Politics
Statue Unveiling, Rally & Pan-India Programmes: How Govt Plans To Mark Birsa Munda’s Birth Anniversary
Last Updated:
The work done by the Modi government for tribal welfare over the years will also be significantly showcased, with the government telling people that it was the prime minister who was instrumental in making a tribal woman — Droupadi Murmu — the President of India
Narendra Modi pays tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda in Parliament House. (X@mannkibaat)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in celebrating ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ on November 15, with events being organised all over the nation.
PM Modi will be in Jamui on the occasion, which marks the 150th year of Birsa Munda’s birth. Jamui is the constituency of Union minister and LJP MP Chirag Paswan.
Sources said the prime minister will unveil a statue of Birsa Munda and hold a public rally to mark the occasion.
Apart from this, Union ministers and MPs will travel across the country to hold programmes in honour of Munda’s contribution to the welfare of the tribal community.
“Honouring of tribal culture, celebration of tribal heritage, holding padayatras, honouring prominent tribal citizens, and organising programmes to tell people, especially the youth, about Munda’s life and commitment will be organised across the nation,” a source told CNN-News18.
The work done by the Modi government for tribal welfare over the years will also be significantly showcased, with the government telling people that it was PM Modi who was instrumental in making a tribal woman — Droupadi Murmu — the President of India.
India is home to a vibrant and diverse range of tribal communities, with the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population recorded at 10.45 crore, or 8.6 per cent of the total population, according to the 2011 Census. These communities, comprising over 705 distinct groups, are spread across the country, often living in remote and inaccessible areas, a government communique reads.
The Indian government’s focused efforts towards tribal development date back to the implementation of the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) in 1974-75, which evolved into the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) and the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST). These plans ensured that various ministries targeted tribal welfare through a coordinated approach.
The financial commitment has significantly increased, with the DAPST budget rising from Rs 25,000 crore annually to Rs 1.2 lakh crore in 2023-24. The Union Budget 2024-25 has further increased the allocation to Rs 13,000 crore for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, reflecting a 73.60 per cent increase over the previous year’s estimate, the government said in an official statement.
On October 2, 2024, PM Modi launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in Hazaribag, Jharkhand. With an outlay of over Rs 79,150 crore, this ambitious programme aims to address critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood development across approximately 63,000 tribal villages. The initiative benefits over five crore tribal people across 549 districts and 2,740 blocks, spanning 30 states and Union Territories (UTs). It integrated 25 interventions across 17 ministries and departments of the government of India.
The prime minister also laid the foundation for projects under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). These projects, worth over Rs 1,360 crore, focus on improving road connectivity, constructing Anganwadis and multipurpose centers, and building school hostels. The government also announced the electrification of over 75,800 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) households and operationalised 275 mobile medical units and 500 Anganwadi centers. Additionally, 250 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been established, and over 5,550 PVTG villages have been provided access to clean drinking water under the ‘Nal se Jal’ scheme, the statement reads.
Not just the BJP, but the NDA will mark this occasion in their respective states for which committees consisting of four to five Union ministers have been formed by the prime minister. Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya is leading this group of ministers, which has participation from both BJP and NDA cabinet ministers.
Last month, when PM Modi held the chief ministers’ council meeting on the sidelines of taking over Haryana, PM Modi had made a mention of how his alliance government had planned to honour various legends could not get their due credit. He had requested all NDA partners and NDA chief ministers who were present in the meeting to participate in these programmes.
Apart from the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the government also plans to celebrate the upcoming birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Atal Bihari Vajpayee amongst others. The stress on honouring the commitment of freedom fighters and the formation of India’s Constitution, which reaches its 75th year soon, was also one of the programmes that the prime minister had discussed during the meeting.
The celebration also comes at a time when both Jharkhand and Maharashtra, which have a sizeable presence of tribals, are set to vote in assembly elections.
Birsa Munda was a cult figure who led the tribal revolution against the British and was considered one of the key figures who spoke about tribal rights in his fight for independence.
Birsa Munda’s slogan threatening the British Raj — Abua raj ete jana, maharani raj tundu jana (“Let the kingdom of the queen be ended and our kingdom be established”) — is still remembered.
After coming to power in the second term, PM Modi’s cabinet in 2021 decided to observe the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda each year as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ to honour his contribution.
Considered a reformist who opposed conversion by Christians and challenged the British rule, Munda is considered ‘Bhagwan’ [God] by tribals in Jharkhand.
Last Updated:
Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane said Hindu community just has one country – India. Nepal is also a Hindu majority country, but number of community members is very less in Himalayan nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI Image)
Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane on Tuesday claimed India will save Hindus in Bangladesh, where they are facing attacks, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can defeat the neighbouring nation in “48 hours”.
Speaking at a rally organised in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra to protest against atrocities on minority Hindus in Bangladesh, Rane said India is being surrounded by all sides everyday.
He said the Hindu community just has one country – India. Nepal is also a Hindu majority country, but the number of community members is very less in the Himalayan nation.
“Muslims have many countries. If you (Muslims) do not like our country then leave,” the ruling coalition MLA maintained.
Hindu women are being kidnapped and stones are being pelted on Ganpati, Ram Navmi and Hanuman Jayanti rallies/processions in Maharashtra, alleged the MLA whose party is aligned with the BJP.
“We will save Hindus in Bangladesh. There is (PM) Narendra Modi for that. But it is our responsibility to save our country. Do not let your guard down. Modi ji will not take more than two days to defeat Bangladesh. We will defeat Bangladesh in 48 hours,” the Shiv Sena legislator told the gathering in his home district.
Nilesh Rane is son of former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane and elder brother of BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, who has been accused of make provocative speeches.
Nilesh Rane, a former BJP member, joined the Shiv Sena led by deputy CM Eknath Shinde ahead of the last month’s assembly polls and won from Kudal in Sindhudurg district.
Meanwhile, in Thane district, the Sakal Hindu Samaj, on the occasion of World Human Rights Day, organized an event to highlight atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and express solidarity with them.
A delegation representing the organization met with Thane district collector Ashok Shingare and Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dhumbre, and submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns and demands.
The memorandum brought attention to the “inhumane treatment and violence faced by Hindus in Bangladesh,” and urged the Indian government to take “swift and decisive action” to address the crisis.
To amplify their message, the Sakal Hindu Samaj organized a “silent march” in Thane on Sunday, as part of the “Bangladesh Hindu Nyaya Yatra” (Bangladesh Hindu Justice March).
The campaign also extended to Vasai in Palghar district, where hundreds of citizens took part in the yatra. The march was led by BJP leader Mahendra Patil.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
- Location :
Sindhudurg, India
Last Updated:
The decision to approach the Supreme Court against the Election Commission was announced by Prashant Jagtap, leader of the NCP-Sharad Pawar who lost the assembly elections from the Hadapsar seat in Pune
During the meeting, Kejriwal flagged concerns related to voter lists in Delhi where assembly elections are due early next year.
(File Photo)
The opposition INDIA bloc in Maharashtra is set to move the Supreme Court over alleged manipulation of EVMs in the recent assembly elections.
The decision to approach the Supreme Court against the Election Commission was announced by Prashant Jagtap, leader of the NCP-Sharad Pawar who lost the assembly elections from the Hadapsar seat in Pune.
The decision was announced after a meeting between NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal and noted lawyer and Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi here.
Pawar has been meeting leaders of his party who lost the assembly elections.
The INDIA bloc has claimed that it lost the elections in Maharashtra due to alleged manipulation of EVMs in favour of the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition.
In the elections held last month, the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition won 235 seats in the 288-member House while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance bagged 46.
During the meeting, Kejriwal flagged concerns related to voter lists in Delhi where assembly elections are due early next year.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
Last Updated:
Opposition’s motion of removal against Jagdeep Dhankhar: The notice, as per article 67(B) of the Constitution, will have to be put to vote first in the Rajya Sabha and, if needed, later in the Lok Sabha
Jagdeep Dhankhar has become the first Vice-President in the history of Independent India to face such a motion for removal. (PTI File)
A total of 60 MPs from opposition parties have submitted a notice to the Rajya Sabha Secretary General, demanding a motion for removal of Rajya Sabha chairman and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar
The MPs from the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party (SP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and other INDIA bloc allies have alleged that Dhankhar’s conduct is biased and therefore unbecoming of his position as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
Article 67(b) of the Constitution of India states that the Vice-President can be removed from office by a resolution of the council of states. The resolution must be passed by a majority of the council of states and agreed to by the House of the People. Before a resolution can be moved, at least 14 days’ notice must be given of the intention to move the resolution.
For the first time in the 72-year history of the Rajya Sabha, Opposition Parties have formally submitted a no-confidence motion against the Chairman.There have been three occasions, however, when a no-confidence motion has been moved against the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. pic.twitter.com/DHjo5vqL2K
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) December 10, 2024
WHAT NEXT?
The notice, as per article 67(B) of the Constitution, will have to be put to vote first in the Rajya Sabha and, if needed, later in the Lok Sabha.
Constitutional expert P D T Achari told News18 that the Rajya Sabha rule book makes no mention of any provision for removal of the chairperson. However, article 67 of the Constitution provides for the procedure for impeachment of the Vice-President of India. “The motion moved by the opposition will have to be put to vote in the Rajya Sabha. If a majority votes in favour, then it will be sent to the Lok Sabha. The Vice-President can be removed only if a majority of members in both the houses vote to impeach him,” Achary said.
#WATCH | On Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh says, ” In the last 72 years, it is the first time that Opposition parties have submitted a motion over Rajya Sabha Chairman. This shows how the situation has… pic.twitter.com/ySiO4r8D7u— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2024
GOVERNMENT’S STAND
Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the move by the INDIA bloc, but said the government did not have a problem in accepting the notice and getting it voted upon. Rijiju, however, pointed out that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) enjoys a majority in Parliament and all NDA MPs have full faith in the chairperson. “This notice is a diversionary tactic because the Congress is scared and disturbed over the Soros revelation. Dhankhar is a Jat, son of a farmer. We condemn this move to target him,” Rijiju said.
14 DAYS REQUIREMENT
As per article 67, a 14-day notice must be given before any resolution to remove the Vice-President is voted upon. Achari clarified that although this is an unprecedented situation, a bare reading of the Constitution suggests that the resolution moved by the opposition can be taken up in the next session of Parliament as less than 10 working days remain in the winter session. “A special session of the two houses can be called or the notice can be voted upon in the next session,” he told News18.
UNPRECEDENTED MOVE
Dhankhar has become the first Vice-President in the history of Independent India to face such a motion for removal. The numbers in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha favour the ruling side, but the opposition insists on “putting on record the bias of the Chair”.
“As Chairperson, the manner in which Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar conducts parliamentary affairs of the Rajya Sabha is extremely partisan. It is a matter of record that Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has repeatedly interrupted members of the Opposition while they are speaking, unfairly used privilege motions to silence leaders of the opposition, and openly delegitimized dissent with respect to the actions of the Government in the utmost disparaging manner,” the notice alleges.
It adds that his open praise for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and calling himself an “Ekalavya of the RSS” is proof of his bias. Rijiju dismissed the charge and said there was nothing wrong with praising an organisation like the RSS.
Mikel Arteta Grapples With Arsenal’s Defensive Injury Crisis Ahead Of Monaco Game
‘The kids are really sad’
‘PM Modi Won’t Take More Than Two Days To Defeat Bangladesh’: Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane
‘Status Symbol’: As Splinter Faction Claims to Be ‘Real JD(S)’, Is Party Headed Shiv Sena, AIADMK, NCP Way?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi To Launch Projects Worth ₹21,500 crore In Poll Bound Telangana | News18
Google Chrome Launches A New AI Tool Named ‘Help Me Write’
-
Politics12 months ago‘Status Symbol’: As Splinter Faction Claims to Be ‘Real JD(S)’, Is Party Headed Shiv Sena, AIADMK, NCP Way?
-
Politics1 year agoPrime Minister Narendra Modi To Launch Projects Worth ₹21,500 crore In Poll Bound Telangana | News18
-
Press Release1 year agoGoogle Chrome Launches A New AI Tool Named ‘Help Me Write’
-
Cryptocurrency1 year agoRecent Funding Rounds for Crypto Projects & Companies on October 19th💼🚀
-
Tech1 year agoAndreessen Horowitz backs Civitai, a generative AI content marketplace with millions of users
-
Tech1 year agoCharacter.AI introduces group chats where people and multiple AIs can talk to each other
-
Cryptocurrency1 year agoRecent Funding Rounds for Crypto Projects & Companies on Oct 18th🚀💰
-
Entertainment7 months agoWhy Brenda Edwards is wearing an eye patch on Loose Women