Latest news with #Divyangjan
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Declare ‘Sitaare Zameen Par' tax-free: Divyang orgn to CM
Jaipur: Divyang Adhikar Mahasangh, an advocacy group for the rights of specially abled persons, urged chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to declare the newly released film 'Sitaare Zameen Par' tax-free in the state. In a letter to the CM, the president of the organisation, Hemant Bhai Goyal, wrote, "I humbly request that the recently released Hindi film 'Sitare Zameen Par' be declared tax-free in the state of Rajasthan. This film focuses on the lives, struggles, talents, and confidence of children with special needs (Divyangjan). It demonstrates how such children can be integrated into the mainstream through sports and sensitive leadership." "This will promote inclusion, equality, and a positive attitude towards specially abled individuals in society," he wrote. Goyal said the film reflects the spirit of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and promotes respect and inclusion for specially abled individuals in society. "It conveys a message of making specially abled children self-reliant through sports, aligning with the objectives of NEP 2020 and the inclusive sports policy," he wrote. "The film highlights mental health, self-esteem, and the role of family, which are essential social needs of our time," he further wrote. Goyal said the Rajasthan govt has always promoted the welfare and social harmony of specially abled individuals. "This decision will further strengthen those efforts. If the film is made tax-free, it will reach rural and low-income groups, increasing awareness and sensitivity towards such individuals among the public," he added.
The Hindu
13-06-2025
- The Hindu
ECoR writes to SCR proposing augmentation of AC Sleeper coaches on Double Decker express from Vizag to Tirupati
East Coast Railway (ECoR) has sent a proposal to the South Central Railway (SCR) for augmentation of additional AC coaches by train No. 22708/08 (Visakhapatnam-Tirupati-Visakhapatnam) Double Decker express. In a letter to the Chief Traffic Planning Manager of SCR the Chief Commercial Manager of ECoR noted that 22707/08, which is owned by SCR, is running during night time with occupancy of 122.24% from Visakhapatnam, and 114.25% from Tirupati. The train is departing from Visakhapatnam at 11 p.m. and reaching Tirupati at 12.30 p.m. In the return direction, it is leaving Tirupati at 9.50 p.m. and arriving in Visakhapatnam at 10.40 a.m. Presently, only two trains 18521/22 Tirumala daily express and 22707/08 Tri-Weekly Double Decker express are running directly from Visakhapatnam to Tirupati. Most of the passengers are travelling to Tirupati for darshan of Lord Balaji. The composition of 22707/08 is 10 coaches, including two LWLRRM (Luggage, Generator and Brake Van) coaches and eight LWSCZDAC (Chair Car) coaches. The daily average number of passengers boarding this train is 1,170 from Visakhapatnam, and 1,096 from Tirupati for the period April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Acting on a letter written by ZRUCC Member K. Eswar, the ECoR official wrote to the SCR CPTM that passengers like senior citizens, Divyangjan, patients, pregnant women and families with children are utilising this train. They are facing lot of difficulties due to lack of AC Sleeper coaches. As this train is running during night time, passengers expect facilities that allow them to rest properly. The existing composition of Double Decker train does not meet passenger needs, resulting in discomfort to them. The ECoR CCM proposed augmentation of AC coaches, i.e., 2 A, 3 A and 3 E class coaches either temporarily or permanently on train no. 22707/08 Tri-Weekly Double Decker Express.
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Business Standard
09-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
LG disburses pension to 12,660 beneficiaries under ISSS in J&K
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday disbursed the pension arrears of Rs. 6.14 crore to 12,660 beneficiaries under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS). Sinha said the ISSS is aimed at ensuring financial inclusion and supporting senior citizens, widows and differently-abled individuals. He, however, added that the arrears were pending due to Aadhaar non-seeding. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor informed that the Social Welfare Department is coming up with a revolutionary app for the integration of eligible senior citizens into the pension beneficiaries. The LG also inaugurated a 50-bedded halfway home for psycho-social rehabilitation of treated and controlled people with mental illness in Jammu and 'Parisha', a childcare institution for girls in Samba district. The facility was established at Rs 4.39 crore at Lower Chowadi Jammu under Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS). "The halfway home will offer a structured environment to help individuals with mental illness who have been discharged from hospitals or institutions to reintegrate into society," the officer said. "I assure our Divyangjan (differently-abled individuals) that administration is committed to ensuring equality and equal opportunity to them in every sphere of life, and they will always be treated as equals in terms of rights, access, and dignity, the Lieutenant Governor said. In his address, Sinha also lauded the initiative by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Jammu, under two key centrally sponsored schemes Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) and assistance to people with disabilities for purchasing and fitting of aids and appliances (ADIP). The Lieutenant Governor directed the officials to promote inclusion and leverage practical solutions in the ever-evolving technological world. "It is my personal commitment to ensure the dignity of life to our Divyangjan and their participation in all walks of life," the Lieutenant Governor said. He also assured all support and assistance to the Divyangjan by the Social Welfare Department for their self-employment endeavours. He further asked the officials to submit the proposal to the government of India for establishment of a park dedicated for Divyangjan. The Lieutenant Governor also dedicated the Parisha Child Care Institution for Girls, established at a cost of Rs 3.03 crore at Mandi Gurglian in Samba. He commended the efforts of everyone associated with the Parisha initiative for providing a safe and nurturing environment for a better future for girl children in need. Pertinently, the Directorate of Social Welfare Jammu, in collaboration with ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India), has conducted 112 assessment camps in all ten districts of Jammu division. As many as 2,939 persons with disabilities under the ADIP scheme, and 2,756 senior citizens under the RVY scheme, culminating in a total of 5,918 identified beneficiaries, will receive more than 19,960 aids and appliances during the mass distribution drive.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Punjab govt working for wellbeing of underprivileged sections, says CM Mann at loan waiver event
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday said his government is working untiringly for the wellbeing of the state's weaker and underprivileged sections. Addressing a gathering after handing over loan waiver certificates to the beneficiaries here, Mann said the previous governments in the state waived loans of the affluent people but didn't bother about the welfare of the poor. "For the first time in the history of Punjab, this reprieve is being extended to the underprivileged and weaker sections of society," Mann said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Might Want To Buy Baking Soda In Bulk After Reading This Read More Undo The loan waiver scheme worth Rs 67.84 crore has benefited around 4,800 families of loanees of the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC), the chief minister said. On June 3, the Punjab Cabinet gave its nod to waive loans amounting to Rs 67.84 crore taken by over 4,000 Dalit families from the PSCFC. Live Events Mann said the waiver covers all loans disbursed by the PSCFC up to March 31, 2020, offering significant relief to SC and Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) loanees. The move will benefit 4,727 loanees for an aggregate amount of Rs 67.84 crore. The scheme will cover all the loanees, including 4,685 defaulting loanees and 42 regular loanees, government sources said. Addressing the gathering, Mann said 'no due certificates' (NDCs) will be issued by the state government and the full amount of Rs 67.84 crore comprising principal, interest and penal interest calculated as of April 30, 2025, will be reimbursed to the PSCFC by the state government. The loanees who previously availed benefits under the earlier waiver schemes are also eligible for coverage under this initiative, Mann said. No recovery proceedings will be initiated against the loanees and their accounts will be considered fully settled as of the cut-off date, he added. According to the 2011 Census, Scheduled Castes constitute 31.94 per cent of Punjab's total population and many members of this community have availed loans from the PSCFC to set up self-employment ventures aimed at economic upliftment. However, Mann said some borrowers were unable to repay their loans due to circumstances beyond their control, leading to defaults. These families could not repay their loans due to circumstances such as demise of the main earning member, prolonged illness, or having no other source of income, etc. Recovering these loans from such people was unjust, so the state government has decided to waive them, the chief minister said. PTI
Mint
06-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
LIC's Smart Pension Plan: 5 key things you need to know before you invest
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) provides for a lucrative Smart Pension Plan to provide investors with an efficient tool to plan and invest for their retirement. This is a non participation, individual, non linked and group immediate annuity plan. This has been designed to facilitate efficient retirement planning for investors, this scheme provides a choice of annuity options thus catering to both members of group superannuation schemes and individuals as well. Here are five must know facts you should know before you consider investing: According to LIC's official documentation, the minimum entry age is 18 years. The maximum age varies from 65 to 100 years, primarily depending on the annuity option selected by the applicant. Furthermore, the minimum purchase price is ₹ 1,00,000. The plan is available for individual applicants including National Pension System (NPS) subscribers and 'Divyangjan' (dependents with disabilities). Note: The basic eligibility criteria discussed above is illustrative in nature. Refer to the official website of LIC for the update eligibility criteria, terms and conditions. The Smart Pension Plan offers for several different annuity options: Annuity type Key features Lifetime Annuity (Single/ Joint Life) Annuity continues for life; in joint life, 100% payable to survivor Annuity certain with life Fixed annuity for 5, 10, 15, or 20 years, then for life Increasing annuity Annuity increases at a simple rate of 3% or 6% per annum Return of Purchase Price Purchase price returned after death or a specified period It is important to acknowledge the fact that annuity payouts can be monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annual. Note: The key features discussed above are illustrative in nature. For the updated features, terms and conditions refer to the website of LIC. All policyholders who invest higher amounts in the plan, receive enhanced and boosted annuity rates. Further, nominees of deceased LIC policyholders are also eligible for better terms. These increased annuity rates act as a financial incentive for individuals planning for a prudent and stable post retirement income stream. Furthermore, nominees or beneficiaries of deceased LIC policyholders are also eligible for favourable terms and added benefits, depending on the policy conditions and the selected annuity option. These features make the plan not only lucrative for individual investors but also considerate of their respective family's financial security. To assist in financial flexibility, LIC permits policyholders to avail of loans after three months from the policy commencement date or after the end of the free look period whichever comes later. This allows individuals to avail and access funds during sudden emergencies or difficult or unforeseen circumstances. That too without terminating the policy. Furthermore, partial surrender of the policy is also permitted under critical, unforeseen circumstances including serious illness or life altering events. This particular feature ensures that the investors are not locked into their annuity completely and can avail liquidity when genuinely required. Death benefit flexibility: Nominees can opt for lump sum payout, instalments or even annuitised benefits. Nominees can opt for lump sum payout, instalments or even annuitised benefits. Joint life annuity: Upon first death, 100% annuity continues for the remaining survivor. Upon first death, 100% annuity continues for the remaining survivor. Payout customisation: Carefully select the frequency and payout mode as per requirement and your future financial goals. Through the online mode: Visit the official website of LIC to apply directly. Through the offline mode: You can purchase the plan through LIC agents, designated representatives, or local CSC centres across the country. Documentation needed: You must keep your Aadhaar card, PAN card, address proof, age proof along with recent photographs and bank details ready to meet any required eligibility requirements. Select options: Choose your preferred annuity type and payout frequency. The payout frequency can be either monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually depending on the applicant's choice. Discuss with experts: You can also consult an LIC agent or refer to the official web link of the plan for detailed plan features and benefits before opting for it. Hence, with a growing elderly population, rising cost of living, lack of efficient planning etc., structured pension products such as LIC's Smart Pension Plan aim to provide financial independence to retirees. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult the official LIC website or authorised representatives for the latest details before making any investment decisions.
