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NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Between The Lines: What Dhankar's Exit Means for BJP And Parliament
The resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar has the potential of turning into a storm, especially as the Monsoon Session of Parliament is on. Dhakar has cited deteriorating health as the reason. However, the abruptness of his action, announced through a post on 'X' at 9.25 pm at the end of a day during which he had been active in his role as chairman of Rajya Sabha, has set Lutyen's Delhi's grapevine abuzz. The outgoing Vice-President's visit to Jaipur on Wednesday July 23 was notified by his secretariat earlier in the day. This, too, added to the grist. During the day, he had perhaps gone contrary to the government's announcement that the impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Verma would be initiated through the Lok Sabha. He admitted a parallel motion in Rajya Sabha and also outlined the intricacies of the setting up of a three-member panel to look into the charges. With Rajya Sabha in the picture, the Vice-President of India and the Speaker of Lok Sabha are to jointly appoint the panel. Had Rajya Sabha not admitted the motion, the prerogative would have rested on the Lok Sabha Speaker alone. The first Vice-President to resign from his post, V.V. Giri, had done so on July 20, 1969. Giri was sworn in as acting President on May 3 after the death of President Zakir Hussain. He decided to contest for President of India as an Independent (with overt support of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was opposed to the choice of Neelam Sanjiva Reddy as official candidate of Congress) and thus quit to make the process fair, though there was no bar on his contesting while in office. Moments before resigning as Acting President, Giri appended his signature to the Bank Nationalisation Ordinance, which was a signature slab of Indira Gandhi's 'Garibi Hatao' plank. His resignation set in motion a train of events that altered the history of India's politics. Onus on Consensus Dhankar's resignation will add some heat to the political cauldron. Speculation has been rife over the choice of the next President of the BJP, with incumbent J.P. Nadda having overshot his tenure by a few years. The ruling dispensation's complexities will enhance. The new incumbent has to be someone acceptable to the party organisation as well as its mentor body, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The new Vice President of India will have to be someone acceptable to National Democratic Alliance partners (NDA). Thus, consensus-building will hit its zenith. The NDA has adequate numbers in the electoral college for the election of Vice President. Notably, when Dhankar was elected in 2022, the BJP had a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. Post-2024, it now needs NDA allies. Choosing Dhankar's successor isn't a time-bound task. Article 63 of the Constitution of India, which deals with the office of the Vice-President, the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, says the vacancy should be filled 'as soon as possible'. The Election Commission has to determine the date. The words 'as soon as possible' also appear in Article 93, which deals with Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. It says the House shall elect two of its members 'as soon as possible' to these two posts. No election has taken place for Deputy Speaker after M. Thambidurai demitted office in June 2019 on the expiry of the term of 16th Lok Sabha. The 17th Lok Sabha (June 2019 -24) had no Deputy Speaker and the current House is yet to elect one. Harivansh to Hold Fort There is no proviso for an 'Acting Vice President'. However, since Parliament is in session, the duties of the presiding office of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) will fall upon Harivansh Narain Singh, who has been the Deputy Chairman since August 2018. A distinguished editor before being elected to Rajya Sabha on Janata Dal (United) ticket from Bihar, he will hold charge, just as his predecessor Violet Alva had done when Giri quit in 1969. Harivansh is the 13th Deputy Chairman in the history of Rajya Sabha. All his predecessors retired as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, with the sole exception of Pratibha Patil, a former Speaker of Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha, who went on to become Rajasthan's Governor and in 2007 was elected the President of India. The NDA's coalition politics in the run-up to Bihar elections also create a possibility of Harivansh's elevation. However, seeing recent appointments, which have given primacy not only to BJP insiders but also emphasised on their RSS credentials, this seems an unlikely option. Dhankar began his political career as a Janata Dal leader and was made a deputy minister by Prime Minister Chandrashekhar. He joined the BJP a few years back and was soon appointed the Governor of West Bengal. His tenure in Kolkata was marked by his run-ins with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Dhankar was the second new entrant to the BJP after Satyapal Malik to have gained prominence in the Narendra Modi-era, chagrining the Sangh's old guard. The fallout of his resignation may cause a lively organisational debate in the BJP. Vice President's Function Apart from presiding over Rajya Sabha, the Vice President of India has no other defined duties. Article 65 says the Vice President shall discharge the functions of the President during the temporary absence of the President, illness or any other cause by reason of which he is unable to discharge his functions. The First President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in June 1960 had asked Vice President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to act as President for a fortnight when he went on an official visit to the USSR. In May 1961, Dr Prasad took seriously ill and underwent surgery, and then as well Dr Radhakrishnan discharged the duties of the President. He was elected as President in May 1962 after Dr Prasad retired. When President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (who signed the proclamation of Emergency) passed away in February 1977 (while the Lok Sabha election process was on), Vice President B.D. Jatti became acting President. He accepted the resignation of Indira Gandhi and swore in Janata Party Prime Minister Morarji Desai in March. Jatti served as Vice President for just over a month under President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, who was elected in July 1977 and retired on completion of his five-year term on August 31, 1977. Line of President's Succession In May 1969, anticipating a constitutional crisis in case Acting President V.V. Giri would not be able to discharge his duties, the Second Schedule of the Constitution was amended and The President (Discharge of Functions) Act 1969 ( Act 16 of 1969) was enacted, which laid down that in the event of the occurrence of vacancies in the offices of both President and Vice President, the Chief Justice of India, or, in his absence, the seniormost judge of Supreme Court available, shall discharge the functions of the President of India. Thus, a vacancy in the post of Vice President does not leave the Presidency in limbo. Either the Chief Justice of India, or, in his absence, the seniormost Supreme Court Judge may act as President. Chief Justice M. Hidayatullah thus became Acting President in July 1969. He received US President Richard Nixon on July 31, 1969, when the latter was in India on a state visit. Hidayatullah, after retiring from the Supreme Court, was elected as Vice-President in 1979 and served till 1984.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Bali to ban production of plastic sachets in 2026
A fisherman pulls his boat out to sea on March 20, 2024, across waste that covers much of Kedonganan Beach in Badung, Bali. Kedonganan is one of Bali's beaches most polluted with plastic materials. - Photo: Antara file BALI, (Indonesia): The Bali provincial administration plans to ban the production of small plastic packaging, or sachets, starting in 2026 as a response to suggestions from environmentalists after banning the production of under-1-liter bottled water. 'I support it fully. This has been through studies on the small-size sachets, whether it [the ban] will be decided this year or next year [in 2026],' Bali Vice Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta said in Denpasar on Tuesday, as quoted by Giri said the provincial administration was still focusing on the ban of bottled water first. He added there was a possibility that a ban on other plastic packaging would come in 2026. 'We have discussed this, there will be a decision later,' he said. The former Badung regency head said that Bali Governor Wayan Koster was very wise in banning plastic packaging. The decision would still allow French company Danone to use up the bottled water production that has already been distributed. 'It means being visionary, [so that] our descendants [can] see Bali clean and green,' the politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle said. Previously, the Nusantara River Research Agency (BRUIN) suggested that Koster also target other plastic packaging, not only banning bottled water. BRUIN coordinator for waste census, Muhammad Kholif Basyaiban, said the Bali provincial administration had to refer to Law No. 18/2008 on Waste Management, which stipulates the responsibility of producers in waste processing. There are also other regulations such as Environmental and Forestry Ministerial Decree No. 75/2019. 'The reference for circulars, government regulation, provincial bylaws and gubernatorial regulations is the Waste Management Law and the ministerial decree, which do not discriminate certain [kinds of] plastic waste but all kinds of plastics,' Kholif said in a written statement on Monday. In 2024, Bali produced 1.2 million tonnes of plastic waste, according to the National Waste Management Information System. Plastic fairness Separately, two bottled water producers in Bali expressed objections to the ban on producing and distributing bottled water in containers less than 1 liter as stipulated by Bali Gubernatorial Circular No. 9/2025 on Clean Bali Movement. 'Environmental conservation policy in Bali is indeed important [and] urgent but cannot be applied unilaterally without a dialogue mechanism and legal protection for local businesses,' CV Tirta Taman Bali president director I Gde Wiradhitya Samuhata said on Monday. Wiradhitya said the objection was accompanied by the company's official stance and legal analysis on the gubernatorial circular. 'We have compiled a juridical analysis and will send the official stance to the Aspadin [Indonesian Bottled Water Association] central executive board in Jakarta as a constructive contribution to manage the relations between businesses, customary society and regional policy,' he said, as quoted by Antara news agency. He revealed that Balinese bottled water companies considered customary villages not only as partners but the soul of their businesses. He also agreed with environmental conservation efforts but said the solution should focus on waste management instead of banning plastic packaging production. He said the Bali administration should shift from symbolic banning to reform the waste management system based on recycling incentives, public education and producers' responsibilities. Meanwhile, president director of PT Tirta Mumbul Jaya Abadi, Nyoman Arta Widyana, said that instead of only banning bottled water under 1 liter, the provincial administration should also ban all plastic packaging to be fair. 'For example, when we want to buy cooking oil, sugar, coffee and candy, all these items use plastic. But it seems that only we [bottled water producers] are blamed for causing plastic waste,' he said. Arta said it was not fair if the problem of plastic waste was only blamed on bottled water producers when they already used PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles and PP (polypropylene) cups which could be easily recycled. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
Hans India
13-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Millet magic from Bhadrachalam wins national applause
In a quiet corner of Bhadrachalam, famously known as the South Ayodhya, a group of determined tribal women is rewriting the story of rural enterprise — one millet biscuit at a time. Their venture, now known as 'Bhadradri Millet Magic Biscuits,' has earned the rare distinction of being praised by none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. The recognition has created a wave of pride across the region. What started as a modest effort to make healthy snacks has blossomed into a small but impactful business with growing popularity. 'For the past six years, we've been making millet biscuits — using jowar, ragi, sama, and korralu,' shares Thati Lalitha, one of the four women behind the initiative. 'We never imagined they would one day be mentioned by the Prime Minister. His praise gave us a huge boost.' Her teammate Uke Venkatalakshmi adds, 'We were so encouraged when our friends and sisters started asking for the biscuits — some even sent them abroad! Representatives from TIFED recently visited our ITDA office and tasted our biscuits. They said they were wonderful.' Their journey began in 2018 with the formation of the 'Srirama Joint Liability Group.' Initially, the group focused on producing sanitary napkins under the brand Giri. 'It was difficult,' recalls Lalitha. 'People weren't interested in buying them. We faced many hurdles and lost nearly ₹15,000. But we didn't give up.' Support from the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) proved critical. A subsidy of ₹8 lakhs helped them buy essential machinery, with the remainder financed by a bank loan and their own contribution. But then came an unexpected blow — the COVID-19 pandemic. 'We couldn't begin napkin production because of the lockdowns,' explains Venkatalakshmi. 'Instead, with support from authorities, we pivoted and started making masks. We produced and delivered 40,000 of them to the GCC in just one month.' It was during this period that the idea of making millet biscuits took hold. 'We were seeing people move toward healthier food — jowar rotis, ragi java, korrala rice. So, we thought, why not make healthy snacks too?' says Lalitha. 'We experimented with jowar and ragi initially. There were challenges, but we kept going.' Backed by guidance from then ITDA PO Prateek Jain, who arranged training in Hyderabad, the group refined their recipes. Today, their daily production has grown from a modest three kilograms to twenty, sourced from tribal farmers in Tulsipaka, Chintur Mandal (Andhra Pradesh). The biscuits — sold in attractive packs — now come in varieties like Sama and Korralu (₹150), and Ragi and Jonna (₹130). The team has also begun making Karakkaya tea powder, priced at ₹200. They're now dreaming bigger. 'We want to see our millet biscuits on the shelves of big shopping malls. That's our next goal,' says Venkatalakshmi. 'Right now, we are just four women. But we hope to grow and provide employment to at least ten more.' Their journey is an inspiring example of how resilience, innovation, and community support can turn humble beginnings into a source of regional pride. As Lalitha puts it, 'We didn't get success easily. Behind this recognition is a story of struggle, setbacks, and sheer will.'
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Festive hiring to jump 20-25% this year; top e-commerce firms to hire over 75,000 staff
Consumer goods firms, retailers, e-commerce platforms and logistics companies have increased their recruitment targets by 20-25% compared to the previous year for the upcoming festive period, anticipating robust sales recovery, according to a senior executives and recruitment specialists. The majority of these positions will be filled by temporary and gig workers, with a major e-commerce marketplace planning to recruit over 75,000 staff, as reported by Adecco India. E-commerce and logistics sectors are spearheading the festive recruitment drive with an expected 30-35% increase in temporary staffing. Retail, consumer goods, hospitality and tourism sectors are also expected to expand their seasonal workforce. Electronics and mobile phone companies including Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Haier, and Godrej are preparing to increase their retail staff numbers, indicating positive sales expectations. Randstad India projects gig positions to exceed 11 million this fiscal year, driven by e-commerce, retail, logistics, and quick commerce sectors. Quick-commerce recruitment is expected to rise by 35-40%, while e-commerce staffing shows a 25-30% increase, compared to approximately 10 million positions last fiscal year. "We are anticipating a strong rebound in temporary staffing this festive season, with demand up 20–25% year-on-year as organisations work to recoup a softer summer sales period," Yeshab Giri, chief commercial officer at Randstad India told ET. "The early arrival of key festivals has prompted companies to advance workforce planning, scaling up manpower well ahead of traditional timelines," Giri added. The festive period represents India's peak consumption season, contributing 30-40% of annual sales in categories like apparel and electronics. This year's festive season holds particular significance as demand has remained subdued for several quarters, with summer sales affected by rainfall. Sales across electronic products, smartphones, apparel, fashion, FMCG products and automobiles have shown minimal growth in the past 4-6 quarters. Deepesh Gupta, director and head of general staffing at Adecco India noted that companies are initiating recruitment earlier this year, expecting stronger festive demand from Raksha Bandhan through Diwali and Christmas. "There's a strong emphasis on roles in customer service, delivery, warehousing, and digital support, especially as online shopping continues to grow," he said. BNP Paribas India said in a July report that urban discretionary spending is likely to stay strong this fiscal year, helped by income tax cuts, lower loan rates, and easing food inflation. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Festive Spirit Spurs Hiring Rush
Consumer goods companies , retailers, ecommerce platforms and logistics firms have stepped up hiring requirements for the upcoming festive season by 20-25% more than last year, expecting a strong recovery in sales, said senior executives of companies and hiring firms. Gig and temporary workers will comprise the bulk of the hiring. One of the largest ecommerce marketplaces plans to hire more than 75,000 workers, according to Adecco India. The staffing firm said ecommerce and logistics companies are leading the festive season hiring boom with a projected 30-35% surge in temporary hiring. Companies in sectors such as retail, consumer goods, hospitality and tourism are also likely to expand their temporary workforces. Electronic and smartphone companies such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Haier, and Godrej are all set to grow the count of retail store workers this festive season, according to industry executives, hinting at a revival in sales. Talent company Randstad India forecasts gig roles to surpass 11 million this fiscal year. E-commerce, retail, logistics, and quick commerce are fuelling the uptick, it said, with a 35-40% surge in quick-commerce hiring and a 25–30% rise in e-commerce staffing. Last fiscal, it was around 10 million. 'We are anticipating a strong rebound in temporary staffing this festive season, with demand up 20–25% year-on-year as organisations work to recoup a softer summer sales period,' said Yeshab Giri, chief commercial officer (professional talent solutions) at Randstad India. 'The early arrival of key festivals has prompted companies to advance workforce planning, scaling up manpower well ahead of traditional timelines,' Giri said. The festive season is the largest consumption period for India, accounting for 30-40% of annual sales for categories such as apparel and electronics. This year, the festive season is critical for companies as demand has remained weak for the past few quarters, and sales during summer too declined due to rains. Sales of electronic products, smartphones, apparel, fashion, FMCG products and even automobiles have at best grown in low single digit for the past 4-6 quarters. Deepesh Gupta, director and head of general staffing at Adecco India said companies are ramping up hiring earlier than usual this year, anticipating a stronger festive demand starting from Raksha Bandhan (in August) through Diwali and Christmas. 'There's a strong emphasis on roles in customer service, delivery, warehousing, and digital support, especially as online shopping continues to grow,' he said. Aakriti Chandra, vice president (Ekart, Minutes, CX, Recommerce, HR) at e-commerce platform Flipkart said there is a marked ramp-up in operational readiness across the board for the festive season, particularly in supply chain, last-mile logistics, and that the company has scaled up the workforce requirements. 'This year, with the festive period set to begin in August, our preparations are well underway,' she said. Satish NS, president, Haier India, the country's third largest electronics maker said it is starting the process of hiring, training and deployment of more manpower early for the festive season. The company expects temporary workers to grow by at least 15% over last year. Chief executives are hopeful demand will recover from the festive season quarter as consumers start reaping the benefits of an income tax rate cut, pent-up demand, positive rural sentiment with good harvest prospects due to a better monsoon, and post-election economic recovery. Value fashion retail chain V-Mart Retail managing director Lalit Agarwal expects demand recovery to resume from the festive period, sustaining the momentum, helping drive demand for temporary workers at its stores by 15% from September onwards. BNP Paribas India in a July report said urban discretionary consumption is well-placed this fiscal year due to a cut in income tax rate, lower loan rates, along with easing food inflation.
