Latest news with #Digvijay
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bihar education system is ruined, the worst in the country under JD(U)-BJP government: Digvijay Singh
Ahead of the Bihar Assembly election due in October-November, Rajya Sabha member and senior Congress leader Digvijay on Sunday (June 29, 2025) slammed the Janata Dal (United)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the State for 'ruining' the education system in the State. Mr. Singh, while addressing the media at the party office in Patna, said that the government schools in the State are in a poor condition and the dropout rate is highest in the country. The schools don't have electricity, teachers, computers and libraries. He shared data from the school education report, UDISE+ 2023–24, of the Modi government at the Centre. Expressing regret, Mr. Singh said that this is the worst performance in the whole country. He said that out of 78,120 government schools, 16,529 still do not have electricity and only 5,057 have computers, a mere 6.5%. 'There are 2,637 schools in Bihar where there is only one teacher, and 2.91 lakh students are enrolled in these schools. At the same time, there are 117 schools in the State where not even a single student is enrolled, yet 544 teachers are posted there. Bihar also has the highest school dropout rates: Primary (Classes 1–5): 8.9%, Upper Primary (Classes 6–8): 25.9%, Secondary (Classes 9–10): 25.63%,' Mr. Singh said. In budget 2025-26, the Bihar government claimed to have allocated ₹60,954 crore for education but the truth is that this money is lost to corruption, he alleged. '1.13 crore not enrolled for higher education' 'The BJP-JD(U) government has ruined Bihar's future in higher education as well. The recent report of AISHE 2021–22 (All India Survey on Higher Education) has once again exposed the plight of higher education in Bihar,' Mr. Singh said. Sharing data from the report, he pointed out that GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) was 17.1%, i.e., the estimated population of the State in the age group of 18–23 years is 1.36 crore, but out of these, only 23.33 lakh are enrolled in undergraduate programmes. He said that it means 1.13 crore youth are deprived of higher education. 'Bihar has the lowest number of higher educational institutions per lakh population in the country, with a total of 37 universities, 1,092 colleges, 315 standalone institutions, totalling to 1,387 higher education institutions; but this number is very low for the population,' Mr. Singh said. The Congress leader also said that there are only seven colleges per one lakh population, against the national average is 30 colleges per lakh, which is the lowest in India. 'Future of youth being auctioned' Speaking on exam paper leaks in Bihar, Mr. Singh said that the future of the youth is being bid upon and the paper mafia is in cahoots with the government. 'In Bihar, under the patronage of the BJP-JD(U) government, a dirty business of scams is going on in government recruitments and competitive examinations. In the last seven years, more than 10 cases of exam paper leak have come to the fore in the State,' he said. The network of 'paper mafia' which is tarnishing the glorious legacy of education in Bihar is becoming increasingly active and the business of these mafias is worth thousands of crores, he said. Mr. Singh listed out rates fixed by the alleged paper mafia for every competitive exams: for NEET PG – ₹70-80 lakh, NEET UG – ₹30-40 lakh, banking exam (bank PO) – ₹15-20 lakh, police SI – ₹25 lakh and police constable – ₹10-15 lakh. Earlier in the day, he called on Congress ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad along with Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh at Mr. Prasad's 10, Circular Road residence to enquire about his health.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Arrested in Gujarat MGNREGA ‘scam', who are Congress vice-president Hirabhai Jotva, son Digvijay
Following the arrest of the sons of BJP minister Bachubhai Khabad, the police on Friday arrested state Congress vice-president and OBC leader Hirabhai Jotva and his sarpanch son Digvijay in connection with the alleged Rs 7.3 crore MGNREGA scam. A native of Supasi village of Gir Somanth district, 58-year-old Jotva is seen as one of the most popular faces of the Congress in Saurashtra. A farmer by profession, with a degree in Arts from Saurashtra University, Jotva also owns various businesses like transport, animal husbandry, petrol pump and has also dabbled in construction. Claiming that Jotva's opinion on candidate selection 'was always sought by the party's state and central leadership', Junagadh district Congress chief and Jotva's close aide Bharatbhai Hirpara said, 'We have been friends since our childhood days. Jotva's father Arjanbhai was also a Congress worker. Jotva began his political career as a sarpanch and went on to win the taluka panchayat and district panchayat elections. He has also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Junagadh district panchayat.' Jotva also unsuccessfully contested the Keshod Assembly seat in the 2022 polls and the Junagadh Lok Sabha seat last year. Digvijay, on the other hand, won the sarpanch polls from Supasi village in Gir Somnath, a post once held by Jotva, just last week. Sources close to the Jotva family said that both Digvijay and his elder brother Abhay completed their studies in London. Dijvijay returned to India only a couple of years ago and joined the family business of public development works. Abhay is also a Congress leader and is currently the Leader of the Opposition in the Gir Somnath district panchayat. 'After I completed my studies, I told my father that I wanted to return and join politics. He told me it was very difficult and warned me of legal challenges and said I might even have to go to jail. I told him I was prepared for everything… I am sure my father and brother will come out clean,' said Abhay, adding that party workers have approached him, offering their help. Jotva and Digvijay duo are alleged to be sleeping partners in Jalaram Enterprise and Murlidhar Enterprise, the firms that bagged contracts under the MGNREGA scheme to undertake works in Bharuch, and are accused of direct involvement in the irregularities that are currently being probed. According to the FIR, between 2021 and 2025, both enterprises secured contracts for road construction and other works across 56 villages of three talukas – Jambusar, Amod and Hansot. The police allege that most of these works were not complete, while poor quality material was used in others. The police said that around 250 people were questioned and 500 bank accounts were checked before arresting the duo. State Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said Jothva was a very respectable leader. 'He was facing considerable pressure from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and BJP during the recent Visavadar bypoll. BJP MP Mansukh Vasava has alleged the involvement of government officials as well as political leaders in it. The BJP top brass in Bharuch is involved in the scam. After the arrest of Khabad's sons, the police have changed the direction of the probe by targeting Congress leaders. The true nature of the scam will be revealed only if there is a free and fair investigation. We have demanded the setting up of an SIT,' he said.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Indian Express
Teacher ‘beats' 16-yr-old daughter to death over ‘low grades', sent to judicial custody
A 48-year-old school teacher from Sangli was sent to judicial custody on Wednesday for the alleged murder of his 16-year-old daughter Sadhana. Dhondiram Bhagwan Bhosle (48), a teacher at Shivaji High School in Nelkaranji village of Atpadi taluka of Sangli district, allegedly beat his daughter, a student of Class 12, on the night of June 20 because she had obtained low grades in her college tests, resulting in Sadhana's death the next morning at a hospital. Dhondiram allegedly used a thick wooden handle of a stone grinder at their home to beat his daughter. Deputy Superintendent of Police for Vita Division, Vipul Patil said, 'After the arrest, the father was remanded to police custody for three days. He has now been remanded to judicial custody from Wednesday. Probe suggests that she had obtained good grades in the tests conducted by the college earlier. It was a preparatory test for NEET conducted internally by the college. However in the latest tests she had obtained lower grades. We have contacted the college and have asked them to provide us the details of these tests and her results. The post mortem has revealed that the deceased had multiple serious injuries which led to the death.' Sadhana was a student at Khebudkar College at the taluka headquarters of Atpadi, located around 30 kms from Nelkaranji village. The test she had taken which she allegedly scored low grades in was the Preparatory tests conducted by the college for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Sadhana had been staying at a hostel in Atpadi for the last three years. At the time of the incident, she had been visiting her home, according to the First Information Report filed by her mother Priti (41). Sadhana has a brother, Digvijay. In her FIR to the police, Priti stated, 'Sadhana had come home from the hostel on June 18. On the night of June 20, we all had dinner around 9 pm. Me and Digvijay went to sleep in our rooms on the first floor of the house. Sadhana and my husband were in our drawing room downstairs. My husband was angry with Sadhana because she had obtained low grades in a test conducted at her college. And because of this Sadhana and my husband started arguing. As we could hear them, Digvijay and I came downstairs. We saw my husband beating Sadhana with a wooden handle of a stone grinder.' Priti further said in the FIR, 'As my husband was beating Sadhana he kept saying that if she had studied well, she could have obtained better grades. Sadhana was saying 'I will study better next time. Please give me one more chance'. As he kept beating her saying a lot of money had been spent on her education, Digvijay and I pulled Sadhana away. She however suddenly collapsed and became unresponsive.' According to the FIR, Sadhana's brother then called a doctor known to the family, who advised them to take her to a hospital in Atpadi. The family members took Sadhana to a private hospital in Atpadi where she passed away on the morning of June 21. After Sadhana's last rites, an FIR was registered by Priti in the early hours of June 22 after which the father was arrested by police on the charges of murder under section 103 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He has also been booked under Juvenile Justice Act section 75 which pertains to punishment for cruelty to a child.
Pink Villa
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
OPINION: Can Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar's The Royals be saved? 7 WILD changes that could bring life back in season 2
Following a power-packed first season brimming with style, scandal, and intrigue, Netflix has officially confirmed The Royals will return for Season 2. The show made waves with its impressive ensemble cast, featuring Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, Udit Arora, Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, and more. As the royal saga gears up for its next chapter, here's a look at the fresh twists and evolving storylines that can bring a little spice and soul to the new season. Changes and tracks to explore in The Royals season 2 1. Aviraaj ditches Sophia and goes back to Ayesha In The Royals Season 2, after discovering he's not Maharaj's biological son, Aviraaj might grow distant from Sophia, leading to emotional turmoil and bitterness. Struggling with his identity, he could possibly rekindles feelings for his ex, Ayesha, and the two may reunite. As secrets unravel, Aviraaj's personal journey collides with palace politics, shifting loyalties, and hidden truths. His bond with Ayesha could spark a fresh start, while tensions within the royal family rise, setting the stage for a season full of emotional twists and power plays. 2. Digvijay to take over as Morpur Maharaj In The Royals Season 2, Digvijay might sense a clear path to the throne after it's revealed that Aviraaj is not the biological son of the late Maharaj. Confident that royal blood makes him the rightful heir, Digvijay positions himself as the next king of Morpur. 3. Sophia and Salad Khan's blooming chemistry With Aviraaj possibly rekindling his relationship with Ayesha, Sophia may find herself drawn toward Saladh Khan, the Maharaj of Alsipur. A subtle spark between them in Season 1 hinted at a shared vision, especially around launching the Royals Hospitality business in Alsipur. As Aviraaj drifts away, Sophia could channel her energy into expanding her professional pursuits with Saladh, potentially sparking both a romantic and entrepreneurial alliance that reshapes her future, and adds new intrigue to the royal landscape. 4. Digvijay offered the throne but might give it up to pursue his dream of becoming a chef In The Royals Season 2, Digvijay may be offered the coveted throne of Morpur, but his true passion lies elsewhere. As seen in Season 1, his love for cooking led him to win a prestigious culinary reality show, hinting at a different destiny. With the crown within reach, Digvijay could make the bold choice to step away from royal duties and pursue a full-time career as a chef, reshaping not only his future but the entire royal succession. 5. Padmaja and Ranjit Shroff's chemistry Though The Royals Season 1 only subtly hinted at Padmaja and actor Ranjit Shroff's dynamic, Season 2 could delve deeper into their evolving chemistry. With both characters navigating personal and professional crossroads, the show has room to explore a slow-burn romance between the regal yet reserved Padmaja and the charming Ranjit. Their bond, rooted in mutual respect and understated attraction, could become one of the season's most unexpected twists, offering emotional depth and a refreshing new subplot amid the royal chaos. 6. Aviraaj might be Dhondi and Ayesha could be adopted, prompting them to unite and start their own business In The Royals Season 2, shocking secrets could finally unravel, possibly hinting that Aviraaj might actually be Dhondi, ash he is seen blackmailing Padmaja in Season 1. With the revelation that he isn't the biological son of Morpur's Maharaj, and Ayesha possibly being adopted, the two may find common ground in their shared outsider status. This connection could push them to break free from palace politics and launch their own business, marking a bold shift in their personal and professional journeys. 7. Divyaranjini's growing friendship with Ayesha In The Royals Season 2, Divyaranjini's growing bond with Ayesha, hinted at in Season 1, could take center stage. Struggling to find comfort or acceptance within her own royal family, Jinny might fully align herself with Ayesha, forming a strong alliance built on empathy and shared resilience. As they support each other through emotional and social challenges, this friendship could open a new chapter in both their lives, potentially shifting loyalties and altering the dynamics within the royal household. Stay tuned with Pinkvilla for more updates!
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
JJP general secretary Digvijay Chautala blames AAP, BJP govt's negligence for water crisis in Haryana
Chandigarh: Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) general secretary Digvijay Chautala on Friday blamed the BJP-led Haryana govt's alleged negligence and the Aam Aadmi Party 's "low-level" politics for the drinking water crisis in northern parts of the state. Digvijay Chautala said the BJP leaders in Punjab openly opposed providing water to Haryana, while the AAP's Haryana unit remained completely silent on the ongoing dispute. He mentioned that the politics of both BJP and the AAP was exposed as they tried to balance on two fronts, and the people of Haryana suffered as a result. Digvijay expressed surprise that while half of Haryana faced a severe water crisis, the BJP leaders in Punjab were worried about their votes, and AAP leaders from Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana supported Punjab's stance and advocated for leaving Haryana's people thirsty. He pointed out that Haryana's representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board had weakened over the years. Digvijay held the Haryana govt and the state's leaders at the Centre responsible for this. The JJP leader also expressed surprise at the Punjab govt and the AAP leadership for being responsible for the water crisis. He criticised Arvind Kejriwal, who claimed to be a son of Haryana, for supporting "inhumane actions" against his home state through his chief minister. Digvijay reminded Kejriwal that people in Siwani Mandi – Kejriwal's ancestral village – along with other districts in northern Haryana, were also thirsty, and the AAP's Punjab govt was to blame. He appealed to the Punjab govt to release water immediately, setting aside all paperwork, and not become part of any conspiracy to leave Haryana's people thirsty in the scorching heat. The JJP leader also questioned the AAP's Haryana leadership on their silence regarding the Haryana's interests. MSID:: 120826993 413 |
