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A LONG WAY TO GO

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9 years ago

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Why is India lagging behind in children’s education?        

The reason we are backward is that there are too many programs functioning independent of each other and there is poor budgetary commitment

NARSINGHPUR, JUNE 9 (UNI)- A doctor checking-up a child at the primary health centre after complaints of diarrhea and vomiting, as at least 50 children and some adults were affcted after eating allegedly contaminated ice cream at Tikri and Gotegaon villages in Narsinghpur district in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. UNI PHOTO-81U

By Keerty Nakray

The past two decades have been marked by several social policy innovations across India. At the national level, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) have been initiated by the government to universalize primary and secondary education across the country. SSA is being implemented in partnership with states to cover the entire country and address the needs of 192 million children in 1.1 million habitations. UNICEF and the State Council Education, Research and Training will roll out RMSA by 2015-16. For girls living under the Below Poverty Line (BPL), the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya is available which provides them residential education along with training in skills development. And yet, a lot needs to be done to raise education levels.

Several state governments have also initiated specific programs such as Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Bicycle Scheme which is a conditional cash transfer and welfare scheme that awards Rs 2,000 to every student enrolled in Class IX in a government high school and is meant to purchase a bicycle. In 2005-2006, free bicycles were distributed to students belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and those below the poverty line. In West Bengal, the Department of Education has initiated several schemes such as separate girls’ toilets under the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan.

RTE ACT

However, several bottlenecks remain in the implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) in terms of quality of education, poor school results and poor rates of completion of upper primary education amongst socially marginalized groups such as girls, children in rural areas and those belonging to minority groups and from the poorest sections of society.

According to UNICEF (2014), an estimated 8.1 million children are still out of school, the majority belonging to disadvantaged groups. Despite achieving close to universal enrolment at the primary level, 27 percent of children drop out between classes I and V, 41 percent before reaching Class VIII, and 49 percent before Class X. These figures are higher for children from Scheduled Castes (27 percent, 43 percent and 56 percent respectively) and Scheduled Tribes (36 percent, 55 percent and 71 percent, respectively).

School 1 1

Gender discrimination too persists in education as, for every 100 boys enrolled in secondary education there are only 81 girls enrolled. Worse, less than half (47 percent) of Class V students can read textbooks from Class V. Children’s attendance rate in rural primary schools has shown a decline from 73 percent in 2007 to 71 percent in 2012. Forty-one percent of primary schools have a pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) of more than 30, and 31 percent of upper primary schools have a PTR of more than 35. Other concerns include safety issues in conditions of civil unrest and use of corporal punishment across the country.

On the surface, the presence of so many schemes seems to indicate that India has embarked towards a more child-friendly approach to social policy. However, much of the government’s focus has been on schemes to ensure bare minimal nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating mothers or provision of pre-natal and post-natal care in terms of nutritional support, encouraging women to give birth in hospitals and immunization.

REDUCED ALLOCATION

The Integrated Child Development Scheme receives the bulk of government spending apart from polio immunization funds. In terms of expenditure on social well-being of children, that on the SSA, a supplementary education program, has seen a marginal increase in budget from Rs 10,671 crore to Rs 15,000 crore. According to HAQ Centre for Child Rights, an NGO, in spite of the staggering number of orphan children, there was a 74.6 percent reduction in the budget allocation for the Central Adoption Resource Agency. The scheme—Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage—has also seen a decline in budgetary allocations.

The International Labour Organization’s World Social Protection Report, “Building Economic Recovery, Inclusive Development and Social Justice 2014-2015”, has drawn attention yet again to the poor provision of social protection for children in developing economies. Globally, governments allocated 0.4 percent of their GDP to children and family benefits, ranging from 2.2 percent in western Europe to 0.2 percent in Africa and Asia and the Pacific. In UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2014 report, India has the poorest children’s outcomes among BRICS countries.

The Sustainable Development Goals (2015) list a range of goals that include reduction in poverty, hunger, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and reduction of inequalities which have serious implications for achieving universal health and education among children. In order, to meet these targets, the government will have to shift its focus to not only improving food security, education and health but also address other domains of well-being such as access to recreation and freedom from abuse.

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India News

FASTag won’t be discontinued from May 1: Govt clears rumours on new tolling technology

While new technological approaches are under consideration, MoRTH clarified that the ongoing pilot tests featuring Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at selected toll plazas are meant to enhance, not replace, FASTag functionalities.

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8 months ago

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April 18, 2025

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The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has dismissed rampant rumours regarding the discontinuation of the FASTag system effective May 1, 2025. In an official statement released on Friday, the ministry reiterated that it has no intention of phasing out FASTag or replacing it with a satellite-based tolling system in the immediate future.

Authorities cautioned the public against believing misleading reports and viral messages that suggest FASTag will be eliminated, emphasising that the system remains active and mandatory for toll payments across the nation.

While new technological approaches are under consideration, MoRTH clarified that the ongoing pilot tests featuring Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at selected toll plazas are meant to enhance, not replace, FASTag functionalities.

Understanding the hybrid tolling model

The proposed hybrid model seeks to combine the existing Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-based FASTag with ANPR technology. This innovative approach aims to facilitate barrier-less toll collection; sophisticated high-resolution cameras will capture vehicle number plates and link them with FASTag accounts for a more efficient toll payment process.

The ministry is currently assessing the hybrid system’s potential to:

  • Decrease congestion at toll plazas
  • Accelerate vehicle flow
  • Provide motorists with a smoother, uninterrupted tolling experience

However, MoRTH has confirmed that the hybrid model is still in the pilot phase and no final decision regarding its nationwide implementation has been established.

Although FASTag will not be replaced, the ministry stressed the importance of compliance under the hybrid system. Vehicle owners who neglect toll payment procedures may receive electronic notices, face suspension of their FASTag accounts, or incur penalties as per the VAHAN vehicle registration database.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways strongly urged motorists to disregard false information regarding the discontinuation of FASTag. Official updates on any changes to the tolling system will be communicated through trusted channels. The public is encouraged to stay informed by visiting the official websites at www.nhai.gov.in and morth.nic.in.

Fact Check: Claim: A satellite-based tolling system will replace FASTag starting May 1, 2025. Fact: This claim has been labelled false, as MoRTH has confirmed that FASTag will remain in use beyond the specified date.

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India News

Who was Hemraj Meena, the Pulwama martyr whose daughter’s wedding was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla?

Birla took on the role of the uncle for Reena’s mother, Madhubala, and performed the Hindu wedding custom known as ‘mayra’.

Published

8 months ago

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April 13, 2025

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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla fulfilled a promise he made six years ago by participating in the wedding rituals of the daughter of a martyr from Pulwama, held in Kota, Rajasthan. He took part in the traditional ceremonies typically performed by the bride’s uncle or her mother’s brother.

Birla took on the role of the uncle for Reena’s mother, Madhubala, and performed the Hindu wedding custom known as ‘mayra’. He is the representative of the Kota-Bundi constituency in Parliament and attended the wedding of 25-year-old Reena, the daughter of Hemraj Meena, who died in the Pulwama attack, in the Sangod area of Kota.

Who was Hemraj Meena?

Hemraj Meena served as a head constable in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and was from Vinod Kalan village in Sangod, Rajasthan. He is survived by his wife, Madhubala Meena, and their daughter Reena. Hemraj lost his life in the 2019 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama.

In the wake of Hemraj’s death, Om Birla pledged to support his family. Since then, he has been actively involved in their lives, celebrating festivals and providing assistance.

At the wedding, Birla played a significant role by presenting a ceremonial ‘odhni’ and other gifts to Madhubala, while also honouring the memory of Hemraj Meena and taking part in numerous wedding rituals. State Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar accompanied him at the event.

Birla expressed his emotions about the occasion by sharing photos from the ceremony on X (formerly Twitter). He stated, “My heart is filled with pride and joy that our daughter Reena is now going to start her new life. This moment is not only emotionally significant for the family but also a source of pride, as it reflects the love, values, and aspirations that have come to fruition. The unique sacrifice and unwavering dedication of Martyr Hemraj Meena Ji to our nation continue to inspire us all.”

He concluded by wishing for Reena’s married life to be filled with love, trust, and harmony, praying that she always finds happiness, prosperity, and respect in her new journey.

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Bollywood news

Celebrating a milestone: Oscars to launch Best Stunt Design category for 100th Academy Awards in 2027

Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli, celebrated for RRR, expressed his excitement on social media

Published

8 months ago

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April 11, 2025

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In a groundbreaking decision, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed on Friday that it will introduce a new Oscar category, Best Stunt Design, to recognize the artistry of stunt work, beginning with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028 for films released in 2027. This historic step celebrates a craft integral to cinema since its inception, marking a victory for stunt professionals after decades of advocacy.

The announcement follows persistent efforts from industry insiders, spearheaded by director and former stuntman David Leitch—known for The Fall Guy, Bullet Train, and Deadpool 2—and veteran stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara. Their compelling presentations to the Academy’s Board of Governors paved the way for this long-overdue recognition. “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been a vital part of filmmaking,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said in a joint statement. “We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists.”

The Academy echoed this sentiment on X, stating, “Stunts have always been part of the magic of movies. Now, they’re part of the Oscars. The Academy has created a new annual award for Achievement in Stunt Design—beginning with the 100th Oscars in 2028, honoring films released in 2027.”

The decision drew enthusiastic responses worldwide. Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli, celebrated for RRR, expressed his excitement on social media: “At last!! After a 100-year wait!!! Ecstatic for the new Oscars stunt design category for films releasing in 2027! Huge thanks to David Leitch, Chris O’Hara, and the stunt community for making this historic recognition possible, and to The Academy, CEO Bill Kramer, and President Janet Yang for honoring the power of stunt work. Thrilled to see #RRRMovie’s action visuals shining in the announcement!”

Leitch reflected on the milestone, saying, “This has been a long journey for so many of us. Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades.” Similarly, John Wick director Chad Stahelski lauded the Academy’s decision as a nod to the collaborative spirit of stunt teams. “It’s great to see the Academy truly listening to the stunt community,” he told Variety, highlighting the importance of recognizing an entire department rather than a single individual.

Jeff Wolfe, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, hailed it as “a historic moment for our community,” adding, “This validates the passion, innovation, creativity, and hard work behind every fall, fight, and fireball.” The push for recognition gained momentum in recent years, bolstered by films like The Fall Guy and support from actors such as Winston Duke.

Details on the award’s criteria and voting process will be finalized in the 2027 Academy Awards rulebook, with presentation logistics to be determined later. Meanwhile, online reactions have spotlighted legends like Jackie Chan, with fans noting that this category—while a triumph—comes late for icons whose groundbreaking stunts have long defined cinematic excellence. Social media buzz reflects a mix of celebration and bittersweet sentiment, as the Oscars finally catch up to a craft fans have revered for generations.

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