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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Govt still open to lateral entry recruitment into depts: Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday clarified that the government has not given up on the idea of lateral entry into government departments. 'We are still open to it (lateral entry recruitment). It is not being abandoned,' he said at a press conference held to highlight "11 Years of Seva and Transformative Governance". Lateral entry refers to the hiring of specialists, including professionals from the private sector, to take up senior roles in the government. 'No, we have not suspended (lateral entry) it,' added Singh, who is the Minister of State for Personnel. Lateral entry not new: Singh Singh noted that lateral entry is not unique to the current government. 'The most important, the most famous lateral entry in the government of India since 1947 has been that of Dr Manmohan Singh, who went on from one position to the other position and finally ended up as Prime Minister. And there have been Montek Singh Ahluwalia (former deputy chairman of erstwhile Planning Commission) and so many other lateral entries,' he said. The government, he added, tried to give it a formal structure by involving the UPSC in the recruitment process. 'So, like I said, we are open to it,' Singh reiterated. The press conference also featured senior officials from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), and the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare. UPSC notification withdrawn Last year, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had withdrawn its advertisement for lateral entry recruitment following political controversy. On August 17, 2024, the UPSC had issued a notice for the appointment of 45 individuals through lateral entry — 10 as joint secretaries and 35 as directors or deputy secretaries. However, the decision faced criticism from opposition parties, who said the move bypassed reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs). One case under probe for quota misuse Responding to a query on misuse of quotas for OBC and disabled candidates, a senior DoPT official said there is currently one case under investigation. 'Post Pooja Khedkar (case), we have put a lot of mechanisms in place, both for PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities), as well as for OBC and EWS (Economically Weaker Section) candidates... We also received a lot of complaints on social media, which we thoroughly investigated, thoroughly inquired. And in most of the cases, we did not find anything negative,' said AP Das Joshi, Additional Secretary, DoPT. He confirmed that no officer has been dismissed so far over such allegations. 'There is one case that we are still investigating, but whatever the final result will be, action will be taken accordingly,' Joshi added. Pooja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer, was removed from service last year. She is accused of wrongly using OBC and disability quotas to qualify for a government post. Reforms under Modi government Highlighting the government's reformist approach, Singh said Prime Minister Modi's administration is focused on simplifying governance. 'For the first time since Independence, a government has taken pride in doing away with redundant rules rather than creating new ones,' he said. He pointed out that over 1,600 outdated laws, many from the colonial era, have been scrapped, sending a strong message of trust to the public — especially young people. Singh also spoke of efforts to blend technology with compassion. Over 19,000 long-pending promotions were cleared, bringing relief to many government employees. 'We combined human concern with technology to create solutions that respect the dignity of individuals,' he said. Singh also pointed out that the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) now deals with more than 2.6 million complaints each year. The system has an impressive resolution rate of 95 to 96 per cent. CPGRAMS is an online platform that allows citizens to file complaints against government departments.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Chhattisgarh government announces eight big decisions
In a Cabinet Meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai at his Civil Lines residence office today, following significant decisions were taken: 1. Cabinet approved a major decision to extend certain educational benefits to communities that have been technically excluded from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes lists. Accordingly, students belonging to the Dihari Korwa, Baghel Kshatriya, Sansari Oraon, and Pabia/Pavia/Paviya communities will be eligible to receive state-funded scholarships and stipends equivalent to those granted to Scheduled Tribes. Similarly, students of the Domra caste will be granted benefits equivalent to those for Scheduled Castes. These communities will also be allowed hostel and ashram admissions within approved seat limits. 2. With the objective to promote renewable energy and provide economic benefits to electricity consumers, the Cabinet has approved state financial aid for the installation of rooftop solar plants under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Through the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), beneficiaries will receive both central and state financial support depending on plant capacity (1kW, 2kW, 3kW and above). For example: * For a 1kW system: Total aid of Rs 45,000 (Rs 30,000 from Centre + Rs 15,000 from State) * For a 3kW or higher system: Total aid of Rs 1,08,000 (Rs 78,000 from Centre + Rs 30,000 from State) Similar benefits are proposed for Housing Societies and Residential Welfare Associations. The subsidy amount will be provided to CSPDCL in advance for disbursal to beneficiaries. Targets have been set for installation of 60,000 solar plants in 2025–26 and 70,000 in 2026–27, with respective budgetary implications of Rs 180 crore and Rs 210 crore. CSPDCL will be the implementing agency, and a dedicated bank account will be opened for transparent management of subsidies. Priority for state aid will be given to those whose grid synchronization occurred on or after 1 April 2025. 3. In a landmark move for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism, the Cabinet has approved formation of Chhattisgarh Tiger Foundation Society under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This self-financed society—on the lines of a similar body functioning in Madhya Pradesh since 1996—will work towards protecting the rapidly declining tiger population in Chhattisgarh (currently estimated at 18–20). It will raise funds through voluntary contributions and will not place any additional burden on the state exchequer. The society will undertake direct conservation efforts, promote eco-tourism through local community involvement, and encourage environmental education, research, and training—creating opportunities for employment while preserving biodiversity. 4. Cabinet has approved the merger of Vivekananda Institute of Social Health, Welfare and Services, Chhattisgarh (VISHWAS)—an allied organisation of the grant-in-aid educational institution Ramkrishna Mission Ashram Narayanpur—into the parent Ashram. 5. In a move to promote horticultural education, the Cabinet has approved the transfer of 100 acres of government land (out of a total 94.290 hectares) in Belgaon, under Saja Tehsil of Bemetara district, free of cost to the Horticulture Department for the establishment of a Horticulture College under the Horticulture University. 6. Cabinet has approved the proposal to transfer ownership of the 'JashPure' brand—under which women's self-help groups in Jashpur district produce traditional items such as herbal and mahua tea—to the state government or the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC) to expand market reach and boost marketing efforts. The move is expected to promote agro and food processing units, increase demand for local raw materials, and generate more employment opportunities for tribal women. The trademark transfer will not impose any additional financial burden on the state. 7. Acknowledging the supreme sacrifice of martyred police personnel, the Cabinet has amended Clause 13(3) of the Unified Revised Guidelines–2013 for compassionate appointments. Now, in cases where a police officer is martyred in Naxalite violence, any eligible family member (male or female) may opt for a compassionate appointment in any department across any district or division of the state. Previously, such appointments were generally restricted to the same department or office where the deceased was employed. 8. To ensure systematic exploration and infrastructure development of minor minerals in the state, the Cabinet has approved the draft notification for the establishment of State Mineral Exploration Trust (SMET). Modeled after the National Mineral Exploration Trust of the Government of India, SMET will receive an additional 2% of the royalty revenue from all minor minerals. The fund will be utilized for high-tech exploration, infrastructure development, information systems, logistical support, and human resource development in the mining sector. (This is a press release by the Chhattisgarh government.)
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
MP cabinet approves state public service promotion rules after 9 years, 2 lakh posts to be vacant in govt services
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], June 17 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav chaired a cabinet meeting at Mantralaya in Bhopal on Tuesday. In a significant decision, the council of ministers approved the state Public Service Promotion Rules after nine years, ensuring the representation and protection of the interests of the reserved categories. Provisions include 20 per cent reservation for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and 16 per cent for Scheduled Castes (SC). SC and ST public servants will also be promoted based on merit. With the promotion of employees and officers, around two lakh posts will be vacant in government services in the state, creating Taking to social media platform X, CM Yadav wrote, ''Today, in the cabinet meeting, the matter of promotion of employees and officers of the state, which was pending for 9 years, was resolved. In this, the interests of employees and officers of all categories, including SC-ST, have been taken care of. Through this, after promotion, 2 lakh posts will be vacant in government services and there will be a possibility of fresh recruitment on these.' Additionally, under the 'Saksham Anganwadi and Nutrition 2.0' scheme, the Cabinet approved the establishment, operation, and construction of 459 new Anganwadi Centers in special tribal areas for the PM-JANMAN program. Along with this, the council of ministers granted approval to create 459 honorary posts for Anganwadi Workers, 459 for Anganwadi Helpers, and 26 regular supervisory posts. Expenditure on the scheme from FY 2025-26 to 2030-31 will be made as per the approval received from the Government of India. The total estimated cost is Rs 143.46 crore, of which the Central share is Rs 72.78 crore and the State share is Rs 70.68 crore. The Cabinet further approved a total estimated expenditure of Rs 5,163 crores for ongoing and upcoming capital projects of Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Limited (MPPTCL) for the period 2025-26 to 2029-30. The funding will comprise 20 percent equity from the state government and 80 percent as loans from financial institutions/banks. Furthermore, the council of ministers gave a nod for establishment of District Treasuries in the newly formed districts of Pandhurna, Maihar, and Mauganj. (ANI)
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
What is the significance of the Shipki La pass?
The story so far: Himachal Pradesh has opened the Shipki La pass, a motorable mountain pass in the Kinnaur district, to domestic tourists, a step which locals hope will revitalise tourism and trade. What is its historical importance? Centuries before national borders and geopolitical tensions defined regions, the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district served as a vital trade route between India and Tibet (now part of China). Situated at an elevation of 3,930 metres above sea level, the pass has been part of documented trade since the 15th century, although oral histories suggest its legacy extends even further back. According to folklore, cross-border trade was based on an oath sworn by communities on both sides — 'Till the water in Kailash Man Sarovar Lake does not dry, a black crow does not turn white, and the highest peak Rijo Pugal does not flatten, this trade agreement shall continue.' This poetic pledge symbolised an enduring bond that withstood centuries, until political realities disrupted it. Why was the trade route closed? The once-thriving commerce through Shipki La came to a standstill due to a series of geopolitical events. It was first disrupted after the Sino-India War of 1962, followed by further breakdowns post the Doklam standoff and the COVID-19 pandemic. The trade route remains shut to commercial exchange. Why has the recent intervention sparked enthusiasm? The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh inaugurated tourism access to Shipki La without the previously mandatory permit system. Indian tourists can now visit using just their Aadhaar card, a move that has stirred optimism across the region. The communities of Kinnaur, particularly those from Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, share a deep-rooted cultural and economic relationship with Tibetan counterparts. Historically, the Bushahr State (now Rampur) in India and Guge in Tibet were principal players in the region's trade. The Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association, based in Reckong Peo, has voiced a formal appeal to reopen the trade route through Shipki La. The Chief Minister has assured that the issue will be taken up with the Ministry of External Affairs. What goods were traded? The commodities exchanged between India and Tibet through Shipki La were both diverse and valuable. Imports from Tibet included wool (the most profitable item), pack and saddle horses, goats, sheep, mutton, yak and goatskins, yak hair (used for ropes and saddlebags), devotional items such as prayer wheels, thangkas, rosaries, and bowls, as well as borax, turquoise, and gold. Exports to Tibet from India included grains such as barley, wheat, rice, millet, lentils, chickpeas, and oil, dried fruits, vegetables, spices, tobacco, timber, copper and brass utensils, and iron tools. Gold and turquoise were particularly cherished, which were integral to traditional Kinnauri women's jewellery — creating constant local demand and sustaining artisan communities. These exchanges weren't just transactional; they shaped cultural practices, local crafts, and even dietary habits across generations. If trade volume is limited, why is there still so much excitement? It's true that trade through the three land passes with China — including those in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand — does not account for a significant volume of bilateral trade. But enthusiasm for trade and tourism lie in connectivity and opportunity. Reopening Shipki La could shorten the journey from Delhi to Mansarovar by 14 days, a potential game-changer for religious tourism and cross-border travel. This could also boost employment for local youth, enhance regional trade infrastructure, and catalyse growth in hospitality and allied sectors. Additionally, the reopening may serve a strategic purpose as well — a soft diplomatic gesture and a community-led model of cross-border trust-building, independent of high-level state diplomacy. For a region often sidelined in national dialogues, such grassroots engagement could play a crucial role in shaping future peace corridors. What is the cultural connection? Unlike the India-Pakistan border, where cross-border blood relations exist, the India-China border around Shipki La is defined more by shared lifestyles than lineage. The people on both sides are primarily pastoralists, and many surnames overlap — for instance, the Namgyal surname is found both in Leh and across the Tibetan plateau. Cultural ties also endure through religion. Upper Kinnaur and the adjacent Tibetan region predominantly follow Buddhism, sustaining a spiritual and civilisational continuity even in the face of political divisions. Monastic traditions, festivals, and oral lore reflect a shared heritage that survives despite barriers of nationhood. Reopening Shipki La could become more than a regional story — it might just be a case study in diplomacy through development and heritage. Tikender Singh Panwar is former deputy mayor of Shimla, and member of the Kerala Urban Commission.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Review petition filed in SC against verdict on 3-year practice rule for judicial service
ANI 16 Jun 2025, 17:48 GMT+10 New Delhi [India], June 16 (ANI): A review petition has been filed before the Supreme Court against its recent judgment mandating three years of practice as a lawyer for the entry posts in judicial service (post of Civil Judge-Junior Division). The review petition was filed against the judgment delivered by a bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justice Augustine George Masih and Justice K Vinod Chandran on May 20. The top court had also ordered that the requirement of minimum years of practice shall not be applicable in cases where the High Court had already initiated the selection process for the post of Civil Judge (Junior Division) prior to the date of the judgment. Advocate Kunal Yadav filed the review petition stating that fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 16 stand infringed due to the imposition of the condition. He has urged the court to implement the mandatory three-year practice rule only from 2027 to avoid the unjust exclusion of recent graduates (2023-2025) who prepared under the previous eligibility criteria. The plea said that the judgment suffered from apparent errors on the record, warranting a review. It said that direction mandating a minimum of three years of legal practice disproportionately impacts aspirants from economically weaker sections and socially disadvantaged communities, particularly Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). There was no comprehensive data placed before the court to establish that fresh law graduates or candidates without three years of Bar experience are underperforming in judicial roles, said the review petition. (ANI)
