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Why is centre making farm ponds and training masons?

Published

9 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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Amit Shah praises Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, says Nation above post

Amit Shah hailed Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister, saying BJP places the nation and students above any position while highlighting the government’s commitment to examination reforms.

Published

19 hours ago

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July 26, 2026

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Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday praised Dharmendra Pradhan’s decision to step down as Union Education Minister, saying the move reflected the Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment to placing the nation and students above any political position.

In a post on X, Shah said that for BJP workers, the country, its youth and students are more important than any office. He described Pradhan’s resignation as an example of the party’s guiding principle of prioritising national interest over personal ambition.

Shah highlights government’s focus on exam reforms

Amit Shah said the Narendra Modi-led government respects the sentiments of students and remains committed to strengthening the examination system following concerns over alleged paper leaks.

He said the Centre has introduced strict measures to ensure severe punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks and expressed confidence that these steps would deliver justice to students who cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Praises Pradhan’s work as Education Minister

Recalling Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure, Shah highlighted several initiatives undertaken during his time in the Education Ministry. He credited Pradhan with helping implement the National Education Policy (NEP), expanding PM SHRI schools, promoting digital education, strengthening skill development and improving coordination between industry and academic institutions.

Shah also said Pradhan worked towards making examinations more inclusive and student-centric, adding that his tenure reflected his commitment to the vision of a developed India.

Resignation follows NEET controversy

Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and growing demands for accountability.

The resignation has triggered political reactions across party lines. While opposition parties have described the development as a result of sustained student protests, BJP leaders have projected it as an example of accountability and commitment to national interest.

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Assam flood death toll rises to 66, over 6.5 lakh people still affected

Assam’s flood situation improved slightly on Saturday, but more than 6.54 lakh people remain affected in six districts. Four fresh deaths have pushed the state’s flood toll to 66.

Published

20 hours ago

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July 26, 2026

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Assam floods

The flood situation in Assam showed marginal improvement on Saturday, though the disaster continued to impact more than 6.54 lakh people across six districts. Four more deaths were reported during the day, taking the total number of fatalities in this year’s floods to 66.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), three of the latest deaths were reported from Sivasagar district, while one person lost their life in Charaideo.

The number of affected people declined from over 7.05 lakh across nine districts on Friday to 6,54,800 across six districts on Saturday, indicating a gradual improvement in the overall situation.

Sivasagar remains the worst-hit district

Among the affected districts, Sivasagar continues to be the worst hit, with nearly 2.9 lakh people impacted by the floods. Charaideo follows with around 1.9 lakh affected residents, while more than 1.3 lakh people remain affected in Jorhat.

The other districts still facing flood-related challenges are Dibrugarh, Golaghat and Nagaon.

Relief operations continue across affected areas

The ASDMA said the state administration is operating 274 relief camps and aid distribution centres across the affected districts. Around 18,902 displaced people are currently taking shelter at these facilities.

The latest daily bulletin also stated that floodwaters have inundated 810 villages across the state, while 34,970.8 hectares of agricultural land have suffered damage.

Rivers flowing above danger level

The floods have also damaged embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure in several areas.

Authorities said the Dikhou River in Sivasagar and the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh are flowing above the danger level, and officials continue to closely monitor the situation.

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UP Government forms new SIT led by 3 IPS officers to probe Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a new SIT led by three IPS officers to investigate the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case in Ayodhya following Supreme Court directions.

Published

20 hours ago

on

July 26, 2026

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Ram Mandir

The Uttar Pradesh government has reconstituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by IG Kiran S, with DIG Somen Verma and SSP Dr Gaurav Grover as members, to investigate the alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 

The move comes after directions from the Supreme Court, which sought a reconstituted investigation team to ensure an independent and comprehensive probe into the allegations.

The newly formed SIT is expected to continue the investigation and submit a status report before the Supreme Court on July 27.

Senior IPS officers to lead the probe

According to the state government, the investigation will now be supervised by senior IPS officers.  The revamped SIT has been tasked with examining all aspects of the alleged embezzlement of temple donations and carrying the investigation forward.

The Supreme Court had observed that criminal investigations and technical examination of theft-related cases are more effectively handled by experienced police officers, leading to the reconstitution of the SIT under senior IPS leadership.

Probe to continue under court supervision

The case relates to the alleged embezzlement of offerings (chadhava) donated by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

The Supreme Court is monitoring the investigation and will review the SIT’s status report at the next hearing.

Authorities are expected to continue examining evidence collected during the earlier stages of the investigation as the newly constituted SIT proceeds with the case.

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