States
HC(High Court) fixes quota in local bodies at 50 percent
The AP High Court on 04 September 2012 ruled that the combined reservations for Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Panchayat Raj local bodies should not exceed the upper ceiling of 50 per cent.The court directed the state to cut the quota for BCs and bring the cumulative figure down to 50 per cent.
Bill for special status for six districts in Hyderabad-Karnataka region introduced
In the Lok Sabha on 7th September 2012 ,Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde introduced a Bill to amend the Constitution and thus provide a special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region , under a new Article 371(J).Once it is approved by Parliament the Hyderabad-Karnataka region covering six backwards districts – Bidar, Gulbarga, Koppal, Yadgir, Raichur and Bellary – will get more central funds for development and will be on par with the Telananga region of Andhra Pradesh. Besides, there will be reservation in jobs and education for the locals.
Supreme Court issues notice to Tamil Nadu government on 69 per cent reservation
The Supreme Court 10th September 2012 issued a notice to Tamil Nadu government on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of the 69 per cent reservation by the state government in employment and educational institutions. The petition, filed by students, challenged the government’s decision to exceed the 50 per cent limit in reservation mandated by the Mandal Commission judgement.The ten student petitioners from Tamil Nadu had approached the Court after failing to secure admission to the Medical College despite having secured 198/200.
Punjab government amends Canal and Drainage Act
The offence of “theft of canal water” can now attract both fine and 6 months imprisonment after an amendment in the law relating to canals and drainage.Punjab Irrigation Minister, Janmeja Singh Sekhon informed that the Punjab government has amended section 70 of the Act for this.
NHRC issues notice to Maharashtra over farm suicides
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a reply from the Maharashtra government over seven farm suicides that took place last week within a span of 72 hours in the state’s Vidarbha region.A total of 528 farmers have committed suicide in the Vidarbha region between Jan 1 and Sep 2 this year.
Ban on gutka in Delhi comes into effect
A blanket ban on manufacturing, sale, storage and display of all gutka products in the national capital came into effect from 13th September 2012. States like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Kerala, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar have already announced ban on gutka products. A similar comprehensive ban came into effect in Gujarat from 12th September 2012.
Tamil Nadu government announces support package to TNEB
As part of its measures to bail out the debt-ridden state electricity board, Tamil Nadu Government 16th September 2012 announced a package, including absorbing 50 per cent of its short and medium term loans to the tune of Rs 9,529 crore and sanctioning Rs 1,000 crore as advance subsidy.The government also decided to extend guarantee for Rs 5,000 crore each to be availed as loan by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) from Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation.
Haryana government institute awards for women
Haryana government has instituted four state-level awards to felicitate women who have done outstanding work in different fields. These are 1.Indira Gandhi Mahila Shakti Award(given to those engaged in promoting self help groups or women empowerment initiatives, established their own business or industry and have contributed to development of women besides entrepreneurship and done exemplary work in public service.) 2.Kalpna Chawla Shaurya Award(who perform acts of bravery and meritorious services) 3.Bahin Shano Devi Panchayti Raj Award(exemplary work in promoting female literacy, health and nutrition, universalisation of education, sanitation, water, hygiene and other health determinants) and 4.Life time Achievers Award( given to woman of 60 years of age or above, who has excelled in administrative skills, career or profession, leadership quality, courage and creative work) and Women Outstanding Achievers Award(women who have done commendable work in their respective fields)