First India-Jaipur Edition-11th February 2023

ADITI NAGAR

BACHAT. RAAHAT. BADHAT Three ‘promises’ made by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, to the people of the State, for presenting a budget based on these three ‘cornerstones’, were finally fulfilled on Friday when the three time Chief Minister of the State, gave his fifteenth budget for the next 365 days of the State.

Focussing ‘Bachat’

Gehlot announced to increase the accidental-cover under CM Chiranjeevi Scheme to a whopping ` 25 lakh! Additionally, he also announced free electricity till 100 units per month which will also help people in their ‘Bachat’. Women

MAGIC BUDGET BRIEFCASE

MAGIC BUDGET BRIEFCASE 2023 2023

CM GEHLOT WOOS YOUTH AND FARMERS

will now be able to travel in roadways buses at half the ticket fare as Gehlot announced 50% discount for women, along with gas cylinders at ` 500 for 76 lakh families of Raj, among several other ‘savings’ related announcements.

Giving ‘Raahat’ Gehlot announced government jobs for children who lost their parents during Corona pandemic. Another ‘relief’ announced is the 50% ‘relief’ in bus fare for various ‘Lakhi-Mela’ across the State, as is the 5% loan grant, if a farmer makes a house at his farm land.

Reimagining ‘Badhat’ Gehlot has taken a crucial decision, of establishing online examination centres across the state at an expense of `250 crore which will ef-

fectively break the backs of the paper-leak gangs. But even more crucial is Gehlot’s announcement of a budgetary provision of `13,000 crore for the Eastern Rajasthan Canal project which is 25% of the project cost, interlocking cemented roads in 6,000 villages, increase in the budget of Dang, Magra and Mewat Vikas Board to `40 crore, 1,100 MW lignite based power plant in Barmer, 3 dams for Udaipur and `400 crore budget for strengthening of industrial infrastructure in State are just some of major announcements for the ‘growth’ of Rajasthan made by Gehlot.

All in all, State budget is one that is aimed acting as a catalyst for Raj’s economic momentum and has addressed the hopes and aspirations of all sections of the State.

3 ‘promises’ made by CM Ashok Gehlot to people of State were fulfilled through the ‘bountiful budget’ presented in the Raj Assembly on Friday

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

PERSPECTIVE UDH POWER EDUCATION HEALTH TRANSPORT

MAGICIAN CM ASHOK GEHLOT PULLS ‘WELFARE RABBIT’ OUT OF BUDGET HAT

`7,500 CRORE

For Farmers Welfare Fund will be created

TOP TWEETS

Kudos to team @ isro. India creates history with the successful launch of the SSLV-D2 / EOS-07 mission on the advent of its Amrit Kaal. This launch allows India to send up to 500 kg objects in Low Earth Orbits paving the way for self-reliance in space programs.

Amit Shah @AmitShah

PROF ND MATHUR

The writer is Dean, Jaipur School of Economics, JECRC University

SUMANT KAUSHIK

The writer is Assistant Professor, Jaipur School of Economics, JECRC University

Registrations for Haj 2023 are open now. All prospective Haj pilgrims can register themselves here:https:// hajcommittee. gov.in/haf23

Smriti Z Irani @smritiirani

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

—Bible

This inflationary pressure would be convenient to an extent if its effect would have been to create better investment opportunities and markets to get clear, after taking debt sustainability as a factor into account. The budget is like a river having tributaries and distributaries, this budget showed a number of distributaries in terms of expenditure without any indication towards the tributaries of the revenue sources

Apparently with an eye of polls later this year, Rajasthan government in Budget 2023-24 on Friday unveiled a series of populist measures such as LPG cylinders for Rs 500 under the Ujjwala Scheme, free electricity up to 100 units per month to domestic consumers, Free food packets every month for beneficiaries of NFSA and raising medical cover to Rs 25 lakh/family per year from Rs 10 lakh under Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme.

RELIEF PACKAGE TO EASE INFLATION

PRESSURE ON CITIZENS

An inflation relief package of Rs 19,000 crore in the state’s Budget for 2023-24 to provide relief to the masses

from rising prices. The package includes free food packets every month to poor families, LPG cylinders for Rs 500 under the Ujjwala Scheme for 76 lakh families in the state and free electricity up to 100 units per month to domestic consumers. Amnesty schemes for various departments extended with increased relief in interest, penalty, and principal.

SOCIAL WELFARE SCHEMES ARE NECESSITIES NOT FREEBIES

People can get a variety of benefits from the government, but the notion of welfare is often misunderstood by the general population. The classic welfare system, which provides payments to people in need, is the most prevalent type. Freebies or gifts, however, are one of the less well-known social programmes that may be just as successful at helping people escape poverty. Spending on the poor creates a multiplier effect as their consumption goes up. The Rajasthan State budget provides massive support and concessions for the less fortunate citizens of the state, such as, old age pension scheme which has been increased

In this crucial scenario CM and Finance Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot has presented a budget which reflects his vision, farsight and experience of collaboration politics

from Rs 5000 per month to Rs 10 thousand per month, free medical coverage to EWS under Chiranjeevi Yojana, free Scooty to meritorious students extended from 20,000 to 30, 000, Free power limit extended from 50 units to 100 units, 200 units of free electrcity for farmers; free school uniforms will be given to students up to class 8 at a cost of Rs 560 crore; free electricity up to 2000 units for agricultural irrigation to farmers and many more.

YOUTH’S WELFARE AND WOMEN DEVELOPMENT

This budget had been formulated in a sense to provide support to sluggish

socio-economic development and unemployed youths.

Budget focuses on education sector in which announcement regarding extension of Right To Education scheme from Class 8 to Class 12 for boys, 1000 more Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools, Rajasthan Talent Search Examination on the lines of NTSE, extension of beneficiaries 200 to 500 Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for academic excellence.

CONCLUDING REMARK

The matter which matters most is that together states are more important than the Centre in increasing India’s GDP but states are in continuous pressure of cutting down expenditure and getting more indebted, which is grossly hurting growth and job creation in the country. States spend one and a half times more than union government and while doing so they employ five times more people than Centre. In this crucial scenario CM and FM of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot has presented a budget which reflects his vision, farsight and political experience of collaboration politics.

Budget is a balancing act. It must also show the road map for sources of finance.

`

200 CRORE

Provision to provide subsidy on fencing to 1 lakh farmers

5% LOAN subsidy to farmers on housing loans

`

3,000 CRORE

Interest-free loans to be given to farmers from cooperative banks

`5,000

One-time subsidy to 50,000 farmers for organic farming

2023

Is the Int’l Year of Millets

`8 LAKH

Small and marginal farmers will get incentives for Maize, jowar, millets seeds etc

FM has made liberal announcements and fund allocation and has touched every sector from farmer to poor, health to agriculture, infrastructure to education but he did not speak a word on road map for sources of funds. The budget held an expansionary stand of the government for the development of the state and tackle the sluggish growth, but here it again raises the concern for the source to generate the revenue for the same. It would indirectly raise the fiscal burden, though a welfare state could bear the deficit to propel the economic variables and stimulate growth, but would create an inflationary impact on the overall economy concerned. This inflationary pressure would be convenient to an extent if its effect would have been to create better investment opportunities and markets to get clear, after taking debt sustainability as a factor into account. The budget is like a river having tributaries and distributaries, this budget showed a number of distributaries in terms of expenditure without any indication towards the tributaries of the revenue sources.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHORS ARE PERSONAL

CM ASHOK GEHLOT’S VOTER FRIENDLY BUDGET

hief Minister Ashok Gehlot presented his last budget before the state goes to polls later this year.

Riding on this budget are Gehlot’s, and that of Congress’, fortunes. Last year his budget was described as populist and there was suspense over how much more he would be able to offer to keep voters on his side for a fourth term as chief minister.

With a fair chunk of the budget going towards the

welfare of farmers and the poor, his spell may continue to charm voters from those sections. Free electricity to farmers up to 200 units and an LPG cylinder for Rs 500 under Ujjwala scheme may attract a frown from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman but for Gehlot these allocations could prove to be a game changer. An estimated 76 lakh people will benefit from the Ujjwala scheme. Insurance scheme for livestock, interest free loans to farmers

Looked at in totality, this year’s budget can be called a caring budget and helps the CM to approach his voters with confidence.

How will voters respond and how will the state navigate its financial burden remains to be seen

from co-operative banks subsidised housing loans for farmers point to the importance the government has given to agriculturists.

As it has a Rs 19,000 crore inflation relief package for the masses hit hard by the rising prices. This will include distribution of free food packets for the poor every month. The medical cover of Rs 25 lakh under the Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme also targets the poor for good reason.

CM Gehlot delivers 3 hours, 20 minutes long speech

No new taxes announced in State Budget by Gehlot

Aditi Nagar, Yogesh Sharma, Naresh Sharma

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday presented the 5th Budget of this tenure and showered showered a lot of public welfare schemes apparently aiming at the electoral benefits. The theme of the budget was Bachat, Raahat, Badhat Cm Ashok Gehlot gave the longest budget speech for 3.20 hours on Friday. He started the speech at around 12.26 pm and ended it at 3.46 pm. Last year also, he gave a speech for more than 1.5 hours. Highlighting the key budget announcements, the CM Ashok Gehlot said that the amount under Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme has been increased from `10 lakh to `25 lakh per annum per family. He said “there is no other State in the country that has schemes like Rajasthan”

A big mess happened in Rajasthan today.

Last year’s budget was read out. Mistakes can happen to anyone, but I pray to God that such a situation should not arise in front of anyone.

Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister

This year’s budget was dedicated to the people of the state. CM Ashok Gehlot has made announcements for every sector. The coverage of Chiranjeevi Health Insurance has been increased to Rs. 25 lakhs, 2000 free units to farmers, no increase in tax, employment to youths and women are some of the major announcements made by CM Gehlot.

Shanti Dhariwal, State UDH Minister

‘

Chiranjeevi’ Bhava! `

This morning the BJP did not want the budget to be presented and did not want the poor to be given food packets in ration because inflation is a gift of the BJP. They did not want that poor people should be given gas cylinders for Rs 500 or Chiranjeevi insurance should be made for Rs25 lakh.

—Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister

Old budget spoils Gehlot’s ‘B-day’ party

 ‘Sensitive’ CM shows humbleness on bureaucracy

 Budget not leaked, says CM Gehlot after scramble in Assembly

The budget presented by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot lacks public policy and has the influence of politics. There is no vision of development in this, but the season of elections is visible. This budget stained with the color of elections has faded for the common people.

Vasundhara Raje, Former Rajasthan CM

PM CALLS ON INDUSTRY GIANTS IN UP

India reforming out of conviction and not compulsion, says PM Modi

Lucknow (ANI): Highlighting the country’s development strides and investment-friendly environment and pointing out that UP is leading the growth of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India is reforming not out of compulsion, but out of conviction. If India is the bright spot in the world and then UP is leading the growth of the country, he said.

PM MODI FLAGS OFF TWO VANDE BHARAT TRAINS FROM MUMBAI

CM Ashok Gehlot on Friday exemplified his stand that people will get tired of asking, but he, as CM, will never tired of fulfilling everyone’s wishes and demands! CM Ashok Gehlot erronously read excerpts of the previous budget instead of Budget 202324. This gave the Opposition a chance to create uproar in the House, however, CM Gehlot apol-

ogies and said it was human error. With Opposition claiming that budget has been leaked, House had to be adjourned twice. When the proceedings resumed, Gehlot said, “, “I am feeling sorry. An extra page was added by mistake. It was human error.” Incorrect figures were presented when Vasundhara Raje was CM and that were also rectified.” P12

With 2 more judges, SC regains full strength 34

New Delhi (FIB): Week after five judges were appointed to the Supreme Court, Centre on Friday elevated two more High Court judges to SC, taking it to its full strength of 34 judges.

BAN ON BBC DOCU:

SC DISMISSES PIL

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a complete ban on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and BBC India from operating in Indian territory.

PM Modi flagged off MumbaiSainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat Express and Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat on Friday, said that they exemplify speed, scale of India’s progress. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis were present.

Justice Rajesh Bindal, currently CJ of Allahabad HC, and Justice Aravind Kumar, CJ of Gujarat HC, will be appointed as judges of SC.

Supreme Court on Friday sought views of the Centre and market regulator SEBI on PILs alleging exploitation of innocent investors and “artificial crashing” of the Adani Group’s stock value.

Inflation relief package that includes free food packets every month to poor families

Annual amount increased from Rs 10 lakh per family in State govt’s Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana

`5,000

Priced LPG cylinders for Ujjwala Scheme beneficiaries

Will be given to women for sewing machines

19,000 cr `500 0 bill

0 fare `7,000 cr

To be spent on free electricity upto 100 units per month to domestic consumers

Free power to farmers who consume less than 2,000 units/mth

`10,326 cr

Provision for Public Works Department

3 districts

Free bus travel for the students up to 75 kms

`3,306 cr `30,000

For the Agriculture Department

Financial help for students doing the research in State MAJOR TAKE AWAYS

To get new medical colleges and Marwar Med Varsity in Jodh

Old Pension Scheme for personnel of various boards and corps

 No new taxes announced in this budget

 Accidental insurance coverage under Chiranjeevi scheme increased to `10 lakh from `5L

 One-time registra-

Women to pay only half the fare in State roadways buses

tion facility to appear for competitive exams  Rajiv Gandhi Aviation University will be set up in Jaipur

 Gig Workers Welfare Fund, Board to be set up

Free education for all students till Class 12th under the RTE

Government to give electric two-wheelers to the girl students

CRUCIAL READ

ISRO LAUNCHES NEW ROCKET SSLV-D2 FROM SRIHARIKOTA; 3 SATELLITES PLACED IN ORBITS

Sriharikota: In 2nd developmental

flight, ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) placed 3 satellites, including earth observation satellite EOS-07, in intended orbits on Friday. Success of SSLV-D2 mission comes after India’s smallest commercial rocket — which is 34-metre-tall and 2 metre in diameter — failed to inject satellites into orbits during its maiden flight on August 7 last year.

UDAIPUR ACB DETAINS

DSP JITENDRA

Udaipur: The ACB on Friday arrested suspended deputy SP Jitendra Kumar Anchalia in a case of bribery. The accused officer who was posted in Udaipur had demanded bribe through a SI Roshan Lal in a matter of disputed land. After probe, the ACB team from Jaipur arrested Anchaliya. P11

NO PRE-BOARDING COVID-19 TESTS

New Delhi: Almost six weeks after introducing pre-boarding RT-PCR tests for passengers from six countries, the Union Health Ministry on Friday had said that the restrictions for travelling would be done away with from February 13 owing to a declining trend in Covid-19 cases.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the UP Global Investors Summit ’23, in Lucknow on Friday. UP Guv Anandiben Patel, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and State CM Yogi Adityanath are also seen here.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who is also the Finance Minister, presents the State Budget 2023 at the Rajasthan Assembly in Jaipur on Friday.

AGRI LAW & ORDER UDH POWER EDU HEALTH TRANSPORT

Several announcements including free electricity for farmers up to 2000 units per month, increase in the farmers welfare fund from `5000 crore to `7500 crore, subsidy to 1 lakh farmers for fencing of farms were made for the agriculture sector in the 2nd Agriculture budget presented by CM Ashok Gehlot

6,683 cr

 `750 crore for Parwan Project

 `700 crore for Upper High Level

Canal on Mahi Dam

 `300 crore for Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Proj

 `300 crore for Eastern Rajasthan

Canal Project

 `300 crore for Water Harvesting

 `250 crore for Mahi Project

 `209 crore for Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project

 `300 crore for ERM of Minor Irrigation Works

IRRIGATION AND FLOOD CONTROL `1500 CRORE

to boost tourism, Amber to be iconic destination

ASTOUNDING BUDGET!

AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

WELFARE OF BACKWARD CLASSES & SOCIAL WELFARE

l Provision of `11,840.82 crore for Social Justice & Empowerment Department which includes; `5,444.00 crore for Chief Minister Old Age Samman Pension Yojana, `2,414.00 crore for Chief Minister Widow Samman Pension Yojana, `653.00 crore for Chief Minister Specialy Abled Samman Pension Yojana.

l `754.50 crore for Palanhar Scheme, `313.38 crore for Devnarayan Yojana, `200.00 crore for Post-Matric Scholarship to SC Students ,Rs 305.00 crore for Post-Matric Scholarship to ST Students & Rs 87.77 crore for Post-Matric Scholarship to OBC Students.

LABOUR AND LABOUR WELFARE

Provision of ` 718.77 crore for Employment Department which includes ` 638.14 crore for Mukhyamantri Yuva Sambal Yojana. Provision of ` 670.14 crore for Labour Department.

RELIEF FOR SPECIALLY ABLED

Provision of `228.23 crore for Directorate of Specially Abled Persons which includes; `100.00 crore for Rajya Divyang Kalyan Nidhi. Assistance for Prosthetic Aid to 2,500 persons.

MINORITY DEVELOPMENT

l Provision of `482.52 crore for Minority Development Programme which includes; `130.00 crores for Model Residential School, Jaipur. `90.00 crore for Madarsa Schools.

2K units of free electricity for farmers

CM also announced Rajasthan

Farmers Debt Relief Act

in order to protect small & marginal farmers’ land

l In a bid to boost tourism, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has increased the budget of the Tourism Development Fund. Now the amount has been increased from `1,000 crore to `1,500 crore. Besides, many works will be done for `176 crore.

l The government had constituted a Tourism Development Fund for developing tourism facilities in the state, creating employment for local people in the tourism sector as well as branding to attract domestic and foreign tourists. The amount of this fund has been increased.

NEW SARAS PARLOURS

to be opened, cattle owners to get financial aid

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday announced free electricity to more than 11 lakh farmers who consume less than 2,000 units per month. Providing uninterrupted power supply for farming is a priority for the state government, the chief minister said in his Budget speech for 2023-24.

Farmers consuming up to 2,000 units per month will get free electricity from the 202324 financial year, Gehlot said. He also announced the enactment of the Rajasthan Farmers Debt Relief Act in order to protect the land of small and marginal farmers from being auctioned off.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

For Animal Husbandry Department elaborated funds has been allotted to cater cattle rearers which includes Rs

100.00 crore for Mukhyamantri Kam-Dhenu Bima Yojana. Also announcement on compensation for cows that died in Lumpy was made with Rs 40,000 as compensation. Provision of Rs 707.30

crore for Animal Husbandry Department which sums up to Rs 365.91 crore for Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries & Rs 51.90 crore for Mukhymantri Pashudhan Nishulk Dava Yojana.

`200 crore welfare fund for gig workers of Uber-eats, Zomato etc

l CM Ashok Gehlot also made announcements for Dairy Sector during his budget speech. Five thousand new saras booths and 200 new saras parlours will be opened in the state.

l Similarly, to provide financial aid to cattle owners whose cows died due to lumpy skin disease, `40,000 will be given by the state government to them.

l Similarly, Kamdhenu Bima Yojana has also been started for cattle owners of two milkgiving cows. A budget provision of `750 crores has been made for the same and more than 20 lakh cattle owners will be benefitted.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday announced the enactment of the Gig Workers Welfare Act, establishment of a board and a welfare fund of Rs 200 crore in his government’s Budget for 2023-24.

He said gig workers work with companies like Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon and others and their numbers are increasing.

The scope of the gig economy is increasing and the number of gig workers has increased to 3-4 lakh in the state, Gehlot said, adding that till now, there was no arrangement of social security for them.

“To protect them from

harassment, I propose to bring the Gig Workers Welfare Act, under which, along with the formation of the Gig Workers Welfare Board, a Gig Workers Welfare Fund will be established with Rs 200 crore,” the chief minister said in his Budget speech.

NEW LAW FOR APP BASED WORKERS SOON

Alaw will be brought for the security of app base works. An App-based Works Welfare Board will be formed. Kept a budget of 250 cr. This law will be made for the protection of app base workers. Rahul Gandhi had suggested this in of Malakheda.

`

3,306.87 CRORE FOR AGRICULTURE DEPT

 `2,000 crore for PM Fasal

Bima Yojana & Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme

 `431.65 crore for National Food Security Mission

 `325 crore for Rastriya

Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

 `90.00 crore for Pradhan

Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana

 `469.47 crore for Five Agriculture Universities

 `707.30 crore for Animal Husbandry Department which will help cattle rearers

 `461.72 crore for Agriculture Marketing which include, ` 380 crore for Development Schemes of RSAMB & ` 81.72 crore for PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme

POLICE, LAW AND ORDER

500 police mobile vans, STF to be formed in SoG

Every year more than 2.25 lakh crimes are registered in Rajasthan. To control these crimes, the state government has announced to give 500 new police mobile vans to the Rajasthan Police. These police vans will be sent to 50 districts. Apart from this, the government has announced plans to install five lakh CCTV cameras in the state. The cameras to be installed in every district will be linked to the Police Control Room and Abhay Command Centre located in the district, so that every move can be monitored.

However, it is not clear if the govt will install these cameras with the help of the

`247.18 CRORE FOR POLICE DEPT, `376.54 FOR LAW DEPT

Provision of ` 247.18 crore for Police Department. It is not clear if the government will install these cameras with the help of the public or if there is any tender that will be issued to install five lakh CCTV cameras in the state.

public or if tenders will be issued. The Budget also announed to form a Special Task Force in the Special Operations Group of the police.

Thanks to the Chief Minister for giving a historic budget. All the records till now have been broken. Such announcements were not made earlier in the history of Rajasthan. This budget is a completely balanced budget in line with the expectations of the public. The Chief Minister has announced to develop Vishwakarma MSME Tower with modern infrastructure at a cost of Rs 125 crore in Jaipur by Rajsico for the convenience of entrepreneurs.

The State Budget lays foundation for socioeconomic development of the state. The impetus on creating youth for the future is commendable and will create an enabling framework to harness the vast potential of our demographic dividend.

Randhir Vikram Singh, Chairman, FICCI Rajasthan State Council & CMD, Mandawa Hotels

Rajeev Arora, Rajsico President CM has allocated an amount of Rs 4,000 crores in his budget, giving grants and relief in various schemes, showing sensitivity for the cattle herders. Under the mid-day-meal milk scheme in the schools, a historic announcement has been made to provide daily milk instead of 2 days to the students, in which Rs 1100 crore has been allocated.

Ramchandra Choudhary, Chairman, Ajmer Milk Union

The National Students Union of India (NSUI) members, student wing of the Indian National Congress, celebrates the atsounding budget presented by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, on Friday outside the Rajasthan University.

—PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

AGRI LAW & ORDER UDH POWER EDU HEALTH TRANSPORT

CM Ashok Gehlot during his budget speech announced setting up of Rajiv Gandhi Aviation University in Jaipur on the lines of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi of UP. A budgetary provision of `350 crores has been set up for the establishment of the aviation varsity. A pilot training academy will also be opened here

CRUCIAL DECISIONS

l Amid the paper leak row, the state proposed a one-time registration to appear in competitive exams for job aspirants. Thus, youths won’t have to pay multiple fees for different government job exams.

l Medical cover under Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme has been increased to `25 lakh/family per year from `10 lakh.

100 units/month free electricity to be provided to domestic consumers as compared to 50 units/month earlier

l Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries to get LPG cylinders at `500. At least 76 lakh families to benefit from LPG subsidy.

l New medical colleges to come up in three districts of the state and Marwar Medical University will be constructed in Jodhpur.

30,000 financial help to students doing research

l EWS families will be given the benefit of the Chiranjeevi scheme. The accident insurance amount will be increased from 5 lakh to 10 lakh under the scheme.

500

crore for skill development of youths

l Women will be given Rs 5,000 for sewing machines

l Rajiv Gandhi Aviation University to be set up in Jaipur

l Free bus travel for students up to 75 kms

30,000 sweepers will be recruited in Rajasthan

l Government to give electric twowheelers to girl students

l Free education for all students till Class 12th under RTE

11 lakh farmers to get free electricity up to 2000 units

l Establishment of APJ Abdul Kalam Institute of Biotechnology in Jaipur at a cost of `300 crore.

l Women to pay only half the fare in state roadways buses

THE MIGHTY CORRIDOR!

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR URBAN AREAS

POWER COMPANIES REJOICE

`1,460.76 cr AS

`233.95 cr

FOR RAJASTHAN RAJYA

VIDYUT UTPADAN NIGAM

`240.24 cr

FOR RAJASTHAN RAJYA

VIDYUT PRASARAN NIGAM

`986.57 cr

FOR DISCOMS

 Provision of `25,191.56 crore for Power Sector which Includes

 Provision of `23,369.63 crore for Power Tariff Subsidy

 Provision of `109.18 crore for Agriculture

Consumers for Relief in Power Tariff

Gifts galore for all divisions of State

Abhishek Srivastava

In the cities of the state, Rs 3850 crore will be spent in the coming financial year. Rs 1750 crore will be spent on repairing the roads while 15 new municipalities will be formed.

Alwar Municipal Corporation will be formed while Chomu Municipality and Fatehpur Municipality will be made Municipal Council. Rs 1800 crore will be spent on well-planned development, beautification and sewerage work to increase facilities for the common urban area and reduce traffic pressure. The 3D city project will be implemented in Ajmer Kota Udaipur and Jodhpur on the lines of Jaipur city at a cost of Rs 300 crore. The roads of JMC Heritage will be repaired.

JAIPUR

The roads of JMC Heritage area will be repaired at a cost of `100 crore. Underground parking for 500 vehicles will be made in front of High Court and Secretariat at a cost of `50 crore on the land of Central Park or Golf Club. `5 crore will be spent on repair and covering of a large drain located in Jawahar Nagar going from WTP to Nandpuri will be beautified at a cost of `10 crore.

JODHPUR

KOTA

ANeuroscience Centre will be established in the super speciality wing of Medical College Kota. For the 2nd phase of the Chambal River Front, CM announced a budget of 350 crores. A planetarium in Kota at a cost of Rs 10 crore. Along with this, it has been announced to open Mining University and Speciallyabled College. Suket Municipality will be formed.

BIKANER

ALWAR

Municipal Council Alwar will be made a Municipal Corporation. The work of ERCP scheme has been extended for which Rs 13,000 cr have been announced. Necessary equipment will be installed for air pollution at Rs 100 crore. New barracks will be built in Alwar Jail to increase the capacity of 80 prisoners. To open Horticulture College at Machadi Raini and Girls College at Bahadarpur.

M

arwar Medical University in Jodhpur for which a budget of Rs 500 crore has been allotted. A museum will also be built in memory of Major Shaitan Singh at a cost of Rs 75 crore. The first Divyang University to be constructed at a cost of Rs 25 crore. Eight types of courses for advanced studies in the temporary campus of Fintech University of Jodhpur.

AJMER P

ushkar will be developed as an international camp city for Rs 10 crore. Developing Ajmer as a wedding destination, a meetingconclave exhibition centre will be established at Rs 100 crores. A 50 per cent discount on roadways buses will be given to passengers travelling to Ajmer Dargah and Pushkar fairs. Rs 50 crore for improving facilities in RPSC and SCC.

HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Good News: DLC rates slashed to 5%, flats & plots to get cheaper

Abhishek Shrivastava

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has announced to reduce the District Level Committee (DLC) rate to 5% from 10% in the budget. With this, plots and flats will become cheaper in Rajasthan. He also announced exemption of two percent stop duty in the purchase of flats up to Rs 50 lakhs in multi-storey buildings.

Allotment of plots in new industrial areas will be done through online lottery. MSME limit has been reduced from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. In a relief to traders, concession will be given on depositing market fee. The time to avail

the amnesty scheme has been extended till September 30.

Gehlot has provided huge relief on startups involving Rs 50 lakh by completely waiving off the stamp duty. For land of agro-based industries, the rates of DLC will be equal to agricultural land. The amount given by the farmers for copying of

UDAIPUR R

s 1691 crore for construction of dams under the Dewas scheme in Udaipur. Additional dams will be built for providing drinking water here. These will be constructed under the third and fourth phase of Dewas scheme. Udaipur city and nearby villages will have better access to drinking water. The demand for the construction of these dams has been for a long time.

`650 CRORE FOR URBAN EMPLOYMENT SCHEME

 Provision of `14,742.54 crore for UDH Sector which includes; `3054.14 crore for AMRUT Mission-2.0  `923.74 crore for Rajasthan Transport Infrastructure Development Fund, `650.00 cr for Urban Employment Scheme

land records and boundary knowledge has been made free of cost. One-time tax on purchase of two-wheelers was exempted from 50% and now it will be 4%. Gehlot’s decision of slashing the DLC rates has brought relief to the middle class. Lowering the DLC rate for small plots will make it cheaper.

B

udgetary provisions were also made for various development works in Bikaner. A trauma centre will be built in PBM Hospital for Rs. 20 crore. Similarly, a fruit mandi will be developed in Sri Kolayat and a government college will be built in Bikaner West. Mukta Prasad Nagar Police Chowki will be upgraded to Police Station. Bikaner Medical College was expecting a bigger budget.

BHARATPUR In Bharatpur, Vivekananda Youth Hostel will be opened, in which 100 students will be able to stay. Girls colleges open in Rudaval, Nadbai, Sikri, Kaman and Nithar and a Sports stadium in Nadbai and Sports complex in Bharatpur. Synthetic athletics track in Bharatpur. Homeopathy college in Bharatpur. A de-addiction centre in Bharatpur. The office of BCHO will be opened in Pahari.

This is a political and public attraction budget and will only show people dreams. None of this is going to be implemented on ground. This budget will spoil the crops of farmers and upset youth. Chomu assembly has been fully disregarded in the budget as it required Metro, Bisalpur water, sewage and other important things. People of Chomu have been disrespected. Ramlal Sharma, MLA, Chomu CM Ashok Gehlot has made a historical announcement of making Chomu a municipal corporation from council. Special focus is being given to farmers and youth. With making school education free, fees for competition exams have also been waived off, along with other schemes, which is a huge relief. The Gehlot government has always focused on the health of the people of the state.

Bhagwan Sahay Saini, Former MLA, Chomu

Rural Development Tribal Areas Devp

l `572.67 CRORE

l `19,891.47 CRORE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT SECTOR WHICH INCLUDES

l `4,731.47 crore for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MG NREGS)

l `5,000.00 CRORE AS GRANTS TO PRIS UNDER STATE FINANCE COMMISSION

l `2,989.00 crore as Grants to PRIs under Central Finance Commission

l `1,145.65 CRORE FOR SWACHH BHARAT MISSION

Budget is encouraging for investment as rationalization of DLC rates and concessions on stamp duty have been announced. `1,500 crore for promotion of tourism shows that the Govt is serious about making this sector the major economic driver as it has the solution for sustainable inclusive economic growth.

Apurv Kumar, President, FHTR

Sunita Gehlot, Vaibhav Gehlot, Himanshi Gehlot, Kashwini Gehlot, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Mohan Prakash and others lend ears to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he presents the State Budget 2023-24 in the Assembly in Jaipur on Friday. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

`3,850 crore will be spent in coming financial year to develop infrastructure in several cities of State

PM Modi has not answered any Opposition questions: Cong chief

Kharge termed PM’s speech in Parl as general and accused the govt of being arrogant

New Delhi (ANI): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said that the speeches given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in both Houses of Parliament were normal speeches and said that the government did not answer questions raised of the opposition.

Congress President termed the Prime Minister’s speech in both Houses of Parliament as an everyday speech and said that the government is arrogant and is not answering important questions like inflation, unemployment or those posed on the Adani row.

He said that the value of the Rupee is continuously falling, 71,000 primary schools are being closed and the number of private educational institutions are increasing all over the country and the Prime Minister is not giving any answers.

The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said that arrogance of the Prime Minister is reflected in the statement that only he can save the country.

Adani hires NYbased law firm to advise it on stocks crisis

CONGRESS, SOME OPPN MPs

New Delhi (PTI): The Congress and some other opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha staged a walkout on Friday after Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was not allowed to speak in the House. Kharge wanted to raise the issue of some of his observations being expunged by the chair, but he was not allowed on the plea that he cannot read the same remarks which have already been expunged. Opposition members protested in support of the Leader of Opposition who wanted to raise his point, but the chair did not accede to their demand.

RS CHAIRMAN DHANKHAR LOSES COOL OVER RUCKUS BY PROTESTING MP’S

New Delhi( ANI): Taking serious note of the disruptions of the proceedings by opposition who have been demanding a Joint Parliament Commitee over the Adani-Hindenberg row, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar lost his patience and warned the protesting MP’s that “every transgression from both sides would not go without his deep reflection”. The outburst came after a heated argument between Union Minister Piyush Goyal and the Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge who have been locking horns after Congress alleged PM Modi to have “links” with industrialist Gautam Adani.

DHANKHAR SUSPENDS CONGRESS MP FOR RECORDING HOUSE PROCEEDINGS

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President

Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday suspended Congress MP Rajani Patil for the remainder of the Budget Session for filming House proceedings. The suspension comes after she tweeted a video from inside the House in which opposition lawmakers were seen protesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the Motion of Thanks. Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed a “serious view” regarding the issue and characterised it as an “unwholesome activity” on her side.

Former Odisha chief secretary Bijay Patnaik to join Congress

Yoga pulled me out of mental and physical agony: Prez Murmu

‘6 OF 11 WERE BJP MPS’: CONG SLAMS PM ON CASH-FORQUERY SCAM

New Delhi: Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong attack on Congress led UPA alliance, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh today countered the attack and posed fresh questions to the PM. Taking to social media, Jairam Ramesh tweeted, “In his long rant yesterday, the PM blamed UPA for the cash-for-query scam when in fact 6 of 11 involved were BJP MPs.” “It’s BJP that walked out during the vote to expel the MPs after resolutions moved by Pranab-da and Dr Singh. Would the Chair now expunge PM’s lies,” he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Lok Sabha a day after Congress’s Rahul Gandhi’s attack on his government, lashed out at the 10 years of UPA rule, saying it had “bled the country dry”.

UP GLOBAL INVESTORS SUMMIT 2023

New Delhi: Former Odisha chief secretary Bijay Patnaik, who superannuated from service in 2013, joined the Congress party on Friday. The retired bureaucrat met the party leadership at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi.

Patnaik, a 1976-batch IAS officer, served as the state chief secretary from September 2010 to 2013. Before his elevation as a top administrator of the state, he served as the principal secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik from 2004 to 2010.

Bhubaneswar (PTI):

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said that yoga had helped her when she was in mental and physical agony, while asserting that regular practice of it could help people achieve success in all spheres of life. She also noted that

empowerment of women is the ‘mantra’ to establish India as the “Biswa Guru” (world leader). Murmu stressed the need for the practice of yoga which could help citizens grow spiritually leading to the overall development of individuals and the nation as a whole. Murmu arrived in Odisha today, her home state, and is here to attend official functions. On Saturday, Murmu will first pay a visit to the Lord Lingaraj temple and then inaugurate the second Indian Rice Congress at the National Rice Research Institute in Cuttack.

Amit Shah’s roadshow in communally sensitive K’taka district cancelled

Mangaluru: The roadshow of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the communally sensitive Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka on Saturday has been cancelled owing to security reasons, a senior BJP leader said. Shah, who will be reaching Karnataka on Saturday morning from Kerala, will par-

India reforming out of conviction: PM

New Delhi: Gautam Adani-led Adani Group has hired US-based law firm Wachtell to fight against allegations recently leveled against the conglomerate by short-seller Hindenburg Research, Financial Times reported.

According to the British daily news report, the Adani Group has tapped senior lawyers at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to advise it on how to deal with the crisis facing the conglomerate. The New York-based legal firm specializes in corporate law, regularly handling large and complex transactions.

Lucknow: Highlighting the country's development strides and investment-friendly environment and pointing out that Uttar Pradesh is leading the growth of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India is reforming not out of compulsion, but out of conviction.

If India is the bright spot in the world, then Uttar Pradesh is leading the growth of the country, PM Modi said after inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023 in Lucknow.

Addressing the gathering, PM said, "UP's growth has been noteworthy. People used to say that it was hard to develop UP and the law and order situation could not be improved.

UP was known for scams and no one had any hopes for UP. But, within just five to six years, UP has estab-

lished a new identity for itself. Today, UP is known for good governance, peace, law and order, and stability."

The PM said a big change is being witnessed in the thinking and aspirations of Indian society and youth today. The aspirations of the country are

KHELO

pushing the governments, and these aspirations are pushing the development work.

"Today every credible voice in the world believes that India's economy will continue to grow rapidly. The biggest reason behind this is increasing self-confidence of Indians," he said.

VANDE BHARAT TRAINS REFLECT SPEED AND SCALE OF INDIA’S PROGRESS: PM

Mumbai (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Vande Bharat Express exemplify the speed and scale of India’s progress. He said these trains will benefit students and office-goers while also facilitating devotees and farmers. “For the first time, 2 Vande Bharat trains have been flagged off at once. They’ll connect financial centres such as Mumbai and Pune to centres of religious significance & will benefit college, office-goers, farmers and devotees. It will also boost tourism,” he said.

‘INDIA'S BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS SEEN WITH TRUST’

Lucknow (ANI): Union Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government has put forward a new vision for the business community in the country, which is now looked upon with trust and respect. He also said the government has presented a new approach towards the business committee.

OPPN ATTACKS YOGI GOVT AHEAD OF GIS-23 EVENT

Lucknow: Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh have mounted a blistering attack on the Yogi Adityanath-led state government before the GIS event.

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav said the state government should not discriminate between industrialists.

UP RECEIVES INVESTMENT PROPOSALS OF `32.92 LAKH CRORES: CM YOGI

Lucknow (ANI): Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said that the state has attracted investments proposals worth Rs 32.92 lakh crores through the roadshows for the Global Investors Summit 2023 and is ready to play the role of the growth engine of the country in line with the Prime Minister’s vision and by imbibing his mantra of ‘Reform, Perform Transform’.

INDIA WINTER GAMES 3RD EDITION

A platform to thousands of young players: Thakur

New Delhi (ANI): Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur on Friday inaugurated the third Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg. The third edition of the Khelo India Winter Games will be held from February 10 to February 14.

Talking to ANI Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said, “The third edition of Khelo India Winter Games is being inaugurated at our Jammu and Kashmir’s

Gulmarg. More than 500 players from 29 states and union territories of the country have come.”

Besides Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur, Lieutenant Governor

‘GULMARG TO BE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR WINTER GAMES’ Baramulla (Agencies): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said Gulmarg is going to be the Centre of Excellence for the winter sports and efforts are on and soon “we will achieve the mission” Addressing the gathering during the inaugural ceremony of 3rd edition of Khelo India Winter Games, LG Sinha, said that every effort is being made to bring the skills of J&K youth who are affiliated with the sports on a display as Gulmarg will soon be the Center of Excellence for the winter games.

of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha along with high officials of the sports council and tour-

ism department were also present during the inauguration. In the five-day-long

event, 11 games will be organized that will witness the performances of 1000 players across Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Khelo India initiatives Anurag Thakur said, “A large number of youths are showing their interest in playing sports as they are getting a proper platform to show their talent. Khelo India has given a platform to thousands of young players.”

ticipate in various programmes and address a public gathering in Puttur town.

About 3,500 police personnel have been deputed for the security of Amit Shah, during his visit to the district, which had witnessed revenge killings in the recent past. The disturbing development stirred a debate at the national level. The cancelled roadshow was to be held at Mangaluru city in the evening.

IN THE COURTYARD

TRANSFER OF 10 HIGH COURT JUDGES UNDER PROCESS, SAYS LAW MINISTRY

New Delhi: Proposals for transfer of 10 high court judges are under various stages of processing, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju told Lok Sabha on Friday. Rijiju’s statement comes days after the Supreme Court expressed displeasure over Centre’s delay in clearing recommendations for transfer of HC judges, saying it was a very serious issue. The minister asserted that “no timeline” has been prescribed in the Memorandum of Procedure for transfer of judges from one HC to another.

SUPREME COURT RELIEF FOR 'KANTARA' MAKERS OVER PLAGIARISM

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday put on hold the Kerala High Court's condition directing the producer and director of the Kannada superhit movie "Kantara" to not exhibit the film with the song "Varaharoopam" till a final order in the copyright infringement case. A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala also issued notice to the Kerala government and sought its reply in two weeks.

HARDIK ACQUITTED IN 5-YEAR-OLD CASE OF DISOBEYING GOVT ORDER

New Delhi: A court in Gujarat’s Jamnagar on Friday acquitted Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Hardik Patel in a five-year-old case after the prosecution failed to establish the case. The Patidar leader was accused of delivering a political speech at a gathering in contravention of the conditions set by the authorities while granting permission for the event.

REQUEST ON EXCOMMUNICATION IN MUSLIM COMMUNITY REFERRED TO SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today referred to a larger nine-judge bench to decide the plea against the practice of excommunication in the Dawoodi Bohra community. A bench said the nine-judge bench constituted to decide the correctness of the Sabarimala judgment will also decide the practice of excommunication in the Dawoodi Bohra community. The bench had earlier heard the parties who urged the court to wait for a nine-judge bench decision in the matter.

DELHI POLICE MOVE HC AGAINST ORDER DISCHARGING SHARJEEL IMAM

New Delhi: The Delhi Police has moved a plea challenging the order of a trial court which discharged Sharjeel Imam, Asif Iqbal Tanha and nine others in a case pertaining to the violence at Jamia Millia Islamia University in December 2019 related to demon strations against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

HC SEEKS POLICE REPORT ON SALE & SUPPLY OF ‘BANNED’ CHINESE MANJHA

New Delhi: On account of supply of ‘Chinese manjha’ (kite string) even after its ban, the Delhi HC directed the Police Crime Branch to submit a comprehensive status report investigating the manufacturers and importers supplying the material to the traders. A bench sought details of the marketers still selling the manjha.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge speaks during the Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Friday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur with young participants during the opening ceremony of Khelo India National Winter Games.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at the UP Global Investors Summit 2023, in Lucknow on Friday. —PHOTO BY PTI

President Droupadi Murmu

US EXTENDS HUGE SUPPORT TO STRONG AND DEMOCRATIC INDIA

Over China crisis, US senators have called for supporting strong & democratic India

Washington (PTI): As the US focuses on the Indo-Pacific, in particular the Quad, the Biden administration needs to address India's ties with Russia and its "downward trend of democratic values and institutions", said a report by the Democratic Party of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

The report has called for supporting a strong and democratic India.

Senate Foreign Affairs Chairman Senator Robert Menendez said the US needs to approach the Indo-Pacific with a well-resourced, whole-of-government approach that synchronizes the military-security elements with diplomatic, economic, and civil society elements to ensure the greatest chance of success.

The "Strategic Alignment: The Imperative of Resourcing the IndoPacific Strategy", a Majority Staff Report, was released by Menendez.

"I believe that Presi-

dent Biden's Indo-Pacific Strategy, released one year ago, adopts this whole-of-government approach. If fully equipped with the tools that it needs to be successful, this strategy will underpin the United States' leadership in the most consequential and dynamic region of the world in the 21st century," he said. The report said the

CRUCIAL READ

MAOIST WITH `15 LAKH BOUNTY SURRENDERS

New Delhi (ANI): A Maoist carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head & who was involved in several violent crimes, surrendered before the CRPF and police on Friday. The Maoist was identified as Abhyas Bhiyan aka Prem Bhuiyan who was a Regional Committee Member of CPI.

Biden administration was correct not to make its Indo-Pacific strategy solely about competition with the People's Republic of China. But to succeed, it has to grapple with the realities of this competition for the US and the challenges it poses for its regional allies and partners, it said. In its seventh & last recommendation, the Major Staff

CBI NABS 3 PUBLIC SERVANTS IN 2 CASES OF BRIBERY

New Delhi (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday arrested three public servants in two separate cases of bribery. A Senior Auditor identified as Neeraj Kumar Kaushal working in the office of Principal Controller of Defence Accounts, Pensions, Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for bribery of Rs 20,000, according to a CBI statement.

MEGA MAHARAJA, RECORD ORDER: TATAS SET TO ORDER 500 AIRCRAFT

New Delhi: In one of the biggest ever aircraft orders, Air India is all set to order almost 500 aircraft. These include 400 single aisles, 210 Airbus A320 neo family and 190 Boeing 737 Max. Then, there are 70 twin aisles - 40 A350s, 20 B787s and 10 B777X. At list price, the ordered aircraft - 250 Airbus and 220 Boeings, will be worth $150 billion and are set to be delivered over the next 8 years.

LITHIUM RESERVES FOUND IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

New Delhi: The Union Government on Thursday said that 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves have been found for the first time in the country in Jammu and Kashmir. Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is one of the key components in EV batteries.

LIQUOR WORTH `1.12 CR BEING SENT TO GUJ SEIZED

Shajapur: Madhya Pradesh police have seized a truck carrying liquor worth more than Rs 1 crore to dry state Gujarat from Haryana, an official said today. The police had received inputs that a consignment of liquor was being sent to Bihar, another dry state, through MP. Accordingly, they intercepted a truck and found it to be laden with automobile spare parts.

of

Indo-Pacific

Report calls for supporting a strong and democratic India. "Even as the administration rightly treats India as an important partner, it will need to address very real complications of India's continued ties with, & dependence on, Russia for defence equipment and its downward trend of democratic values and institution," it said.

UN PRAISES ‘DELHI DECLARATION’ IN FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

United Nations: UN Security Council members have hailed the significance of the "Delhi Declaration" adopted at a special meeting of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee in India last year, saying it offers a "solid basis" to counter the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes and symbolises the Council's "shared determination" to address the challenge. The 15-nation Council, under the Presidency of Malta for the month of February, on Thursday held a meeting on 'Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts' during which the 16th report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL (Da'esh) to international peace and security and the range of United Nations efforts in support of Member States in countering the threat. On October 28-29 last year, the Security Council CounterTerrorism Committee (CTC), chaired by India in 2022, organised the Special Meeting in New Delhi and Mumbai on the overarching theme of "Countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes".

DMK, Congress gave wrong

Restore unrestricted access to Journos: EGI to Parl

New Delhi(PTI): The Editors Guild of India has urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha chief Jagdeep Dhankhar to grant unrestricted access of journalists to Parliament & lift curbs that came into force during the Covid pandemic. In a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Guild also pointed out that access of senior journalists to Central Hall has been suspended and the Press Advisory Committee too has not been constituted for the last three years. In a separate letter to Dhankhar, the

info on

New Delhi (PTI): Lok Sabha on Friday witnessed noisy scenes and a walk out by the DMK and Congress after Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the opposition is giving "wrong information" about AIIMS Madurai as he took strong action

India positioned to champion aspirations of Global South: Puri

Bengaluru (ANI):

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that India is demonstrating that economy and ecology are not at odds with each other, but in fact, fundamentally intertwined, an official statement said, adding, “India is uniquely positioned to champion the aspirations of the Global South’. “The Working Group can be the catalyst for the G20 countries to adopt the core tenets of the LiFE movement and promote the uptake of sustainable living at a global scale,” Puri said.

INDIA ON RESCUE

Tripura polls: EC bans opinion and exit polls

PURI EXPRESSES SOLIDARITY WITH TURKEY

New Delhi: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri expressed his solidarity with the people of Turkey in their grief and deep difficulty. “He said that India commiserates Turkey’s loss, and will continue to extend all possible humanitarian and medical support in this time of need and said that the outpouring of support to Turkey from people and leaders across the world is a powerful reminder of the shared humanity that connects us all,” an official said.

New Delhi (Agencies): Chief Electoral Officer of Tripura, Kiran Gitte said that opinion and exit polls have been banned till 7pm of 27th February.

Talking to reporters in Agartala. Gitte said that only print media can publish the advertisement of political parties on 15th and 16th of February. However, such advertisements will need prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee.

Indian Army’s ‘Operation Dost’ winning hearts

New Delhi (ANI): Under Operation Dost, India sent 841 cartons of medicines, protection safety tools, and diagnostics to quake-hit Turkey and Syria, according to official sources on Friday.

The official sources told ANI that India had dispatched 841 cartons of medicine, protection safety tools, and diagnostics with a weight of 6.19 tons have been sent to Turkey and Syria.

Over 22,000 people

have died in Turkey and Syria after magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 earth-

quakes struck on Monday, and rescue workers are racing against

NEW-BORN AND MOTHER SAVED AFTER 4 DAYS

New Delhi: A new-born baby and his mother have been rescued from rubble in Turkey, around 90 hours after the first of Monday’s deadly earthquakes. The 10-day-old boy, named Yagiz, was retrieved from a ruined structure in the southern Hatay province.

time to pull survivors from the rubble of collapsed buildings in

harsh winter conditions, reported CNN. The medicines that have been sent include Paracetamol 100 ML IV, Ceftriaxone GM INJ, Propofol INJ., etc.

The protection & safety tools that have been sent include gowns, gloves, shoe covers, & caps.

Indian army set up a field hospital under ‘Operation Dost’ to provide assistance to Turkey’s earthquakehit people.

Guild noted that limited access under Covid-19 protocols could be appreciated, but bringing back restrictions at a time when India remains in the forefront of maximum vaccination coverage remained unexplained.

It noted that journalists from print and electronic medium, have been given access to cover the proceedings of the Parliament since the first session in May 1952.

“Our request is to restore complete access to all accredited media persons immediately, including the Central Hall,” the

Guild said in the letter. The Guild noted that G V Mavalankar, the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha, had decided that the Committee should, among other things, discharge advisory functions, including examination of temporary and permanent admissions to the press gallery and that applications for such admissions would be referred to the Committee for its opinion and advice.

“Since then, the process remained in place till it was abandoned recently,” the Guild said.

AIIMS Madurai: Health min

against medical colleges which don't have faculty, infrastructure and patients.

Replying to a question, he said medical courses of the institute are going on while Rs 1,900 crore has been earmarked for constructing the infrastructure.

OMICRON, ITS SUB-LINEAGES DOMINANT COVID VARIANTS IN INDIA, SAYS CENTRE

New Delhi: Omicron and its sub-lineages continue to be the dominant coronavirus variants in India, Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar told the Lok Sabha on Friday. During the last 60 days, over 90 new variants of SARS-CoV2 have been detected in samples analysed by INSACOG, a national multi-agency consortium of genome sequencing laboratories, the minister said. Omicron and its sub-lineages continue to be the dominant variants in India. Of these, XBB and BQ are the most prevalent lineages circulating in the country, she said. The Health Ministry is following COVID-19 trajectory globally and in the country along with various expert committees.

The Biden administration needs to address India’s ties with Russia and its “downward trend

democratic values and institutions” as the US focuses on the strategically important

region, said a report by the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

A Turkish woman planting a kiss on the cheek of a Indian Army officer who is in the quake-hit nation for rescue-and-relief work.

—Representational Image

Health min Mansukh Mandaviya speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Friday.

business BRIEFS

ALIBABA SELLS REMAINING DIRECT STAKE IN PAYTM

New Delhi: Chinese company Alibaba is learnt to have sold 3.16% direct stake in digital financial services firm One97 Communications, which operates under Paytm brand, for about `13,600 crore in a block deal. With this deal, Alibaba has sold entire direct stake in the company. Alibaba had 6.26% direct stake in Paytm as of December 2022. “Alibaba has sold its complete direct stake in Paytm in the block deal today,” a source aware of the development said on Friday. —PTI

MOODY'S CHANGES OUTLOOK ON FOUR ADANI FIRMS

New Delhi: Moody’s Investor Service on Friday revised downwards the rating outlook on four Adani Group companies to negative from stable after a significant and rapid decline in market value following a report by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research.The rating outlook for Adani Green Energy Ltd, Adani Green Energy Restricted Group, Adani Transmission Step-One Ltd and Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd has been changed to negative from stable. —PTI

GOLD TUMBLES BY `669; SILVER ALSO PLUMMETS `1,026

New Delhi: Gold price tumbled `669 to `56,754 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday amid weak global trends, according to HDFC Securities. In the previous trade, the yellow metal had touched `57,423 per 10 grams. Silver also plummeted `1,026 to `66,953/kg. “Spot gold prices in the Delhi markets traded at `56,754 per 10 grams, down `669 per 10 grams,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior AnalystCommodities at HDFC Securities, said. In the overseas market, both gold and silver were quoting lower at $1,866/ounce and $22.12/ounce. —PTI

YAHOO TO LAY OFF MORE THAN 20% OF TOTAL WORKFORCE

New Delhi: Yahoo said on Friday it plans to lay off more than 20% of its total workforce as part of a major restructuring of its ad tech division. The cuts will impact nearly 50% of Yahoo’s ad tech employees by the end of this year, including nearly 1,000 employees this week, the company said. Yahoo added that the move would enable the company to narrow its focus and investment on its flagship ad business called DSP. —FIB

SITHARAMAN

IN PARLIAMENT Budget is for poor, common man: FM

New Delhi (PTI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday staunchly defended her Budget as being pro-poor and for the common man, citing higher food and fertilizer subsidies and income tax relief, and said the focus was on job creation, small business and the farm sector.

The Budget for the fiscal year starting April (202324) also provides impetus to green growth, healthcare and keeping the economic engine running with record capital spending, she said.

The revamped new tax regime, which offers a rebate on annual income of up to ` 7 lakh, will leave higher disposable income in the hands of people, she added.

Sitharaman said the Budget balances the requirement of development

OTHER STORIES

India sets wheat sale at `2,350 per quintal

New Delhi (PTI): To reduce the price of wheat and atta, the Department of Food & PD, in consultation with Ministry of Finance on Friday decided that the reserve price for sale of wheat under OMSS will be ` 2350/Qtl (Pan India) for FAQ and `2300/Qtl (Pan India) for URS wheat of all crops including RMS 2023-24 without adding any transportation cost component.

The ministry stated that this is to help the supply of wheat to general public in different part of the country at a reasonable price.

Industrial production growth slips to 4.3% in December 2022

RESERVE PRICE FOR SALE

 To reduce the price of wheat and atta, the Department of Food & PD, in consultation with Ministry of Finance on Friday decided that the reserve price for sale of wheat under OMSS will be `2350/Qtl (Pan India) for FAQ

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS

 During a dicussion in Parliament on Union Budget FM Nirmala Sitharaman said the Budget balances the requirement of development imperatives within the limits of fiscal prudence

imperatives within the limits of fiscal prudence. On relief under the new

ADB APPROVES $130 MN LOAN FOR PROMOTING HORTICULTURE IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

New Delhi: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $130 million loan to increase agricultural productivity and promote horticulture agribusinesses to raise farmers’ income in Himachal Pradesh. More than half of HP’s land area is in the mountains and 90% of the population lives in rural areas who are dependent on agriculture, said ADB Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist for South Asia Sunae Kim. The project will improve on-farm irrigation and water management in about 6,000 hectares (ha) of farmland by rehabilitating and constructing new irrigation facilities. —PTI

GOVT TO REVOKE BAN ON FINTECH FIRMS LAZYPAY AND KISSHT

New Delhi: The government will revoke the ban imposed on fintech firms LazyPay and Kissht after representations were made by these companies, a senior official said on Friday. The government last week ordered the blocking of 232 apps operated by overseas entities, including Chinese, for being involved in betting, gambling and unauthorised loan service. Sources said that the government will revoke the ban on LazyPay and Kissht. —PTI

DISNEY+ HOTSTAR PAID SUBSCRIBER BASE SHRINKS 6 PER

CENT

New Delhi: Streaming giant Disney+ Hotstar has seen a 6% QoQ dip in its paid subscriber base during the three months to December 2022 due to the non-renewal of content deal with Jio and the pull-out of shorter duration pack customers after the loss of IPL digital rights. According to Walt Disney’s Q1 2023 results, Disney+ Hotstar’s paid subscriber base has shrunk by 3.8 million to 57.5 million from 61.3 million. —FIB

 The Budget for the fiscal year starting April (2023-24) also provides impetus to green growth, healthcare and keeping the economic engine running

 On relief under the new tax regime announced in the Budget, she said it is “very attractive”

tax regime announced in the Budget, she said it is “very attractive”.

“The States may be allowed to purchase wheat from FCI for their own scheme at above reserve prices without participating in e-auction,” the ministry said in its statement.

As per the statement, the rate of wheat has been reduced to `21.50/Kg for sale to NCCF/NAFED/ Kendriya Bhandar/State Govt. Cooperatives/ Federations etc. as well as community

kitchen /charitable/NGO etc engaged in relief operations/ running relief camps for migrant labourers/vulnerable groups.

The ministry added that during the inaugural e-auction, which was held on the 1st and 2nd of Feb 2023, FCI sold 9.26 LMT of wheat out of 25 LMT to traders, flour mills, and other buyers.

New Delhi (PTI): India’s industrial production growth slipped to 4.3% in December from 7.3% in November 2022, mainly due to subdued performance of the manufacturing sector, according to official data released on Friday.

However, there was improvement on an annual basis as the factory output growth measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) stood at 1% in December 2021.

As per the IIP data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the manufacturing sector’s output grew by 2.6% in December 2022 from 0.6% a year ago.

The growth stood at 6.4% in the preceding month of November 2022.

Sensex, Nifty snap two-day winning run amid weak global markets

Mumbai (PTI): Equity benchmark Sensex declined 123 points on Friday due to selling pressure in metal and energy stocks amid a bearish trend in global equity markets.

Mumbai (PTI): India’s foreign exchange reserves dropped by $1.494 billion to reach $575.267 billion as of February 3, snapping a three-week rising trend, RBI data showed on Friday.

In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had jumped by $3.03 billion to $576.76 billion.

The reserves have been declining as the central bank deploys the kitty to defend the rupee amid pressures caused majorly by global developments.

Rising crude prices and continued selling by foreign investors also weighed on market sentiment, traders said.

Snapping its two-day gaining streak, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended 123.52

RUPEE FALLS 4 PAISE TO CLOSE AT 82.55 AGAINST US DOLLAR

points or 0.20% lower at 60,682.70. During the session, the index touched a high of 60,774.14 and a low of 60,501.74. The broader NSE Nifty slipped 36.95 points to finish at 17,856.50.

India’s smartphone market dip 27% in Q4

Mumbai (PTI): The rupee depreciated 4 paise to close at 82.55 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday, tracking a muted trend in domestic equities and firm crude oil prices. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 82.61 against the American currency and touched a low of 82.64 and a high of 82.34 intra-day. It finally settled at 82.55 against the greenback.

‘Milk prices in India increased due to rise in fodder cost’

AROUND 10 STATES AND 5 UTs NOT IMPLEMENTING CROP INSURANCE SCHEME PMFBY: AGRI

MINISTER

New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday said 10 states and five union territories are currently not implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The ten states are: Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Telangana and West Bengal, the minister said. Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Delhi, Ladakh and Lakshadweep are the UTs which are not implementing PMFBY. —PTI

ACCORDING TO GOVERNMENT

For the week ended February 3, the foreign currency assets decreased by $1.323 billion to $507.695 billion, according to the Weekly Statistical Supplement. Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves.

New Delhi (PTI): Smartphones shipments in India plunged by over 27% to 29.6 million in the October-December quarter of 2022, from 40.6 million in the year-ago period, mainly due to inflationary pressures, market research firm IDC said on Friday.

According to the report, dwindling consumer demand due to high inflation remained a challenge throughout the year despite the improved supply situation.

Smartphone shipments in the sub-$300 (about

OVER 4,900 NEW MNCs OPENED IN INDIA

New Delhi (PTI): Around 1,333 multi-national companies (MNCs) have shut down in the country but more than 4,900 new ones have come up opening new avenues and job opportunities, Parliament was informed on Friday. Responding during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, MoS for Commerce & Industry Som Parkash said it is normal to see some MNCs get closed and some new to come up.

A total of 1,333 MNCs have been closed down in the country, out of which 313 were foreign-based and 1,017 were their subsidiar-

ies, he said. “I am happy to share that in comparison to it (the one closed down), 4,906 new MNCs have been

opened. This will open new avenues and provide job opportunities,” Parkash said. The minister, however, did

MAJOR FINDINGS

 A total of 1,333 MNCs have been closed down in the country, out of which 313 were foreign-based and 1,017 were their subsidiaries

 However as per govt, more than 4,900 new ones have come up opening new avenues and job opportunities

not share the time period during which the MNCs were shut and new ones were opened.

` 25,000) price segment declined by 15% while midpremium and premium price segments of $300-500 and over $500 (`41,000) grew by 20 and 55%, respectively during 2022. The entry-level smartphones, below ` 12,500 apiece, shrunk to 46% from 54% a year ago.

Apple maintained its lead in the premium segment with a 60% share.

New Delhi (PTI): Milk prices in the country have risen due to increase in the feed and fodder cost, Union Minister Sanjeev Kumar Balyan said in Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Balyan, who is Minister of State of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, said dairy companies pass on 75% of the retail price to farmers. There is a need to balance between farmers and consumers.

Farmers need to get higher returns on milk for them to take up dairy farming, he said.

TIKTOK FIRES ENTIRE INDIA WORKFORCE

New Delhi (FIB): Short video app TikTok fired its entire India staff on Monday, a report by The Economic Times said, quoting sources. Forty people were laid off and were offered severance pay of up to nine months.

“The TikTok India employees were told that February 28 would be their last day and were given feelers to look out for other opportunities for some time as it was conveyed that restarting India operations were not going to take off because of the government’s

stance on Chinese apps,” a source told ET.

“The entire team was informed. We were anyway told some time ago that business in India may be shut off, so look for jobs. Most people will be given 90 days severance,” another source told ET.

India’s forex kitty drops $1.49 billion to $575.27 billion

ACB detains suspended DSP in bribery case in Udaipur

First India Bureau

Udaipur: The AntiCorruption Bureau of Rajasthan on Friday arrested suspended deputy SP Jitendra Kumar Anchalia in a case of bribery.

The accused officer who was posted in Udaipur had allegedly demanded a bribe

through a sub-inspector Roshan Lal in a matter of disputed land. After the investigation of the case, the ACB team from Jaipur arrested Anchalia.

SI Roshan Lal is also under suspension. Aanchalia’s suspicious role had come to the fore in the matter of settlement between the

SHO, head constable held for taking `25k bribe in Behror

First India Bureau

Alwar: The ACB has arrested station officer Mukesh Yadav and head constable Pradhuman Yadav while accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000 at Mandhan police station of Behror circle. Vijay Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police, ACB team, Alwar, said that a complainant said that Yadav had demanded Rs 30,000 from the liquor trader for allowing him to run the liquor shop and not file an excise case.

When the complainant refused, two cases were registered on Jan-

uary 29 under the Excise Act. After the complaint, the ACB got the verification done, and a trap was laid by Alwar ACB Police Inspector Premchand under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General, ACB Jaipur Kaluram Rawat, and ASP Vijay Singh and arrested the two.

two parties in the land dispute case. Roshan Lal Khatik, who was

Three die in fatal accident on Delhi-Mumbai E-way

posted at Sukher police station, had asked for a bribe in the name of Aanchalia.

Aanchaliya is also accused of forcing the aggrieved party for a settlement.

At the same time, the ACB team also called Dalpat Singh, the then SHO of Sukher, for questioning.

Local court orders for voice sample of AdSP Divya Mittal

First India Bureau

Ajmer: SOG Additional SP Divya Mittal was produced in the ACJM-1 court of Ajmer on Friday. Divya Mittal was arrested in a bribery case worth crores. The hearing was held regarding the application of the voice sample presented by Jaipur ACB. ACB officials and defence counsel Advocate Pritam Soni were present in the court during the hearing. After the debate in the court, the judge ordered Divya Mittal to provide her voice sample in the court on February 17. Defence lawyer Pritam

Police post incharge held for taking `6K bribe

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The first National Lok Adalat of the year 2023 will be organized on Saturday by the National Legal Services Authority in Rajasthan. The Lok Adalat will be set up in all the courts and tribunals of the state, including the Jodhpur and Jaipur benches of the Rajasthan High Court. About 500 benches have been constituted across the state up to the tehsil level, in which a total of 4.65 lakh pre-litigation cases and 3.37 lakh cases pending in the courts have been kept. Five benches have been constituted for the Lok Adalat in the High Court main bench, Jodhpur.

Soni told that he has opposed this order in the court and will go to the HC in this regard. Mittal interacted with the media in the presence of the police. She said that before the recording of her voice sample, the case should be studied thoroughly, as new revelations will come out.

Fashion tech should incorporate culture of diversity: Guv Mishra

Shiv Prakash Purohit

Jodhpur: Governor Kalraj Mishra has called for developing such fashion techniques which are popular across the world, while incorporating the culture of diversity in the current era of globalisation.

“Today the fashion industry is growing rapidly all over the world and in such a situation it is necessary that through our knowledge and training, we will be able to adapt the curriculum related to fashion technology according to the global requirement,” he said while addressing the annual convocation ceremony of National Institute of Fashion Technology, Jodhpur

on Friday. He awarded gold medals to 20 talents and graduate and postgraduate degrees to 188 students.

Mentioning the different dimensions of handicrafts and fashion in Rajasthan, the Governor asked the students of fashion technology to go to the remote areas of Rajasthan, see the living and spinning weaving traditions

there and look at the cultural richness. The Governor appreciated the important role played by the institute in the development of Jodhpur’s fashion industry, local industry, artisan craftsmen etc. and called upon the institute to become a leading center of textile design in the country, understanding the Indian public.

Puneet Chaturvedi

Dungarpur: The Dungarpur ACB team arrested Ishwarlal Kharadi, in-charge of Deval police station of Sadar police station, red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs 6,000 on Friday. He had demanded a bribe from the complainant in lieu of not making another accused in a case of assault and not confiscating the bike. Deputy Superintendent incharge of Dungarpur ACB, Heramb Joshi said that on Feb 6, Thawar Chand, resident of Barka Fala Deval, had registered a complaint that a case of assault was registered against his nephews Vishal, Karan, Vishnu Hardik, and Lokesh at the Sadar police station.

Alwar: A major accident took place on Friday afternoon on the Delhi-Mumbai Express Highway in Pinan village near Raini-Rajgarh in the district. PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the highway after 48 hours on February 12. A family of nine members in a car were on their way from Palwal (Haryana) when the car went uncontrollable and overturned. The family was going to a ceremony in Jaipur. The accident was so gruesome that three people in the car died. It is not allowed to drive on the expressway without permission, and despite this, a big accident happened.

Among the dead, the young man, his mother, and his aunt died. The

were brought to a hospital in Alwar on Friday.

TWO KILLED, THREE INJURED AS

CAR

Sikar: Two youths were killed and three injured on Friday when a speeding car overturned after colliding with a road divider in Rajasthan’s Sikar district, police said. The accident occurred near Kalyan circle falling under Kotwali police station limits of the district. Car occupants Saurabh Saini and Narendra were killed while their two other friends were injured. A passerby was also injured in the accident, they said. Police said the bodies were handed over to the relatives after post-mortem.

reason for the overturning of the car is said to be a tyre burst. Four other family members were seriously injured, out of which three are undergoing treatment at Alwar District Hospital. The ac -

SC grants equitable relief to complainant, accused in an SLP

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The SC grants equitable relief to the complainant and accused while directing the accused to return her amount of Stridhan and the complainant to hand over the custody of the vehicle.

Vikas Sharma

Jaipur: Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday announced the establishment of the 8th power company in the state. In the state budget, Gehlot made an announcement to form the new power company “ITCOM”. At present, seven power companies were functioning in different areas. DISCOMS are there in Jaipur, Ajmer, and Jodhpur for the electricity supply system. Apart from this, RVPNL is working to strengthen the power transmission system.

RRECL has the important task of promoting renewable energy in the state.

The accused preferred a SLP before the SC against the impugned order of Ra jasthan HC wherein the court directed that the vehicle – Bo lero ZLX, bearing reg

istration no. UP-80EB-3298, which was seized by the police from the accused has been released on super darinama to the complainant. The learned advocate on behalf of the Respondent/complainant, Aditya Jain, Shravi Garg, and Bhavya Golecha apprised the court that the accused is the brother-in-law of the complainant who purchased out of the money paid by her

cident happened on Friday afternoon. After the accident, the locals of Pinan village informed the police. The police reached the spot and took the family members to Alwar District Hospital.

Jaipur: Currently serving as Director of the Rajasthan Police Academy, on Friday, senior IPS Rajeev Sharma was empanelled for the Director General post of Government of India. Sharma was recently promoted from ADG to DG.

Jaipur (FIB): Six Covid health assistants (CHA) on Friday climbed a water tank in Gandhi Nagar Area after no announcements were made by CM Ashok Gehlot regarding them in his budget speech. Police informed that four female and two male protestors climbed the water tank under Bajaj Nagar Police Station.

Board receives ` 7 crore on account of club membership!

Commissioner said, ‘People’s craze towards the club is increasing, membership fee may be increased soon’

Shivendra Parmar

Jaipur: Rajasthan

Housing Board (RHB)

Commissioner Pawan

Arora told on Friday that people have shown tremendous enthusiasm towards ‘Club-21’ to be built in Pratap Nagar. “Within a few days, the Board has received a membership fee of about Rs 7 crore. In coming days the club will be one of the hot

destinations of Jaipur,”

Arora said during his visit to Club 21 site on Friday. He said that the membership of the club started from last January 26.

“Within a few days, more than 400 people got registered for the club, in which more than 200 people have also deposited the membership fee.

In the coming 6 months the alfresco restaurant will be ready in the

club,” he said and directed the officials to complete the remaining works of the club soon.

The commissioner said that common peo-

ple can apply till February 28 for the ‘club house’ to be built in Raj Aangan Yojana in Sector 24 of Pratap Nagar, Jaipur. He informed that

the membership fee for NRI, and PIO OCI members is Rs 3 lakh, for corporate members Rs 5 lakh, while central and state government offi-

cials will get 20 per cent concession in the club membership fee and 10 percent concession for allottees of Jaipur-based Housing Board schemes

is being given.

The commissioner said that membership is being given on the basis of ‘first come first serve’.

For general membership, anyone can contact Subhash Yadav on 9982 221822, Coordination Officer Bharat Bhushan Jain on 98283 63615, or Shubham Sharma on 7976 725792 or apply on www.nriclub21.com.

“25 rooms will be built in the clubhouse, which will be developed on the basis of international standards, where along with sports facilities, a bar, an all-weather swim-

ming pool, and other facilities will be developed. On the basis of private participation, a link road will be built connecting the carriageway of Haldighati Road to Club 21 and the entire area will be beautified by developing an island on the remaining land. Separate entry and exit gates of Club 21 will be made,” Arora said.

During this, he also inspected AIS Residency I and II, Coaching Hub and Studio Apartments and instructed to complete the remaining work soon.

Aanchalia’s suspicious role had come to the fore in the matter of settlement between the two parties in the land dispute case

AdSP Divya Mittal

Jitendra Kumar Anchalia

Mukesh Yadav and Pradhuman Yadav in ACB custody.

Pawan Arora inspected Club 21, AIS Residency I and II, Coaching Hub and Studio Apartments sites and instructed the officials to complete the remaining work soon, in Jaipur on Friday.

Governor Kalraj Mishra addressing annual convocation ceremony of National Institute of Fashion Technology, Jodhpur on Friday.

Accused Ishwarlal Kharadi

SPEEDING

OVERTURNS IN SIKAR

IPS RAJEEV SHARMA EMPANELLED FOR DGP POST AT CENTRE

The human ability to ‘Work’ is amazing, we can rise to the greatest heights or plummet to the lowest, choose carefully.

—Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

POSTAL REG NO. JPC/004/2022-24

www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

2ND FRONT

Budget not leaked, BJP created ‘drama’ to divert attention: CM

The State Budget has a new GPS of development which will take the Rajasthan progress vehicle to its destination quickly, asserts Gehlot

Yogesh Sharma and Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday asserted that the state budget was not leaked and said the Opposition BJP unnecessarily created a “drama” just to divert the attention of people who were watching the budget live across the state.

Gehlot, who also holds the finance portfolio, read excerpts of the previous budget instead of Budget 2023-24, the major goof-up leading to an uproar in the House and an apology from the CM who said it was human error. This was the last budget of the Congress government as Rajasthan is going to assembly elections later this year.

“They created drama unnecessarily and exaggerated the issue. They knew that the budget was going to be excellent,” he told the media after presenting the budget.

The gaffe in the Assembly led to two adjournments with the Opposition BJP alleging that the budget had been leaked and the presentation be postponed to another date.

Later, the CM tweeted that the budget is the announcement of a new dawn in Rajasthan. “It has a new GPS of development which will take the Rajasthan progress vehicle to its destination quickly,” he said.

Gehlot said that ahead of the budget, the expectations and curiosity of people had in-

There is no atmosphere against State govt, which indicates that the mood of people is to ‘repeat government in upcoming polls,’ he claims

creased and arrangements were made for people to watch the budget live in the state.

The CM claimed that there is no atmosphere

CM read out old budget for eight minutes: Raje

‘I have been CM & used to read budget twice or thrice’

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday alleged that CM Ashok Gehlot read out from the old budget in the Assembly. She said that Gehlot kept on reading from the budget for almost eight minutes.

"A Chief Minister coming to the Assembly without reading or checking the budget that he is going to present shows how he is governing his State. Such a State will definitely suffer," she said.

"Budget is a very important document. I have also been the Chief Minister. I used to read the budget twice or thrice. The Chief Minister kept reading the old document for eight minutes," Raje said. The Assembly proceedings were disrupted briefly following allegations from BJP. The Opposition also alleged that budget could not be presented as it "was technically leaked."

The State Budget lacks public policy & has the influence of politics. It shows no vision of development, but election season. Congress has been showing false dreams to people since its birth. An attempt has been made in Budget to mislead the youth & deceive farmers in the name of Agri Budget. There is a problem of not fulfilling the promise of waiving loans up to Rs 2 lakh. Every section including women has been shown a mirage.

—Vasundhara Raje, Former CM

against the state government which indicates that the mood of people is to “repeat the government in the upcoming elections”.

“There is no anti-government wave and therefore it seems that the people have realized our good governance. The corona manage-

ment in Rajasthan was excellent in the country, we saved lives,” he said, expressing hope that his government would be re-elected.

The BJP created drama unnecessarily and exaggerated the issue. They knew that the State Budget was going to be excellent.

OPPOSITION TARGETS CONGRESS

Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: The Opposition BJP targeted Congress govt over the State Budget presented by CM Ashok Gehlot while alleging that it was for the first time that the sanctity of the budget was not maintained.

BJP

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while replying to the discussion on Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, took a jibe at CM Ashok Gehlot for reading a few lines from the old budget while presenting the State Budget.

She sarcastically said, “Mistakes can happen to anyone, but I pray to God that such a situation should not arise in front of anyone.”

Nirmala Sitharaman made the comment when Congress leaders Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary and Gaurav Gogoi raised the issue of high

NEW APPOINTMENTS

prices of petrol and diesel during the minister’s reply.

Referring to the recent increase in ‘Value Added Tax’ (VAT) on petrol and diesel by the governments of Himachal and Punjab, the Finance Minister said that the Centre hasn’t increased the prices of petrol and diesel since June 2022, while the situation in many other state ruled the opposition parties is reversed.

Earlier, while participating in the discussion on the budget, BJP MP from Churu, Rahul Kaswan said that leave aside ‘paper leak’ in Rajasthan, it has now become a ‘budgetleak’.

50 Raj Cong leaders become AICC

Aditi Nagar

New Delhi: 50 Congress leaders from Rajasthan have become AICC members. 14 ministers including Chief Minister Gehlot also got place in the list while some MLAs were also made AICC members. 14 faces are from general, 28 from OBC, 5 from SC and 3 from ST category.

Those who have been made AICC members include CM Gehlot PCC Chief Govind Singh Do-

tasara, Ministers Lalchand Kataria, Parsadilal Meena, Shakuntala Rawat, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Shale Mohammad, Mamta Bhupesh, Mahendrajit

Singh Malviya, Ramlal Jat, Pramod Jain Bhaya, Tikaram Jully, Govind Ram Meghwal, Ashok Chandna, Rajendra Yadav, assembly speaker Dr CP Joshi.

Other members are Gurmeet Singh Kunnar, Dr Raghu Sharma, Sachin Pilot, Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Raghuveer Singh Meena, Rameshwar Dudi, Har-

LoP GC Kataria said that the CM, who also holds the finance portfolio, started reading without realizing anything. “He did not understand the sanctity of the budget. It was our objection. Ultimately, the Speaker accepted it,” he said. Dy LoP Ra-

jendra Rathore said that Rs 130 crores were spent in 2 days in the name of advertisement.

“The sanctity of the budget is lost only

RIICO officials thank CM for Old Pension Scheme

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Officers and employees of RIICO thanked Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday for announcing the benefits of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for them in the 2023-24 Budget.

While presenting the Budget in the State Assembly, CM Gehlot announced that OPS will now also apply to em-

members

ish Chaudhary, Mohan Prakash, Pawan Kheda, Dheeraj Gurjar, Kuldeep Indora, Zuber Khan, Neeraj Dangi, Danish Abrar, Dr Rajkumar Sharma, Rajendra Sin-

gh Vidhuri, Rohit Bohra, Divya Maderna, Sudarshan Singh Rawat, Hakam Ali, Pukhraj Parashar, Vaibhav Gehlot, Sitaram Aggarwal, Lalit Tunwal, Jaswant Gurjar, RC Chaudhary, Swarnim Chaturvedi, Sandeep Chaudhary, Dinesh Khodania, Hem Singh Shekhawat, Abhishek Chaudhary, Sitaram Lamba, Sanjit Sihag. However, the names of Shanti Dhariwal and Mahesh Joshi did not appear in the list.

ployees of various boards, corporations, and universities.

General Secretary of RIICO Officers Association Tarun Jain said that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has always taken care of the interest of employees and after this decision, the corporation employees will also be able to lead a stress-free life in old age with confidence.

then,” he said. BJP State President Satish Poonia said, “The State Budget has failed to live up to peoples’ expectations.”

Minor change in PM Modi’s Dausa visit schedule

First India Bureau Jaipur: A minor change has been made in PM Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Dausa. The PM won’t conduct an inspection of DelhiMumbai expressway. His helicopter will land at Dhanawad rest area. He will address the public meeting in Dhanawad rest area.

SWEET OFFERINGS

Vasundhara Raje arrives for State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly in Jaipur on Friday. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Nirmala Sitharaman Rahul Kaswan

CM Ashok Gehlot addresses a press conference at State Assembly in Jaipur on Friday. Also seen here are Akhil Arora & Kuldeep Ranka. CM Ashok Gehlot presents State Budget in Assembly on Friday.

CM Ashok Gehlot Dr CP Joshi Govind Singh Dotasra Sachin Pilot

In a first, Budget’s sanctity wasn’t maintained:

OLD BUDGET READING ISSUE Mistakes can happen to anyone but...FM on Gehlot’s budget gaffe

Dr Satish Poonia addresses a press conference at the State Assembly in Jaipur on Friday. Also seen here are GC Kataria and Rajendra Rathore. —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot being offered sweets by Ravindra Pareek, Private Secy to Speaker Dr CP Joshi after the State Budget on Friday.

—Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister

—PHOTOS

Even if pastels have already had their moment in the last several years, their time is not yet over. Let’s take you on the journey of this dreamy fashion with City First

SUBTLE YET ELEGANT!

MRIDULA SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

We have fallen in love with pastels before. The soothing colour scheme conjures up many pleas-

A strong and lasting relationship depends on building trust, which must be done by assurances, pledges, and deeds. Making your partner feel loved and appreciated is the major goal of this day. Promises made to a partner while someone is in

BOND OF

LOVE

The fifth day of Valentine's week, known as Promise Day is celebrated with utmost love and fervour across the world. The day marks the unbreakable bond couple makes to stay by each other and express their love for

I pledge to always love, support, and be there for my loved ones on this day of promises. It's difficult to exist in

one another. They make unbreakable vows and pour their heart out to each other while guaranteeing loyalty, trust, and support for eternity. This day also reminds lovers of their togetherness and prepares them for the future ahead. One of the best days of Valentine's week which gives people an opportunity to make their beloved or partner feel loved and special. City First brings to you some amazing ideas that will make your day extra special!

NEHA YADAV Today is Promise Day, which, in all honesty, has little to do with us single people, but we may still make com-

Promise day is lucky for me, as this day reminds me of the beautiful vows I made with my friends and family. On this pious occasion, I will call my loved ones and will tell them how special they are to me. I want to be their light in the days of darkness, this is my promise to them.

Promise day is a special day, as this day urges us to remember those incomplete promises we made, this is like an opportunity through which we can complete those and make new ones. Definitely, I will try to complete my previous promises.

This Promise Day, I am planning to make a promise diary for myself, so that I can complete the promises I made to myself. This diary will help me remember my promises so that I can complete them on time.

Promise day is a perfect opportunity to express your love to someone or wants to make up for your unfortunate mistakes. Some amazing ideas to celebrate the most amazing Promise Day, shared by our vivid readers!

CHARVI SHARMA

UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR uttkarsha.shekhar@firstindia.co.in

MITIKA JAIN

KAMINI KAROLIWAL ASTHA SAXENA

ABHA SHARMA

BACHAT RAHAT BADHAT...

After an uproar and high drama in the state assembly, CM Ashok Gehlot announced free electricity, old pension scheme, Rs 200-crore welfare fund and many more schemes during the state budget presentation on Friday. City First spoke to a few people from various walks of life for a deeper insight!

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot presented his last budget as he holds the portfolio of finance minister as well on Friday. This is the last budget for the Congressled Gehlot government before assembly polls in the state and as expected, the chief minister came out with a populist budget with a focus on youth, the unemployed and women.

SUNEETA DUSAD, HOME MAKER

I am happy with the new schemes annpunced in Budget 2023. Domestic consumers will be given 100 units of electricity free of cost per month under the Chief Minister's Electricity Free Scheme. This limit was 50 units last year. Women will be given Rs 5,000 for sewing machines. This is helpful for those home makers who wish to start something of their own and utilise basic skills to make money.

VAIBHAV ATOLIA, DOCTOR

What a major transformation in the Budget 2023. New medical colleges to come up in three districts of the state and Marwar Medical University will be constructed in Jodhpur. Along with this, Rs 30,000 financial help to students doing research is also going to be applicable. A good motivation for people willing to pursue higher education.

RIYA DUSAD, STUDENT

Budget 2023 is indeed a huge relief. Talking about a few things from the education department, the free scooty being provided to meritorious students has been extended from 20,000 to 30,000. RTE scheme extended from Class 8 to Class 12 for boys, which is a positive move. I am also grateful to the Mukhya Mantri Corona Sahayta Yojana under which the children orphaned due to Covid will get government jobs.

HARI KISHAN SAINI, ADVOCATE

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has presented the historic budget today. In this era of inflation, the head of the state has taken care of every section. The gas cylinder will be provided to the poor for 500, 100 units of electricity free, 2000 units of electricity free to farmers, after a one-time registration, youth will not be charged in any recruitment examination. Under the Chiranjeevi Yojana free treatment up to Rs 25 lakh will be given as well as fifty per cent discount will be provided for roadway travel to the women. I express my gratitude to the head of the state for giving a wonderful and historic budget.

ARCHANA VYAS, TEACHER

The Rajasthan Budget presented by Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister Rajasthan, is focused on Employment, Health, education and tourism. The State Budget is a growth-oriented and with a renewed focus on social security which will help in sustained growth of the State. The budget carries a fine balance between social development and economic development.

RAJKUMARI, HOME MAKER

The new budget has given a sigh of relief for patients as cap of Chiranjeevi scheme has been increased. Another benefit for the families is that now 100 units of electricity is free. A good news for women who travel frequently via state roadway buses as now they'll have to pay only half the fare. When you have relief back in the mind, you live free.

ADITYA RAJ SINGH, AGRI-BIZ OWNER

We welcome the decision by Rajasthan Government. It comes as a right step with right intent in the interest of state’s farmers. This should help us manage our expenses better as far as electrical equipments are concerned. Huge relief.

GAURAV RUNGTA, CII CHAIRMAN

The Rajasthan Budget presented by Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister Rajasthan, today is focused on Employment, Health, education, and tourism. The State Budget is growth-oriented and with a renewed focus on social security which will help in the sustained growth of the State. At CII, we appreciate the increased focus on creating physical infrastructure, healthcare spending, agriculture, and Tourism development. The budget carries a fine balance between social development and economic development. Exemption of Stamp duty for Startups, reduction of Capital investment under RIPS scheme from 50 crores to 25 crores, reduction of VAT to 2 % for aviation fuel, Announcement of a drinking water facility for all high-rise buildings in the state through PHED, expenditure of Rs 75 crores to set up 50 battery charging units in the state for electric vehicles, artificial Diamond manufacturing business under sunrise business in RIPS 2022, reduction of taxes on diesel vehicles and to be made equal to petrol vehicles, the introduction of Social Security scheme, increase insurance amount of Chiranjeevi yojana and introduction of Transport amnesty scheme are welcome steps.

ANAND SINGH SHEKHAWAT, ENGINEER

Budget 2023 has come up with a relief. Medical cover under Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme has been increased to Rs 25 lakh/family per year from Rs 10 lakh, which is indeed beneficial. I am also happy that with the one time registration now, the youth will not have to pay multiple fees for different government job exams

APURV KUMAR, PRESIDENT, FEDERATION OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM IN RAJASTHAN (FHTR)

The Rajasthan Budget of 23-24 is encouraging investment as rationalization of DLC rates and concessions on stamp duty have been announced. The allocation of INR1500 crore for the promotion of tourism shows that the Government is serious about making this sector the major economic driver as it has the solution for sustainable inclusive economic growth and employment.

MITALI DUSAD mitalidusad01@gmail.com

WEDDING SHENANIGANS!

DURING THE DAY!

Jagdeesh Chandra greeted Dilip Solanki of the First India Family, as he reached the former’s residence to seek blessings on the occasion of his birthday on Friday, February 10.

Jagdeesh Chandra greeted Pooja Dubey, a new member of the First India Family, as she reached the former’s residence for a courtesy meet on Friday, February 10.

GOOD VIBES CONTINUE!

Chauhan cuts the celebratory cake, as Minal Sahni and Bhuvneshwari light the sparkle gun. Also seen are Nimit Mathur, Rishee Miglani and Lokesh Sharma

CONDOLENCES!

Jagdeesh Chandra reached the residence of Naveen Kapoor, National Bureau Chief ANI in New Delhi on Friday to condole him on the tragic demise of his father Surinder Kapoor, COO of ANI, who left for his heavenly abode on February 04. He also paid tribute to the dearly departed soul and consoled the bereaved family, Sarika Kapoor, Deepti Kapoor, Karan Kapoor, Yash Kapoor and Jayant Kapoor among other family members.

NEW BEGINNINGS!

City First highlights some more glimpses from the magical birthday evening of Kavita Chauhan of the First India family held at Hotel Diggi Palace, Jaipur on Wednesday, February 8.

WEDDING CELEBRATIONS!

The grand wedding ceremony of Yatendra and Anjali took place at Anand Van, Jaipur on Thursday, February 9. Family and friends reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead. —PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

The grand wedding ceremony of Pooja, daughter of Barji Devi and Danaram Poonia with Vivek, son of Raju Devi and Jagdish Sepat took place at Suraj Bagh, Jaipur on Thursday, February 9. Various dignitaries reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead.

BREAK THE PATRIARCHY!

MRIDULA SHARMA

Jaipur on Friday witnessed true women empowerment when Dr. Nirmala Sewani, a meditation guru conducted the marriage ceremony of Abhinav and Soumya in 32 steps by Praja pati marriage meth od, in the form of a female priest. It is the first mar riage in Jaipur where instead of a male a fe male priest took the charge of get ting the mar riage done. Ac cording to the

The grand wedding ceremony of Dr Neha, daughter of Jaya and Shyam with Capt. Vikas, son of Gita Devi and Girdharilal took place at Chandra Mahal Palace, Chulgiri on Thursday, February 9. Various dignitaries reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead.

ly members, this decision may spark a national trend that challenges patriarchy in weddings, after all, female priests are not uncommon in India. On asked about her methods of conducting marriages Sewani said "I have been supervising rituals of Hindu marriages in the Prajapati Brahma Vidhi method in 32 steps. It is said in Hindu mythology that when the rituals of Pheras begin all the gods and goddesses sat down with the bride and groom at the mandap and give blessings to the couple. So following the same rituals we will conduct the marriage of this beautiful couple."

The grand wedding ceremony of Aradhya, daughter of Sulakshana and Narendra Sharma with Kanishk, son of Dimple and Rajesh, took place at Veda (Panigrahan), Bhawani Singh Road on Thursday, February 9. Jagdeesh Chandra reached to bless the newlyweds and wished them a happy married life ahead. Various dignitaries including Vasundhara Raje, Rajasthan's Former CM; Sachin Pilot, MLA Tonk; Mahesh Joshi, Cabinet Minister; Rajendra Rathore, MLA, Churu; Satish Poonia, State President, BJP and Mohan Singh Tada among others were also present on the occasion to make the evening more special.

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Amitabh Bachchan was greeted by Directors of Allen Career Institute, Kota, Govind Maheshwari, Rajesh Maheshwari, Naveen Maheshwari, and Brajesh Maheshwari along with Uday Shankar on Friday as they reached the former's residence in Mumbai.

Vasundhara Raje and Jagdeesh Chandra. Also seen is Mohan Singh Tada and others

Alka, Dimple, Sulakshan, Aaradhya, Kanishk, Narendra Sharma and Rajesh Kumar

Mahesh Joshi and Narendra Sharma

Vasundhara Raje in conversation with Mohan Singh Tada and others

Sachin Pilot in conversation with Satish Poonia

(L-R) Narendra Sharma, Rajendra Rathore and Arun Goyal

Kavita Chauhan, Sudhir Mathur and Anita Hada

Birthday beauty Kavita

Neeraj, Luv, Siddhesh, Neetiraj, Ram and Ruchir

Imran and Apurv

Gaurav Mathur & Mrs Mathur, Dr Vaishali Vasavada, Kartik Bajoria and Dr Samaresh Srivastava

Radhika Agarwal and Shunyaum Divya and Nidhi

Ayesha, Niharika, Ankita and Himangni

Mandakini and Vineet Newlyweds Pooja and Vivek

Shalini, Rakesh, Nirmala Sewani, Abhinav, Soumya Sangita Mehrotra and Anand Mehrotra with others

Nirmala Sewani with Abhinav and Soumya while performing the rituals

Nirmala Sewani

—PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Jagdeesh Chandra with Naveen Kapoor

Anit Mishra and Sarita Kapoor (wife)

Dr Priyanka Soni, Kritika Soni, Shyam Soni, Dr Neha Soni, Captain Vikas, Jaya Soni, Dr Ashish Soni, Dr Shakti Raj and Dr Deepak Soni

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO