INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY MARCH 11, 2022 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol. 30 No: 10 • WASHINGTON D.C • Phone: 301-917-4800; 301-445-0200 • e-mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday • March 11, 2022 Ukraine conflict: Stranded Indian Students Evacuated from Sumy – See how it Unfolded Sumy [Ukraine], March 9 (ANI): More than 650 Indian students were evacuated from the war-torn Ukrainian city of Sumy on Tuesday. Sumy is a hub of educational institutions and is home to a large number of international students. Ever since the war broke out, it has become a theatre of intense battle. For the last several days, Sumy has been witnessing heavy shelling and intense exchange of fire between Russians and Ukrainian forces. Stuck in the quagmire, Indians and other international students had made several desperate pleas for evacuation via social media but the Indian mission and its teams on the ground were helpless as there was no safe passage in the war zone. Even at one stage supply of food and water became a difficult task. Moreover, both Russia and Ukraine failed to honour the ceasefire and bombings in and around the city continued unabated. An official familiar with developments told ANI, “It was a complicated and dangerous situation.” The first attempt to evacuate students on March 7 failed, despite ceasefire and planning. Safe passage for students could not be secured as there was shelling and a lot of risks were involved, an official told ANI. The evacuation New Delhi [India], March 7 (ANI): Bharat Biotech’s COVID19 vaccine Covaxin has been given clearance for clinical trials in adults by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a statement on Monday, Bharat Biotech and its US partner Ocugen expressed their commitment towards bringing Covaxin to the US and Canada for all age groups. The statement informed that Covaxin has been cleared by the US FDA for conducting clinical trials in adults. “Recently, Ocguen’s phase 2/3 investigational drugs application for Covaxin was cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for conducting clinical trials in adults,” read the statement. It further said that Ocugen intends to continue workingwithFDAtoevaluate regulatory pathway for the pediatric use of Covaxin. Notably, Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech had earlier informed that Covaxin will be evaluated as a vaccine candidate for the disease in the United States. “Ocugen, Inc (NASDAQ: OCGN) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has lifted its clinical hold on the Company’s Investigational New Drug application (IND) to evaluate the COVID-19 By Naveen Kapoor was then aborted. However, channels of communication and efforts to secure the safe exit of students continued. Subsequently, the matter was dealt with at the highest levels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to both Russian President Vladamir Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, during which both leaders assured the safe evacuation of students. On the other hand, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was in constant touch with counterparts from Russia, Ukraine and their neighbouring countries. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla was holding meetings with SUMY EVACUATION SEE PAGE 6 COVID-19: FDA gives clearance to Covaxin for clinical trials in adults in US Remember: “There is a battle of two wolves inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, lies, inferiority and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy and truth. The wolf that wins? The one you feed!” ~ American India Proverb vaccine candidate, BBV152, known as Covaxin outside the United States. Ocugen, Inc is co-developing Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin vaccine candidate for COVID-19 in USA and Canada,” read Bharat Biotech’s statement. COVAXIN approved for emergency use in 13 countries: MoS for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar Covaxin has been granted approval for emergency use in 13 countries as of January 31, 2022, according to the WHO, said Minister of State (MoS) for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar in Lok Sabha on February 4. Giving the details about Covaxin, the MoS for Health said, “Covaxin has been granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) by National Regulator Drug Controller General of India (DCG(I)) in the agegroup from 12 to 18 years on 24th December 2021.” In her written reply, she mentioned that the COVID-19 Working Group of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) recommended Covid-19 vaccination in adolescents aged 15 years to less than 18 years. “On the recommendation of COVID-19 Working Group and Standing Technical Subcommittee of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), Government of India has started vaccination of adolescents aged 15 years to less than 18 years from 3rd January 2022,” she informed the Lok Sabha. She said that the grant of approval to a vaccine by any country is a technical and scientific process for which data is to be submitted to the regulator by the vaccine manufacturer as per the prescribed rules. Regarding supplies, she said that no specific information has been brought to notice by foreign companies that they are facing difficulties in the supply of COVAXIN. “During the second surge of Covid cases in April, May 2021 in the country, the requirements of National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme were prioritized. This may have impacted foreign commercial contracts entered into by domestic vaccine manufacturers. As informed by the Ministry of External Affairs, there is no financial loss involved since during the second surge of COVID pandemic in the country, domestic vaccine production was procured and utilized in the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme,” she added. SPOTLIGHT The U.S. India SME Council Present Incredible Inc 50 Business Leaders’ Series. It will feature weekly interviews with senior executives and stories of their challenges and successes. See Page 7
March 11, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Harjyot Singh, Indian student shot at and injured in Ukraine’s Kyiv lands in Delhi New Delhi [India], March 7 (ANI): Indian Air Force flight carrying Indian evacuees including Harjyot Singh, an Indian national who sustained bullet injuries in Kyiv, Ukraine arrived at the Hindon airbase in Delhi at 6:00 pm on Monday from Rzeszow, Poland. Union Minister General (Retd) VK Singh after returning from Poland said, “Our Ukraine embassy evacuated him (Harjyot Singh) and his condition is stable. He has been referred to RR hospital for treatment. We’ve evacuated over 3,000 Indians from Poland.” While speaking to ANI before his son’s arrival, the father of Harjyot Singh expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, “We are very happy and are going to Hindan airport to receive him. I want to thank PM Modi, MoS MEA Meenakshi Lekhi, and BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa for helping us and evacuating our son.” Harjyot’s mother, Prakash Kaur also expressed her happiness and said, “I am happy that my son is coming. I thank the Govt of India and the media for helping and supporting us.” The Indian student had suffered multiple bullet injuries while trying to leave Kyiv in a cab. Harjyot Singh, who had been pursuing Information Technology in Ukraine had also lost his passport amid the chaos. Following Harjyot’s request to the Indian embassy in Kyiv for assistance in evacuation and documentation, MoS VK Singh informed on Sunday that the student will board a flight back to India on Monday (today), with MoS Singh on board. Earlier today, while en route to the Poland border in an ambulance to board the flight back home, Harjyot thanked the Indian officials and people for their support during his ordeal, saying, “It is due to all your support that I am here today, thank you very much to everyone”. The ambulance was provided by the Polish Red Cross. Harjyot was received by Indian diplomats at the Poland border, who escorted him to Rzeszow airport. MoS VK Singh was present at the airport to receive the stranded student. Harjyot Singh while speaking to ANI from his hospital bed last Friday had narrated how he had sustained the injuries. “This is February 27 incident. We were three people in a cab on our way to the third checkpoint where we were told to return due to security reasons. While coming back, multiple bullets were fired at our car due to which I sustained multiple bullet injuries,” Harjyot Singh said. The Indian student further said he regained consciousness at 10 pm on March 2 night. “The doctors explained to me everything that I was shot and I was brought to hospital from Now in Ashburn, VA ❖ Accounting and Bookkeeping Service ❖ Audit, Review, Compilation and Attestation Service ❖ Tax Service ❖ IRS Service ❖ Web Hosting ❖ Business Consultancy ❖ Dedicated Service with Smiling Faces ❖ Experienced and Reliable Staff Year Round ❖ Rely on 24 Years of Experience Balagan Arumugaswamy, CPA, LL.M Tel: (301) 931-1040, (301) 931-1042 (301) 595-4331; (703) 723-4488; (703) 723-4458 Fax: (703) 723-1140; (301) 595-4332 E Mail: balagancpa@msn.com Website: www.balaganfinancials.com the spot. They told me that I kept lying on the road for nearly four hours. I had lost a lot of blood. Two bullets hit my left leg, one my other leg and a bullet entered my chest. They extracted the bullet from my chest and I continue to have pain. My leg has been plastered but I am ßßmuch better than before,” he said. He had expressed his desire to reach India to meet his family, saying that he had received a second life. “I first called up my mother (after the incident). The moment she heard my voice, you can understand how she would have felt. I spoke ß to my father and sister. I felt much better. I got a new life. I want to return to India and spend a good time with my family,” he said. (ANI) Tax Season is around the corner, are you ready ? Balagan Business & Tax Services Main Office: 12100 Franklin Street Beltsville, MD 20705 Branch Offices: 44335 Premier Plaza Suite#100, Ashburn, VA 20147
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March 11, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK After Akhilesh Yadav’s allegation of EVMs tampering, Varanasi DM holds meeting with representatives of parties Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 8 (ANI): Following Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav‘s allegations of electronic voting machines (EVM) being manipulated, Varanasi District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma held a meeting with representatives of several political parties on Tuesday. Speaking to media persons, Sharma said, “About 20 EVMs were being taken to UP College for training. Some political people stopped the vehicle and spread rumours by saying that these EVMs were used in elections. Whereas the strong room is different and this EVM machine caught is different. Tomorrow is the second training of the employees deputed for counting duty and these machines are always used in training for hands-on training.” He said the abovementioned 20 EVMs were not used in polling and were being sent for training purposes. “There is a strong room here. Polled EVMs are kept there, barricading done, there is no reason to breach the barricading. There are other strong rooms and godowns for other EVMs (meant for training). Both sets of EVMs are not connected to each other. It is being clarified. All candidates have been called. The list of EVMs that were used on polling day was mailed to them. Hard copy being given today. These 20 EVMs (for training), are separately kept in vehicles. Numbers are being matched and shown to candidates that these are not polled EVMs,” stated Sharma. The District Magistrate said that an inquiry has been set up under a senior magistrate if there is any kind of violation of the election guidelines. “The EVMs which were used in the elections are all sealed in the strong room in the possession of CRPF and there is CCTV surveillance which is being watched by people of all political parties. An inquiry has been set up under a senior magistrate if there is any kind of violation of the election guidelines. We have had discussions with all the candidates. But the talks have not been very successful because of too many people. After this, we have called the observer to resolve the confusion,” said the official. Meanwhile, SP workers staged a protest outside an EVM strong room in Varanasi‘s Pahariya Mandi area on Tuesday. SP state spokesperson Manoj Rai Dhoopchandi said that a fair investigation cannot be expected with the present DM. “That is why we have demanded that this DM should be removed from here immediately,” said Dhoopchandi. Ahead of the counting of votes for Uttar Pradesh assembly polls on Thursday, Akhilesh Yadav alleged “tampering with electronic voting machines” saying BJP was scared as his party was winning Ayodhya. He urged the Election Commission to look into the issue. “Samajwadi Party is winning Ayodhya that is why BJP is scared. Election Commission officials tampering with EVMs,” he claimed at a press conference here. He also alleged that EVMs had been transported in Varanasi without information to local candidates. “Exit polls want to create a perception that BJP is winning. This is the last fight for democracy. EVM is being transported without being informed to candidates. We need to be alert if EVMs are being transported this way. This is theft. We need to save our votes. We may go to court against it but before that, I want to appeal to people to save the democracy,” he said. The SP chief also made similar allegations in a tweet. “The reports of EVM being caught (transported) in Varanasi is a message to be alert in every constituency. To deal with any attempt of cheating during the counting of votes, the candidates of the Samajwadi Party and its allies should stay ready with their cameras. The youth should become soldiers during counting for the sake of democracy and their future,” he said. The voting for the seventh and last phase of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh was held on Monday. The exit polls have predicted BJP getting a comfortable majority in the state. The counting of votes will take place on March 10. (ANI)
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INDIA THIS WEEK Ukraine conflict: Stranded Indian Stranded Indian students from Sumy Students Evacuated from Sumy thank PM Modi for safe evacuation – See how it Unfolded from war-torn Ukraine SUMY EVACUATION FROM PAGE 1 ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine and their neighbouring countries in New Delhi. India also engaged with Red Cross both in Geneva and Ukraine seeking assistance in evacuation. Indian ambassador to Ukraine and his team were also constantly engaged with local authorities. Moreover, the defence ministry was also roped in. ANI has learnt that arrangements for the evacuation of stranded Indian students were made on both sides of Ukraine as well as the Russian border. Hiring buses in the war-torn region was also a daunting challenge, said one official. Ukrainian drivers were not willing to drive towards the Russian side. However, finally, local arrangements for buses were made. ANI has learnt from sources that India demanded escort from Ukraine and it was provided after some delay. Red Cross also helped and humanitarian passage for all international students was indeed created and students were finally evacuated. They were asked to maintain radio silence until they crossed the danger zone. Students boarded the buses and reached Poltava. They will be boarding a special train to cross the border and are expected to reach India on Wednesday by special flights. India has brought back nearly 20,000 stranded citizens from the war-torn country. Moved out all Indian students from Ukraine’s Sumy: MEA The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday announced that it had evacuated all Indian students from Ukraine’s Sumy. “Happy to inform that we have been able to move out all Indian students from Sumy. They are currently en route to Poltava, from where they will board trains to western Ukraine. Flights under #OperationGanga are being prepared to bring them home,” tweeted MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. Under ‘Operation Ganga’ to rescue Indian citizens from Ukraine’s neighboring countries, about 18 thousand Indians have been brought back by special flights so far. 410 Indians were brought back on Tuesday by special Civilian flights from Ukraine’s neighboring countries by 2 special civilian flights from Suceava, said the Ministery of Civil Aviation press release. With this, about 18,000 Indians have been brought back through the special flights which began on February 22, 2022. The number of Indians airlifted by 75 special civilian flights goes up to 15521. IAF had flown 12 missions to bring back 2467 passengers, as part of Operation Ganga, and carried over 32-tonne relief material, read the release. The humanitarian toll has increased amid Russian military operations in Ukraine that was launched on February 24. As per the UN, around 1.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine. (ANI) Sumy [Ukraine], March 9 (ANI): Students of Sumy State University in Ukraine showed their gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making efforts for the safe evacuation of Indian Nationals from the war-torn country. “We want to thank PM Modi for making efforts for taking us safely back to India,” said the group of students who reached Poland after evacuating from Sumy in Ukraine. The students also thanked the Indian World Forum, People and Government of Ukraine, Government of India, RedCross and Embassy of India in Kyiv for their contribution to Operation Ganga. “After this fourteen-day of miserable war and wait, we reached Poland. In this situation, we want to thank the Indian World Forum, People and From thePoet’sPen INDIA THIS WEEK- DECEMBER 10, AuINDIA THIS WEEK- March 11 2022 2021 A Song: Lying is an occupation By Laetitia Pilkington 1708-1750 Lying is an occupation, Used by all who mean to rise; Politicians owe their station, But to well concerted lies. These to lovers give assistance, T ensnare the fair-one’s heart; o And the virgin’s best resistance Yields to this commanding art. Study this superior science, Would you rise in Church or State; Bid to T ruth a bold defiance, ‘Tis the practice of the great. Government of Ukraine, Government of India, RedCross and Embassy of India in Kyiv for making the Operation Ganga successful,” exhilarated the students upon reaching Poland. Operation Ganga to evacuate Indians from Ukraine amid Russian military operations is another feather in India’s cap regarding the most challenging evacuation operations carried out by New Delhi so far. This comes after more than 18,000 Indians have been safely evacuated back to their home country via special flights over the last week, reported Vietnam times. Under the central government’s ‘Operation Ganga’, 76 flights were sent to Romania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova to rescue Indian citizens stuck in Ukraine. INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. 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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY MARCH 11, 2022 7 The U.S. India SME Council Present Incredible Inc 50 Business Leaders’ Series. This series will feature weekly interviews with senior executives and their success stories and challenges. Maxwell S. Paul: A Successful Entrepreneur of Indian Descent Maxwell Paul is a successful businessman who has established several Assisted Living Facitilies in Montgomery County, MD and has a couple of full service Hotel Franchises. As an immigrant to the US, he recalls the challenges he faced and how he was able to become successful in his enterpreneurial career to Mihir Jaiswal Mr. Paul in his own words: “35 years of our journey in which my God brought us here & will certainly see us through, the journey at times was challenging, really hard at others but eventually very fruitful and satisfying... established several assisted living facilities and a couple of franchise full service hotels... I am greatly blessed to have a wonderful wife (Juju), two sons (Nishant & Prashant) daughters-in-law (Pooja &Anshika) and most importantly my adorable & loving granddaughter (Preetika) who is the wind beneath our wings.” Mr. Maxwell S. Paul, President and CEO, Capital Hotels Investment Group, LLC and Montgomery Eldercare Group in an exclusive interview for Incredible Inc.50 Business Leaders Series. Mihir: Tell us about your journey. How has your journey been like to reach where you are today? Mr. Paul: I am a pastor’s kid who grew up in North India and attended Seventh-day Adventist church schools – from KG to college level. After my graduation in 1976 from Spicer Memorial College (now Spicer Adventist University) in Pune, where I received a degree in Accountancy as major and minor in Economics & Business Management, I started to work for the SDA church organization in the treasury department. By God’s grace I was very focused on productivity, committed and thought outside the box – (having read Future Shock by Alvin Toffler &The Peter Principle by Raymond Peter and Laurence Hull in early 1970’s), which had both positive and negative impacts in my life. Positive that I was promoted to management positions very early on in my career as I tried practicing what I read. The negative impact was that because of my outlook and progressive nature I stepped on a few toes(unintentional) of the higher authorities who were in leadership positions and thought I may be in direct competition with their children and relatives (nepotism) and wanted me out of there on one pretext or another. In fact, I was offered sponsorship overseas on two occasions for further studies but I declined as I did not want to appear to be victimized. However, leadership as we realize have ways to remove obstacles and temporarily appeared to have won the battle in 1987. However, the final result of the war was yet to be determined much later in my favor. It was a tough time for my family. My wife’s sister was here and she invited us to visit with her to get away from that environment. My wife and my two sons aged 3 and 8 arrived here in March 1987. We as a young family set a goal for ourselves: taking care of our boys and inculcating in them the values that we believed in – loving, caring and helping anyone in need, using the Biblical term of a ‘good neighbor’. We agreed that for us success will be defined in our togetherness. Another concept that guided my wife and me was that we will walk our talk. Today, as we look back we are so grateful to God for His immense guidance and blessings that we live as a joint family with our sons, their wives and a granddaughter. We would not have it any other way. Once here, in God’s providence and mercies the doors started to open from finding a job in hospitality industry as controller of finance with sponsorship which lead to getting a green card and eventually the citizenship. In retrospect, God had a better plan for our future here than what would have been back home some 35 years ago. I must confess that the first five years were tough but certainly I was aware that my God who has brought us here will certainly see us through. In spite of our hardships we purchased our first townhouse in less than three years. In our struggles we learned to be dependent on God and doing the very best that we were asked to do. Soon opportunities started to come our way and by His Grace we went on to establish several boutique assisted living facilities and Maxwell S Paul, President, Capital Hotels Investment Group, LLC and Owner of Montgomery Eldercare Facilities. a couple of franchise full service hotels. We had never envisioned what God had planned for us. His plans for us are greater than we could have ever imagined. One important thing that I taught my children was that savings is a habit and that money should be a by product of what we do. In retrospect, the journey was challenging, really hard at times but eventually very fruitful and satisfying. Mihir: How did you become the treasurer at the church in India? How was the life being a treasurer and where was that church? Mr. Paul: Since I was a PK and went to church schools, we were assured of positions in the church organization after we completed our studies. This church is an international organization with headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. I served in Northern and Eastern part of India. My responsibilities included but were not limited to making & executing budgets, receiving & disbursing funds and reporting financial positions to the governing committees. In other words we were in the church from cradle to grave. I was very satisfied in taking care of my responsibilities and really enjoyed it. Though our take home pay was not as much as what other reputed companies paid, but our package included housing, medical, pensions and many other benefits. When everything was added up, we were well taken care of. More than the money, it was the satisfaction of doing what we had learned over the years, a commitment to serve. Mihir: You touched upon challenges of working as a treasurer. Did that play a role in moving to this country? What circumstances did lead to you leaving India and coming to the USA? Mr. Paul: Yes, there were many. One of the biggest handicap that I encountered was that the overheads were too high and when we suggested ways to overcome shortages they were perceived to be insubordination as it affected the leadership. This resulted in me being relieved of my responsibilities at the church. I touched this in your first question in regards to my journeythus far. In hindsight I know for a fact that God wanted me here as I could do a lot more for the church from here for India by doing my tiny bit financially and otherwise in supporting the church. The church has and will always be at the center of our family’s life for whatever we have accomplished or achieved is because of what we learned and practiced. In fact, I continue to devote more time and energy in the church work than in running our business enterprises. Mihir: Today you are a President/CEO. You have also established old age homes and hotels – did you have inkling thirty years ago that you would achieve this success? Mr. Paul: Absolutely, NOT. First, let me clarify the word success. Success is a relative word that means and impacts people in different ways. For us as a family it means that we are in harmony with each other in all circumstances. In being together we can weather and have weathered many storms over the years. Mihir: You have profound knowledge of biblical scriptures and you are associated with the Seventh- day Adventist Church. However, there are other denominations in the world. What is your reflection of them? Mr. Paul: You are too generous with your observation. I have read the complete bible many times over but still am an elementary student of it. I have also read bhagwadgita and koran. They all give us good guidance and teachings but are interpreted by people differently to reflect their views. Amongst the Christian denominations there are many differences. In brief for want of time and space, I will mention two – day of worship and state of the dead. We as Seventh-day Adventists observe Sabbath (Saturday) as our day of worship in compliance with the Lord’s teaching. For He created this world in six days and rested on the seventh (Sabbath). Mihir: We were talking about cricket before the interview. What do you like about cricket? Who are your favorite cricketers? Mr. Paul: Sports can teach us many practical issues in life. One most important to me is about their unique relationships and competitive spirit. They want the opponent to lose on the field, but when the game is over they are friends and hold no animosity. I have many favorites from the sixties to present. Since the sixties to present, they are innumerable to list. I will certainly say that Nawab of Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Gundappa Vishwanath, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh from the yesteryears. In the present they are Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and the duo Iyer(s) amongst others.
March 11, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Women in Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon Delhi Police set up Pink avail loans over 100 cr, launch businesses booth for sex workers at Shraddhanand Marg Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 8 (ANI): Setting an example of self-reliance and financial independence, women in Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon district have availed loans of Rs 107.75 crore to start various businesses. “These women are setting a new dimension by setting an example of self-reliance by joining the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission in Gauthans. Gauthans are established in the villages of the district as the Rural Industrial Parks. Through these loans, women in the district have bought machinery and are making various products in Gauthans,” said Taran Sinha, District Collector. With the help of the administration, these products which include spices, herbal colours, sandalwood, phenyl, soap, papad, pickle, poultry, wire fencing, cement pole and vermicompost are being sold across the state. In addition, residents of the district are also are engaged in goat farming, fish farming, mushroom production and bamboo handicraft item manufacturing. “So far, women of 6,557 self-help groups have taken the loan of Rs 107.75 cr. in this financial year. With this the authorities have crossed the target of Rs 80.74 cr and have achieved 133 per cent of success rate,” said the Collector. ßßHe further said women entrepreneurs of the district are performing very well even with regards to the repayment of loans. “The non-performing asset ratio of self-help groups in Rajnandgaon is 3 per cent whereas the state average is 5 per cent,” he added. In a bid to give upgrade skills and boost incomes the State government is providing training under Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission ‘BIHAN’. “Trainers are visiting various districts and helping the local women with training and formation of self-help groups. In Rajnandgaon district, about 1,95,000 women from rural areas are doing economic activities by joining 17,914 self-help groups under the Bihan scheme,” he said. With regards to the engagement of women in the banking sector, the District Collector said that in Rajnandgaon, about 147 Bank Sakhis are providing bank facilities to the general public of the village. So far, Rs 195 crore has been routed to the people through Bank Sakhis this financial year. (ANI) New Delhi [India], March 8 (ANI): The Delhi Police have set up a Pink Police chowki at Shraddhanand Marg. The chowki has been set up by Delhi Police- Central district. According to the police, the chowki has been set up in order to help sex workers at Shraddhanand Marg and empower them. “We want to help the sex workers to change profession and for that, we have decided to provide different profession courses such as vocational training. The chowki at Shraddhanand Marg was set up on February 18,” Kiran Sethi, Chowki Incharge, Pink Chowki GB Road “There are a lot of sex workers in this area, our purpose is to provide vocational skills to women to make them employable. A computer lab has also been set up,” DCP Shweta Chauhan. (ANI)
FRIDAY MARCH 11, 2022 India’s first 100 pc women-owned industrial park inaugurated in Hyderabad Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], March 8 (ANI): India’s first 100 per cent women-owned FLO industrial park in Hyderabad, promoted by FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO) in partnership with the Telangana government, was inaugurated on Tuesday with the commencement of operations by 25 womenowned and operated units representing 16 diverse Green Category Industries at the Park. The 50 acres FLO Industrial Park in Hyderabad was established with an investment of Rs 250 crores in the flagship project and first of its kind at a national level with participation open to Chapter Members, and the national members of FLO. The park has already garnered tremendous interest from women entrepreneurs to run and operate their businesses from this park. Speaking at the inauguration, Minister KT Rama Rao urged the entrepreneurs to think big and start to think about emerging technologies, focus on aerospace, defence, food processing, forge a global partnership. He promised another 100 acres for the expansion of the FLO women’s industrial park and offer an additional 10 per cent subsidy for women entrepreneurs. He tweeted, “On the International Women’s Day will be launching the women industrial park spread over 50 acres established by FICCIFLO at Sultanpur in Sangareddy district. My compliments to all the women entrepreneurs who’ve kick-started their entrepreneurial journey at this park.” U j j w a l a Singhania, FLO National President in her address, said, “The objective of FIP (FLO Industrial Park) is to propagate and encourage sustainable development and growth. The commencing of FLO Industrial Park in Hyderabad today is a significant milestone, and will pave the way to create more integrated business New Delhi [India], March 9 (ANI): On the occasion of International Women’s Day held on Tuesday, the Delhi Police gave information about the various initiatives it has taken to uplift the overall condition of its women force. Addressing an event, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said, “Many initiatives have been taken by the Delhi Police regarding women than in any state police.” The Police Commissioner interacted with around 50,000 women through a hybrid platform ‘Tarangini’ on March 8. Along with this, several women officers, who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of women, were honoured. He said, “Delhi Police takes more initiatives for women than any other state police. In all schemes for women, we try to keep common people together.” “As many as 127 pink booths have been set up with women police staff so that women can approach the police without any hesitation and share their concerns,” Rakesh Asthana added. The Police Commissioner further said that it is determined to protect women. “Our mission is to ensure the safety of women, children, elderly and all citizens. Our efforts are also showing encouraging results,” he said. He underlined that Women’s Day should not remain limited to being just a specific day in the year, rather it should be observed every day in order to foster the values of dignity and equality towards them. “We cannot imagine the wholesome progress of the society without the active participation of women who constitute a significant percentage of the population,” said Asthana International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8. (ANI) Delhi Police chief interacts with 50,000 women on International Women’s Day townships linked to the Industrial parks and establish such projects at various chapters.” Jyotsna Angara, National Governing Body Member, FLO expressed, “India can increase its targeted GDP from 16 per cent to a much higher number by enabling women to participate in the growth of the economy. This is an opportune time, today is International Women’s Day, to convene action and not just give dialogue on how to promote women’s economic empowerment. It is said that the one way to make sure women participate in the economic growth of the country is by creating a healthy ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. Such Industrial Parks shall give a tremendous boost to the ecosystem.” Uma Chigurupati, Chairperson, FICCI FLO Hyderabad Chapter, stated, “The dream-to-reality of this project is the result of the support from the Government of Telangana. We are happy to announce today the commencement of 25 green projects totally owned by women, with many more in the pipeline, we expect this industrial park to generate 1600 plus jobs in the next two years of operation.” Kavita Dutt, National Head of Initiative, said it is a historic moment today as we celebrate, International Women’s Day, FLO Industrial Park for women is a multiIndustry Park and open for participation to our members Pan – India. “This is to encourage inter-chapter business interaction and bring in substantial revenues and investments from outside the state.” From the Electronic sector to 9 packaging, Medical Devices, Wellness, Engineering, and Food Processing, the park is at its core to demonstrate the power of women in the industry. FLO and its members infused significant investment to build this park, wherein the Government provided the Roads, Electricity, Water, Sewerage, Sub-Station. The park has also created amenities to offer a home environment for women by keeping in mind the necessities of Working Women Entrepreneurs, including designing creches and playschools. (ANI)
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