Previous Baroda News
Indian Medical Association issues advisory for government and public
The Gujarat Chapter of Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued an advisory for the government
Read More>>
The Gujarat Chapter of Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued an advisory for the government and for the public.
- It has suggested avoiding public gatherings and restricting the number of people in gatherings.
- It has advised discontinuing offline education for primary classes.
- Enclosed venues should not allow more than 200 persons and opens one not more than 300. There should be strict implementation of night curfew.
- RT-PCR tests should be conducted on arrival for all foreign travelers.
Less
Applicants shortlisted for residential schools project
Gujarat government’s ‘Residential Schools of Excellence’ project on Public
Read More>>
Gujarat government’s ‘Residential Schools of Excellence’ project on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode has received about 70 applicants.
- The applications were received from prominent religious organizations, eminent philanthropists, private universities, corporate institutions, Non Resident Indians, to non government organizations, etc.
- The scheme (NGOs) offers free residential schooling from classes 6-12 by private project partners.
- The conditions of the MoU are being framed.
- The PPP model requires entire investment on land, infrastructure, human resource, logistics and management to run nearly 50 ‘Residential Schools of Excellence’ with 2000 to 10,000 students.
- The policy seeks to create a total of 1 lakh students-capacity in these residential schools.
- The entire capital cost will be borne by the project partner.
- The education department will provide financial assistance for meeting recurring costs through a lump sum amount of Rs. 60,000 per child per year with an annual increase of 7 per cent.
- As per the MoU signed between University of Cambridge and Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB), these residential schools of excellence from classes from 6-8 will be bilingual and Class 9 onwards will be English medium.
Less
Covid vaccination starts in Gujarat for 15-18 age group children
Over 5 lakh of the 35 lakh children in the 15 to 18 years age group in Gujarat were given the Covid
Read More>>
Over 5 lakh of the 35 lakh children in the 15 to 18 years age group in Gujarat were given the Covid vaccination on the first day of the drive on Monday. Vadodara city seems to have covered over 19 per cent of its target children population, followed by Rajkot city (17 per cent) and Ahmedabad city (14 per cent). Over 19,000 children took the first shot in Vadodara.
Less
Vaccination for children in the age group of 15-18 years
Children in the age group of 15-18 years will be able to register for vaccination on the CoWIN app
Read More>>
Children in the age group of 15-18 years will be able to register for vaccination on the CoWIN app from January 1.
- An additional (10th) ID card for registration, the student ID card, has been added because some might not have Aadhaar or other identity cards.
- Children aged 15-18 will start receiving Covid-19 vaccinations from January 3 and healthcare and frontline workers will start getting the shots as a precautionary measure from January 10.
- Those above 60 with comorbidities will be offered booster shots after recommendations from doctors.
Less
MSU gets research project on education for rural transformation
The Mahatma Gandhi National Centre for Rural Education (MGNCRE) of the government of India’s
Read More>>
The Mahatma Gandhi National Centre for Rural Education (MGNCRE) of the government of India’s Ministry of Education has given to MS University a research project on ‘Education for rural transformation: ground realities and challenges’.
- Mr. K. Pushpanadham, professor of educational management and officiating head of the Department of Educational Administration has got the project, with a grant of Rs 5.5 lakh for a period of 17 months.
- The project will study education as a catalyst for rural transformation, identify good practices, success stories, and challenges faced in rural transformation.
- The study will be conducted in Narmada and Dahod districts which have been identified as aspirational districts in the state.
Less
IISER Pune to offer an online course on handling biological data
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune (IISER) is due to start an online
Read More>>
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune (IISER) is due to start an online course on ‘Biostatistics: A user’s perspective’.
- The course is scheduled for January 8, 9, 15, and 16, 2022.
- It has invited applications from researchers, students and professionals.
- The course will cover statistical concepts, data interpretation, and design experiments.
- It is ideal for researchers in the field of pharmacy and molecular biology and those handling biological data.
- The paid short-term course will contain instructional videos, quiz and self-assessment tests, web discussions spanning 14-hours of live teaching.\
- Those completing it will be awarded a certificate by IISER, Pune.
- The last date for applying is December 31.
For further details, interested persons can visit https://sites.google.com/acads.iiserpune.ac.in/biostatscourse/home
Less
Gujarat leads states in overall Good Governance Index
On Saturday, Good Governance Day, it was announced that Gujarat has topped in the overall Good
Read More>>
On Saturday, Good Governance Day, it was announced that Gujarat has topped in the overall Good Governance Index (GGI) for 2020-21.
- Gujarat was followed by Maharashtra and Goa.
- Delhi topped the list among all Union Territories.
- As many as 20 states have improved their composite GGI scores in 2021 with Uttar Pradesh showing an incremental growth of 8.9%.
- The GGI 2021 framework covered 10 sectors and 58 indicators.
- These include agriculture and allied sectors, commerce and industries, human resource development, public health, public infrastructure and utilities, economic governance, social welfare and development, and citizen-centric governance.
Gujarat performed better in economic governance, human resource development, public infrastructure and utilities, social welfare and development, judiciary and public safety.
Less
Of the 271 bank branches which were closed, 250 were in the public sector
The latest report of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), Gujarat, reveals that the
Read More>>
The latest report of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), Gujarat, reveals that the merging of many public sector banks (PSBs) has reduced public sector bank branches all over Gujarat.
- 271 bank branches were shut by the end of the September quarter of 2021-22, 250 of them being of public sector banks.
- The total number of bank branches fell from 10,065 to 9,794 during this period.
- PSB branches reduced from 5,172 to 4,922 branches.
- Branches which were in close proximity were rationalized.
- Private sector bank branches increased by 119 in the same period.
- Small finance banks added 42 branches.
- 233 branches were shut in rural and semi-urban areas of Gujarat, where penetration of banking infrastructure is needed.
- 112 rural branches and 121 semi-urban branches closed in one year.
Less
Disconnect ‘other supplies’ to societies discharging sewage into Sabarmati
A Gujarat High Court bench has directed the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to disconnect
Read More>>
A Gujarat High Court bench has directed the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to disconnect ‘all other supplies’ in residential societies that discharge their sewage directly into the Sabarmati river and initiate criminal prosecution of office-bearers of such societies.
- Other supplies can indicate, electricty and water supply.
- The joint task force constituted by the court found illegal connections by residential societies that discharge sewage directly into the river.
- AMC has disconnected effluent connections of several industries for not meeting prescribed parameters.
Less
Senior police officer recommends better security at railway stations
The state’s director general of police has asked railways authorities to install baggage
Read More>>
The state’s director general of police has asked railways authorities to install baggage scanners at all major stations in Gujarat. Surveillance will be increased at railway stations.
- The railway authorities must to put up concrete barriers or a wire fencing around major stations.
- The perimeters of stations should have fencing similar to airports so unwanted elements cannot enter.
- A check post with a light machine gun and teams of sniffer dogs should be at stations around the clock.
- All stations should have CCTV cameras and baggage scanners.
- The baggage of passengers entering the stations should be checked thoroughly.
- Contractors and their workers should go through a police verification process and identity cards should also be issued to them.
- It should be ensured that trains are not used to transport drugs.
- Railways and state police should jointly prepare a disaster management plan for major stations – Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Mehsana, Palanpur, Godhra, etc.
Less
India’s first 5G trials for rural broadband started in Gujarat
India’s first 5G technology trials for rural broadband have started at Ajol village. The
Read More>>
India’s first 5G technology trials for rural broadband have started at Ajol village.
- The base transceiver station (BTS) is installed 17km away at Unava town in Gandhinagar district.
- Representatives of the department of telecom (DoT) and two private mobile service providers visited the village to measure speeds.
- A 105.47 Mbps download speed and a 58.77 Mbps upload speed was recorded.
- Among the technologies being tested are 360 degrees virtual reality content playback, a virtual-reality connected classroom, 5G immersive gaming and artificial intelligence assisted 360 degrees cameras with real-time video streams.
Less
PhD studies can be pursued by CS professionals
The Vadodara chapter of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the state run
Read More>>
The Vadodara chapter of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the state run Shree Govind Guru University (SGGU) in Godhra have joined hands to facilitate ICSI members to pursue PhD from the university. The academic collaboration is for the exchange of knowledge and expertise among members and students of both the institutions. Students and teachers of the university as well as students and members of ICSI will be benefited both professionally as well as academically. The MoU covers: starting of a study centre; library books on CS as a career and course material; conducting various career awareness programmes among students; training students to work with professionals and to encourage them to choose a professional career. SGGU will guide PhD aspirants and provide the necessary infrastructure.
Less
Night curfew from 11 pm to 5 am in Gujarat
The Gujarat government has extended the night curfew timings in eight cities starting December 25
Read More>>
The Gujarat government has extended the night curfew timings in eight cities starting December 25 to December 31, from 11 pm to 5 am. On December 20, the government had announced that it would continue with existing night curfew hours from 1 am to 5 am until December 31. The decision to extend timing is due to the emerging Covid situation.
Less
Vedic Mathematics in Gujarat schools from next academic year
The Gujarat government wants to introduce Vedic Mathematics as a subject from Classes 6-10 from
Read More>>
The Gujarat government wants to introduce Vedic Mathematics as a subject from Classes 6-10 from the next academic year. This was recommended in the National Education Policy 2020.
- Vedic Maths will be mandatory in 20,000 schools of excellence (SoE) in a phased manner. Other government, grant-in-aid and self-financed schools can introduce it voluntarily.
- It will be introduced in 2022-23 in Classes 6, 7 and 9, and in Classes 8 and 10 in 2023-24.
- A bridge course for Classes 7 and 9 will be conducted from 2022-23.
- Training for the subject will be conducted by the Gujarat Council of Educational Research and Training (GCERT).
- Printed and audio-visual content and material for Classes 6-8 will be prepared by GCERT and for Classes 9 and 10 by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB).
- It is believed that Vedic Maths lays a strong foundation for the subject and simplifies it.
- Vedic Maths is believed to be able to simplify mathematics by integrating arithmetic operations into 16 ‘sutras’ or formulae.
- Vedic Maths cuts the time needed for solving complex problems by reducing the number of steps involved.
Less
Exercise to insulate the Vishwamitri river from invading sewage water
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) may take up a project – under the National River
Read More>>
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) may take up a project – under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) – to prevent sewage water from entering the Vishwamitri river.
- According to the NRCP formula, 60% of the project cost is provided by the centre, 10% by the state government and the remaining 30% by the local body.
- VMC’s proposal for NRCP will be routed through the state urban development department.
- The proposal covers the river stretch from Vadodara to Asoj, and this will cost roughly Rs. 551 crore.
- The riverfront idea was given up by VMC after being challenged in the National Green Tribunal. The name of the exercise now is Vishwamitri River Revival Project.
- The special purpose vehicle formed to handle the project is now called the Vishwamitri River Revival Corporation Ltd.
Less
‘Gossip’, a smart chai station, incubated at MS University
Shubhra Saha and Shyam Sunder have started a location-based social media platform. They have passed
Read More>>
Shubhra Saha and Shyam Sunder have started a location-based social media platform. They have passed out from MSU’s Maharaja Ranjitsinh Gaekwad Institute of Design.
- They say that their app, called ‘Gossip’, is a better version of Twitter.
- It helps people to get connected with their friends on social media based on their real-time location while sipping tea.
- Incubated at MS University, the platform has opened a smart chai station. It seems to be the first social media platform that makes money by selling tea and refreshments.
- The tea station is also a retail store that is believed to accept cryptocurrencies as payment methods.
- A GPS feature in the group chat is a tool through which everybody in the vicinity gets a notification.
- The revenue is from tea, not advertisements.
Less
Examinations, summer vacations and next academic session postponed
The Gujarat government has postponed the annual examinations of Class 9 and 11, preparatory prelim
Read More>>
The Gujarat government has postponed the annual examinations of Class 9 and 11, preparatory prelim exams of Class 10 and 12, and two board exams in the coming year in the best interests of students.
- Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has directed schools to postpone examinations and alter the dates for the summer vacations and the upcoming academic session.
- The new academic sessions will begin on June 13, 2022, instead of on June 6.
- The Class 10 and 12 board exams have been postponed by two weeks, and final exams for Class 9 and 11 have been delayed by 10 days.
- GSHSEB announced the Class 10 and 12 board exams will be held from March 28 to April 12, 2022. Earlier these were scheduled to be from March 14 to March 30.
- Practical exams for Class 10 will be held from February 24 to February 26. It was earlier scheduled to be held from February 9 to February 11, 2022. For Class 12, it will be held from February 14 to March 2.
- Final exams for Class 9 and 11 have been postponed by 10 days – from April 11 to April 21, 2022. The exams will conclude on April 30, 2022.
- The summer vacations from May 2 to June 5, 2022, will now be from May 9 to June 12, 2022.
- The commencement of the academic session of the year 2022-23 has been pushed back by a week to June 13, 2022, instead of June 6, 2022.
The decision will benefit 32 lakh students of the state who will get enough time to prepare for the exams.
Less
Progress on sealing buildings without BU permission in municipality areas
The Gujarat High Court may take up today a public interest litigation concerning fire safety and
Read More>>
The Gujarat High Court may take up today a public interest litigation concerning fire safety and building safety in buildings in Gujarat.
- The state government in its affidavit submitted that within municipality areas in the state, its survey found 1,863 high-rise buildings without building use (BU) permission as of December 20.
- Of this, only 28 buildings have been sealed due to shortage of manpower.
- 104 hospitals and 301 schools in municipality areas are without valid fire NOC as on December 20.
- Of this, the departments have sealed 52 hospitals, disconnected water supply in case of 34 hospitals and disconnected sewage in case of 7 hospitals.
- Nearly 40 per cent of the non-compliant schools have been sealed.
Less
India’s own footwear sizing scheme will be ready by 2022
Not having its own sizing scheme, India follows the English or US model in footwear manufacturing.
Read More>>
Not having its own sizing scheme, India follows the English or US model in footwear manufacturing. By 2022, the country will have its own system.
- Over one lakh foot samples of adults, youngsters and children in various age and gender groups will be collected from 79 districts for this exercise.
- The CSIR (Central Leather Research Institute), Chennai, is doing this exercise supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce.
- 30 special three-dimensional foot scanning machines have been deployed at various places.
- Each foot survey takes about three minutes and the machine captures 30 dimensions of the foot.
- 130 surveyors are involved in the process..
- It is not yet clear whether the footwear sizing system will need to be different in different zones. For example, farmers seem to have wider feet and people from North-eastern India have comparatively smaller feet.
- By and large, the Indian foot size is broader near the toes compared to that in Europe or America.
The final survey report submitted to DPIIT will be reviewed and approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BSI).
Less
Prominent commercial complexes sealed by the fire department
Five commercial complexes in the city have been sealed by the fire and emergency services
Read More>>
Five commercial complexes in the city have been sealed by the fire and emergency services department of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) because they were not following the fire safety norms.
- Among the complexes is the National Plaza on R.C. Dutt in Alkapuri.
- The other sealed buildings include Profit Center (Sayajigunj), Silverline Complex (Sayajigunj), Citadel Complex (near Gandhi Nagar Gruh) and Navrang Complex (Raopura).
- 3,500 complexes and individual units in the city had been issued notices by the department.
The VMC has taken up this matter more vigorously after the recent interventions of the Gujarat high court.
Less
Exam to fill 186 head clerk vacancies cancelled after paper leak
The Gujarat Subordinate Service Selection Board (GSSSB) exam to fill 186 head clerk vacancies was
Read More>>
The Gujarat Subordinate Service Selection Board (GSSSB) exam to fill 186 head clerk vacancies was cancelled after the question paper was leaked.
- It will be held again in March 2022.
- Those involved in the leak have been arrested.
- Over 88,000 candidates had taken the examination.
- It is rumoured that the question paper was leaked and sold for Rs. 6 lakh in various areas.
- The police also arrested a staffer of the printing press.
- All those who had applied for the exam this year will be eligible to appear in it again.
Less
Rs. 500 crore investment by WardWizard in Gujarat
WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd. signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to enable the
Read More>>
WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd. signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to enable the growth of the electric vehicle industry as well as green mobility in the state.
- WardWizard will invest Rs. 500 crore to develop the electric vehicle segment.
- The company will invest funds on research and development of electric two- and three-wheelers.
- It will set up the motor assembly at its Vadodara's facility and develop ancillaries to manufacture raw materials.
- It may generate about 6,000 jobs.
The company sells Joy e-bike.
Less
CISF cover soon for Surat airport
Following requests by aviation activists and businessmen the Surat airport will soon get the
Read More>>
Following requests by aviation activists and businessmen the Surat airport will soon get the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) cover.
- 226 trained male and female security personnel will be deployed at the airport.
- Security is presently looked after by the state police.
- This decision took into account the increased passenger traffic and number of flights.
- CISF deployment may attract more airlines.
- The Airport Security Group (ASG) of the CISF is fully trained to provide safety to people as well as the airport infrastructure.
The local police will look after outside security and the law and order situation.
Less
Good performance on export front by Gujarat
Gujarat was exporting goods worth Rs. 4.50 lakh crore annually. In the current financial year,
Read More>>
Gujarat was exporting goods worth Rs. 4.50 lakh crore annually. In the current financial year, exports touched Rs. 5.16 lakh crore in the first six months – a 118% jump.
- This record high is for the first time ever.
- The annual exports may cross Rs. 9 lakh crore this year.
- Goods manufactured in Gujarat and exported from Mumbai were earlier counted as exports of Maharashtra. After the implementation of GST, the state of origin is now recorded.
Less
A 500 kilo litres per day bioethanol plant may come up in Gujarat
Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals Ltd. (GACL) and GAIL (India) Ltd. will set up a bioethanol plant to
Read More>>
Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals Ltd. (GACL) and GAIL (India) Ltd. will set up a bioethanol plant to make 500 kilo litres per day (KLD) in Gujarat. Both companies will cooperate in other areas of mutual interest.
- The cost of the project is about Rs. 1,000 crore.
- It will generate revenues of about Rs, 1,500 crores annually.
- It will generate direct and indirect employment for 700 persons.
- The plant will use corn/broken rice as feedstock.
- The bioethanol will be utilised for blending in petrol.
- 135 KTPA protein-rich animal feed and 16.50 KTPA of corn oil will be the by-products.
- The plant may be located in Dahod, Panchmahal, Aravalli or Mahisagar districts – the major corn-producing areas of Gujarat.
- A saving of $70 million per year in foreign exchange is possible.
A detailed feasibility study is in progress.
Less
Real Estate Regulatory Authority awards compensation to flat buyer
To compensate for the shoddy construction of a flat in a scheme in Gandhinagar, the builder has
Read More>>
To compensate for the shoddy construction of a flat in a scheme in Gandhinagar, the builder has been ordered to pay Rs. 93,000 to the buyer of the flat. The builder has also been asked to pay Rs 11,000 to the unit owner towards mental agony. This order was passed by Gujarat Real Estate Regulatory Authority (GujRERA). The buyer had purchased the flat for Rs. 30 lakh.
- He faced delayed possession by five months and the use of substandard material in construction.
- The gas line promised during the time of booking was not provided.
- The elevators malfunctioned.
- The promised parking was not allotted.
When his complaints were ignored, he approached GujRERA.
Less
Surat will have Gujarat’s largest open air jail
Surat will have one of Gujarat's largest open air jails, in terms of area. It will be constructed
Read More>>
Surat will have one of Gujarat's largest open air jails, in terms of area.
- It will be constructed on 50 hectares of barren land on the sea coast in Olpad taluka.
- The prisoners will learn skills and earn by working in jail.
- Prisoners will be taught diamond cutting and polishing, textile manufacturing, shrimp pond activities, natural farming, and animal husbandry.
- There are 715 convicted prisoners, 2,000 undertrial prisoners, 48 prisoners of other districts who are booked under Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA), and 76 women prisoners.
- The jail will also have barracks for prisoners, but they will get more space so that they can feel free.
- A petrol pump and gas station outside the prison, run by the inmates, is also being considered.
Less
Pilot project used drone to deliver vaccines to village
In a pilot project the health authorities have started delivering vaccines with the help of drones
Read More>>
In a pilot project the health authorities have started delivering vaccines with the help of drones to tribal-dominated Palghar district. The district has a lot of uneven terrain. The drone took only 10 minutes to deliver the vaccines to Zaat village; the same task would have otherwise taken a few hours, and would require a cold chain for transportation. Depending upon the cost, this project may be extended to other areas. The drone can travel upto 20 km and can carry a load of five kg. A Mumbai-based youth operated the drone that delivered the vaccines to the village. Over 300 doses were delivered.
Less
High court says AMC’s vaccination campaign is really in public interest
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had issued a circular restraining entry of Covid-19
Read More>>
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had issued a circular restraining entry of Covid-19 unvaccinated people on its premises. A PIL filed against this has been rejected by the Gujarat high court. It hailed the civic body for undertaking the campaign to pressurize people to get vaccinated.
- The bench appealed to the citizens to get themselves vaccinated.
- The state of Gujarat is very vigilant. We don’t want to take any chance.
- The high court said that AMC’s campaign is really in the public interest and insisted that AMC should implement its circular meaningfully.
- The court discarded petitioners’ contention that the circular is without any authority of law or jurisdiction.
- Hailing the AMC’s decision for vaccination awareness campaign and precautions, the judges questioned the petitioners’ counsel whether they are equipped to fight with Covid by themselves.
The high court expressed displeasure at citizens approaching the court demanding interference in measures against spread of Covid-19 on flimsy grounds in the name on public interest.
Less
In Gujarat, 8 out of 10 adults fully vaccinated
On Thursday, Gujarat crossed the 4-crore mark for the second doses of vaccinations. The state has
Read More>>
On Thursday, Gujarat crossed the 4-crore mark for the second doses of vaccinations.
- The state has 4.93 crore eligible adult population, and eight out of every 10 adults are fully vaccinated.
- The share is the third highest overall among Indian states – behind Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir – and the highest among states having more than 1 crore eligible population for vaccination.
- The target of full vaccination still has to be achieved.
- As of December 16, Gujarat has 28.5 lakh eligible persons who have not yet taken the first shot.
- The urban areas – most of the municipal corporations – have over 95% compliance.
- Ahmedabad city has achieved 99% coverage of the first dose.
Less
Lockdowns affected informal sector women workers
A recent study – 'Building Resilience and Strengthening our Solidarity' – covered the
Read More>>
A recent study – 'Building Resilience and Strengthening our Solidarity' – covered the effect of the second wave of the pandemic on 15 women's collective social enterprises in six states across five sectors -- agriculture, handicrafts, services, manufacturing and finance. Among 15, seven co-operatives from all five sectors were covered from Gujarat. Other states were Bihar, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. The study was done by the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Cooperative Federation along with SEWA Bharat.
- Over 60% of women workers in the informal sector lost their livelihood and there was a 65% reduction in their income.
- The pandemic has disproportionately affected informal women workers, uprooting lives and livelihoods.
- For women in the informal sector, it has been a triple crisis: of health, livelihood and care. Due to a long lockdown, coupled with restrictions, these workers lost their work and income.
- Services sector followed by agriculture were the most hit during the months of the second lockdown.
- In addition to income and employment loss, the report also highlights lack of access to health resources – medicines, tests, hospital beds, doctors.
Less
Natural or artificial water bodies should not be disturbed in state
There is an interesting PIL before the Gujarat high court and the state authorities have been
Read More>>
There is an interesting PIL before the Gujarat high court and the state authorities have been restrained from disturbing or changing the use of any natural or artificial ponds, check dams or other water bodies in the state. The PIL, filed by two NGOs, wants a survey of all water bodies including check dams and artificial water bodies in urban areas. The PIL cites the case of a man-made waterbody in Vadodara. Some other points made by the NGOs:
- The authorities should publish a list of water bodies in the official gazette with details such as depth and location and should maintain and preserve them.
- There is no legal protection provided to check dams and water bodies on private land.
- The TP authorities do not notify water bodies created for rainwater harvesting.
- Gujarat has just 2% of the country’s water resources with 5% of the country’s population.
- Total water availability in Gujarat is 50 billion cubic metres (BCM) with 38 BCM of surface water and 12 BCM of groundwater.
- When there is heavy reliance on man-made water bodies, emphasis must be put on protecting them.
- There are various schemes due to which many check dams and lakes have been created in the last few years, which now need to be preserved.
Less
No clear formula governs fees for medical services
There is no clear and transparent formula which determines the fees charged by doctors and the fees
Read More>>
There is no clear and transparent formula which determines the fees charged by doctors and the fees for medical services These charges often vary from hospital to hospital. A consumer commission has therefore asked insurance companies how they define ‘reasonable and customary charges’ for deductions from medical insurance claims. The Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission in Ahmedabad city then ordered insurance companies to pay Rs. 40,000 to claimants who paid medical bills of Rs. 93,900; the insurers had paid them Rs. 53,900 and deducted the rest citing the terms and conditions of the policy to quantify the amount. The commission termed the deductions a deficiency in service and unfair trade practice. It said that charges for anaesthesia, surgery and OT are variable and depend on infrastructure at hospitals, skill, seniority and expertise of doctors and they cannot be compared with other hospitals in the surroundings.
Less
Constructions without building-use permission demolished
Following the high court’s order, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) begun a sealing
Read More>>
Following the high court’s order, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) begun a sealing drive in May and sealed 2,516 buildings,which were mainly commercial complexes, that did not have valid BU permission. Some examples:
- AMC carried out demolition of three properties and the sealing of nine buildings that did not have BU permission.
- Thirty apartments in Classic Lakeview were sealed as the tower did not have BU permission.
- The AMC sealed 34 flats and demolished two illegal properties.
In November the high court had said the authorities should demolish a couple of buildings to set an example, as it is better to put people out of their houses rather than watch them be charred to death. The judges said prevention is better than cure. The next HC hearing is on December 23 and there are still buildings in Ahmedabad that have not applied for BU permission or to be regularized.
Less
Permission sought to open liquor shops in GIFT City
Two applications have been made to the concerned government authorities asking for permission to
Read More>>
Two applications have been made to the concerned government authorities asking for permission to open liquor shops in Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City.
- GIFT City, the greenfield smart city, has India’s first financial services centre and a Special Economic Zone area spread over 29.5 per cent of Gandhinagar’s area of 886 acres.
- One request of some is that in GIFT City permission should be given to enable drinking in public, which is completely prohibited even for licence holders.
- Some people believe that liberalising the prohibition policy may attract more businesses into GIFT City, especially from foreign locations.
- Local laws do not apply to SEZs, but permission of the prohibition and excise department is required to open liquor shops.
- Till now prohibition laws have not been relaxed, even in SEZs.
- Gujarat has over 30,000 active liquor permits, including the ones issued to NRIs and foreigners.
- Those coming to Gujarat from other states can get a liquor permit by showing a travel ticket and residence proof. This permit is valid for a week, and can be renewed.
- Even with permits, consumption of liquor in public places is not allowed.
- The government also issues spot and group liquor permits for business delegations visiting the state.
Less
Following talks with the government, doctors postpone strike
The doctors of six government-run medical colleges and eight Gujarat Medical & Education Research
Read More>>
The doctors of six government-run medical colleges and eight Gujarat Medical & Education Research Society (GMERS) have postponed their strike after assurances that their demands will be looked into. They have given the government time till December 26 to meet the demand, failing which they may go on strike, according to the Gujarat Government Doctors Forum (GGDF).
Less
More phones than mattresses in Gujarati households
Take a look at what the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 says about the number of households
Read More>>
Take a look at what the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 says about the number of households in Gujarat with mobile phones.
- 92 out of every 100 households possess cell phones – higher than basic household items like mattresses, TVs, chairs and clocks.
- The number of households with mobile phones was 97% in urban areas and 89% in rural areas.
- Only 86% households had mattresses, 80% owned pressure cookers, 84% had chairs and 73% had tv sets.
- Ownership of mobile phones is about the same as Andhra Pradesh (91%) and a bit lower than Maharashtra and Karnataka (93%).
- Most women use basic phones for communication.
- Kerala (97%) had one of the highest per household mobile phones.
- Demand has increased because almost all government schemes need a phone for OTP.
- 49% of the women said that they have a phone for their personal use.
- Younger women have higher access to the internet with smartphones.
Less
Recording wife’s phone conversation without her knowledge is privacy breach
The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently observed that recording the wife’s telephonic
Read More>>
The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently observed that recording the wife’s telephonic conversation without her knowledge is infringement of her privacy. It maintained that “conversations between husband and wife in daily routine cannot be made the basis of or considered” for deciding a petition under Section 13 of the Family Court Act. “Furthermore, it cannot be said or ascertained as to the circumstances in which the conversations were held or the manner in which response elicited by a person, who was recording the conversations, because it is evident that these conversations would necessarily have been recorded surreptitiously by one of the parties.” A justice said that it is rightly observed that couples speak many things with each other, unaware that every word would be weighed in a court of law. Moreover, the court would be ill-equipped to assess the circumstances in which a particular response may have been elicited from a spouse at a given point of time. The high court set aside the family court order.
Less
Online event organised by Pune based ‘Freedom from Diabetes’
Pune based Freedom from Diabetes (FFD) is an organisation which has specialised in diabetes
Read More>>
Pune based Freedom from Diabetes (FFD) is an organisation which has specialised in diabetes reversal.
- Its annual event ‘Muktotsav 2021’ (December 16 to 19) will celebrate individuals who have successfully reversed diabetes among other lifestyle-related disorders through FFD’s unique programme.
- The four-day event aims to inspire others who hope to free themselves from diabetes.
- Participants can attend it online at the website drpramodtripathi.com/muktostav-2021/.
- The objective is to raise awareness amongst those who may be undiagnosed as well as those who want to free themselves from diabetes.
Over the last seven years, FFD has helped over 11,000 individuals reverse their diabetes.
Less
There should be complete disclosure of all ingredients of food items
The Delhi High Court said that it is mandatory for food business operators to make a full and
Read More>>
The Delhi High Court said that it is mandatory for food business operators to make a full and complete disclosure of all the ingredients that go into the making of any food item.
- The failure to comply with the requirements will expose the operators to class action for violation of the fundamental rights of the consuming public and invite punitive damages, apart from prosecution.
- Everyone has a right to know what they are consuming.
- The disclosure should not only be by their code names but also by disclosing as to whether they originate from plant or animal source, or whether they are manufactured in a laboratory, irrespective of their percentage in the food article.
- It should also be disclosed as to what is the plant source or animal source – in whatever measure they are used.
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (the Delhi High Court has said that it is mandatory for all food business operators to make a “full and complete disclosure” of all the ingredients that go into the making of any food item.) should verify all such claims made by the Food Business Operators.
- It matters not as to what is the percentage of ingredients which are sourced from animals. Even though their usage may constitute a miniscule percentage, the use of non-vegetarian ingredients would render such food articles non-vegetarian.
Less
US based Patagonia buys 30,000 metres of khadi denim fabric from Gujarat
After an agreement between Arvind Mills in Ahmedabad and Khadi and Village Industries Commission
Read More>>
After an agreement between Arvind Mills in Ahmedabad and Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to trade Khadi denim products all over the world, the US based fashion brand Patagonia has bought about 30,000 metres of khadi denim fabric worth over Rs. 1 crore from Gujarat for its apparels. Arvind Mills purchases from KVIC-certified khadi institutions of Gujarat. This initiative of KVIC creates extra work and benefits for the khadi artisans. Khadi denim is being increasingly used by leading fashion brands owing to its superior quality, comfort, and organic and eco-friendly qualities.
Less
Sarhad Dairy plans to sell Kutch’s salt under the Amul brand
The Sarhad Dairy is planning to put to good use the salt pans of the Rann of Kutch. It is
Read More>>
The Sarhad Dairy is planning to put to good use the salt pans of the Rann of Kutch. It is considering the possibility of selling Kutch’s salt along with milk, under the brand name of Amul. The dairy union, a member of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), wants to form salt cooperative societies on the lines of village level milk societies. Sarkad Dairy will study this idea further. If it works out, it may help agariyas (salt pan workers) earn more. Gujarat produces over 2 crore tonnes of salt per annum.
Less
High dropout rate from schools in Gujarat, more so for girls
Here are some more findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 conducted during
Read More>>
Here are some more findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 conducted during 2019-21:
- 55% girls and 41% boys do not reach class 12 in Gujarat.
- Even among boys, out of every 100 students, only 59 reached class XII.
- The drop was steeper for girls at 55.1% compared to 41.2% for boys.
- Though disappointing, the picture has improved compared to NFHS-3 conducted in 2005-06.
- Compared to 57% boys and 44% girls attending higher secondary school in 2019-21, nearly 15 years ago only 36% boys and 28% girls were able to do this.
- 82% of the children in the 6-17 years group attended school – 87% in urban areas and 79% in rural areas. Attendance was 71% in 2005-06.
- The lower classes do not have high dropouts as fewer students fail. The major shift is seen in class X where results are around 65-70%.
- The failed students are less likely to continue studying.
- For girls, distance between school and home is a major factor.
- Water availability and sanitation is also a major factor. If schools do not have separate toilets, girls are less likely to attend.
- With onset of menstruation in higher classes, water availability is another issue.
- Numbers are improving due to the midday meal scheme and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
Less
Government doctors in Gujarat may go on strike from December
About 10,000 government doctors in Gujarat will go on an indefinite strike from December 13 to
Read More>>
About 10,000 government doctors in Gujarat will go on an indefinite strike from December 13 to protest a withdrawn government resolution which had addressed several issues facing the doctors – promotion, non-practising allowance, pension, etc.
- Doctors of government hospitals, government medical colleges, Gujarat Medical Education Research Society doctors and dental teachers of government medical colleges are due to participate in the strike.
- They will withdraw from all duties except for Covid-19 duty and emergency duty, for the first two days of the strike.
- If the demands are still not met after the first two days, the doctors may withdraw from emergency duties as well.
Less
Mihir Bhatt will be on the board of World Humanitarian Forum
Mr. Mihir R Bhatt – Director of All India Disaster Mitigation Institute – has been
Read More>>
Mr. Mihir R Bhatt – Director of All India Disaster Mitigation Institute – has been invited to be on the Board of the World Humanitarian Forum (WHF). Mr. Bhatt heads the All India Disaster Mitigation Institute at Ahmedabad. The institute has worked in India and nine other countries on accountability to affected population, cascading risks, and co-location of hazards in desert, delta, metro city, and high altitude communities. Its recent global report on adapting humanitarian action to the effects of climate change has attracted international attention from UN bodies engaged in humanitarian crises worldwide. Established after the 1987–89 Gujarat droughts, it is a registered public charitable trust. WHF is the largest and inclusive non-partisan forum in humanitarian aid and international development guiding the actions and thinking around humanitarian crisis.
Less
Curfew will continue till December 20 in 8 cities
The government has notified that the night curfew in the eight major cities of the state will
Read More>>
The government has notified that the night curfew in the eight major cities of the state will continue till December 20. It will be in force from 1 am to 5 am in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Gandhinagar, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar and Junagadh. All other guidelines related to Covid-19 will remain the same.
Less
Gandhinagar Institute will train Sainik School teachers
The Indian Institute of Teacher Education (IITE) in Gandhinagar and the ministry of defence (MoD)
Read More>>
The Indian Institute of Teacher Education (IITE) in Gandhinagar and the ministry of defence (MoD) have signed a MoU to facilitate the training of teachers at Sainik Schools. It is for five years effective from January 2022, and 800 teachers from all Sainik Schools will be trained through courses named 'Gurudiksha' and 'Pratibaddhta'. The agreement was signed in New Delhi on Friday.
Less
Panic buttons and GPS will be mandatory in Gujarat
The Gujarat government will make it compulsory for public transport vehicles to have panic buttons
Read More>>
The Gujarat government will make it compulsory for public transport vehicles to have panic buttons and global positioning system (GPS) trackers for passenger safety.
- These features will be mandatory for old and new taxis, buses and other public transport vehicles.
- The state transport department will order all regional transport offices (RTOs) to ensure this.
- From the off date, vehicle dealers will have to ensure delivery of vehicles only after installation of panic buttons and GPS tracking devices.
- The home department and transport department will develop a new centralised control centre to record the locations of vehicles in which the panic button has been hit.
- When the panic button is hit, the law enforcement personnel must reach the spot in ten minutes and, if the vehicle is moving, it will be tracked continuously and local police will be asked to locate it.
- When a passenger presses the panic button, both the transport department and police control rooms will be alerted for quick action.
Less
Food delivery personnel often drive rashly
Worried about rash and negligent driving, a corporator in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
Read More>>
Worried about rash and negligent driving, a corporator in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) asked the civic body to monitor food delivery personnel who are in a hurry to meet delivery targets. The suggestion was that the BMC’s no-objection certificate should be made mandatory for delivery partners of restaurant aggregators in the city. It seems that online food delivery services often set unrealistic delivery targets for executives, and to meet this the delivery boys ride rashly and violate traffic rules. Further, there should be separate rules for online food delivery services. Vadodara also faces the same problem.
Less
Pune will celebrate Pedestrian Day today
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to celebrate Pedestrian Day on Saturday. The
Read More>>
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to celebrate Pedestrian Day on Saturday.
- The objective is to underline the importance that pedestrians must be accorded in the city.
- Citizens should use private vehicles less and rely more on public transport buses for long distance travel.
- The mayor will also launch a Pune Walking Happiness Index, a simple tool for gauging the satisfaction level of pedestrians in selected streets in the city.
Less
Baroda News Archive