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Why is centre making farm ponds and training masons?

Published

8 years ago

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FM Arun Jaitley with the Budget papers before presenting them in parliament on Feb 1 (photo: Arun Jaitley); the Budget has set a target of additional five lakh farm ponds in rural areas in 2017-2018.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]New Delhi-directed and monitored rural sector spending in the era of economic liberalisation

Parsa Venkateshwar Rao Jr

One of the curious facts contained in Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s 2017-18 Budget speech in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday is exceeding the target in making farm ponds. Jaitley in the speech had said: “The target of five lakh farm ponds and 10 lakh compost pits announced in the last Budget from MNGREGA funds will be fully achieved. In fact, against the five lakh farm ponds, it is expected that about 10 lakh farm ponds would be completed by March 2017. During 2017-18, another five lakh farm ponds will be taken up. This single measure will contribute greatly to drought proofing of gram panchayats.”

It might appear cynical to point a finger when the government not only meets the target but exceeds the target as well. What seems to emerge from this fact about the creation of farm ponds is that the money is being spent from the rural employment guarantee scheme of MGNREGA, which can be claimed is a good thing. It cannot be disputed. But the curious issue is who is taking the decision on making farm ponds? Is it the decision of the gram panchayat? Does it feel that it is what the village needs? Or is it a gratuitous way of keeping people employed under the MGNREGA scheme? The classic version is that of digging holes and filling them up in times of economic depression. In 2004, in the first UPA-I Budget, the then finance minister P Chidambaram talked about renewing water bodies in the villages.

It would appear that the imperious central government wants to be seen working at grassroot levels, a sort of micro-management when it is a well known fact that agriculture is a state subject, and decisions with regarding to agriculture should be made at the local level. There can also be a debate on whether farm ponds are part of an irrigation source or safe drinking water source. Or is part of the much-touted water-harvesting?

It is a well known fact that from ancient times, digging up tanks in villages has been an established practice for purposes of drinking water as well as irrigation. But should that decision be left to the panchayats? Why is the central government taking up the responsibility of digging farm ponds? It is, of course, a good deed. But the central government should be doing bigger things and leave small issues to the local authorities to sort out. Remember that farm ponds by their very nature are not permanent structures. They are in need of constant upkeep.

The other curious detail in the finance minister’s Budget speech with regard to spending in the rural sector is the training of masons. While announcing an increase in the allocation of Rs 4,500 crore in 2017-18 under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission for promotion of skill development and livelihood opportunities for people in rural areas, the minister said: “Mason training will be provided to 5 lakh persons by 2022” and the immediate target is of turning out 20,000 masons in 2017-18.

There is no doubt that the country needs trained masons and other skilled workers. But that issue needs to be addressed at various levels and the central government should not be involved in it, and it should not be part of the aims of the Union Budget. Why is there so much of involvement on the part of the government? Of course, socialists and other do-gooders are sure to hail the work of the NDA government with regard to farm ponds and masons. It only proves that the right-wing BJP does not have a mind of its own with regard to its economic philosophy. It shows that this is not the party of economic reforms and of less governmental interference in the economic activities and the lives of the people in the country. This government wants to prop up the economy and be seen to be doing it. The farm ponds-and-masons story says it all.

Lead picture: FM Arun Jaitley with the Budget papers before presenting them in parliament on Feb 1 (photo: Arun Jaitley); the Budget has set a target of additional five lakh farm ponds in rural areas in 2017-2018.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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India News

MasterChef Australia 17: Depinder Chhibber back in action among fan-favourite chefs

Indian-origin chef Depinder Chhibber is back in the MasterChef Australia kitchen for Season 17, competing among 23 other returning chefs.

Published

18 mins ago

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March 18, 2025

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Depinder Chhibber, MasterChef Australia 17, Indian-origin chef, MasterChef Australia contestants, MasterChef 2025, MasterChef fan favorites, MasterChef judges, MasterChef competition

Indian-origin chef Depinder Chhibber is making a much-anticipated return to MasterChef Australia for its 17th season, joining a star-studded lineup of returning contestants. Known for her delicate Indian flavors and calm presence, Depinder previously won hearts in MasterChef Australia 13 and is now set to compete once more under the guidance of judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling-Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin.

Expressing her excitement about re-entering the high-stakes culinary battle, Depinder shared, “Back to win! MasterChef Australia altered my life forever, and now we’re at it again.”

A competitive comeback

Season 17 of MasterChef Australia, themed “Back to Win 2025,” is bringing back several fan-favorite chefs from across the show’s history, spanning from Season 1 to Season 16. These returning contestants will face off in an intense kitchen showdown, aiming for a second—or even third—shot at the coveted MasterChef title.

For Depinder, the competition is more than just about winning. Since her first appearance, she has expanded her culinary career, launching a supper club named “Ghar”, which means “home” in Hindi, where she offers an authentic Indian dining experience. She also made a notable appearance as a guest judge on MasterChef India 2023, further solidifying her place in the culinary world.

Reflecting on her journey, Depinder shared, “MasterChef Australia 13 was a life-changing event. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many chefs that I like, cook in various kitchens, and lead classes. It’s been great. Showcasing Indian cuisine has been an honor for me.”

Meet the returning contestants

Depinder will be competing alongside 23 other returning chefs, all looking to claim the MasterChef title. The lineup includes:

Alana Lowes, Andre Ursini, Audra Morrice, Beau Cook, Ben Macdonald, Callum Hann, Cath Collins, Darrsh Clarke, Declan Cleary, Jamie Fleming, Jimmy Wong, Laura Sharrad, Matt Hopcraft, Pete Campbell, Rhiannon Anderson, Rue Mupedzi, Samira El Khafir, Sarah Todd, Savindri Perera, Snezana Calic, Steph De Sousa, Theo Loizou, and Tim Bone.

As the competition kicks off, viewers are eager to see how Depinder Chhibber navigates the high-pressure challenges, and whether she can take home the MasterChef trophy this time around.

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Cricket news

Pakistani-origin cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan collapses, dies during Adelaide match amid heatwave

Cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan collapsed and died during a match in Adelaide, with extreme heat conditions suspected as a factor. Authorities are investigating.

Published

27 mins ago

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March 18, 2025

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Junaid Zafar Khan, Pakistani cricketer, Adelaide cricket, cricketer collapses, heatwave Australia, cricket tragedy, player safety in extreme heat, cricket news

Adelaide was struck by tragedy as Pakistani-origin cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan collapsed and died on the pitch during a local turf cricket match amid soaring temperatures. The incident occurred over the weekend during a match between Old Concordians and Prince Alfred Old Collegians at Concordia College, Adelaide.

Death on the pitch due to extreme heat

Junaid Zafar Khan, who moved to Australia from Pakistan in 2013, was batting for Old Concordians when he suddenly collapsed. At the time, the temperature had reportedly reached 41.7 degrees Celsius. Paramedics attempted to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

His club, Old Collegians, expressed their grief in a statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of a valued member of the Old Concordians’ Cricket Club, who tragically suffered a medical episode while playing on the Concordia College oval today. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he sadly did not survive. Thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”

Tributes pour in for Junaid Zafar Khan

Junaid, who worked in the tech industry after moving to Adelaide, was remembered fondly by his friends and colleagues. His close friend Hasan Anjum described his passing as a “big loss.”

“It’s a huge loss, he was destined for very big things in his life,” Anjum told The Advertiser.

Heatwave triggers safety concerns in cricket

The Adelaide Turf Cricket Association (ATCA) bylaws require matches to be canceled if temperatures exceed 42°C during play. However, under special playing regulations, games can continue when temperatures are up to 40°C.

Junaid’s death has sparked a debate over heat guidelines in Australian cricket, with growing calls for a review of existing regulations to prioritize player safety.

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India News

Jio announces free 90-day JioHotstar subscription, Jio AirFiber trial ahead of IPL 2024

Jio announces a free 90-day JioHotstar subscription and a 50-day Jio AirFiber trial with prepaid recharges worth Rs. 299 and above. The offer is valid from March 17 to March 31, 2024 ahead of IPL.

Published

35 mins ago

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March 18, 2025

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Jio offers free JioHotstar subscription and Jio AirFiber trial with select recharge plans

Reliance Jio has introduced new offers on select prepaid recharge plans ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The telecom provider is bundling a complimentary 90-day subscription to JioHotstar and a 50-day free trial of Jio AirFiber with recharge plans worth Rs. 299 and above. This move aims to enhance the cricket-watching experience, allowing users to stream IPL matches in 4K quality on mobile devices and televisions.

Jio’s unlimited benefits for prepaid users

As per the company’s announcement, existing and new Jio customers who opt for recharge plans starting from Rs. 299 will receive free access to JioHotstar for 90 days. This will enable them to enjoy 4K streaming of IPL matches, movies, anime, and more. Additionally, Jio is offering a 50-day free trial of JioFiber or Jio AirFiber, providing users with unlimited Wi-Fi, 800+ OTT channels, and over 11 OTT apps for a home entertainment experience.

Key benefits of the Rs. 299 plan:

  • Unlimited voice calls
  • 1.5GB of data per day
  • 100 SMS per day
  • Access to JioCloud, JioTV, and bundled apps

New users can also purchase a new Jio SIM with a Rs. 299 or higher plan to avail of the same benefits. Customers looking for unlimited 5G data can opt for plans offering 2GB per day or more.

Offer validity and additional recharge options

The Jio IPL offer is valid from March 17 to March 31, 2024. Customers who recharged before March 17 can still benefit by purchasing a Rs. 100 add-on pack, which provides similar features.

Jio also offers other prepaid recharge plans that include a JioHotstar subscription, such as Rs. 100, Rs. 195, and Rs. 949 recharges.

The complimentary JioHotstar subscription will be activated on March 22, the first day of the IPL 2024, and will remain valid for 90 days.

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