26.03.2024---UNTOUCHABLES NEWS .by Sivaji Team.Chennai.26.
Who is Dhananjay? All you need to know about JNU’s first Dalit president in nearly 30 years
Representing the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Dhananjay secured victory in the JNUSU elections, held after a hiatus of four years, marking a decisive win for the Left-backed groups.
Dhananjay, a PhD scholar from Gaya, Bihar, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Dalit president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) in nearly three decades.
Representing the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Dhananjay, who is from JNU’s School of Arts and Aesthetics, secured victory in the student union elections, held after a hiatus of four years, marking a decisive win for the Left-backed groups.
The United Left panel, to which Dhananjay belongs, achieved a sweeping victory in the elections, overshadowing its closest rival, the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Dhananjay secured 2,598 votes, surpassing his opponent Umesh C Ajmeera from the ABVP, who garnered 1,676 votes.
Emphasising key issues during his campaign, Dhananjay highlighted concerns such as the escalating fees due to Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) loans, campus infrastructure improvements, and the release of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and other student leaders facing sedition charges, Times of India reported on Monday.
Speaking to PTI after his win, Dhananjay expressed gratitude for the students’ trust and affirmed his commitment to addressing their rights and concerns.
“This victory is a referendum by the students of JNU that they reject the politics of hate and violence. The students have once again shown their trust in us. We will continue to fight for their rights and work on issues that concern students,” Dhananjay told the news agency.
“The safety of women on campus, fund cuts, scholarship hike, infrastructural and water crisis are among the top priorities of the students’ union,” he added.
Supporters celebrated the victory with chants of ‘Lal Salaam’ and ‘Jai Bhim’, waving flags adorned with red, white, and blue.
In addition to Dhananjay’s victory, Avijit Ghosh from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) secured the vice-president’s post, while Priyanshi Arya of the Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students’ Association (BAPSA), supported by the Left, won the general secretary’s position.
The elections witnessed a notable 73 per cent voter turnout, the highest in the last 12 years, with 19 candidates competing for central panel positions and 42 vying for school counsellor roles.
Despite initial trends showing a strong performance by the ABVP, the United Left panel maintained its dominance, underscoring JNU’s reputation as a stronghold for Leftist politics. The panel, comprising various Left-wing student groups, secured victories across all central panel positions.
Courtesy : DH
The cremation material of a Dalit child was thrown into the canal: Police arrived after the uproar in Jewar, pacified the family members, there was a dispute over the land.
An 8-year-old child died due to illness on Thursday night in Banjarpur village of Dankaur Kotwali area in Kanpur. The relatives of the deceased and other villagers reached the cremation ground to perform his last rites. It is alleged that the powerful people of the village threw the material brought for the last rites into the canal and did not allow the last rites to be performed. After the uproar, the police reached the spot and convinced the people and performed the last rites. The victim’s side reached the police station on Friday and filed a complaint against five accused, including two named in the case.
Siddharth, 8 year old son of Rohit, a Dalit resident of the village, was ill for some time. He died late Thursday evening. The family took his last rites material to the cremation ground. It is alleged that the village bullies, claiming the cremation ground as their own, threw all the material into the canal. After this, people of Dalit community became angry and protested and blocked the canal near Banjarpur village.
After getting information about the matter, a large number of police also reached the spot. The police pacified the people by convincing them and assured them of legal action against the accused. Later, in the presence of the police, the child’s body was cremated on the same ground.
Villagers say that till now they have been performing the last rites at the mixed cremation ground of the village, but some people oppose it. Due to which he had demanded land for cremation from Greater Noida Authority. After which a separate cremation ground for the Dalit community was registered in the revenue documents, but the said land is in the possession of the powerful people of the village. Even on March 15, during the funeral of a person, the bullies chased him away.
Later the last rites were performed in the presence of police. At that time the police did not take any action against the accused. Because of which their morale is high. Pappu Singh, grandfather of deceased Siddharth, has given a written complaint against 5 people including two named. Dankaur Kotwali in-charge Sanjay Kumar Singh says that after investigating the matter, strict legal action will be taken against all the accused.
Courtesy: Hindi News
Sensational incident in Hapur: After raping and brutalizing a Dalit girl, the accused said – make a deal for two lakh rupees.
A case of a teenage girl being held hostage and raped has come to light in a village of Hafizpur police station area. The allegation is that the victim was pressurized to take a decision for Rs 2.4 lakh. If there was no compromise, he threatened to kill using caste based words.
Police have registered a case against three accused and started investigation. In fact, a villager, while filing a case, said that on the afternoon of March 21, his daughter had gone to the house to dry clothes, then the neighbor Junaid alias Chhote came there and after squeezing his daughter’s mouth with his hand, he picked her up and went to Jamiruddin’s dairy. Took inside K’s basemate. The accused took her daughter hostage and raped her. Hearing the voice of his daughter bringing the baby, the accused Junaid ran away from there and saw the boy playing nearby. The father told that his daughter told him and his wife about the incident.
Threatened if compromise is not reached
When the victim was going to a police station to report the incident, accused Zameen and Aaf stopped him on the way and pressurized him to settle the matter for Rs 2.4 lakh. Using caste related words, he threatened to kill the applicant and his family members if they refused to compromise. He is quite frightened by this.
Police statement: Hafizpur Police says that on the complaint of the victim, a case has been registered in the section related to accused Junaid alias Chhote, land and AAF. The victim has been sent for examination yesterday. Efforts are being made to arrest the accused as soon as possible.
Courtesy: Hindi News
Court’s decision in 15 days in the case of rape of one year old Dalit innocent girl, rigorous life imprisonment to the rapist
In Bahraich district of UP, Additional Sessions Judge, Special Judge, POCSO Act, Varun Mohit Nigam, after a rigorous hearing in 15 days, has sentenced a middle-aged accused guilty of the heinous crime of raping a one-year-old Dalit child to rigorous life imprisonment. The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 1.29 lakh on the convicted accused. Failure to pay will result in additional imprisonment of one year.
Special District Government Advocate Sant Pratap Singh said that on February 17 this year at 11 pm in a village of Nanpara Kotwali, a 50-year-old middle-aged man from the village took a one-year-old innocent child in his lap on the pretext of feeding him. Raped an innocent child in Lahi’s field outside the village. After not seeing the innocent child for a long time, his mother started searching. Meanwhile, a person from the village told about seeing the girl in the lap of Bhondu and taking her towards the field. When the victim’s mother reached the field, she lost her senses and snatched the girl from the clutches of the accused. The accused had a scuffle with the girl’s mother and also threatened to kill her. When the girl was brought to the police station in a critical condition, the police took her to the District Women’s Hospital in the custody of a female constable.
On the complaint of the girl’s mother, Nanpara Kotwali police registered a case under rape, POCSO Act, assault, intimidation and SCST Act. Investigating CO Nanpara Rahul Pandey sent the charge sheet to the court after recording the statement of the innocent mother’s mother before the magistrate. The judge took cognizance of the incident and started the hearing on 27 February 2024. After hearing and deliberating the arguments of both the parties, Bhondu was found guilty and sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment in just 15 days. The judge has also imposed a fine of Rs 1.29 lakh on the convicted accused. The entire amount of fine has been ordered to be given to the victim’s mother.
Effective advocacy under operational conviction
SP Vrinda Shukla told that the then Nanpara Kotwal Mithlesh Kumar Rai, Nanpara Kotwal Rakesh Kumar Singh, constable Nisar Ahmed, Court Moharrir constable Brijesh Sahni, special government advocate POCSO Sant Pratap Singh, special public prosecutor Santosh Kumar Singh and Surendra Kumar Maurya helped.
Courtesy: Hindi News
The bullies wreaked havoc on the Dalit family for protesting against the obscene act on a minor girl, on the complaint the police registered an FIR against the victims.
A case of atrocities by bullies on a Dalit family has come to light in Barabanki. The victim’s family alleges that the bullies first did obscene acts with their 14 year old daughter. When the family members protested, the bullies beat them with sticks and left them half dead. On complaining to the local police station, the police instead took action by registering a case against the victim. The victim’s family has now met the SP and requested for justice.
The matter is of Kutlupur Lalpur Karauta village of Mohammadpur Khala police station area of Barabanki. Where resident woman Sunita Devi told that the village bullies Sonu and Rajesh did obscene acts with our 14 year old girl three days ago at 9 pm. When we protested against this, Sonu and Rajesh attacked our family with sticks. Due to which we suffered serious injuries.
The victim woman alleges that when we appealed to the police for help in this whole matter, the police instead took action by registering a case against us. The woman said that the opposition are powerful and criminal type of people. He can do anything with our family. On Friday, the woman along with her family met SP Dinesh Kumar Singh and demanded action against the bullies.
Courtesy: Hindi News
BMC Serves Show Cause Notice to Agency After Sanitation Workers Die in Malad Septic Tank Tragedy
The BMC report revealed that the victims had entered the septic tank attached to the community toilet for manual cleaning, a blatant violation of India’s manual scavenging Act passed in 2013.
Mumbai- In a tragic incident that shook Malad West’s Malwani area, two sanitation workers lost their lives while another remains critically injured after falling into a 15-foot-deep sewer drain attached to a public toilet. The incident, which occurred near Malwani’s gate no. 8 in Ambujwadi area, was reported on Thursday evening.
According to preliminary information provided by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the three victims fell into the chamber of a sewer drain belonging to a public toilet maintained by a private contractor.
Civic officials said the toilet was constructed in 2018 and was handed over to a local agency for maintainence.
Despite the prompt efforts of local residents who rushed to their aid, aided by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, tragedy struck before the victims could be rescued.
The victims, identified as Suraj Kevat (18) and Bikas Kevat (20), were declared brought dead upon arrival at the civic hospital in Kandivali. Another victim, Ramlagan Kevat (45), remains in critical condition as per the latest update from the civic disaster cell.
A day following the devastating loss, the BMC conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Their report revealed that the victims had entered the septic tank attached to the community toilet for manual cleaning, a blatant violation of India’s manual scavenging Act passed in 2013.
BMC Serves Show Cause Notice to Agency After Sanitation Workers Die in Malad Septic Tank Tragedy
According to Manual Scavenging Act, no person or agency can engage or employ any person for manual scavenging. Any person or agency who engages any person for manual scavenging in violation of provisions of the MS Act, 2013 is punishable under Section 8 of the Act.
In accordance with the Act, the BMC has initiated legal action against the private agencies responsible for the maintenance of the toilet. A show cause notice has been issued, highlighting the grave negligence leading to the tragic loss of lives.
The investigation report further elucidated that toxic gases present within the septic tank caused the victims to suffocate, rendering them unconscious. It was discovered that the lid of the tank was left open, indicating that the victims had entered for cleaning purposes. Additionally, a thick nylon rope was found adjacent to the chamber, likely used by the victims for entry into the tank.
Kiran Dighavkar, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, informed that the Malvani police station has been apprised of the show cause notice issued to the responsible agency. He emphasized that the BMC awaits their response, but if found unsatisfactory, further legal action may be pursued, including lodging an official complaint with the police department.
Courtesy : The Mooknayak
Bandicoot Robots Revolutionize Sanitation in Rajasthan, Ending Manual Sewerage Hazards
Bandicoot’s drone unit is equipped with four spider-like legs that can grip the sides of a manhole, allowing it to efficiently pull out waste. This innovation eliminates the need for individuals to physically enter these perilous environments.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Udaipur- Rajasthan is on the brink of bidding farewell to the perilous era of accidents during manual sewerage cleaning. The state’s municipal bodies are now armed with cutting-edge robots, aptly named Bandicoot machines, poised to transform the landscape of sanitation. With two robots allocated to each of the 10 municipal corporations and one to each of the 203 municipalities and city councils, Rajasthan is heralding a new era where human lives are spared from the inherent dangers of manual sewerage cleaning.
Over the past five years, Rajasthan has witnessed the tragic loss of 13 lives due to manual scavenging. The Central government introduced the Safai Mitra Suraksha Challenge in 2020. This initiative aims to eliminate manual scavenging across India by promoting the use of mechanized solutions. In response, Ashok Gehlot led government took decisive action by prohibiting manual scavenging in septic tanks or sewage chambers in the state.
On July 6, 2021, the Rajasthan government, through an order, mandated officials to ensure the use of machines for cleaning septic tanks or sewage chambers. This directive, aimed at safeguarding the lives of workers, specifically emphasizes that no individual should enter these chambers for cleaning purposes.
In September 2022, Jaipur became the first city in Rajasthan to deploy Bandicoot robots to safely clean manholes. Municipal Corporation Udaipur recently acquired two robots from the Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project (RUDIP), manufactured by the GenRobotics Company in Kerala. Valued at approximately Rs 39 lakh, these robots were procured during the tenure of the previous Congress government.
Neighbouring Rajsamand Municipal Council and Nathdwara Municipality received their robots two days ago, and Udaipur is expected to receive them this week.
400 Lives Lost in 5 Years Due to Septic Tank and Sewer Cleaning Hazards in India
Many sanitation workers in India die from inhaling toxic gasses while cleaning sewers and septic tanks. In the last five years, from 2018 to 2023, more than 400 people lost their lives while cleaning sewers. Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, shared this information recently in response to a question from Trinamool Congress member Aparupa Poddar about manual scavenging in India. According to the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, manual scavenging is prohibited in the country.
As of November 29,2023, total 714 out of the 766 districts in India have proclaimed themselves free from manual scavenging. However, activists argue that this data, akin to the questionable Open Defecation Free (ODF) figures, may not reflect the ground reality, as some states declared themselves ODF-free despite ongoing challenges of defecating in the open.
Bandicoot: Revolutionizing Manhole Cleaning and Transforming Sanitation Practices Globally
Bandicoot, a revolutionary robot designed to clean manholes, is a game-changer in addressing the hazardous task of manually descending into toxic and dangerous manholes. Created by Genrobotics, a Kerala-based startup, Bandicoot’s drone unit is equipped with four spider-like legs that can grip the sides of a manhole, allowing it to efficiently pull out waste. This innovation eliminates the need for individuals to physically enter these perilous environments.
Designed by 9 engineers in Kerala, Bandicoot was launched in February 2018 after its successful run in capital Thiruvananthapuram, unclogging 5 manholes filled with plastic, filth, medical waste and sediments. The startup has secured orders to supply Bandicoots to 18 states in India and has expanded its reach globally by exporting the robot to countries such as Malaysia.
The inspiration for Bandicoot’s design stems from a close study of nature, particularly the movement patterns of bandicoots, a group of large rodents found in India. The first Bandicoot made its debut in 2018 when the Kerala government purchased the ground breaking robotic scavenger. Notably, Bandicoot’s design adheres to national standards specified by the ISO for manholes, making it adaptable for use across various states and even internationally.
Since its introduction, Bandicoot has gained widespread acceptance, with the team selling over 500 units in India alone. Nineteen states, including Kerala, have either placed orders for Bandicoots or have already incorporated them into their manhole cleaning operations.
Manual Scavenging in India: A Persistent Challenge
Manual scavenging, the practice of cleaning human excreta, is prevalent in India, driven by the deeply entrenched caste system that forces individuals from specific communities, often labelled as ‘untouchables,’ into this degrading occupation.
Despite being outlawed, manual scavenging persists in various forms, with government entities, including municipalities and Indian railways, still employing workers for these tasks. The practice is not limited to public spaces; it extends into private homes and community toilets.
Workers engaged in manual scavenging endure dehumanizing conditions, being forced to handle human excreta and transport it on their heads or against their waists. This includes cleaning drains, sewers, septic tanks, and even railway tracks. The practice is particularly rampant during festivals and large gatherings.
According to the Safai Karamchari Andolan website, a significant factor contributing to manual scavenging is the prevalence of dry latrines. The 2011 census reported a staggering 26,07,612 such latrines in India, employing manual scavengers for their cleaning. Tragically, nearly 2,000 manual scavengers succumb to death annually in sewers, primarily due to exposure to poisonous gases. This number could be higher when accounting for deaths occurring in septic tanks however, the official records show relatively lower number of deaths due to manual scavenging.
Alarming Statistics:
Dry Latrines: India houses 26 lakh dry latrines. (2011 Census)
Sewer Cleaners: Approximately 7 lakh 70 thousand individuals, predominantly from the Dalit community, are engaged in sewer cleaning.
Rajasthan has 16363230 dry latrines while 3498 persons are engaged in sewer cleaning, and 13 deaths have been reported in past 5 years.
Courtesy : The Mooknayak
Ever worried about a hefty medical bill wiping out your savings? Fear not! The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), also known as Ayushman Bharat Yojana, is a government scheme offering financial assistance for secondary and tertiary healthcare to eligible families.
The PMJAY scheme prioritizes economically disadvantaged families, ensuring they receive quality medical care without financial constraints. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
- Income Based: Families with an annual income of less than Rs. 5 lakh (as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census) are automatically eligible for PMJAY.
- Social Category: Individuals belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or other backward classes (OBCs) are likely to be included, even if their income slightly exceeds the Rs. 5 lakh limit.
- Identification through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC): The SECC data serves as the primary source for identifying beneficiaries. You can find your name in the SECC list displayed at gram panchayats (village councils) or Ayushman Bharat Health Centres (AB-HSCs).
- Other considerations: PMJAY also covers certain occupations like sanitation workers, mine workers, and brick kiln workers, irrespective of their income level.
Wondering if your name is on the list? Here’s how to check:
- Online Verification: Visit the PMJAY official website (https://bis.pmjay.gov.in/BIS/selfprintCard) and click on “Am I Eligible.” Enter your mobile number and state, followed by searching by name, HHD number (if available), ration card number, or mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card.
- Helpline Support: Alternatively, you can call the toll-free helpline number 1800-111-565 for assistance with eligibility verification.
Registering for PMJAY: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Once you confirm your eligibility, registering for PMJAY is a breeze! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Head to the PMJAY Website: Visit the official PMJAY website (https://bis.pmjay.gov.in/BIS/selfprintCard).
- Locate “Registration”: Look for the “Beneficiary Registration” section and click on it.
- Enter Details: Fill in the required details, including your name, mobile number, and state.
- Search for Yourself: You can search for your name in the database using various options like ration card number, HHD number (if available), or mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card.
- Family Member Registration: If your name appears, you can proceed to register your eligible family members as well.
- Document Submission (Optional): In some cases, you may be required to upload scanned copies of documents like Aadhaar card, ration card, or income certificate (if not covered under SECC).
- Verification and Ayushman Card: Once your application is verified, you’ll receive an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card, formerly known as the Ayushman Card. This card serves as your golden ticket to availing benefits under PMJAY.
What’s Covered under PMJAY? A Spectrum of Healthcare Benefits
- Pre and Post Hospitalization Care: PMJAY goes beyond just hospitalization. It also covers pre-hospitalization expenses for diagnostics and post-hospitalization care for a specific period.
- Broad Medical Coverage: The scheme offers coverage for a vast array of medical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, nephrology, and more. This ensures access to specialized treatment for a wide range of illnesses.
- Cashless Transactions: One of the biggest advantages of PMJAY is the cashless transaction system. You don’t need to pay upfront at empanelled hospitals; the scheme settles the bills directly with the healthcare providers.
Remember: It’s crucial to choose a hospital empanelled under PMJAY to avail cashless benefits. You can find a list of empanelled hospitals on the PMJAY website or the UMANG app.
From WhatsApp here and there...
Election commission is working day and night for whom ?
1. பாஜக வுடன் டி.டி.வி. தினகரனின் அம்மா மக்கள் முன்னேற்ற கழகம் தேர்தல் கூட்டணி ஒப்பந்தம் செய்த அன்றே அக்கட்சிக்கு குக்கர் சின்னம் ஒதுக்கீடு செய்து தேர்தல் ஆணையம் ஆணை.
2. பாஜக வுடன் டாக்டர் ராமதாசின் பாட்டாளி மக்கள் கட்சி தேர்தல் கூட்டணி அமைத்து ஒப்பந்தம் செய்த அன்றே அக்கட்சிக்கு மாம்பழம் சின்னம் தேர்தல் ஆணையத்தால் ஒதுக்கீடு செய்யப்பட்டது.
3. பாஜக கூட்டணியில் இடம் பெற்றுள்ள ஜி.கே. வாசனின் தமிழ் மாநில காங்கிரஸ் கட்சிக்கு சைக்கிள் சின்னம் ஒதுக்கீடு.
4. நடிகர் சீமானின் நாம் தமிழர் கட்சிக்கு கரும்பு விவசாயி சின்னம் கேட்டு உச்ச நீதிமன்றம் வரை சென்றும் மறுப்பு.
5. தி.மு.க கூட்டணியில் இடம்பெற்றுள்ள வை.கோ. வின் ம.தி.மு.க. வுக்கு பம்பரம் சின்னம் கேட்டு இதுவரை வழங்கப்படாத நிலையில் சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தில் அதற்காக வழக்கு தொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
6. தி.மு.க. கூட்டணியில் இடம் பெற்றுள்ள திருமாவளவனின் விடுதலை சிறுத்தைகள் கட்சிக்கு பானை சின்னம் கேட்டு இதுவரை ஒதுக்கீடு செய்யப்படாமல் இழுத்தடிப்பு.
இதிலிருந்து சகலமானவர்களுக்கும் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்வது என்னவென்றால் இந்திய தேர்தல் ஆணையம் என்பது மிகவும் நேர்மையாக நடுநிலையோடு நடந்து கொள்கிறது.
நம்புங்க மக்களே. 🥹
(தேர்தல் சின்னம் இருந்தால் மட்டும் போதாது..வோட்டு போட மக்களும் வெனும்..)
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