentation on the status of COVID-19 cases in the States and its management in the States, Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated, “States need to focus on more effective surveillance, contact tracing and early diagnosis to keep low fatality rate”. He said, “Surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) / Influenza Like Illness (ILI) should be intensified in unaffected districts and districts which have not reported cases from last 14 days and more through the IDSP network in collaboration with Medical Colleges and Hospitals. Such measures will help to indicate the presence of any possible hidden infection at an early stage thus helping in its timely containment”, he added.

Dr Harsh Vardhan stressed, “States need to ensure adoption of Infection, Prevention & Control (IPC) practices in all healthcare settings to avoid/reduce chances of infections to health care workers. States were advised to ensure that all Central Guidelines/Advisories are implemented till the field level in earnest. The States informed about some of the best practices adopted at the District level such as deployment of mobile testing laboratories and distribution of medicines for non-communicable diseases for a period of 2 months in advance in containment zones, home delivery of bleaching powder in slum areas and use of Tele-medicine as an alternative to OPD. Union Health Minister appreciated the best practices shared by the District Magistrates/Commissioners and other officials of various districts like identification of community volunteers for distribution of necessary services, daily items as well as for creating awareness about Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) activities, deployment of mobile units in rural areas for ANC of pregnant women, screening and treatment of elderly patients suffering from non-communicable diseases etc.

Dr Harsh Vardhan appreciated the work done by the State Governments and the erdication shown by frontline health workers, Anganwadi workers, police and paramilitary personnel who are working beyond the call of duty in the interest of nation. He reminded States to provide them preventive medicines and immunity boosters along with testing as and when required.

It was reiterated to the States that attention needs to be accorded to provisioning of non-COVID essential health services such as immunisation drives, TB case tracing and treatment, providing blood transfusion for dialysis patients, treatment of cancer patients, ANC of pregnant women, etc. It was also stated that the Ayushman Bharat-Health & Wellness Centres could be used for screening for hypertension, diabetes and three types of cancers. Telemedicine and tele-counselling could be used for a larger population in view of the lockdown. States have been advised to keep adequate stock of essential medicines. States were also informed that helpline number 104 in addition to 1075 can be used for Grievance Redressal for non-COVID essential services, and for informing regarding availability of these services etc. Adequate measures for prevention of vector borne diseases also need to be taken, they were advised.

Dr Harsh Vardhan also spoke to the DMs of various districts of Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka and discussed in detail the status and management of COVID-19 in the districts. He also added that such meetings will help in working more cohesively and also help in filling gaps, if any, and to understand and address the issues more closely and clearly.

Ms. Preeti Sudan, Secretary (HFW), Shri Rajesh Bhushan, OSD (HFW), Ms. Vandana Gurnani, AS & MD (NHM), Dr. Manohar Agnani, Joint Secretary (MoHFW), Dr. S.K. Singh, Director, NCDC along with Principal Secretary (Health)and other senior state health officials participated in the meeting.

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