New Delhi: A minor fire broke out in a room in North Block housing the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday, officials said.No was injured in the blaze.The fire broke out early this morning in the room housing the ministry's private branch exchange (PBX).The blaze was controlled immediately with the help of fire extinguishers, the officials said.—PTI

 A minor fire broke out in a room in North Block housing the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday, officials said.

Minor fire in North Block; no one injured

New Delhi:&nbsp;Average housing price rose up to 15 per cent during April-June across 9 major cities, with Chennai witnessing the highest appreciation of 15 per cent, according to data analytic firm PropEquity.The weighted average price rose by 15 per cent in Chennai to Rs 6,744 per square feet in the June quarter from Rs 5,855 per square feet in the year-ago period.Gurugram witnessed 12 per cent increase in prices to Rs 11,517 per square feet from Rs 10,315 per square feet, and Hyderabad too saw 12 per cent rise to Rs 6,472 per square feet from Rs 5,764 per square feet.The average prices in Noida rose 9 per cent to Rs 7,411 per square feet from Rs 6,791 per square feet. In Bengaluru, the prices were up 8 per cent to Rs 6,196 per square feet from Rs 5,760 per square feet.Housing prices in Mumbai, Thane and Pune increased by 3 per cent.In Mumbai, the prices of residential properties rose to Rs 18,896 per square feet from Rs 18,259 per square feet, while in Thane, the rates appreciated to Rs 6,325 per square feet from Rs 6,165 per square feet.Housing prices in Pune too increased to Rs 5,348 per square feet from Rs 5,189 per square feet.Kolkata witnessed the minimum increase of 1 per cent in the average housing prices to Rs 5,431 per square feet in April-June 2022 from Rs 5,355 per square feet in the same period last year."Residential market has been witnessing steady growth in sales and price appreciations over the last one year," Samir Jasuja, Founder and MD of PropEquity, said.As per the data, the housing sales rose 96 per cent year-on-year to 93,153 units during the June quarter this year. Sales, however, dropped 7 per cent to from the previous quarter.Total units launched across the top 9 cities rose 51 per cent annually to 69,813 units during the April-June period, but fell 24 per cent from the previous quarter.The unsold housing inventory dropped 11 per cent annually to 4,05,586 units in the June quarter. The fall was 5 per cent from the previous quarter.Mumbai-based realty firm Kalpataru Ltd, which is developing many projects in Mumbai and Thane, Director-Sales Mukesh Singh attributed the rise in housing sales and prices in Thane to a higher demand."Over the past decade, Thane has transformed into a bustling metropolis. The city is in the midst of infrastructure and connectivity transformation which is expected to appreciate property prices and rentals," he said.As per the PropEquity data, housing sales in Thane more than doubled to 22,966 units during the June quarter from 10,878 units in the corresponding period of the previous year.Housing sales in Pune doubled to 21,927 units from 10,829 units, while sales in Mumbai rose 98 per cent to 11,733 units from 5,929 units.Hyderabad saw 77 per cent increase to 14,457 units from 8,176 units. Bengaluru witnessed 119 per cent increase to 13,324 units from 6,088 units. The sales of apartments in Chennai rose 45 per cent to 3,453 units from 2,374 units. Kolkata saw 56 per cent growth in sales to 3,103 units from 1,988 units.In Delhi-NCR, Gurugram witnessed 57 per cent rise to 1,205 units from 769 units, while Noida saw 87 per cent growth to 1,010 units in the April-June period from 539 units last year, the data showed.—PTI

Average housing price rose up to 15 per cent during April-June across 9 major cities, with Chennai witnessing the highest appreciation of 15 per cent, according to data analytic firm PropEquity

Housing prices rise up to 15% annually in June quarter

Mumbai:&nbsp;Bank of Baroda, the second largest state-owned bank, is planning to raise Rs 1,000 crore through issuance of infrastructure and affordable housing bonds on August 12, a source close to the development told IANS.“The likely tenure for the bonds is seven years and have Rs 250 crore as base issue and Rs 750 crore as greenshoe,” the source said.The auction for the infrastructure and affordable housing bonds is expected to be held on August 12 on the BSE’s bidding platform.During the bidding, better coupon is expected to set on the bonds considering the higher demand for PSU bonds.The bonds have got ‘AAA’ ratings with ‘Stable’ outlook from ICRA and India Ratings and Research.On June 27, the board of directors of the bank has approved raising Rs 5,000 crore through Long term Bonds for financing of infrastructure and affordable housing.The source said Rs 5,000 crore is expected to raise by the bank in tranches.Whereas, on July 16, the investment committee of the bank approved raising Rs 1,000 crore through this bonds—IANS

Bank of Baroda, the second largest state-owned bank, is planning to raise Rs 1,000 crore through issuance of infrastructure and affordable housing bonds on August 12.

 Bank of Baroda to raise Rs 1,000 cr via infrastructure & affordable housing bonds

New Delhi: On Monday, government sources reported that disqualified Lok Sabha member Rahul Gandhi has been instructed to vacate the official residence assigned to him by April 22.
The Housing Committee of the Lok Sabha sent Gandhi with a notice to evacuate the 12, Tughlaq Lane home, following last week's disqualification notice.
Gandhi was found guilty of criminal defamation on March 23 and given a two-year prison sentence by a court in Gujarat. His automatic disqualification from the Lok Sabha followed his two-year prison sentence.
An official of high rank has stated that a disqualified Lok Sabha member must leave the official house within one month.
Another official said Gandhi might request a longer stay in writing to the Housing Committee, which would be reviewed by the board.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a notice that was copied to the Directorate of Estates and the New Delhi Municipal Council. The perks Gandhi receives as a member of Parliament are also being reviewed.—Inputs from Agencies

On Monday, government sources reported that disqualified Lok Sabha member Rahul Gandhi has been instructed to vacate the official residence assigned to him by April 22.

Disqualified as MP, Rahul Gandhi asked to vacate official bungalow by April 22

Mumbai: Renowned industrialist Keshub Mahindra, the Chairman Emeritus of the industrial conglomerate Mahindra Group, passed away here on Wednesday morning, an official said.

He was 99 and breathed his last peacefully at his home. He is survived by nephew and industrialist Anand Mahindra and other relatives.

A well-known philanthropist, Mahindra had served as the non-executive Chairman of the Union Carbide India Ltd. when the massive Bhopal gas leak had occurred in December 1984.

Ranked as the world's worst industrial disaster, Mahindra and others were later convicted by a court for two years' jail term in 2010, and later enlarged on bail.

Born on October 9, 1923 in Shimla, Mahindra pursued his higher education in the Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania.

Subsequently, he joined the Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Group in 1947, and rose up to become its Chairman in 1963.

Over the years, the Mahindra Group became a leading conglomerate with interests comprising automobiles, starting with its popular Willys jeeps that ruled the roads once, engineering, farm equipment, education, aerospace, IT, housing, realty, finances, etc.

Keshub Mahindra worked on various high-level government committees and panels with various governments, and was on the PM's Council on Trade and Industry from 2004-2010.

He was decorated with several national and international honours, served with several industry organisations and associations like ASSOCHAM, HUDCO, and also on the boards of top companies like Tatas, SAIL, IFC, ICICI, HDFC, EFI, AIMA, Bombay Dyeing, Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation, et al. IANS

Renowned industrialist Keshub Mahindra, the Chairman Emeritus of the industrial conglomerate Mahindra Group, passed away here on Wednesday morning.

Doyen of Mahindra Group, Keshub Mahindra passes away at 99 in Mumbai

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids at Kerala's Mannapuram Finance in connection with allegations that the non-banking financial company (NBFC) collected funds from the public without the Reserve Bank of India's approval.

The searches on Wednesday are being carried out at the premises of the company's promoter and business.

Mannapuram Finance is a well-known NBFC in India that offers a range of financial services, including gold, microfinance, and housing loans.

The company, which has been in operation for over three decades, has a significant presence in South India.

The ED is yet to officially comment on the ongoing raids. IANS

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids at Kerala's Mannapuram Finance in connection with allegations that the non-banking financial company (NBFC) collected funds from the public without the Reserve Bank of India's approval.

ED raids Mannapuram Finance in Kerala

Gorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the concerned officials to bring every needy person without a house under the ambit of the government's housing scheme and ensure the provision of pucca houses to them, said a press release on Sunday.
Listening to the problems of around 400 people, including several women, at the Janata Darshan held in front of Mahant Digvijaynath Smriti Bhawan at Gorakhnath temple on Sunday, CM Yogi instructed officers to teach a befitting lesson to land-grabbers. The Chief Minister also told officers to prioritize public welfare work as well as address and resolve people's problems promptly, added the statement. CM Yogi reached out to the people one by one, heard them out patiently, and assured them of timely, satisfactory, and transparent disposal of their issues.
During the Janata Darshan, a woman from Sarhari told the CM about the problem of accommodation she was facing. On this, the Chief Minister immediately directed the District Magistrate to provide accommodation to the woman under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, or Chief Minister Awas Yojana. On the complaints of land grabbing, he said that strict legal action should be ensured in such cases.
For those seeking financial assistance for medical treatment, CM Yogi assured that no treatment would be hampered by a lack of money. He directed the officers to complete the estimation process on priority and make it available to the government so that the provision of the required funds could be expedited.
When a woman accused a person of cheating her in the name of getting her admission in an educational institution in Noida. The CM said that the matter would be investigated and action would be taken against whoever was found guilty. The CM also blessed the children accompanying the visitors, gave them chocolates, and encouraged them to study. —ANI

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the concerned officials to bring every needy person without a house 

Bring Every Needy Person Without Home Under Govt Housing Scheme, Yogi Tells Officials

Prayagraj: On Friday, Yogi Adityanath, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, handed over the keys to 76 affordable housing units built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) on property reclaimed from the possession of dead gangster Atiq Ahmed.
Adityanath interacted with the children at the site of the apartments that were recently distributed to the needy. He also inspected the flats for the poor.
Beneficiaries will get a 41-square-meter flat built for just Rs 3.5 lakh.
Officials said that a flat with two rooms, a kitchen, and toilet facilities costs Rs 6 lakh. As many as 76 flats built for the poor on land confiscated from slain gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed in Prayagraj were allotted through a lottery on June 9.
“The lottery was drawn for allotment and after verification of 6,030 applicants, 1,590 were found eligible to participate in the lottery,” Arvind Kumar Chauhan, Vice Chairman of Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) said.
On December 26, 2021, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for this cheap housing project on 1,731 square metres of land in the Lukerganj area of Prayagraj that had been taken from Atiq.
The District Urban Development Authorities (DUDA) have taken on this project as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and according to the officials, a total of 76 flats have been constructed over two separate blocks.
Atiq Ahmed was charged in the 2005 murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Raju Pal, along with the February 2012 death of a key witness in that case, Umesh Pal.
On April 15 of this year, as Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were being escorted for medical examination in Prayagraj, they were shot dead by individuals posing as journalists. —Inputs from Agencies

On Friday, Yogi Adityanath, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, handed over the keys to 76 affordable housing units built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) on property reclaimed from the possession of dead gangster Atiq Ahmed

Yogi hands over 76 flats built on land confiscated from Atiq Ahmed

New Delhi / Dehradun: In a remarkable initiative aimed at addressing the housing needs of the underprivileged, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Uttarakhand has witnessed the successful construction of 537 homes. The allocation event, which took place in the gracious presence of esteemed dignitaries, was a moment of joy and hope for those who will now have a place to call their own. The event was attended by Prem Chandra Agarwal, the Honorable Urban Development Minister of Uttarakhand, and Prakash Chandra Dumka, Additional Commissioner of Awas Vikas Parishad, among other esteemed guests. 88 Homes Constructed by Abhishek Engineer Managing Director Ghanshyam Tiwari The housing scheme saw the construction of 88 homes under the able guidance of Abhishek Engineer, Managing Director of Ghanshyam Tiwari construction company. The organization's dedication to the project and commitment to quality ensured that the beneficiaries received houses that were not just structurally sound but also aesthetically appealing. The completion of these homes is a testament to the successful collaboration between the private sector and the government in fulfilling the dream of housing for all. 449 Homes Built by Ojas Group Owned by Ajay Mangal jghvkvfkju Another significant contributor to the PMAY housing scheme in Uttarakhand was the Ojas Group, owned by Ajay Mangal. With the completion of 449 homes, the Ojas Group showcased its expertise and commitment to social responsibility. The homes built by the Ojas Group have not only provided shelter but also contributed to the upliftment of the communities they serve. Allocation Ceremony - A Symbol of Hope The allocation ceremony, graced by the presence of Prem Chandra Agarwal, was an emotional and heartwarming event. The honorable minister symbolically handed over the allocation letter to a 9-year-old boy, the son of one of the beneficiaries from Jhabarpur village in Haridwar. The touching moment brought smiles to everyone present and underscored the significance of the government's efforts in providing housing for the needy. Empowering Women: A Testament of Progress One of the beneficiaries who attended the event was a courageous woman from Jhabarpur village in Haridwar. She not only stood as a symbol of empowerment but also exemplified the positive impact the PMAY scheme has on women. The allocation of a home to her and her son represents a step forward in promoting gender equality and creating a safer and more secure environment for families in need. Conclusion The allocation of 537 homes under the PMAY housing scheme in Uttarakhand signifies a significant milestone in the pursuit of "Housing for All." The combined efforts of Abhishek Engineer's team and Ojas Group, along with the support and vision of Prem Chandra Agarwal and Prakash Chandra Dumka, have resulted in a life-changing event for the beneficiaries. The beaming faces of those who received their allocation letters bear testimony to the hope and optimism that this scheme brings to the underprivileged communities in Uttarakhand. As the state continues to progress, initiatives like PMAY will undoubtedly play a crucial role in uplifting the less privileged and fostering inclusive growth in the region. —ANI

In a remarkable initiative aimed at addressing the housing needs of the underprivileged, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

PMAY Housing Scheme: A Beacon Of Hope For The Underprivileged In Uttarakhand

New Delhi: The Reserve Bank on Friday asked banks to provide fixed interest rate option to individual borrowers and directed the lenders to levy only reasonable penalty charges in case of default in EMI payments.
The two decisions are expected to provide a relief to the borrowers amid rising interest rates and most of the retail loans being on floating rates now.
In a directive to banks and NBFCs, including housing finance companies, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that several consumer grievances have been received in relation to elongation of loan tenor or increase in EMI amount with regard to EMI-based floating rate personal loans, without proper communication or consent of the borrowers.—Inputs from Agencies

The Reserve Bank on Friday asked banks to provide fixed interest rate option to individual borrowers and directed the lenders to levy only reasonable penalty charges in case of default in EMI payments.

Reserve Bank issues fresh norms for personal loans

New Delhi: The income tax administration has altered criteria for valuing such residences, allowing employees to save more and receive a greater take-home salary if their employers give them with rent-free housing.
Changes to the Income Tax Rules were announced by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and will take effect on September 1.
As per the notification, where unfurnished accommodation is provided to employees other than the central or state government employees and such accommodation is owned by the employer then the valuation shall be: (i) 10 per cent of salary (reduced from 15 per cent) in cities having population exceeding 40 lakh as per 2011 census (earlier, 25 lakh as per 2001 census), (ii) 7.5 per cent of salary (reduced from 10 per cent) in cities having population exceeding 15 lakh but not exceeding 40 lakh as per 2011 census (earlier, 10 lakhs but not exceeding 25 lakhs as per 2001 census).—Inputs from Agencies

The income tax administration has altered criteria for valuing such residences, allowing employees to save more and receive a greater take-home salary if their employers give them with rent-free housing.

I-T department notifies rules for valuing rent-free accommodation provided by employers

Haridwar: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday laid the foundation stone for various projects at a cost of Rs 941.39 lakh in the Bhalla Stadium complex in Haridwar.  This includes the construction of a cricket pitch, and tennis courts, the repair of a badminton court at the city sports complex, and beautification works among others.  These projects have been proposed to be taken up by the Haridwar-Roorkee Development Authority (HRDA).  CM Dhami said that the overall development of the state is our objective.  According to officials, in the financial year 2023-24 under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) (PMAY-G), 33, 558 additional houses were allotted to Uttarakhand by the central government.  Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on behalf of all the people of the state, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh for this public welfare decision, an official statement read. CM Dhami had also expressed happiness over the National e-Governance Award being conferred to the State's Information Technology Development Agency (ITDA), Director ITDA and congratulated other officers who received the award. "It is a matter of honour for all of us to get the Apni Sarkar e-portal of the state government recognized at the national level," he said adding that this award would also be helpful in giving further impetus to the initiatives being taken in the field of e-governance in the State. —ANI

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday laid the foundation stone for various projects at a cost of Rs 941.39 lakh 

Uttarakhand CM Dhami Lays Foundation Stone For Development Projects In Haridwar

Mumbai: On Thursday, the Reserve Bank of India announced that fifteen significant nonbank financial companies (NBFCs), including LIC Housing Finance, Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance, and Tata Sons, will be subject to stricter regulations.
Base Layer (NBFC-BL), Middle Layer (NBFC-ML), Upper Layer (NBFC-UL), and Top Layer (NBFC-TL) are the four tiers into which the central bank has placed NBFCs.
Fifteen big NBFCs from the "Upper Layer" group have been publicly identified.—Inputs from Agencies

On Thursday, the Reserve Bank of India announced that fifteen significant nonbank financial companies (NBFCs), including LIC Housing Finance, Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance, and Tata Sons, will be subject to stricter regulations.

Reserve Bank says 15 large NBFCs to comply with enhanced regulatory requirements

Lucknow: Nearly 1,500 properties are being impacted by the Uttar Pradesh government’s plan to revive and develop a riverfront along the 6-km stretch of Kukrail drain in Lucknow.
The groundwater-fed stream has been facing neglect over the years.
Multiple government agencies which are working on the project have undertaken an exhaustive survey over the past three months and concluded that two localities — Akbar Nagar and Bhikampura would be affected the most.
Moreover, other parts of Nishatganj, Khurramnagar and Mahanagar would also be affected.
A state government spokesman said that 1,473 properties have been identified so far and majority of them have been constructed illegally after encroaching upon government land.
“As carrying out anti-encroachment drive against so many families will lead to law-and-order situation, we are going to offer some options to the affected individuals,” said the spokesman.
LDA and local administration is going to verify the credentials of the affected families.
“The families are being asked to shift to other places and are being offered accommodation under the PM Awas Yojana. The vacant units are being identified and new blocks are being developed at Basant Kunj to house those families which do not have a dwelling within the cities,” the spokesman added.
Similarly, the Avas Vikas Parishad has been also asked to compile a list of affordable units that could be offered to the families.
Principal secretary of urban development department Amrit Abhijat said coordination meetings are taking place between the agencies on regular basis to sort out issues.
—IANS

Nearly 1,500 properties are being impacted by the Uttar Pradesh government’s plan to revive and develop a riverfront along the 6-km stretch of Kukrail drain

1,500 properties affected by Kukrail riverfront development

Greater Noida: Four more people succumbed to injuries on Saturday, raising the death toll in lift crash incident in a Greater Noida housing society, to eight.
The deceased have been identified as Istaq Ali, Arun Tanti Mandal, Vipot Mandal, Aris Khan, Asul Mustaqeem, Abdul Mustaqeem, Kuldeep Pal and Arbaaz Ali. The condition of Kaif, the only child in this accident, is also said to be critical.
According to sources, the lift carrying labourers who were working in Amrapali Dream Villa Housing Society in the Bisrakh police station area, crashed on Friday morning.
After getting information, police reached the spot and rushed the injured to hospital.
District Magistrate Manish Verma and Greater Noida Authority CEO Ravi Kumar NG had also rushed to the hospital to meet the injured on Friday.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had obtained information from the DM and talked about taking strict action against those involved in the incident. After this, the entire project has been sealed and a case has been registered against the GM of NBC and also the construction company.
—IANS

Four more people succumbed to injuries on Saturday, raising the death toll in lift crash incident in a Greater Noida housing society, to eight.

Death toll in Gr Noida lift crash touches 8 as 4 more die

Bhopal: Relying on its previous women centric scheme ‘Ladli Behna Yojana’ launched three months ago, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government has now taken it forward and launched a housing scheme under similar name as the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh near.
CM Chouhan on Sunday launched the housing scheme ‘Ladli Bhena Awas Yojana’ at Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre in Bhopal. Chouhan launched the scheme by filling the first application for a woman.
Under the scheme, the families, who were left out from the benefit of facilities under various housing schemes, will get their houses under the ‘Ladli Bahna Awas Yojana'. The government has estimated that around five lakh beneficiaries will benefit from the scheme.
Application forms will be received from the beneficiaries from September 17 to October 5. The government notification said that the applications for ‘Ladli Bahna Awas Yojana’ will be made available to Gram Panchayats by the Janpad Panchayats.
“Beneficiaries having the prescribed eligibility in the housing scheme will fill all the points in the application form provided by the Gram Panchayat and submit the form to the Gram Panchayat. They will be given acknowledgment of the application by the Secretary/Village Employment Assistant. Along with the application form, self-attested copies of Samagra ID, Aadhar Number, Bank Account Number, Job Card (if available), Ladli Bahna Registration Number (only for the beneficiaries of Ladli Bahna Scheme) will have to be submitted,” it said.
Panchayat wise list of applications received by the CEO Janpad Panchayat will be sent to the Chief Executive Officer District Panchayat within a week of the last date of receipt of applications.
Before announcing this housing scheme, CM Chouhan announced to provide LPG cylinders at a subsidised rate of Rs 450 under the Ujjwala Yojana and Ladli Behna Yojana. The sale of LPG cylinders under the subsidised rate will begin on September 1, the state government said.
—IANS

Relying on its previous women centric scheme ‘Ladli Behna Yojana’ launched three months ago, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Shivraj govt launches ‘Ladli Bhena Awas Yojana’ ahead of MP polls

Raipur (Chhattisgarh): Union Minister Nityanand Rai on Monday said that Chhattisgarh will witness a "change of power" as under the present state government, farmers are being deceived and women feel unsafe.  "A change will occur here (in Chhattisgarh)...Farmers are being deceived...Women are not safe here and the development is happening just because of the money from the Modi government," Rai said.&nbsp;
Rai arrived in poll-bound Chhattisgarh on Monday morning and was speaking to reporters at Raipur airport.  He further mentioned how the Bharatiya Janata Party has launched schemes like Saubhagya Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Matru Vandana Yojana, and Ujjwala gas connection which have eased the lives of people in the country and have acted as a support to the needy. The central government is providing Rs 2203 MSP (Minimum Selling Price) for farmers while the Chhattisgarh state government provides only Rs 600, he added.  "CM Bhupesh Baghel is looting farmers. The way in which Central government schemes are being implemented (seeing that), this time the BJP will form government in Chhattisgarh," he said.  On Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also arriving in Chhattisgarh, Rai expressed his views on the Congress leader and said Rahul Gandhi is not concerned about the nation and he often says things that are usually against the country.&nbsp;
"Rahul Gandhi himself does not understand what he says. He is not concerned about India and Chhattisgarh and he always says things that are against India, farmers and women," he said.  He further added, "Today, 33 per cent reservation for women (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) is a symbol of women empowerment and respect but Congress has flawed intentions in that as well." Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi also arrived in Chhattisgarh on Monday morning, and later in the day he will be launching Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Nyay Yojna (MGANY) in Bilaspur district. The Congress leader arrived at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur and was received by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.  Rahul Gandhi is on a day-long tour to Bilaspur, where he is scheduled to attend the MGANY program.  During the program, the Congress leader will launch 413 development works worth Rs 597.61 crore for the people of the district.  He will also distribute Rs 25 thousand of the first installment to 1 lakh 30 thousand beneficiaries of "Pradhan Mantri Awas Gramin Yojana".  Additionally, Rahul Gandhi will participate in distributing an amount of Rs 5 crore to the beneficiaries of the "Chief Minister Construction Workers Housing Assistance Scheme."&nbsp;
—ANI

Union Minister Nityanand Rai on Monday said that Chhattisgarh will witness a "change of power" as under the present state government

'Chhattisgarh will witness change of power', says Union Minister Nityanand Rai

New Delhi: Land subsidence has affected around 65 per cent of the houses in the pilgrimage town of Joshimath in Uttarakhand, according to a report by government agencies. Starting January 2, a number of houses and civil structures in an area located near Joshimath-Auli road began to display major cracks due to land subsidence, prompting the relocation of 355 families. According to local residents, land subsidence had been noticed over several years but became increasingly severe from January 2 to January 8. A 35-member team conducted a “Post Disaster Needs Assessment” from April 22 to April 25 to assess the damage caused and to identify the assistance required for the long-term recovery and reconstruction of the affected sectors. The team consisted of professionals from the National Disaster Management Authority, UN agencies, Central Building Research Institute, National Institute of Disaster Management, and other agencies. According to the assessment report, 1,403 of the total 2,152 houses in Joshimath have been affected due to land subsidence and these need immediate attention. “A total of 472 houses need to be reconstructed and 931 houses need to be repaired/retrofitted. It is important to note that the partially damaged houses must be retrofitted in line with ‘build back better’ principles in order to enhance their resilience against not just landslides, but also other disasters,” the report read. The report said the main causes of damage to buildings in Joshimath include the use of weak building materials, insufficient reinforcement, structural flaws, and the location of buildings on steep slopes. It highlighted that the buildings suffered more damage, even when subjected to minor ground subsidence, due to the use of weak mud-based mortar to hold the bricks or stones together. Some buildings do not have strong support structures like reinforced concrete (RC) or wooden bands to keep them stable. The agencies said some buildings have very long walls that aren’t well supported and light roofs which cause the building to expand and contract, leading to damage when the ground moves. They also urged the state government to completely ban new construction in the town till the end of the monsoon season and allow relaxation only for light-weight structures after post-monsoon reassessment of ground conditions. The report highlights that although building bylaws exist, they are not mandatory for residential buildings. “People obtain permits only when they need a loan or for other government requirements. One of the primary reasons for Joshimath’s current situation is the absence of a building permit system. Had there been risk-based building bylaws in place and existing buildings were in compliance with them, the extent of damage would have been less, and retrofitting would have been less expensive,” the report said. Another issue of concern identified in the report is the “lack of town planning and absence of risk-informed land use maps”. “The roads are too narrow, and there are hardly any open spaces in the neighbourhoods. This makes the town highly unsafe since access in emergency situations is almost impossible,” it said, emphasising the urgent need for a comprehensive development plan. The agencies emphasised the immediate need for the development of a prospective plan with the objective of creating a safe and resilient Joshimath for the next 10-15 years. Incidents of land subsidence in Joshimath were reported in the 1970s too. A panel set up under the chairmanship of Garhwal Commissioner Mahesh Chandra Mishra submitted a report in 1978, stating that major construction works should not be carried out in the city and the Niti and Mana valleys as these areas are situated on moraines, a mass of rocks, sediment, and soil transported and deposited by a glacier. The Himalayan town lies in seismic zone V (the region most vulnerable to earthquakes) and is prone to landslides and flash floods. —PTI

Land subsidence has affected around 65 per cent of the houses in the pilgrimage town of Joshimath in Uttarakhand

65% Houses In Joshimath Impacted By Land Subsidence: Govt Report

Dec 22: Camelia Toldea has packed her family's suitcases ready for a quick exit from an abandoned building where she and dozens of other Roma live, fearful the squat will be next in a wave of evictions near Paris' 2024 Olympic Games facilities.
Romanian-born Toldea, her husband and three children are among thousands of migrants, asylum seekers and Roma caught up in evictions in the north Paris suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis that are aggravating the city's homelessness problem ahead of the games.  More than half of the structures being built or renovated for the Summer Games starting in July are located in Seine-Saint-Denis, including the under-construction Olympic Village.  Spreading east from the river Seine and home to more than 1.6 million people, Seine-Saint-Denis is the poorest department in France. With asylum seekers and Roma taking shelter there, it has the largest number of squats and informally built slums of any department in the country, according to a 2021 report by the housing authority.  At least 60 squats in Seine-Saint-Denis were shut down in 2023, according to a Reuters tally based on administrative and court documents and interviews with more than 50 squatters, lawyers, prosecutors, social workers, activists and local politicians, in what advocates and some officials said appeared to be a policy aimed at beautifying the area for the sporting event.  The Seine-Saint-Denis branch of France's interior ministry, known as the prefecture, told Reuters the squat evictions were not connected to the Olympic games, but follow normal legal procedures. These were made faster by a new law passed in July that also imposes large fines and prison sentences for illegal occupation.  Last year, the prefecture said, there were just under 80 squat closures. The Reuters tally of 60 evictions this year is almost certainly an undercount, advocates said. The prefecture has not complied with a freedom of information ruling that it should provide data for squat evictions from 2018 to 2023.  The squat closures are pushing more vulnerable people into unstable living situations after the government reduced social hotel places used for emergency housing in the suburb by 1,000, roughly a 10 per cent cut, Valerie Puvilland, operational director of Interlogement 93, the operator that manages emergency housing for the state in the Seine-Saint-Denis region, said in an interview.  Reuters counted at least 3,000 people affected by the squat closures. Some are ending up on the streets of Seine-Saint Denis and other Paris districts, while others were sent to distant parts of France, advocates and squatters said.
"The Olympic Games are adding additional pressure because there are fewer hotels renting rooms for social cases," Lea Filoche, the deputy mayor of Paris in charge of housing, told Reuters, citing decisions by some hotels to be ready for an influx of visitors. Reuters could not independently confirm how many hotels were affected.  Of 32 closed squats for which Reuters was able to locate an address, 13 were within 2 km (1.2 miles) of a main Olympic site in the 236 sq km (91 sq mile) Seine-Saint-Denis according to the Reuters tally.  One, an old cement factory a stone's throw away from the future Athlete's Village and housing some 400 migrants mostly from Sudan and Chad, was closed by police in April, Reuters observed. A Roma camp of 700 people behind the North Paris Arena in Villepinte was also shut down, two witnesses said.  FROM SQUAT TO STREET  The evictions have exacerbated homelessness as the turfed-out residents add to already outsized demand for social housing and state-provided accommodation, Puvilland said.  Deputy mayor Filoche said she had never seen so many people on the streets on Paris, especially children.  "If their aim is to have the Games where we don’t see poverty, then the plan to evict squats is not a good plan - it is stupid, they are evicting people from squats and putting them in the public space," said Filoche, who called on the government to requisition empty buildings, including former hospitals and offices, to house the homeless.  Highlighting the situation, on December 13, Interlogement 93 said it had no shelter places available, leaving 665 callers on the street, including 54 pregnant women.  Interlogement 93 data shows that unmet demand on some days this month was almost double compared to last year. The emergency housing provider cited a number of overlapping issues including a reduction of available places and squat closures.  Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo warned in November that the city would not be "ready" to provide shelter for the homeless in time for the Olympics. The national government did not respond to request for comment.  The empty warehouse containing self-built wooden cabins that houses Toldea's family along with about 70 other Roma is located in Ile Saint Denis, about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the future Athletes' Village.  The family was evicted from a previous squat in the area in May, and earlier in the year police ran them out of a disused hotel they had participated in occupying just a few days earlier. Now, Toldea worries she won't find anywhere else to live in Seine-Saint-Denis, after a November mayoral decision to close the squat.  Victor Drot, an official in the Ile Saint Denis mayor's office said the looming eviction followed a fire at the warehouse. Citing the long backlog for social housing, Drot said "there is no solution in this town."  Toldea applied for social housing two years ago. The average wait time is eight years, Drot said.  "We can’t go anywhere else. The kids go to school here, we know the area," said Toldea, 31, who sells bric-a-brac at the Clignancourt flea market nearby.  UNCLOG PARIS  Reuters spoke with nineteen migrants evicted from four squats in the vicinity of Olympic-related infrastructures or urban development projects between April and August.  Two of them were assigned stable accommodation by the prefecture, but the others were left to themselves and went on to sleep rough or find space in other squats.  Interlogement 93 said that after evictions, most accommodation offered by Seine-Saint-Denis authorities only lasts a few days, echoing testimony of evicted people Reuters consulted.  The French government, the Paris police and the Seine-Saint-Denis prefecture did not respond to requests for comment on the clearance of squats and camps, and the care provided to the homeless in the Paris region.  Some of the nineteen moved into four other squats in the Paris region, all of which were themselves subsequently evicted or have been handed an eviction notice.  Many were offered places in other parts of France, following a push by the national government this year to “unclog” the Paris region, which has the highest demand for emergency housing in the country.  Speaking of the plan in May, then-housing minister Olivier Klein said homeless people would be relocated to other regions and linked the push to the Games, saying hotels were terminating government contracts so as to welcome tourists for the event.  Reuters spoke to four people who accepted transfers to Bordeaux, Toulouse and Strasbourg following squat evictions but returned to Paris due to lack of support or opportunities in the new locations, or because the accommodation offer was terminated.  By mid-December, 3,329 people had been transferred from Paris to temporary accommodation lasting three weeks, according to Paris authorities.  “SELLING THE IMAGE OF FRANCE ABROAD”  Another national government plan, for "Zero Delinquency" during the Olympics, included measures to dismantle squats, according to three local officials consulted by Reuters and a parliamentary report.  “People can’t see slums and shanty towns. With the Olympics, we are selling the image of France abroad,” said Sebastien Piffeteau, a prosecutor briefed on the plan who is coordinating Olympics-related affairs in the common law division of the Tribunal in Bobigny, which oversees Seine-Saint-Denis.  The Interior Ministry declined to provide Reuters with information about the plan, despite a freedom of information request being granted in September.
The broad outline of the plan can be found on the Paris police website, but few details have been made public.  Squatting in the city can be traced to 19th century working-class radicalism of the Paris Commune. In recent years migrants have also turned to disused buildings for shelter.  Advocates say squats are often the only option for housing, while critics say they are a dangerous nuisance.  The evictions this year were fanned by the law passed in July, which criminalises occupation of industrial and commercial properties, as well as residential, Eric Mathais, chief prosecutor of Bobigny tribunal, told Reuters.  As well as evictions from squats, data from Paris authorities show that they have been clearing camps set up by homeless people around the city with greater frequency. Paris prefecture said 35 camps were torn down this year, compared to 19 in 2022.  While in some cases accommodation has been offered, Paris authorities have noticed a "staggering" increase in homeless people sleeping near the town hall, deputy Filoche told Reuters.  Services for the homeless - including food banks, showers, domiciliation services, luggage storage - were "full and in the red," she said.  EMPTY PROMISES  Interlogement 93 received instructions this year from the prefecture to only offer accommodation to vulnerable people, including pregnant women, disabled people and victims of domestic violence, according to a letter seen by Reuters. They often don't even manage to do that due to lack of available places, Puvilland said.  Insufficient state investment in social housing over the last decade has led to a reliance on hotels to house people, making the system particularly vulnerable, said Eric Constantin, director of the Paris section of the Abbe Pierre Foundation, which advocates for secure accommodation.  "We are very scared. We know that with the Olympic Games there will be millions of people" seeking hotel rooms, Constantin said.  Aggravating the situation for migrants, the French parliament adopted a law on Monday that conditions access to housing benefits for non-EU citizens on 5 years residency in France.  In the longer-term, the public body in charge of Olympic infrastructure, the Solideo, says the Athletes' Village will be converted into nearly 3,000 homes, 17 per cent of which are general social housing units. Local groups say that this not enough and that prices to buy are out of reach for many from the area.  Abdallah Ali, a refugee from Sudan, and 27 other refugees and asylum seekers were among the 400 people evicted in April from the cement factory, less than 500 metres from the Athletes Village, near the river Seine.  Ali and the others were taken in grey coaches to a hotel in a sleepy suburb south of Paris. A week later they were all told to leave with no explanation, he said, showing a text message informing him that his stay at the hotel ended on May 4th.  Ali had been sleeping rough since leaving the hotel, he said in September.  The hotel and Seine-Saint-Denis prefecture did not reply to Reuters request for comment or confirmation of Ali's case.  “It’s not right to throw us out on the street like this. We work in France, we have more of a right to a place to live than the athletes coming in 2024,” said Ali, a waste collector, whose documents show has been on a waiting list for social housing since 2018.
—Reuters

Camelia Toldea has packed her family's suitcases ready for a quick exit from an abandoned building where she and dozens of other Roma live

Migrants, Roma evicted from squats ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics

Jaipur: Rajasthan Minister, Babulal Kharadi, advocated for larger families, assuring the public that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will facilitate housing for them. Addressing a gathering in Udaipur, Kharadi, the tribal area development minister, echoed the Prime Minister's vision of ensuring no one sleeps hungry or without shelter.  "PM Modi dreams of a nation where no one sleeps hungry or homeless. Expand your families. The Prime Minister will construct homes for you. So, what's the hesitation?" Kharadi expressed during a public meeting in Udaipur.  Kharadi himself has a family of eight children, comprising four sons and four daughters, living together in Neechla Thala village, near Udaipur's Kotda tehsil.  During the event, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma shared the platform with Kharadi at the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra camp' in Nai village, Udaipur.  While Kharadi's statement triggered laughter among the audience, the political representatives present appeared surprised by his stance.  Encouraging support for Modi in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Kharadi highlighted the BJP-led Centre's initiatives toward public welfare. He emphasized the reduction of LPG cylinder prices by Rs 200 and the state government's efforts in providing cylinders for Rs 450 under the Ujjwala Scheme.  Kharadi, a four-time MLA elected in 2023 from Jhadol, was previously recognized as the best MLA in 2022 during the 15th Rajasthan Assembly. Recently inducted as a cabinet minister in the state, his remarks have sparked discussions on family planning and government welfare initiatives.
—Input from Agencies

Rajasthan Minister advocates larger families, citing PM Modi's housing pledge. Udaipur public meeting discusses welfare and family planning.

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