The old framework of Social Welfare Legislation is given a go by and the people of India do not want this draconian law which criminalizes communities. The government is escaping from its responsibility by handing over the implementation of such important issues to the Police Department and is criminalizing the activities of the poor and marginalised by this ill-drafted Trafficking Bill,” said Prof Babu Mathew, legal expert and activist, at the Public Meeting which opposed the Anti-Trafficking Bill in its present form here on Wednesday.

Over 250 members from over 16 groups of NGOs, workers unions, and legal experts criticized the Trafficking Bill, which ironically, was introduced in the Parliament on the same evening by the Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi even as the Public Meeting is in progress in the city.

Rehab centers and protection homes run by private parties have curtailed the liberty of the victims and this crime has been happening across the country. It is a violation of the victims’ fundamental right. If this Bill becomes a Law, it will be draconian, anti-people and is meant to protect the vested interests. It is another kind of Swach Bharat where you want to clean up those poor and marginalized communities who are an eyesore to the society and push them under the carpet,’’ remarked BT Venkatesh, an eminent lawyer, on behalf of Reach Law, a co-organiser of the event.

Imprisonment for trafficking leading to AIDS or begging or injecting of hormones, will ultimately lead to criminalisation of trans-identities and it is not just about sex workers and Transgenders, time has come for all workers to unite and fight,” said Nisha Gulur, Transgender leader and President of National Network of Sex Workers, India (NNSW) echoing the words of Babu Mathew who gave a clarion call for all workers to unite.

“Victims whether it is bonded labour or those into begging, will now be criminalized and this legislation will override the Bonded Labour Act, which is a much better Act and is serving the purpose,’’ said Kiran Kamal of Jeevika.

“The Bill miserably fails to address the legal and real-time challenges that arise in addressing trafficking in persons and securing the rights and dignity of trafficked victims. Furthermore, trade unions and workers’ rights groups and many other stakeholders, who will be affected by the new legislation, have not been consulted while drafting the Bill,” said Rajesh Umadevi, Executive Director, Sangama. “This bIll continues to conflate trafficking and sex work by its silence. No law should harm the citizens of its own country,’’ said Aarthi Pai, lawyer, and social activist.
“Moving people away from their workplaces in the name of rehabilitation is curtailing their freedom of movement and association and it is a gross violation of our fundamental rights. The promise of a ‘victim-centric’ law falls flat as all that trafficked victims get is ‘detention’ in protection homes – a practice that has been severely criticised by international Human Rights experts and community groups,” said Bharathi, secretary, Karnataka Sex Workers Union.
Karnataka Garment Factory Workers Union (KOOGU), Sangama, Reach Law, CIEDS Collective, Karnataka Sex Workers Union (KSWU), Uttara Karnataka Mahila Ookutta (UKMO), National Network of Sex Workers (NNSW), Garment and Textile Workers Union (GATWU), South India Federation of Trade Unions and Jeevika (a group fighting against bonded labour) and Fedina. Lakshmi of Garment Workers Union, Bharathi of KSWU, Madhu Bhushan of CIEDS and others spoke.
All the 16 groups passed a resolution to demand the Parliament to:
1. Refer the Bill to a Standing Committee and conduct comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders including the affected communities.

Jammu and Kashmir have directed cable television operators to stop airing 30 television channels, including controversial preacher Zakir Naik’s Peace TV, among several others that originate from Pakistan.

Sources said the decision was taken by Governor N.N. Vohra after the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting took up the issue with the state government.

In a letter written to all District Magistrates, the state Home Department on Tuesday directed them to act against transmission of “these channels as they have the potential to encourage violence and disturb the law and order situation”.

Among others, the channels ordered to be taken off the cable television platform are GEO TV, Peace TV, ARY TV, QTV and ABB TAKK TV.

Tanvir Ahmed, a cable operator in the old city area, said: “With this order in place, we will have to off-load our staff. This could finally close our business.”

Democratic Party of India a registered Political party with Election Commission will be the first Blockchain enabledPoliticalParty in Asia, which is powered by MiVote one of the largest non-profit democratic group in the world.
The main aim of this Party is towards Change and Empowerment followed by a Vision for Inclusive Development through Active Participation of Citizens hence attaining Direct Democracy.
Presently, Democratic Party of India is moving on with its Nationwide Campaign under the name of “Mission Democracy”.
The major participation of youth is making this campaign highly successful. The future can be predicted from the fact that just in less than two months around 1.5 Million Citizens got associated with this platform, making it clear that citizens are unhappy with past and present ruling parties and the country is looking for a change.
Speaking to the spokesperson of Democratic Party, It was mentioned that Party will Contest the 2019 Parliamentary Elections in more than 25 states across India, and candidates selection process is already initiated.
Democratic Party of India will formally kick-start the election campaign from August 2018 after a Public function, to be held in New Delhi.

Thousands of milk farmers launched an agitation early on Monday, hitting the supply of fresh milk across big cities in Maharashtra, in support of various demands.

Scores of milk tankers bound for major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and others were blocked in different parts of the state, raising the specter of milk shortage.

The farmers’ groups, led by Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) and Maharashtra Kisan Sabha (MKS), are demanding a subsidy of Rs 5 per litre milk, waiver of goods and services tax on butter and milk powder among others.

Tankers laden with lakhs of litres of milk were waylaid and emptied on the roads in Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, Sangli, Beed, Palghar, Buldana, Aurangabad and Solapur, while at least one tanker was torched near Amravati en route to the big cities, which are totally dependent on supplies from the rural areas.

In other places, activists performed the symbolic ‘dudh-abhishek’ with milk in major temples in Pandharpur, Pune, Beed, Nashik, Ahmednagar and others to lodge their protest even as the state government warned of strict action.

At some places, top leaders like SSS President and MP Raju Shetti and MKS President Ajit Nawale took to the streets to block the milk tankers while several big and small milk cooperatives announced support to the farmers’ agitation.

“The state government has fixed the procurement price of Rs 27 per litre but the farmers get barely Rs 17 per litre. We are demanding a direct subsidy of Rs 5 per litre to the farmers, as provided in Goa, Karnataka and Kerala.

“With a drop in the rates of skimmed milk powder, even the milk cooperatives are facing a tough time,” Shetti told the media.

Nawale said the government’s announcement of Rs 50 per kg subsidy for milk powder may not benefit the farmers since the prices of milk powder have come down in the international market, but would be a boon to private companies which convert milk into powder.

As the issue was taken up in the Maharashtra Legislature in Nagpur, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Mahadev Jankar assured that the cities would not suffer any milk shortages.

He said that Mumbai, which requires over seven million litres fresh milk daily, has adequate stocks of 15 days. Most urban centres together account for over 10 million litres, with Pune and surroundings needing 1.3 million daily.

“We are trying to resolve the issue. If anybody attempts to break the law, they will be dealt with sternly,” Jankar warned the farmers, and later said the government was prepared to give Rs 3 per litre subsidy.

 AMMA chief superstar Mohanlal on Monday said the actors’ body could have split if accused actor Dileep had not been removed following the kidnapping of a Malayalam actress. He denied there was any male dominance in the organization.

Facing the media for the first time after he took over as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes, Mohanlal said: “Had a decision then not been taken, maybe AMMA would have even split,” said Mohanlal. Dileep was removed from other film bodies too.

The decision to oust Dileep was taken in 2017 at an emergency executive meeting held at actor Mammootty’s house, following the February kidnapping in Kochi. “At that time it was one that had to be taken.”

Dileep is now out on bail after languishing in a Kerala jail for 85 days.

In June, another row over Dileep started after it surfaced that in the first meeting of AMMA after Mohanlal took over, Dileep’s membership was reinstated.

It led to four leading actresses, including the victim, quitting AMMA and another 14 actresses announcing their decision against joining AMMA that “lacks fairness”, while three sought an emergency meeting to discuss the revocation of the suspension.

Elaborating on the current row over the decision of the annual general body meeting to revoke the suspension of Dileep, Mohanlal said that on that day not a single member was against taking Dileep back.

“We are bound by the decision of the general body and since none opposed to taking back Dileep, it was done.

“But now things have changed. As a furor broke out and Dileep himself sent a letter saying he is not interested to be a member of AMMA, Dileep is not a member now.”

However, he added: “Maybe, once his case is over and if he is exonerated, he might return.”

On the quick departures of some AMMA members (who are all key members of the newly formed Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), the actor said only two — Remya Nambisan and Bhavana have resigned.

Denying any form of male dominance in the organization, Mohanlal said: “Any member of ours can stand up and ask any question. None of them was present at the meeting and also it’s not right to say that members were prevented to contest to the AMMA executive.”

Mohanlal clarified that the victim was given all the necessary emotional support by AMMA. “I had asked her to join a stage show in Muscat and told her not to remain aloof, but she did not accept the invite.”

He said it was unfortunate that at the height of the controversy there were demands that AMMA should be wound up.

“AMMA has 484 members of which 248 are males. It gives out a monthly pension of Rs 5,000 each to 143 members and provides medical insurance to all the members. Besides we are doing a lot of charity work.

“So this is a body formed for our welfare. Actors from several other states have said that this is something unique. Such a body does not exist in any other state on this scale,” added Mohanlal.

Mohanlal said AMMA has also accepted the demand for calling an urgent meeting by three prominent actresses — Revathy Asha Kelunni, Padmapriya Janakiraman, and A. Parvathy. “It can take place either July end or early August.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India is now seen as a shining star in the world and is associated with fast economic growth and honest, transparent governance.

Addressing the 8th International Convention of Saurashtra Patel Cultural Samaj, being held in California this year, through video conference, he appealed to the NRI community to motivate at least five foreign families to visit India every year for Bharat Darshan.

Modi lauded the efforts of NRIs, particularly the Saurashtra Patel community, saying that Indians living abroad had made the country proud and their efforts have ensured that Indian passport is respected everywhere.

He also said “India is now seen as a shining star in the world” and “is associated with fast economic growth and honest, transparent governance.”

“Initiatives like GST and strict action against corruption has helped people doing honest business. These initiatives have resulted in 42-place jump in the Ease of Doing Business rankings in the last four years,” he said.

Modi also appealed to the NRI community to work towards the dream of creating a New India.

He said various schemes of government, like Swachh Bharat have boosted tourism in the country.

Appealing to NRI community to motivate at least five foreign families to visit India every year, he said it can pave a new way to serve the purpose of “Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat Abhiyan” and will boost India’s tourism development.

Modi also dwelled on how NRIs can contribute to the success of Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of “Swachh Bharat” and how India would celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma, beginning from October 2.

8 students gave city’s government hospital a unique makeover.
In Bengaluru, there are many places which have become a waste dumping yard for plastics. The garbage of the city has taken over the gardens of the city, turning the city into a huge wasteland.

There are many places in Bangaluru which has become prey to the garbage. After seeing such a place in Sir. C.V.Raman General Hospital in Indiranagar, which is one of the preferred hospitals for locals, the students of Gopalan School of Architecture and planning took initiative to clean that place.

The people who came to the hospital had no place to sit in the hospital, they were forced to sit on the stairs, the entrance of the hospitals. After seeing all of this and the garbage put in the corner of the house at and the land going for waste, 8 students, with the help of some local people, cleaned the whole area and made it a useful place for kids by constructing small pools in that place and constructing benches to sit with the help of tyres and ropes and wood. There were many other recyclable items like, bottles, cycle rims and many other items which turned the garbage place into a mini park.

The main aim of this park was to provide shelter and leisure seating space for hospital visitors. This design was aimed at using low cost , recycled materials for the building of outdoor furniture. This project was executed by students with the budget of Rs.10,000 from the management of the Gopalan foundation.

This project has won accolades not just from the patients visiting the hospital, but also from NASA(National Association of Students of Architecture) which has a membership of more than 10,000 students of architecture. This work shortlisted as one of the 100 entries from a total of 380 entries. This project has mooted by the Dean GSAP Prof. K.V.Krishnamurthy who motivated and guided them and ably supported by dynamic principal Dr. S.Satish.

This is an inspirational move taken by the students of Gopalan School of Architecture and Planning to get a new thinking for the people in how to change a garbage place or trash place into a garden and a park. Hope to see these kind of changes more in the city, where the garbage city will finally come back to it’s original state of Garden City, Bangalore.

Where there is a will, there is away. The will of a student is to study well and graduate through wisdom, but sometimes the financial crisis blocks their way of success. But now, this obstacle can be broken down by MAGMA FOUNDATION, who have risen up to aid the young talented Indians.
The population of India is increasing and it is expected to rank first by overcoming China’s population by 2050 and 93% of Indian population steps forward for primary school admissions and because of the financial drawback, only 43% of students pursue their schooling till 12th standard. This pathetic statistics of Indian education system has touched the hearts of Magma and they are here today to bring in a big difference in the society.
Magma Foundation is a well-organized scholarship programme who offers a scholarship to the meedful students from underprivileged families. Thus far the Magma has contributed scholarship for about 200 students from past three years across the country and among them are 38 students who have graduated from Medical College, Engineering College, MBBS, and so on. Magma helps in the growth of young talented students from their poor socio-economic status and it aids the drop-out students from Schools and Colleges who suffer from poor infrastructure facilities and financial background.
Navya, who is pursuing MBBS second year and Chetan, who is pursuing B.Com final year has witnessed how assuring and trustworthy is Magma for a student’s life.
So, let us join hands and bless Magma with 100 and plus students this year. For a student to be enrolled in the scholarship, the following details should be in action :
1. A student should secure minimum 80% marks in class Xll.
2. The exceptions if a student scores less than 80% marks :
– If a student is physically challenged he will get the scholarship even if he has scored less than 80%.
– If a student is qualified for IIT or any other medical exams and even if he scores less than 80%, he would still be qualified for the scholarship.
– If a student has any national or international Sports achievements and even if he scores less than 80%, he would still be qualified for the scholarship.
3. Students from families having less income of 10,000 are eligible to apply for this scheme.

30th July will be the last day for the enrollment.
The Application procedures are as follows :
1. An Application letter to be enrolled into the scheme.
2. Attested photocopy of the class Xll mark sheet.
3. Set of two passport photographs.
4. Age proof. (School certificate / Admin card)
5. Address proof and identity proof.
6. Income certificate of the student’s parent. (Monthly income should be 10,000 or less)
7. College admission proof. (for an undergraduate course)
8. Bank account details.
9. Character Certificate from School last attended.
As Magma takes the lead, let us take a step forward to assist the bright young souls of India to achieve their dream world and develop India.
Let India lack nothing!

Further details –
Scholarship enquiry contact : (11AM – 5PM)
EMAIL: csr@magma.co.in
MOBILE: 7044033714.
LANDLINE: 033 44017469

The objective of the survey is to study the facilities available to the households
And important determinants of overall quality of living condition of people

The 76th Round of Socio-Economic Survey on “Drinking water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Condition” and “Survey of Persons with Disabilities” will be launched by The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) – the premier field survey office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India – in collaboration with State Directorate of Economics and Statistics, from 1st July to 31st December.

The objective of the survey on “Drinking water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Condition” is to study the facilities of drinking water, sanitation along with housing facilities available to the households and the microenvironment surrounding the houses which are important determinants of overall quality of living condition of the people of the country.

The “Survey of Persons with Disabilities” is aimed at estimating indicators of incidence and prevalence of disability, cause of disability, age at onset of disability, facilities available to the disabled persons, difficulties faced by them in accessing public building/transport, arrangement of regular caregiver, out-of-pocket expense relating to disability, etc. Further, estimates will be obtained on various employment and unemployment particulars in usual status for the household members with at least one disability.

The statistical indicators derived on the basis of the survey are required for planning and policy making. The results of the survey will be used by various stakeholders like Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, NITI Aayog, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Water Aid India, UNICEF, WHO, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ESCAP, etc. All the States, including Maharashtra will participate in this survey with a common set of schedules and sampling design.

Maharashtra (West) Region to hold its RTC from June 19

In order to impart training to the field functionaries, the Maharashtra (West) Region will hold its RTC from 19th to 22nd June at its Regional Office, C.G.O Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai. It will also provide a platform to discuss the various intricacies regarding the upcoming survey.

Around 100 delegates/officials are expected to attend this Regional Training Camp. Senior officers from Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Maharashtra will also attend the training camp with a view to keeping uniformity in survey procedures and practices followed by central and state agencies.

The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) has been in the service of the nation since 1950. It has been instrumental in developing a strong database on various Socio-Economic parameters through its countrywide sample surveys, which have helped the Central as well as State Governments in development of planning and policy formulations.

Various agencies in India and abroad are utilizing the NSS data for estimation of poverty, construction of price indices and assessing the impact of various programmes on the pattern and level of household consumption expenditure, employment-unemployment situation, condition of agricultural households, migration, utilization of health and education services, domestic tourism etc.

The data made available by NSSO on unorganized manufacturing/services sector is widely used by planners and policymakers.

Hindusthan Samachar/Shri Ram Shaw

Single screen theatres and multiplexes across Karnataka on Thursday avoided screening the multi-lingual “Kaala” film of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth amid vociferous protests by pro-Kannada activists against his remarks on the Cauvery river water issue.

“We are unable to screen ‘Kaala’ film for the time being despite the security provided due to strong protests against its release by the Kannada Rakshana Vedike (KRV) activists outside,” a multiplex official told IANS here.

Though police were deployed at some 120 theatres and multiplexes where the film was to be screened on the Karnataka High Court’s direction on Tuesday, morning and afternoon shows were cancelled to avoid untoward incidents.

“We have not issued tickets for the morning and afternoon shows though many fans turned up to watch the movie on the first day first show as we do not want to antagonise the protesters and also want to ensure that the tense situation outside does not go out of hand,” said the official on the condition of anonymity.

Hundreds of activists of pro-Kannada organisations, including the KRV, gathered outside theatres and multiplexes in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Mangaluru, Ballari and Belagavi to protest against the film’s release.

“Cauvery water is more important than a Rajinikanth film for us. Our honour and Kannada pride are at stake. He (Rajinikanth) has hurt us by supporting the cause of Tamil Nadu in the sharing of the river water,” KRV president Praveen Shetty told reporters here.

Many fans who bought the tickets online for the show on Wednesday were disappointed as they could not watch their favourite superstar’s film.

Besides the original Tamil version, the film has been released across the country and beyond with sub-titles in Hindi, Telugu and English.