Latest news with #Chauhan
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Students stage nine-hour protest outside PU against affidavit restricting any form of organised dissent
Student organisations of the Panjab University (PU) on Thursday closed university's gate number 2 for over 9 hours in protest against the affidavit requiring students to forfeit their right to protest and organise collective actions. The protest began in the morning with students gathering peacefully at the gate, where they raised slogans, displayed placards, and later burnt copies of the affidavit in a symbolic act of defiance. The affidavit, published in the Handbook of Information 2025 (Part C, Page 129), threatens students with expulsion, cancellation of admission, and debarment from examinations if they are found participating in protests, dharnas, or public criticism of university authorities. Students declared that their primary demand was for the Dean University Instruction (DUI) to come and address their concerns in person. As the evening approached, all participating student bodies, without any compromise, unanimously decided to end the blockade and open the gates, with an agreement to consult all parties and announce the future course of action after internal discussions. Our doors open for meaningful dialogue: PU Meanwhile professor Amit Chauhan, dean of students' welfare, PU said that the university is among the very few varsities in the country where student council elections are conducted every year, reflecting 'commitment to democratic values and student participation'. He added that PU has never barred students from raising their genuine concerns, nor is there any such intention. 'Our sole objective is to ensure that the academic environment remains undisturbed and students do not face any inconvenience during their studies,' he added. Chauhan said if any section of students has concerns or misunderstandings, the authorities are open to discussion and dialogue. A meeting of the PU administration was held earlier in which some student representatives participated; however, despite being informed, the agitating students did not attend the scheduled meeting and blocked the road, the official said. 'The admission season is currently underway, and new students are joining the university. We are particularly mindful that they should not face any hardship or disruption,' he added. Students, Chauhan added, are the 'most important part' of the university, and we believe in resolving matters without confrontation. 'Our doors remain open for meaningful dialogue. However, blocking University Gate No. 2 is not the right approach, and we urge students to come forward for discussion rather than resorting to disruption,' he said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
‘I want to serve nation, but they want to marry me off to clear debt'
Representative image. MEERUT: A Class 12 student from a village near Incholi in Meerut appeared before senior superintendent of police (SSP) Dr Vipin Tada with a desperate plea — to save her from being married off to an elderly man in exchange for money her father allegedly owed. 'I want to serve the country as a govt officer,' the 19-year-old told the SSP on Tuesday, breaking down as she described how her family allegedly beat her, locked her inside the house and threatened to kill her when she refused to marry. 'I want to build my life and serve the nation, but my family wants me to marry an old man to clear a Rs 3 lakh debt they took from him years ago,' she said. SP (rural) Rakesh Kumar Mishra said two conflicting narratives have emerged — one from the teen and one from her family. 'On Monday, she fled from her home citing a threat to her life. Her family, who are marginal farmers, filed a complaint alleging that an unidentified man took their daughter with him. On Tuesday morning, police tracked her down and brought her back,' he said. However, she fled again in the afternoon — this time to advocate Neha Chauhan , to whom she narrated her ordeal. Chauhan then took her to meet the SSP. 'My client fled on her own. She wasn't taken away by anyone, as her parents claimed. She was scared and sobbing when she met me,' said Chauhan. 'While undergoing a medical exam at a govt hospital after meeting the SSP, she said to me: 'Approaching the police wasn't a good idea. I was safer with you'.' Chauhan added, 'Police have recorded her statement and she will soon be presented before a magistrate. After the medical, she was taken to an Asha Jyoti Kendra, and even I don't know which centre exactly. In her statement to the police, she clearly said her family was trying to force her into the marriage.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Rampant waste dumping choking creeks: Report
Surat: A report on the frequent flooding of creeks, released by a citizens' group and environmental NGOs, has identified rampant urban development and the dumping of waste into these water bodies as the main reasons for this annual monsoon problem. The report highlighted that natural water pathways, particularly creeks that once absorbed and dispersed excess water, are blocked due to construction activities and land-level modifications. On June 18, "Mara Surat Ni Surat - Citizen Report" was released by Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti and People's Union for Civil Liberties. The report was prepared by a team consisting of Avadhut Atre and Buddhavikas Athawale, both students of MA (Development) at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, Krishnakant Chauhan, advocate, and Sugeet Pathakji, architect. "In many areas, the land has been raised or construction carried out right along the natural water channels. Earlier, when creeks overflowed, the water had space to spread. Now, those outlets are blocked," the report noted. The citizen-led survey also flagged several sites where solid waste is being dumped directly into creek beds, further obstructing water flow. "Despite being fully aware that overflowing creeks cause floods, Surat Municipal Corporation continues to dump waste or permits dumping in these water bodies," said Chauhan. "Every year, this mismanagement leads to massive public expenditure on post-flood sanitation and healthcare. " The team recommended immediate measures such as identifying and reopening blocked rivulets and creating new drainage channels to allow floodwater to naturally flow into nearby rivers, creeks, or the sea. "A structured survey must be conducted during and right after flooding to gather data—photos, videos, water levels, and rainfall patterns. This evidence can help plan better for the following year, and the process must involve experts and citizens alike," Chauhan added. Another member, Pathakji, emphasised the need to remove encroachments and structures that have narrowed or obstructed the creeks. "Cities like London and Seoul have restored their creeks by clearing obstructions. Surat needs to take a similar approach. Some of the current constructions are also preventing stormwater from city areas from reaching the creeks."
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
History-sheeters crush 22-year-old to death
Surat: Sachin police arrested two history-sheeters on Monday night for fatally crushing a 22-year-old man. The accused, Anil Sapkale alias Komdi, 35, and his aide Kishan Rathod, 30, collided with the sports motorbike driven by Ravindra Shirsat, who was carrying the victim, Pavan Chauhan, as a pillion rider. Chauhan worked as a textile labourer in Surat. You Can Also Check: Surat AQI | Weather in Surat | Bank Holidays in Surat | Public Holidays in Surat According to police, Shirsat and his friends, including Chauhan, planned an outing along the Sachin-Navsari road on Monday night. Near Doordarshan Tower, a white car approached close to them, and Sapkale, seated in the passenger seat beside the driver, began abusing the youths. He opened the window and hurled a knife at Shirsat and Chauhan. Shirsat accelerated his motorcycle to escape, but Rathod struck the two-wheeler, causing Shirsat to lose balance. Shirsat regained control and directed the bike towards a divider. Rathod then accelerated the car, striking the motorcycle again. The bike became lodged in the car and was dragged for some distance. Chauhan, caught on the bike, was dragged along with the car. After the incident, Shirsat's friends arrived at the scene, but Sapkale threatened them. Sapkale attacked Shirsat with a knife before fleeing. Police transported the duo to a hospital where Chauhan was declared dead. Investigations revealed that Sapkale had a history of criminal activity, with 15 cases filed against him, including extortion, criminal intimidation, voluntary causing hurt, and prohibition offences. He was previously detained under the Prevention of Suffering Abuse (PASA). Rathod had past convictions for loot, prohibition, and offences under the Arms Act.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Telangana left with over 1L MT coarse rice as ration policy shifts; govt explores disposal amid bumper paddy haul, FCI offloading adds to challenge
The Congress government in Hyderabad is dealing with a surplus of coarse rice. This happened after they started giving out fine rice through ration shops. The Civil Supplies Corporation procured a lot of paddy this season. HYDERABAD: The Congress govt, which started distributing fine rice to ration card holders since May, is left with over a lakh metric tonnes (MTs) of coarse variety of the staple in its godowns. The challenge before the govt is how to dispose of the huge stocks, as the supply of coarse rice was stopped through the fair price (FP) shops from April. What's more, the Civil Supplies Corporation, led by its commissioner DS Chauhan, achieved a record paddy procurement during the kharif. The procurement is set to reach 75 lakh metric tonnes -24 lakh metric tonne fine and the remaining (51 tonnes) coarse. Given the fact that even Food Corporation of India (FCI) is offloading its excess stocks of coarse variety rice, and there is good production of paddy in many other states, with Chhattisgarh even willing to sell its paddy at 1,800 per quintal, the civil supplies department is working on various options for selling the existing stock and that procured from the rabi this year. However, Chauhan said disposing of the existing stocks is not a big deal as it is safely preserved in godowns, mandal-level stock points and FP shops. "We are working with stakeholders on how to dispose of the stock. After milling, the 51 lakh metric tonnes of coarse variety paddy will yield not more than 35 lakh MT of rice," he said. Sources said that although FCI is offloading its excess stocks, it would place its indent for the kharif crop, based on which how much coarse rice would be lifted from Telangana will be known. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ductless Air Conditioners Are Selling Like Crazy [See Why] Keep Cool Click Here Undo "Chauhan had earlier worked with FCI and maintained cordial relations with the Centre, due to which there should not be a problem in disposing of coarse variety rice," a senior official said. The state govt has initiated the formulation of state-specific monitoring guidelines for the direct selling sector. The department of consumer affairs, food and civil supplies has been designated as the nodal department, with the commissioner of civil supplies, DS Chauhan, as its nodal officer for enforcement and supervision. Guidelines would be prepared in tune with the Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021, issued by the Centre, to regulate business practices, ensure consumer safety, and prevent exploitation. The first of the consultative meetings was held on Saturday, involving key departments such as industries and commerce, commercial taxes, legal metrology, drugs control, excise, preventive medicine, and police, along with representatives from national industry bodies. The guidelines would be framed by striking a balance between regulation and ease of doing business, Chauhan added.
