Waqf law to benefit Muslims, will protect tribal lands: Chhattisgarh CM

He also hit out at the Congress accusing it of failing to introduce caste census despite being in power for 60 years
Press Trust of India Raipur
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not only benefit the deprived people belonging to the Muslim community but also protect the interests of tribal communities in the state by preventing land grabbing.
He also hit out at the Congress accusing it of failing to introduce caste census despite being in power for 60 years.
Waqf board was introduced with the objective of upliftment of economically backward and downtrodden women from the Muslim community and Pasmanda Muslim. However, it did not happen.
"The influential people from the Muslim community took the Waqf properties on lease and set up big malls. The rich kept on becoming richer but the poor did not get any benefit, Sai said in an interview to PTI Videos.
He said that amending the Waqf law was one of the bold decisions of the prime minister.
"We would like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, who has been taking many bold decisions. This is also one of them. With the introduction of the Act, their arbitrariness will definitely stop and the Waqf Board will work for the upliftment of the Pasmanda Muslims, the poor and the women, he said.
Chhattisgarh is a tribal-dominated state and the land of the tribals will also be protected here with this Amendment Act. The Waqf boards will not be able to cast their eyes on their (tribals') land either, he added.
About Congress claims that the government is eyeing political gains with its move to include the caste survey in the next census, Sai called the opposition party a "sinking ship" and said it has nothing to speak of.
There is a huge difference between what Congress says and what it does. They have been demanding caste-based census since the Nehruvian era, but did nothing despite being in power for 55-60 years, he said.
Praising PM Modi for the decision to include caste enumeration in the census, he said, The country is fortunate to have such a visionary PM who considers all 140 crore Indians as family and works day and night for their happiness and sorrows.
With the motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' and Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat', he has been working for everyone's development and winning everyone's trust, he said, adding that the country will benefit from caste census.
On April 30, the Centre announced that caste enumeration will be included in the next census exercise.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

28 minutes ago

• Time of India

Trump's strike on Iran raises strategic, political risks ahead of retaliation

Trump's strike on Iran raises strategic, political risks ahead of retaliation Two days after offering Iran a two-week deadline to avoid military action, US President Donald Trump announced airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. The attack, carried out Saturday evening, June 21, marked a sharp escalation in tensions and introduced new uncertainties regarding military outcomes and domestic political fallout. 'Two weeks' turned out to be two days. On Thursday, Trump presented Iran with a negotiation window to avert a strike. By Saturday, he declared the strikes 'very successful' in a social media post, adding, 'Now is the time for peace.' Also read: In his own words: Trump's Iran strike tests his rhetoric on ending wars by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo It remains unclear whether the original deadline was a tactical feint or if negotiations, reportedly led by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, collapsed behind the scenes. Trump's message of seeking peace contrasts with the risks of retaliation from Iran , which had previously warned against US involvement in the conflict initiated by Israel. Iran retaliation expected as strike objectives unclear Live Events Among the sites struck was the Fordow nuclear facility, considered a critical component of Iran's uranium enrichment infrastructure. Analysts note that Iran maintains a range of retaliatory capabilities and that the airstrikes may not have neutralized its nuclear operations. Iran's response to direct US involvement is now the central question. The US airstrikes followed weeks of Israeli operations aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities. However, Tehran retains substantial resources and has warned that further escalation could prompt regional consequences. Trump's strategy appears to involve pressuring Iran into negotiations. However, analysts question whether military action will succeed where diplomacy during Israeli strikes did not. 'Now is the time for peace,' Trump wrote, but Iran's previous refusal to engage under fire suggests continued resistance, not compliance. Also read: Trump wins immediate praise from Republicans in Congress after announcing strikes on Iran It will take time to determine whether the strikes inflicted lasting damage on Iran's fortified nuclear facilities. If they failed to achieve their core objectives, calls for additional US military action may increase, placing greater pressure on the administration and military planners. Domestic backlash grows over US military escalation Saturday's strikes also carry significant domestic political implications. Critics from both major parties have questioned the strategic necessity of the operation. Within Trump's own 'America First' political movement, concerns are growing over US involvement in another potential Middle East conflict. If the operation is limited to a one-off strike, Trump may contain the political fallout. However, any move toward sustained engagement risks alienating voters who supported his non-interventionist stance during the 2024 campaign. Trump frequently highlighted that he initiated no new wars during his first term and criticized prior administrations for foreign entanglements. Having taken decisive military action, the president now faces a situation where subsequent developments may fall outside his control.

Hans India

37 minutes ago

• Hans India

Minister writes to CM on apathy over illegal mining cases

Bengaluru/Raichur: Law Minister H K Patil on Saturday said he had written a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressing concerns over administration apathy towards taking illegal mining cases in the state to a logical end. He also wanted the culprits to be punished, and the lost wealth recovered. The senior minister, who is also in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs, has written a seven-page letter dated June 18, pointing out that only 7.6 per cent of all the cases related to illegal mining that allegedly took place between 2007 and 2011 leading to the loss of an estimated Rs 1.5 lakh crore to the government, have been investigated so far. In the letter he noted that there is outrage among people that the government has not shown honesty and commitment in its efforts towards ensuring commensurate punishments and recovery of the state's wealth, despite such a large-scale loot. He also reminded Siddaramaiah that he had led a 320-km foot march to Ballari against the illegal mining scam in 2010, when the Congress was in opposition. Patil had headed the Cabinet sub-committee, during the first Siddaramaiah-led Congress government (2013-18), which had brought the extent of loss caused by illegal mining. In Raichur, replying to questions by reporters regarding the letter, Patil said, '...I have brought it to the notice of the chief minister what has to be done, thereby it has to serve the state and the government has to get a good name, so the letter has been written. It is not a political letter. It is written in the interest of the state and its people. The CM has seen the letter and has taken the matter seriously.' Asked whether he is suspicious that documents on illegalities may be destroyed, he said with the intention that such things should not happen. He has cautioned the administration and the concerned department. Noting that the Congress party has done a padayatre (foot march) against illegal mining fifteen years ago, the minister said, despite so many years and inspite of cabinet sub-committee under 2013-18 Siddaramaiah-led Congress government submitting a report about the quantum of loss, the action taken is not satisfactory. 'Out of more than 12,000 illegal mining cases being registered, only about 7 per cent have been investigated. In just 2 per cent of these seven per cent, which means in only 0.2 per cent of the total number of cases, verdicts have come and cases have seen a conclusion,' he said. Asserting that a logical end has to be given to all these pending cases, Patil said the government lost Rs 1.5 lakh crore because of illegal mining, and with the intention that serious steps are taken in this regard, he has written a letter to the CM. He said nine cases were handed over for the CBI probe. They said they will probe only three among them and sent back the remaining six. Similarly, the cases that were referred to the Special investigation Team (SIT), most of them have still not been subjected to probe. 'So I have written the letter.' Patil, in his letter, has said that the government can still act as there is still time. Asking the government to take all the necessary measures, he suggested appointing a Recovery Commissioner as per the provisions of the Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance, 1946. He has also sought the creation of a new SIT to take up investigation of cases that have not been probed, and setting up a special court to try these cases.

Hindustan Times

an hour ago

• Hindustan Times

Punjab cabinet meeting: Chief secy replaces CM as chairman of devp authorities

Chandigarh: The Punjab cabinet on Saturday decided to appoint the chief secretary as the chairman of all local development boards in the state, effectively transferring this responsibility from the chief minister, who traditionally held this role. The Punjab cabinet on Saturday decided to appoint the chief secretary as the chairman of all local development boards in the state, effectively transferring this responsibility from the chief minister, who traditionally held this role. The cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of chief minister Bhagwant Mann, amended Section 29(3) of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development (PRTPD) Act. The amendment empowers the chief secretary to lead the state's development authorities, a move modelled after urban planning bodies such as Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA), NOIDA, Meerut, Kanpur, and Lucknow. This decision follows the cabinet's approval two weeks ago for the acquisition or 'land-pooling' of 24,311 acres in Ludhiana and 6,285 acres around Mohali to facilitate new urban estates. The reallocation of power marks a significant departure from Punjab's norm, where political figures — including chief ministers and ministers — have traditionally chaired key development bodies such as GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority), GLADA (Greater Ludhiana Development Authority), and PUDA (Punjab Urban Development Authority). Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema explained that the move was aimed at improving the functioning of the development authorities. 'The chief minister is the chairman of the authority, but due to his busy schedule, the work sometimes gets delayed. This change will help streamline proceedings and ensure timely decision-making,' Cheema said during a media briefing. Additionally, the cabinet has decided to include the departments of revenue, industry, water supply and sanitation, and others in the decision-making process of the development authorities, a step intended to enhance interdepartmental coordination. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has strongly criticised the move. SAD spokesman Daljit Singh Cheema took to X (formerly Twitter), calling the decision 'illegal, unconstitutional, and arbitrary.' He pointed out that according to the 1995 Act, the chief minister and housing minister are ex-officio chairman and vice-chairman of the boards, respectively. He questioned the legality of replacing the CM with the chief secretary, suggesting that this undermines the authority of Cabinet ministers. 'Why is the office of CM being downgraded? Who is pressuring the Cabinet to act against constitutional norms?' Cheema wrote. Nod to fill 500 posts in jail dept In order to enhance the security in jails, the cabinet gave approval for filling 500 posts of various cadres in the jail staff. This recruitment will include 29 assistant superintendents, 451 warders and 20 matrons, which will be done by Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board, thereby helping to beef up the security in the jails, said an official spokesperson. Policy for industrial plot sub-division approved The cabinet also approved a comprehensive policy for the fragmentation and sub-division of industrial plots in PSIEC-managed industrial estates to enhance land use efficiency, the spokesperson said. This policy caters to the demands of industrialists and plot owners as well as of prominent industry associations, including the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mohali Chamber of Industry & IT, and Mohali Industrial Association. It addresses the need for smaller industrial plots, particularly for the IT and service sectors, to promote efficient land use, attract investments and establish a structured, transparent mechanism for plot fragmentation and sub-division, said the spokesperson. The policy facilitates the optimisation of land usage, boosts operational efficiency, and supports project expansion by addressing long-standing demands from industrial stakeholders. It applies to freehold plots of 1,000 square yards or larger, with subdivided plots maintaining a minimum size of 400 square yards. A fee of 5% of the current reserve price of the original plot will be charged, reduced to 50% for family members or legal heirs of a deceased allottee, the spokesperson added. This policy includes a standard operating procedure (SOP) to streamline its implementation. The cabinet gave ex-post facto approval for the constitution of the high-powered cabinet sub-committee to intensify the 'war on drugs' programme of the state. This move will further help in day-to-day scrutiny of the ongoing war against drugs thereby making Punjab free from the menace of drugs and wean away the youth of state from this scourge, according to the spokesperson. Nod to frame Punjab fire and emergency services rules The cabinet gave nod for framing of Punjab Fire and Emergency Services (Validity of Fire Safety Certificate) Rules, 2025. This will enable the state government to prescribe the period of fire safety certificate in the case of buildings or premises, including those of specified risk categories through a notification, the spokesperson said. Factory rules amended The cabinet gave approval to amend Rule 2A, Rule 3A, Rule 4 and Rule 102 of Punjab Factory Rules, 1952, for facilitating ease of doing business. This will enable self-certification plans of the factories by any civil/ structural/ mechanical engineer with 5 years of experience or masters degree with two years experience subject to verification by the department. Structural stability certificate by any civil/structural engineer with five years of experience or masters degree with two years experience will also be allowed subject to verification by the department. Likewise, women workers will be allowed to work in the manufacturing of pottery and ceramics, and the process of extracting vegetable oil which is banned presently, according to the spokesperson. Consent to amend Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act The cabinet also gave consent to amend the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act 1965. Several provisions of the Act are no longer in line with present-day needs. So, various provisions of the Act have been amended to secure the interests of the Labour by making the Fund more realistic and progressive, according to the spokesperson.