The Supreme Court dismissed the proceedings in the Savarkar defamation case against Rahul Gandhi, citing lack of UP government approval.
In a major relief for Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court dismissed the entire proceedings in the Savarkar defamation case. The bench stated that there was no government approval required for prosecution under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code, and therefore, “if there is no approval, the matter is over.” Major relief for Rahul Gandhi from the Supreme Court in the Savarkar defamation case New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed proceedings in a private criminal complaint pending in Uttar Pradesh against Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The case related to alleged objectionable remarks against Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and allegations of promoting communal disharmony in society. The state government stated that it lacked the sanction to prosecute the case. The apex court said, “If there is no sanction, the matter ends here.” The bench then quashed the complaint and all related orders passed by the magistrate. The bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu, while passing the order, stated that the necessary sanction of the Uttar Pradesh government was not obtained before taking cognizance of the offense under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code. The bench clarified that such sanction is mandatory and in its absence, criminal proceedings cannot proceed. Rahul Gandhi had challenged the summons issued by the trial court to face trial under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between groups) and 505 of the IPC in the Supreme Court. He approached the apex court after not receiving relief from the Allahabad High Court. “If there is no sanction, the matter ends here” During the hearing on Friday, Justice Datta asked Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, whether the state government had given sanction for the prosecution. Nataraj clarified that no such sanction had been obtained. It has not been granted. Under Section 196 of the CrPC, prior sanction of the State Government is required to take cognizance of an offence under Section 153A of the IPC. The lawyer representing the complainant submitted that if the required sanction is not available, the summons order can be cancelled and the matter can be sent back to the Magistrate for fresh consideration. He added that if sanction is required, he will take necessary steps for that. However, Justice Datta stated that sanction is mandatory before taking cognizance of an offence. He remarked, “If there is no sanction, the matter ends there.” The bench then quashed the complaint and all related orders passed by the magistrate. The case involved remarks on Savarkar. Rahul Gandhi was summoned as an accused for a speech he made at a press conference in December 2024. The complainant, advocate Nripendra Pandey, alleged that Gandhi had described Savarkar as a servant of the British and claimed that he received a pension from the British. The complainant alleged that these remarks were intended to spread hatred and animosity in society. In December 2024, Lucknow Additional Civil Judge (Senior Division)/ACJM Alok Verma issued summons to Rahul Gandhi. The court stated that distributing pre-printed pamphlets and material at the press conference allegedly indicated an intent to spread hatred and animosity in society. The Allahabad High Court refused to grant relief to Rahul Gandhi on April 4, 2025. High Court Justice Subhash Vidyarthi orally stated that Gandhi had the option of approaching a sessions judge. Earlier, the Supreme Court had stayed the proceedings. Stay Last year, the Supreme Court stayed the proceedings in the case following Rahul Gandhi’s petition. However, at that time, Justice Datta expressed strong displeasure over the comments made against Savarkar. He questioned whether freedom fighters should be treated in this manner. Justice Datta also stated that if such comments were repeated in the future, the court could take suo motu cognizance and initiate contempt proceedings against Rahul Gandhi. On Friday, however, the bench dismissed the case entirely on legal grounds. Due to the Uttar Pradesh government’s lack of sanction for prosecution, the complaint against Rahul Gandhi and the magistrate’s summons were dismissed. Senior advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Rahul Gandhi. Reported by: Rajesh Chaudhary•Edited by: Ashok Upadhyay About the Author Rajesh Chaudhary has been associated with Navbharat Times since 2007. He covers the Supreme Court, High Courts, lower courts, and the CBI in Delhi and also brings you news on Speed News. Will remain. Courtesy: Hindi News
CM Shivakumar’s cabinet inducts 19 ministers as Congress high command clears portfolios
The allocation will become official only after the chief minister formally forwards the list and Lok Bhavan issues the notification, which is expected by Wednesday evening. BENGALURU: With hours to go before the joint legislature’s monsoon session, the Congress high command has reportedly cleared the allocation of portfolios to the 19 ministers inducted into Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s cabinet, ending the prolonged uncertainty over department distribution. But the final list has not reached the Lok Bhavan for approval and notification. Shivakumar met his spiritual guru, Sri Karivrushabha Deshikendra Swamiji of Kadaaiddeshwara Mutt, who had arrived at a devotee’s residence in Bengaluru seeking his blessings. He is likely to make some changes in the portfolios, even as it’s being finalised by and large, before sending the final list to the Raj Bhavan. However, the issue of women’s representation in the cabinet remains unresolved, with the cabinet continuing without a woman minister. The decision to accommodate a woman legislator has reportedly been kept on hold, with sources indicating the issue could be taken up after the 10-day legislature session. The demand for the induction of Vijayanagar MLA M. Krishnappa, who is unhappy over his exclusion, has also been kept in abeyance. The allocation of portfolios is an urgent issue ahead of the monsoon session, which begins on August 13. Initial reports suggest that the proposed distribution of portfolios covers 11 ministers who were inducted during the cabinet expansion and sworn in on August 3. Those who have reportedly not been allotted the portfolios include former chief minister Siddaramiah’s son MLC Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Arasikere MLA K. M. Shivalinge Gowda, Challakere MLA T. Raghumurthy, Ballari Rural MLA B. Nagendra, Malavalli MLA P. M. Narendraswamy, Chamarajanagar MLA Puttarangashetty, Haveri MLA Rudrappa Lamani and Bagalkote MLA Vijayanand Kashyapanavar. By evening, they may be allocated the portfolios, according to sources. The delay in allocating portfolios to some of the newly inducted ministers had triggered speculation that the chief minister was considering a minor reshuffle by dropping one or two existing ministers to accommodate and placate disgruntled legislators, particularly Vijayanagar MLA M. Krishnappa and Byadagi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar, who are believed to enjoy the backing of Siddaramaiah. The final list of portfolios is likely to be forwarded to Lok Bhavan for formal approval and notification. The decision follows several rounds of discussions between Shivakumar, senior Congress leaders in the state and the party high command. Shivakumar had discussed the issue with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC general secretary (organisation) K. C. Venugopal and Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, pressing for an early resolution before the legislature session. The high command is also understood to have obtained the approval of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi before giving a nod. According to the proposed allocation, N. Cheluvarayaswamy is likely to return to the Agriculture portfolio, which he held in the previous Siddaramaiah cabinet. H. Muniyappa, who earlier held the Food and Civil Supplies Department, is expected to be given Social Welfare, a portfolio he had reportedly sought. Mayakonda MLA K. Basavanthappa is likely to be entrusted with Fisheries and Ports, while Davanagere North MLA S. S. Mallikarjun is expected to get Mines and Geology, a department he had handled previously. Shivaraj Tangadagi is likely to be given Kannada and Culture, while Magadi MLC H. C. Balakrishna may get Minor Irrigation. Laxman Savadi is expected to be allotted Cooperation. Among the other proposed allocations, Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader is likely to be given the additional responsibility of Minority Welfare. Jewargi MLA Ajay Singh is expected to get Forests, while Madhu Bangarappa is likely to return to Primary Education and Santosh Lad to Labour Welfare—both portfolios they had held during the previous Siddaramaiah government. Rizwan Arshad is expected to be given Food and Civil Supplies. The portfolio exercise had triggered intense lobbying within the ruling Congress, with newly inducted ministers seeking departments of their choice while the leadership attempted to balance regional, caste and political considerations. The high command’s approval is expected to clear the way for the new ministers to assume charge of their respective departments ahead of the legislature session. The allocation will become official only after the chief minister formally forwards the list and Lok Bhavan issues the notification, which is expected by Wednesday evening. Devaraj B Hirehalli Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Cong accuses BJP of politicising Jharkhand students’ stir, bringing outsiders to disrupt protests
Accusing the BJP of being involved in “exam mafia” across the country, the Congress said the BJP was “opposing” the CID probe into paper leaks in the state, “fearing that it would get exposed”. Jharkhand Ministers Radha Krishna Kishore, Dipika Pandey Singh, and Shilpi Neha Tirkey during a joint press conference regarding the alleged paper leak of the JSSC CGL examination and irregularities in the 14th JPSC exam, in Ranchi, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Jharkhand Ministers Radha Krishna Kishore, Dipika Pandey Singh, and Shilpi Neha Tirkey during a joint press conference regarding the alleged paper leak of the JSSC CGL examination and irregularities in the 14th JPSC exam, in Ranchi, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026.(Photo | PTI) The Congress on Wednesday accused the BJP of “politicising” the students’ agitation over alleged exam irregularities in Jharkhand and said that it was “bringing people from other states” to disrupt the protests. Accusing the saffron party of being involved in “exam mafia” across the country, the Congress said the BJP was “opposing” the CID probe into paper leaks in the state, “fearing that it would get exposed”. A probe by the CBI, “a tool of the Centre”, will yield the “desired results” for them even in Jharkhand, asserted four Congress ministers – Radha Krishna Kishore, Shilpy Neha Tirkey, Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari – at a press conference here. “The BJP brought people from other states to disrupt the students’ peaceful protest in Ranchi on August 10 over exam irregularities. We urge Chief Minister Hemant Soren to ensure that each such BJP worker is identified and strong action is taken against them,” Kishore said. He alleged that the BJP’s state leadership acted at the Centre’s behest to disrupt the students’ stir, as the recent assembly gherao in Ranchi was “not on the protesters’ agenda”. Claiming that the Jharkhand government initiated steps in exam “anomalies” much before the students started their protests, Singh said, “152 paper leaks took place in the country since 2015 under the BJP rule, but CBI probe was conducted in only 17 such cases with zero conviction”. Jharkhand Ministers Radha Krishna Kishore, Dipika Pandey Singh, and Shilpi Neha Tirkey during a joint press conference regarding the alleged paper leak of the JSSC CGL examination and irregularities in the 14th JPSC exam, in Ranchi, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Jharkhand exam stir enters 19th day as students vow to intensify agitation Singh said the CBI probes included the NEET-UG 2024, UGC-NET 2024, SSC-CGL 2017, JEE Main 2021 and the West Bengal SSC 2016, “but the outcome was nothing”. Regarding the Haryana Judicial Services 2017 case, a conviction was secured not by the CBI, but by an SIT constituted by the state authorities, she claimed. Tirkey asserted that no force was used on the protesting students in Jharkhand, whereas during the earlier BJP regime in the state, “the voice of the youth was crushed”. She also said that it was Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who worked to awaken the youth across the country through the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign. This awareness is now giving students the courage to step forward and participate in these movements, asserted Tirkey. “Even at Jantar Mantar during the NEET protests, Rahul Gandhi was present to boost the morale and courage of the students,” she said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Benny, Kuzhalnadan & Shafi frontrunners for Kerala Congress chief post
All aspirants have been making trips to New Delhi, meeting Kharge and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to bolster their claims for the post. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress high command has narrowed the choice for the new KPCC president to three names — former UDF convenor Benny Behanan MP, state working president Shafi Parambil MP and state vice president Mathew Kuzhalnadan MLA. With two of his close associates — Shafi and Kuzhalnadan — among the frontrunners, influential AICC general secretary K C Venugopal is reportedly maintaining a neutral stand, leaving the choice to the Congress national leadership. However, Chief Minister V D Satheesan will have a crucial say in the selection of the new state party chief. Three other senior Congress MPs — Kodikkunnil Suresh, Adoor Prakash and Anto Antony — have apparently fallen out of the race despite backing from party stalwarts and a powerful religious organisation. Kodikkunnil, who is the Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha, had the support of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Satheesan, while Anto and UDF convenor Prakash had the backing of Priyanka Gandhi and Sivagiri Mutt, respectively. Anto had lost the post to Sunny Joseph last time. All aspirants have been making trips to New Delhi, meeting Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to bolster their claims for the post. With the Congress seeking closer coordination between the new government and the party ahead of an organisational reshuffle, the appointment is being viewed not merely as a change at the helm of the state unit but as part of a broader organisational overhaul. The final decision on the new KPCC president will be taken by Kharge and Rahul in consultation with Satheesan, sources said. Decision likely after Parl session, says senior leader “The announcement is likely after the ongoing Parliament session,” a senior party leader said. The need for a new party chief arose after incumbent Sunny conveyed his desire to step down after being inducted into the new cabinet. Among the shortlisted leaders, Benny brings considerable organisational experience, having served as UDF convenor and handled coordination among coalition partners. He is also seen as having the confidence of leaders across factions. Some senior leaders feel that an experienced organisational hand would be better placed to coordinate with a new government, in which most ministers, including the chief minister, are serving their first term. Shafi, who enjoys considerable popularity within the party and among the public, remains a strong contender. Kuzhalnadan’s proximity to Rahul is seen as an advantage. However, their relatively young age could work both in favour of and against the two contenders. Meanwhile, the powerful Catholic Church is closely watching the developments in the Congress. Sunny was made KPCC president after the Church took a strong position on the issue. K S Sreejith Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Monsoon Session: Rahul Gandhi rejects govt’s offer for discussion on NEET protest
NEW DELHI: Increased ruckus hit Lok Sabha Wednesday after govt told opposition home minister Amit Shah was ready to participate in, and reply to, a discussion on NEET protest — as BJP’s attempt to break the deadlock that has virtually washed out Parliament’s monsoon session came to a naught on the penultimate day. LoP Rahul Gandhi said the country’s younger generation is not interested in Shah’s lecture and imagination, and he should merely tell who ordered use of pellet guns and nail-studded lathis on students. After repeated adjournments, parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju told LS that Shah has written a letter to the Speaker that a discussion on NEET protest can start immediately, and he would reply. Rijiju urged opposition to sit peacefully for the discussion, saying “the home minister is waiting”. He said just two days were left in the session while the opposition was running away. But opposition intensified sloganeering and jammed the well. Presiding officer Jagdambika Pal repeatedly said he was ready to start the discussion if the members returned to their seats. But opposition was in no mood to relent. Rahul told reporters there was no need for a discussion and Shah should simply tell the House “who gave the order to shoot the students, who shot the students, who gave the order to beat the students with nail-studded lathis”, which would establish if he is culpable or incompetent. Rahul said Shah has been missing from the House for 20 days, even as he came and left Parliament in “30 cars every day”. He claimed there are a thousand cops stationed outside Shah’s residence to ensure no student comes there. “Shah has no courage, his balloon has punctured,” he remarked. On rejecting Shah’s offer of discussion, Congress’s KC Venugopal said Shah did not come to LS during the day. Deputy LoP Gaurav Gogoi accused him of obfuscating the issue by offering a discussion on NEET protest. “The issue was discussed over two days under the debate on ‘unfair means bill’. Only Shah’s reply is pending.” Minutes before the proceedings, the Speaker called Venugopal to ask him about opposition’s response to Shah’s offer for a discussion, and was told opposition was sticking to its demand for a statement by Shah and discussion on Ram temple “Chanda Chori”. This story had continued from a page 33 story in the newspaper. For your reading convenience we have added it below. Not interested in HM’s lecture: Rahul Leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi said the country’s younger generation is not interested in home minister Amit Shah’s lecture and imagination, and he should merely tell who ordered use of pellet guns and nail-studded lathis on student-protesters at Jantar Mantar. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Compromised PM sold India’s interest’: Rahul Gandhi as US court dismisses Adani case
Adani welcomed the court’s decision, saying he accepted it with ‘humility’ and ‘deep respect’ for the judicial process. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a US federal judge permanently dismissed criminal charges against Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani, alleging that the decision came at a cost to India’s interests. “There is much more to this than meets the eye,” Gandhi said in a post on X, sharing a media report on the US Justice Department’s request to dismiss the charges. “A compromised PM was forced to sell India’s interest. India is paying a huge price,” he said. US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the Eastern District of New York approved the Justice Department’s request to dismiss charges against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and former Adani Green Energy CEO Vneet Jaain. The ruling removes a major legal overhang that had hung over the ports-to-energy conglomerate for nearly two years. In a 47-page order issued on August 10, Garaufis dismissed Counts Two, Three and Four of the indictment, covering securities-fraud conspiracy, wire-fraud conspiracy and securities fraud. The dismissals were with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be refiled. The judge, however, reserved judgment on Count One, alleging violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and Count Five, alleging conspiracy to obstruct justice. Both counts involve five India-based co-defendants who have not appeared before the US court. The Justice Department has until August 31 to meet the court’s requirements, while lawyers for the non-appearing defendants must confirm their clients’ consent by the same date. Garaufis made clear that the dismissal reflected prosecutorial discretion and did not amount to a finding on the merits of the allegations. “No one should mistake” the ruling for the court’s agreement with the government’s decision or an opinion on the merits, Garaufis wrote. No trial was held, witnesses were examined or evidence tested in court. The Adani Group has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that it acted in accordance with applicable laws. In May, the Justice Department sought dismissal of the charges following an extensive review, citing jurisdictional and evidentiary challenges, the predominantly Indian nature of the alleged conduct, scrutiny by Indian authorities, the absence of identified investor losses and a shift in departmental priorities. The department also argued that the case, unsealed in the final weeks of the Biden administration, had little realistic prospect of reaching trial and appeared to be a politically motivated “name and shame” exercise. Adani welcomed the court’s decision, saying he accepted it with “humility” and “deep respect” for the judicial process. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Jharkhand exam stir enters 19th day as students vow to intensify agitation
Students protesting under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch have refused to call off the agitation despite assurances from the Hemant Soren government on reforms in the recruitment system. The agitation by job aspirants over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations entered its 19th day on Wednesday, with protesting students vowing to intensify their stir until their demands are met. Students protesting under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch have refused to call off the agitation despite assurances from the Hemant Soren government on reforms in the recruitment system. The protesters are demanding greater transparency in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), cancellation of several tests and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state. Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Chhatra Nyay group has announced a one-day hunger strike and a ‘kali patti’ (black armband) protest against the police lathi-charge on students during their march towards the state assembly on Monday. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters. While students alleged that several demonstrators were injured, Ranchi Police said 14 of its personnel sustained injuries in the clashes. The police action triggered a political confrontation, with the BJP observing a statewide bandh on Tuesday. Roads were blocked, educational institutions remained shut and markets were closed in several districts, disrupting normal life. The BJP demanded an independent probe into the alleged examination irregularities and accused the JMM-led government of suppressing the voice of protesting youths. It also questioned the intentions of government officials who visited the dharna site around midnight. The ABVP separately staged a march towards the assembly on Tuesday, while the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch held a silent procession from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi. Leaders of the outfit said the agitation would continue and that a fresh programme to intensify the protest would be announced soon. The prolonged agitation has also affected the health of protesters. Six demonstrators are on an indefinite hunger strike, with two admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital. Add as a preferred source on Google JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been fasting for about 10 days, remains in the emergency ward. Doctors said his condition was stable, though he has refused food despite repeated appeals. His blood pressure and blood sugar levels are being closely monitored. Another protester, Rahul Kranti from Palamu, began his fast at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on August 4 and was admitted to hospital on August 7 after his condition deteriorated. Doctors said his health parameters were currently normal. The sixth round of talks between the government and representatives of the protesting students on Sunday failed to break the deadlock, with both sides accusing each other of lacking seriousness. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has maintained that his government is committed to reforming the examination system and assured protesters that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled. He has also accused the BJP of turning the students’ agitation into a political platform. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Portfolios within 24 hours’: Rahul, Kharge discuss Karnataka ministry allocation
NEW DELHI: Portfolios for ministers inducted in the recent Karnataka cabinet expansion will be allocated within the next 24 hours, news agency ANI reported citing sources. This came after a meeting between Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday. The Karnataka cabinet was expanded earlier this month with 20 new ministers inducted, taking the ministry to its full sanctioned strength of 34, including chief minister DK Shivakumar. The expansion came two months after Shivakumar took office and also saw the return of former ministers including B Nagendra, Laxman Savadi and Zameer Ahmed Khan. Gayathri Shanthegowda is the only woman among the new inductees. The expansion also triggered discontent among some Congress MLAs who were left out. Yashavantarayagouda V Patil and Belur Gopalakrishna resigned as MLAs ahead of the swearing-in after not finding a place in the Cabinet. Shivakumar urged disappointed legislators to remain patient, saying it was not possible to accommodate everyone at once and promising opportunities in the future. The Congress high command also approved new appointments to key legislative posts, including GS Patil as assembly Speaker and AS Ponnanna as deputy Speaker. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Much more to this than meets the eye’: Rahul targets PM Modi after US court drops case against Adani
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday reacted sharply to Gautam Adani’s acquittal by a US court and targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the development. In a post on X, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha said, “There is much more to this than meets the eye. A compromised PM was forced to sell India’s interest. India is paying a huge price.” A US federal judge in New York on Monday dismissed the nearly two-year-old criminal case against Adani and the other accused. The US Department of Justice had sought dismissal of the charges, citing six “overlapping bases”, including that the case involved foreign conduct, India had not found “actionable misconduct”, no money had been lost on securities issued and there were “extraordinary proof problems”. The case, filed in November 2024, accused Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani and six others of conspiracy to bribe Indian government officials to secure a solar power contract. The Adani Group had denied the allegations and said its companies and executives had acted in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements. Judge Nicholas Garaufis had earlier questioned the DOJ’s decision to drop the case and sought further explanation for the move. The DOJ had argued that the defendants were foreign nationals who had never appeared in the US and were unlikely to do so. Adani, meanwhile, welcomed the court’s decision, saying: “Throughout this challenging period, our faith in truth, fairness and the rule of law remained unwavering. My deepest gratitude to those who never lost faith in us, in the system and in India’s capacity for justice,” according to the supplied text. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Only Ken-Betwa project under implementation among 30 identified river-linking projects: Centre tells RS
According to the reply, the 30 projects under the Peninsular and Himalayan components are at various stages, including feasibility reports, detailed project reports (DPRs), pre-feasibility reports and implementation. The government on Monday said the Ken-Betwa Link Project is the only priority link project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) that has entered the implementation stage, while 30 Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) projects have been identified under the plan. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said the government had formulated the NPP for inter-basin water transfer and 30 ILR projects were identified under it, comprising 16 link projects under the Peninsular component and 14 under the Himalayan component. “National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has been entrusted with the work of ILR,” the minister said. The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), the only priority link project under the NPP that has entered the implementation stage, has an estimated cost of Rs 44,605 crore. The project is envisaged to provide irrigation to about 11.88 lakh hectares, drinking water supply to about 62 lakh people, 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power, according to the reply. In addition, the Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP), which incorporates the Godavari (Polavaram)-Krishna (Vijayawada) link, stands classified as a national project and is executed by the Andhra Pradesh government and the Polavaram Project Authority. The project envisages irrigation to about 7.2 lakh acres and the stabilisation of 23.5 lakh acres in the Godavari and Krishna delta systems, diversion of 80 TMC of Godavari water to the Krishna basin, drinking and industrial water supply, including to Visakhapatnam, domestic water supply to about 28.5 lakh people in 611 villages and hydropower generation of 960 MW. The PIP has received a cumulative central assistance of Rs 20,658 crore, Choudhary said. According to the reply, the 30 projects under the Peninsular and Himalayan components are at various stages, including feasibility reports, detailed project reports (DPRs), pre-feasibility reports and implementation. Under the Peninsular component, the modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link has an MoA for implementation signed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, while the Ken-Betwa link has a completed DPR and work has commenced. The Damanganga-Pinjal link and the Par-Tapi-Narmada link have completed DPRs and have been dropped from the status of “priority links”. Under the Himalayan component, the Sarda-Yamuna link has a completed DPR, while the Kosi-Ghaghra, Gandak-Ganga and Ghaghra-Yamuna links have completed feasibility reports. The Kosi-Mechi inter-state link has a completed pre-feasibility report and the proposal has been dropped. The government said the Kosi-Mechi inter-state link was dropped due to international dimensions and, on the request of the Bihar government, the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link was studied by the NWDA and its DPR submitted to the state government. The government said environmental and socio-economic impacts are assessed as part of the preparation of feasibility reports and DPRs for ILR projects. “An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) forms part of the preparation of Feasibility Reports (FRs) and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for every Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) project, with assessment of environmental and socio-economic impacts,” Choudhary said. For the Ken-Betwa Link Project, a comprehensive EIA has been completed along with an Integrated Landscape Management Plan, which outlines measures relating to catchment-area treatment, landscape-level ecological management, biodiversity conservation, command-area development and long-term monitoring of environmental parameters. For all ILR projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) components stand included in the sanctioned project structure, the government said. “Project execution conforms to applicable environmental, forest-clearance and R&R provisions,” the reply said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights