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Indian Union Muslim League MP From Ramanathapuram Claims Dargah At Thirupparankundram Temple Hill Belongs To Waqf

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The Commune
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Indian Union Muslim League member and Ramanathapuram MP Navas Kani, who also serves as the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board chairman, has claimed that the dargah at the Thirupparankundram Temple hill is Waqf property. This statement has sent shockwaves through the region and intensified existing tensions.

Some Islamists groups have been attempting to assert their rights to conduct animal sacrifices at the hilltop, furthering their claims that the entire Thirupparankundram Hills should be recognized as Sikkandar Hills.

The situation escalated on 27 December 2024, when Madurai police intervened to detain a group of Muslims family attempting to bring goats and roosters to the hilltop dargah for ritual sacrifice. Syed Abu Dahir, a 53-year-old from Malaiyadipatti in Rajapalayam, arrived with his family and animals for the ceremony but was stopped by authorities at the base of the hill. Police informed them that bringing livestock up the hill was prohibited, which led to a protest by over 20 local Muslims at the foot of the hill in solidarity with the family.

The following week, on 5 January 2025, another large group of Muslim protesters gathered at Thirupparankundram Hills, demanding permission to offer prayers at the mosque located at the top. When the police denied their request, tensions escalated, leading to a brief scuffle and the detention of the protesters.

On 17 January 2025, during the Santhanakoodu Festival at a nearby dargah, social media posts began circulating about an upcoming “Equality Feast” (Samabanthi Bhojan) on 18 January at the hilltop dargah, where goats and roosters were allegedly to be sacrificed. Fearing communal unrest, police set up barricades and conducted searches to prevent the transportation of livestock to the hill. When the dargah Jamath was informed that animal sacrifices were not allowed, protests broke out. Members of the Jamath, along with other Muslim protesters, clashed with the police, causing further disruptions.

The situation was exacerbated by the involvement of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), an ally of AIADMK and a group linked to the banned terror outfit PFI. These elements are believed to be behind the attempts to conduct animal sacrifices at the sacred Thirupparankundram Hill.

Furthering tensions, on 21 January 2025, DMK Manapparai MLA Abdul Samad was accused of conducting an illegal survey around the temple with intentions to gain control of the hill. On the same day, IUML member and Ramanathapuram MP Navas Kani was seen giving an interview near the Thirupparankundram Hills. When asked whether the dargah at the hilltop was under the Waqf Board, Navas Kani confirmed, “Yes, it is under the control of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board,” further heightening tensions in the Thirupparankundram area.

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Kerala Congress MP Francis George Pledges Support For Waqf Amendment Bill

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The Commune
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Kerala Congress MP Francis George Pledges Support For Waqf Amendment Bill

Kerala Congress (Joseph faction) MP Francis George announced his support for the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, pledging to take a positive stand on the matter. Speaking at the 100th day of the Munambam land struggle, organized under the leadership of the Assembly of Christian Trust Services (ACTS), George emphasized his commitment to justice and fairness, declaring that his party is ready to cooperate with anyone to uphold these principles. His statement was met with jubilation by the people of Munambam.

Francis George also urged the Centre not to succumb to pressure and to move forward with presenting the Waqf Amendment Bill. The Land Conservation Committee has joined the call for amendments to the Waqf Act, emphasizing the need to align the legislation with the Constitution, secularism, and democracy.

The committee plans to send an open letter to all political parties in India and every Member of Parliament from Kerala on Republic Day, demanding changes to specific sections of the existing Waqf Act. The sections highlighted for amendment include 3, 36, 40, 52, 83, 84, 107, and 108.

The letter argues that there is substantial evidence to prove that the disputed land at Munambam is not Waqf land. It cites a 1950 document authored by Siddique Settu, which was referenced in a Kerala High Court case. The High Court had noted that merely labeling a property as waqf does not automatically make it so. Two specific conditions in the 1950 document—allowing the sale of the property and mandating its return to the original family under certain circumstances—were cited as contradicting the fundamental principles of Waqf.

The letter also challenges the Waqf Board’s 2019 order to acquire the Munambam properties. According to the Land Conservation Committee, this order was based on a misinterpretation of a Paravur Sub-Court judgment from 12 September 1971. The protest committee clarified that the judgment in question was merely an injunction suit and did not declare the land as waqf property.

The day-and-night protest at Munambam has marked 100 days of resistance, with support from various groups, including ACTS and the Land Conservation Committee. Protesters have consistently highlighted their demand for a fair resolution to the dispute and greater transparency in waqf-related matters.

(With inputs from South Live)

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Kerala: Opposition Slams Vijayan Govt As CPIM Govt, Praised By Leftists For COVID-19 Management, Accused Of Overpaying For PPE Kits, CAG Flags ₹10 Crore Loss

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The Commune
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Kerala: Opposition Slams Vijayan Govt As CPIM Govt, Praised By Leftists For COVID-19 Management, Accused Of Overpaying For PPE Kits, CAG Flags ₹10 Crore Loss

The Opposition in Kerala has accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former Health Minister KK Shailaja of orchestrating a ₹10 crore scam in the procurement of overpriced PPE kits during the COVID-19 pandemic following a damning CAG report that exposed irregularities and misuse of public funds.

CAG Report Exposes Kerala PPE Procurement Scam

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has exposed significant irregularities in Kerala’s procurement of PPE kits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, presented to the Kerala Legislative Assembly, revealed that the state government purchased protective gear at ₹1,550 per kit despite similar kits being available at ₹550. This decision reportedly caused a financial loss of ₹10 crore.

The findings pointed to the government bypassing lower bids from three companies and awarding the contract to San Pharma, which received a 100% advance payment.

Kerala, which reported India’s first COVID-19-positive case in March 2020, initially gained national and international recognition for efficiently handling the pandemic. The “Kerala model” was widely lauded for its focus on healthcare infrastructure and transparent governance. However, the recent CAG report has cast a shadow on the state’s pandemic response, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in its procurement practices.

Opposition Slams Vijayan For “Daylight Robbery”

Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan criticized CM Vijayan and Shailaja, holding them responsible for the PPE scandal. Satheesan alleged that Shailaja approved the order under Vijayan’s instructions and highlighted the decision to sideline lower bids in favour of San Pharma. He also pointed out that the opposition had flagged this issue as early as 2021-22, a claim now validated by the CAG. He called it “nothing short of a massive fraud,” adding that the irregularities represented a severe misuse of public funds.

In response, CPI-M leader K. Anilkumar dismissed the allegations, calling them politically motivated. He accused the central government of using agencies like the CAG to target the Kerala government and questioned the report’s timing.

Health expert S.S. Lal, who has worked with the WHO, criticized the procurement practices, describing them as “daylight robbery.” Lal stated that the health department’s procurement system has often been exploited for financial gain. Although he acknowledged his own political affiliations, he emphasized that his criticism stemmed from his professional expertise.

Ironically, the World Health Organization (WHO) “praised” Kerala in 2020 for its effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, attributing its success to systematic investments in healthcare infrastructure, early preparation, and disaster management experience. WHO officials highlighted Kerala’s comprehensive strategy of trace, test, and contain, coupled with extensive screening and quarantine measures. They also commended the state’s emphasis on community engagement, risk communication, and inter-sectoral coordination led by the Chief Minister and Health Minister.

A WHO Representative to India described Kerala’s approach as “exemplary”, citing its focus on surveillance, early detection, and broad social support as a model for other states.

(With inputs from NewKerala)

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Hindu Munnani Accuses DMK MLA Of Conspiring With Islamist Outfit SDPI To Usurp Sacred Thirupparankundram Temple Hills

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The Commune
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Hindu Munnani Accuses DMK MLA Of Conspiring With Islamist Outfit SDPI To Usurp Sacred Thirupparankundram Temple Hills

Kadeswara C Subramaniam, the State President of Hindu Munnani, has strongly criticized the DMK government, accusing the ruling party of conspiring to provoke a religious riot by using the Thirupparankundram hill, associated with Hindu god Murugan, as a tool to incite Muslims. This accusation comes in the wake of rising tensions between Hindus and Muslims, particularly following a protest by Muslims, incited allegedly by the SDPI party, calling for the sacrifice of goats and roosters on the sacred hill. Additionally, DMK MLA Abdul Samad has been accused of illegally conducting a survey around the temple and conspiring to take control of the hill.

“Hindu Munnani openly accuses the ruling DMK party of conspiring to provoke a religious riot by using the hill of Thirupparankundram, the first battle base of Lord Murugan, as a means to incite Muslims. DMK MLA from the Manapparai constituency, Abdul Samad, who is neither a minister nor a representative of Thirupparankundram, conducted a survey of the area accompanied by SDPI officials and members of terrorist organizations. Despite the suspicious nature of this activity, the authorities allowed it to proceed,” said Subramaniam in a statement issued on 21 January 2025.

He further claimed that SDPI officials held meetings to discuss the use of an illegally constructed Muslim cemetery to expand control over Thirupparankundram Hill. “The goal appears to be to create unrest across Tamil Nadu,” he alleged, citing reports that suggest a larger conspiracy.

Subramaniam emphasized that Thirupparankundram holds deep cultural and religious importance for Hindus, with extensive evidence in Tamil literature and administrative records affirming its association with Lord Murugan. He also pointed out that courts, from the London Privy Council to the Madras High Court, have recognized the hill’s sacred status, allowing festivals like Karthigai Deepam to take place there.

“Such acts of conspiracy to build cemeteries and encroach upon temples have historical precedents dating back to the Mughal era. For example, the Ettukkudi Murugan temple was converted into the Ervadi Dargah, and in Karnataka, a Muslim tomb was found buried inside the Sri Ranganatha Temple in Srirangapatna.“, he said.

Subramaniam criticized the Tamil Nadu government for its alleged inaction, stating that the DMK is indirectly supporting efforts to provoke religious tension. He accused the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department and the Madurai Municipal Corporation of neglecting their responsibilities to protect and develop Thirupparankundram Hill.

“The Chief Minister has failed to condemn Abdul Samad’s petition to allow Muslim worship at the illegal cemetery on the sacred hill. Instead, various Muslim organizations are fueling the controversy, while the government remains silent,” Subramaniam said.

The Hindu Munnani President also questioned the inaction of the Minister for Hindu Religious Endowments, who, despite organizing events like the “World Murugan Devotees Conference,” has not addressed the issue.

Subramaniam called for immediate government intervention to halt the alleged conspiracy. “If the DMK continues down this path, Hindu Munnani, representing Murugan devotees and Hindus worldwide, will mobilize a massive protest to protect the sanctity of Thirupparankundram Hill,” he warned.

 

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ED Seizes ₹13.7 Crore In Cash And Documents From DMK MP Kathir Anand’s College In Vellore

By
The Commune
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ED Seizes ₹13.7 Crore In Cash And Documents From College Owned By DMK MP Kathir Anand In Vellore

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has confiscated ₹13.7 crore in cash, along with documents and a computer hard disk, following a raid at Kingston Engineering College in Christianpet, Vellore, which is owned by DMK MP Kathir Anand. Kathir Anand, who is serving his second term as an MP, is the son of senior DMK leader and minister Duraimurugan.

On 3 January 2025, ED officials conducted a search at Kingston Engineering College, where Kathir Anand serves as the chairman. The operation, which involved over 15 officials, lasted for 44 hours.

During the search, ED officials reportedly reviewed CCTV footage and discovered unaccounted cash, documents relating to the college’s operations and financial transactions, as well as a computer hard disk. The cash seized was believed to be reserved for staff salaries, Pongal festival bonuses, and student fees. Two days into the operation, the ED seized an additional ₹2.74 crore and hard disks, while also sealing the server room of the college.

The raids are part of an ongoing investigation stemming from a 2019 Income Tax case against Kathir Anand, linked to alleged cash-for-votes activities during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Over ₹10 crore was confiscated from locations connected to Anand’s associates in Vellore, leading to the cancellation of the election in that constituency.

(With Inputs From DTNext)

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DMK Govt’s “Sollin Selvar” Awardee Surya Xavier Makes Hate Speech Against Brahmins Again

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The Commune
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DMK Govt's Sollin Selvar Awardee Surya Xavier Makes Hate Speech Against Brahmins Again

Surya Xavier, the recipient of the 2021 Tamil Nadu DMK Government’s “Sollin Selvar” literary award, recently made a controversial post on social media targeting the Brahmin community. His post came in response to comments made by IIT Madras Director, Prof. V Kamakoti, who had stated that cow urine (gaumutra) has medicinal properties and mentioned that in his village, it was traditionally consumed and mixed with panchakavyam for various purposes.

Dravidianists, eager to seize the opportunity, jumped on the comments, ridiculing the IIT-M director and mocking his statements, despite the fact that both Ayurvedic science and Western medicine have utilized cow urine for medicinal purposes. Even after Prof. V Kamakoti defended his stance by referencing journals from the West. However, his critics, particularly from the Dravidianist and Periyarist camps, seized this moment to ridicule him and spread divisive sentiments targeting his  community.

In a social media post on 21 January 2025, Dravidianist Surya Xavier sated, Dravidianist Surya Xavier made a controversial statement, saying, “Iyer Iyenkar Technology (IIT) – We don’t even need a pipe, we will just suck it by mouth.” He accompanied this comment with an image of a cow with a pipe inserted into its back. This post quickly attracted attention and sparked further debate, with many criticizing Xavier’s offensive remarks and the imagery used to target IIT Madras and its director, Prof. V Kamakoti.

Netizens criticized Surya Xavier for focusing solely on reforming Hindu practices, despite being a Christian, and questioned why he doesn’t address the bigoted practices within his own faith. They also pointed out his hypocrisy in defending Prof. Kamakoti, the creator of India’s first microprocessor, while attacking others. Some of the criticism given below.

This is not the first time that Surya Xavier has made hate speech against the Brahmin community.

A few years ago he had called Brahmins as dogs and went on to abuse the then AIADMK Minister Ma Foi Pandiarajan.

“They had conspired to make Tamil Nadu as a hunting ground for Brahmin dogs. Ma Foi Pandiarajan is a dog who survives by licking. He is a Tamil Nadu Minister.”, Xavier had said.

Xavier also referred to Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, originally from Bihar, as “Aryan” Ravi. He claimed that Ravi’s ancestors migrated from Afghanistan via the Khyber Pass and are now attempting to assert control over this region.

Prof. Kamakoti Defends Cow Urine Comments, Cites Scientific Research

Prof. Kamakoti, who is also an organic farmer, made the remarks on 15 January during an event at a gaushala (cow shelter) to celebrate Mattu Pongal, a festival highlighting the significance of cattle in Tamil agriculture. His statements, which praised the medicinal value of cow urine, sparked sharp criticism from various political and social groups.

In his defense, Prof. Kamakoti explained that his comments were taken out of context. “The anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of cow urine have been scientifically proven. Prestigious journals in the US have published supporting evidence,” he said. He clarified that his comments were made in the context of promoting organic farming and the conservation of indigenous cattle breeds, which are vital for agriculture and the economy.

To further validate his position, Kamakoti shared several papers from well-known international journals, including Nature, which published an article titled “Peptide Profiling in Cow Urine Reveals Molecular Signature of Physiology-driven Pathways and In-Silico Predicted Bioactive Properties.”

Additional studies he referenced included papers such as “Use of Bio-active Fraction from Cow Urine Distillate (Go-Mutra) as a Bio Enhancer of Anti-Infective, Anti-Cancer Agents and Nutrients” (US patent), “Review of Gaumutra” (Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research), “Chemotherapeutic Potential of Cow Urine: A Review” (Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology), and “Benefits of Cow Urine: A Review” (International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Research).

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Vijayan Govt Sold PPE Kit At Exorbitant Price During Covid: CAG Report

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The Commune
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Vijayan Govt Sold PPE Kit At Exorbitant Price During Covid: CAG Report

Comptroller and Audit General (CAG) report, which was placed before the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, revealed that during the Covid time, the Kerala government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sold the PPE kits at exorbitant prices. The report revealed that the PPE kit – which was available for Rs 550 – was not purchased and was purchased at a cost of Rs 1550 which caused a loss of Rs 10 crores. In March 2020, the first COVID-19-positive case in the country was reported in Kerala.

Kerala Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the then Health Minister K.K. Shailaja were the prime culprits in this massive fraud while the CPI-M dismissed it as nothing but political witch-hunting by the Centre. “We had brought up this issue already and now the CAG has endorsed this massive scam. We will take this up as we did back then. At present there is a case to this effect going on. Shailaja cleared the order for PPE kits after getting the green signal from Vijayan,” said Satheesan. He added that three companies had agreed to supply one PPE kit for Rs 500, but the order was given to San Pharma at Rs 1550 per PPE kit.

“Shailaja herself in the past had admitted that the order was given on Vijayan’s directions. Importantly, a 100 per cent advance was paid to San Pharma. What we raised in 2021-22 has now been proved right by the CAG,” added Satheesan. However, by dismissing the scam as political witch-hunting, CPI-M leader K. Anilkumar said where were these people (CAG) all this while. “The Centre is using organisations to haunt the CPI-M government and this is the latest example,” said Anilkumar.

S.S. Lal an accomplished health expert who worked with the WHO said this is nothing but blatant day-light robbery on the part of the Kerala government. “The Health Department is a gold mine for those who are engaged in purchases. Even though I have my own politics, in this aspect I am speaking as a health expert. The CAG has come out correctly against the Kerala government,” said Lal who was the Congress candidate at the 2021 Assembly polls.

–IANS

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We Believe In Mahatma Gandhi’s Hindutva: CM Siddaramaiah

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The Commune
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We Believe In Mahatma Gandhi’s Hindutva: CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the Congress party believes in Mahatma Gandhi’s Hindutva who was a true Ram devotee.

While addressing a gathering at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday following the unveiling of the Mahatma Gandhi Statue, the CM said, “Mahatma Gandhi, who was a true Ram devotee and an exemplary Hindu, was killed by the BJP Parivar’s Godse. We believe in Gandhi’s Hindutva, while the BJP Parivar follows the murderous ideology of Godse.”

“Gandhi’s Hindutva embraced love, harmony, and equality. On the contrary, the BJP Parivar opposes these values, harbours hatred for Gandhi’s principles, and acts against the Constitution and Ambedkar’s ideals,” Siddaramaiah stated.

He further said, “We aim to pass on Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophies to the next generation more meaningfully. With a vision to fulfil Gandhi’s dream of Gram Swaraj, we will move forward with the ‘Jai Bapu – Jai Bhim – Jai Samvidhan’ campaign.” Siddaramaiah recalled that 100 years ago, Mahatma Gandhi presided over the Congress party session in Karnataka and kindled the flame of the Independence struggle on this very land. On December 25 and 26, 1924, the historical Belagavi session was held and Mahatma Gandhi presided over it. On December 26, 1924, Mahatma Gandhi took charge as the President of the AICC. It was the first and last time that he became the President of the AICC.

He did not become the president again, he noted. “It is unforgettable that in Karnataka’s land, in Belagavi, Mahatma Gandhi took charge as the President of the AICC and ignited the freedom struggle in the country. In his speech, Mahatma discussed truth, non-violence, equality, rural development and other issues. He stressed up on women’s empowerment,” he said. “However, the BJP is branding Mahatma Gandhi as anti-Hindu. This is a blatant lie. During his last breath after being shot, Mahatma Gandhi took lord Ram’s name. He uttered ‘Hey Ram’ before passing away. We do not need any other example. He is a true Hindu, we do not need more evidence to prove it,” the CM said.

“Mahatma Gandhi is not an enemy of Hinduism. He wanted reforms in Hinduism and wanted Hindus and Muslims to live like brothers,” he stated. “Along with bringing Independence, he dreamt of how the governments and ministers in the country should function. Many seers, reformers and sages have condemned the caste system and tried to change society. These ideals are reflected in the Ambedkar’s Constitution.

“We, the Congress are in favour of the Constitution and the BJP opposes us. We have to protect the democracy and the Constitution and in turn, we will be protected by them,” CM Siddaramaiah said. “We should not let the BJP change the Constitution. It has been making attempts in this regard for years. The future generations must remember these challenges and do introspection,” he said.

–IANS

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Indian Space Economy Projected To Touch $44 Bn In Next Decade: Jitendra Singh

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The Commune
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Indian Space Economy Projected To Touch $44 Bn In Next Decade: Jitendra Singh

In the next 10 years, the Indian space economy is projected to touch $44 billion, said Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday. Speaking at an exclusive programme on Sansad TV, the MoS highlighted India’s transformation in the space sector, which began with the opening of the sector to private investment said Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday.

Speaking at an exclusive programme on Sansad TV, “The space economy has grown to $8 billion and is projected to touch $44 billion in the next decade,” Singh said. “Milestones like the indigenous Gaganyaan Mission, the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 (2027), Shukrayaan (2028), and the Indian Space Station (2030) showcase India’s robust trajectory,” he added. The Minister also lauded startups and FDI for fuelling innovation, with missions like SPADeX enabling docking capabilities, marking a leap in technological advancement. He highlighted the Vyom Mitra robo mission as a precursor to human space exploration. The Minister also spoke on India’s biopharma sector, and the nation’s strides in governance and climate action.

He claimed that biomanufacturing and bio-foundries would foster the Fourth Industrial revolution. “India’s bio-economy, backed by abundant resources from the Himalayas to its shores, is the growth driver. As one of the first nations with a dedicated bio-economy policy, India is set to lead global innovation in recycling, manufacturing, and startups in this sector,” said Singh, adding that “India is one pioneer country who has prepared its BIO-E3 policy”. Singh also emphasised the shift to citizen-centric governance with initiatives like Mission Karmayogi that are redefining bureaucracy by prioritising role-based capacity building. “Digital innovations like the face-recognition-enabled digital life certificate and dynamic online modules have eased citizens’ lives,” he said.

Singh reiterated India’s commitment to combating climate change and addressing its heterogeneous climatic challenges, while stressing India’s leadership in preventive healthcare, meeting global standards in addressing health and environmental concerns. “India has emerged as a reliable partner on the world stage, driven by collaborative efforts, transparency, and innovation. The conducive environment created under PM Modi’s leadership has made the nation a hub for startups, businesses, and industries, cementing its position as a leader in technology, sustainability, and governance,” the Minister said.

–IANS

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PMK Urges Rs 40,000 Per Acre Compensation To Paddy Farmers Affected By Unseasonal Rain

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The Commune
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PMK Urges Rs 40,000 Per Acre Compensation To Paddy Farmers Affected By Unseasonal Rain

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss has urged the Tamil Nadu government to provide compensation of Rs 40,000 per acre to paddy farmers whose crops were damaged by unseasonal rain. He also appealed to the government to expedite the procurement of paddy bags and recommended increasing daily procurement targets at Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs) to meet farmers’ demands.

The CPI(M) has called on the state government to provide compensation of Rs 35,000 per acre to farmers for the affected crops. The CPI has also suggested increasing the permissible moisture content for paddy procurement to 22 per cent, citing challenges faced by farmers due to the unseasonal rain. In response to the widespread crop damage, the Tamil Nadu government has already appealed to the Central government to relax the permissible moisture content for paddy procurement from the current 17 per cent to 22 per cent. Food Minister R. Sakkarapani confirmed that a formal request has been sent to the Centre to address this issue.

The government revealed that paddy procurement for the 2022-23 Kharif marketing season has been ongoing since September 1, 2024. From September to January 17, 2025, a total of 1,349 DPCs facilitated the procurement of 5,72,464 tonnes of paddy from 80,634 farmers, with Rs 1,378 crore directly credited to their bank accounts. Despite these efforts, farmers in Tamil Nadu’s delta districts, often referred to as the “rice bowl” of the state, are facing severe distress. Unseasonal rain, cloudy skies, and frost have made it difficult to dry harvested paddy, resulting in grains with higher moisture content.

The districts of Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam have been hit hard by heavy rainfall in recent days, leading to severe inundation and water stagnation. These conditions are expected to cause extensive damage to Samba paddy crops. The state has already experienced a 40 per cent drop in Samba paddy production in the Delta districts during the 2023-24 season due to a deficit in the northeast monsoon. For the current season (2024-25), while there was adequate rainfall, inadequate de-silting and drainage measures have exacerbated the situation, leaving farmers vulnerable to significant crop loss.

–IANS

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