Latest news with #MPLADS
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
In Mandi, Kangana Ranaut's statements beg the question — is this the MP its people deserve?
'If not friend, why friend-shaped?' It's how the internet talks about people who are disingenuous — people whose appearance belies their intent. I'm borrowing it here for a different kind of creature — the politician who performs empathy without offering it. Kangana Ranaut's recent visit to flood-hit Mandi in Himachal Pradesh was a perfect illustration of that gap between appearance and action. Smiling for the cameras, laughing about her 'cabinet of two brothers', she reminded us that performance can often eclipse empathy. Since June, Himachal Pradesh has been experiencing cloud bursts that have led to flash floods. Many people have lost their lives, and damage to property has been estimated at over Rs 400 crore. When the elected MP from the region, Hindi film actor Ranaut, was asked by the media what she was doing for relief, she said, 'I don't have any cabinet or funds for disaster relief… I have my two brothers, that's my cabinet… MPs are very small in the scheme of things.' Perhaps, in a state run by the Opposition, this may be partially true — Ranaut is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, and the state is governed by the Indian National Congress (INC). But she still has at her disposal the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), an annual entitlement of Rs 5 crore for developmental work in her constituency, including for events such as the ongoing floods. This then is both a dereliction of duty and a lack of empathy. But, even if Ranaut had managed to muster empathy for the families left to rebuild their homes and businesses, as they struggle to cope with the loss of loved ones, the questions would still remain: Is Ranaut really the politician people deserve? Flash floods are not new to the mountains. There has been a deluge of flash floods in the Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand for the past several years. They occur when intense rainfall overwhelms the land's ability to absorb water, causing sudden, high-speed runoff. They're often triggered by cloudbursts or deforestation. A major contributing factor is also unchecked construction or developmental work that exact a high environmental cost. An MP obviously cannot fix the vagaries of nature. But she can, if she so chooses, amplify the pitfalls of unplanned construction and the ecological damage and devastation they wreak. She can push the government, at the Centre and state, to take corrective action. She can ensure that people at the receiving end have an ally in her. Eighty dead, 31 missing, over 150 homes and 106 cattle shelters destroyed, 14 bridges collapsed, and 31 vehicles swept away. In such circumstances, when Ranaut chooses not to use her voice, it is a deliberate letdown of the very people who have elected her to represent them. Film stars have always had a penchant for politics. From Amitabh Bachchan to Hema Malini, Jaya Prada to Jaya Bachchan, actors have forayed into politics. Barring Jaya Bachchan, few have managed to live up to the demands of the job. But if the rising floodwaters make one thing clear, it is this: We need public servants who are ready to serve. We need doers, not performers. In a recent podcast conversation with spiritual mentor Ravi V Melwani, Ranaut opened up about not enjoying her work as a politician. 'I don't enjoy it. I've never thought of serving people… I've lived a very selfish kind of life. I want to have a big house and a big car. I want to have diamonds.' This isn't a gotcha moment; it is a moment of clarity, if there ever was one. Indurkar is a writer, editor, and poet from Jabalpur
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Malvinder Kang bats for more training sessions for new members
How do you look at your experience in the first year of the 18th Lok Sabha? MP Malvinder Singh Kang My experience during the first year has been great. Since the Lok Sabha is the highest decision-making body in the country, and great personalities like BR Ambedkar have been members of this august House, being a part of it is a great responsibility as well. I am grateful to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for giving me the opportunity to draw attention to matters concerning Punjab and my constituency. What was the high point of the year for you personally and your party in the House? It was a good year for me. I was able to raise important issues such as the incarceration of 'Sikh prisoners', the increase in international flights from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, and my state's tremendous contribution to sports. I have also been nominated as a member of the Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers. MP Malvinder Kang says his experience during the first year in the Lok Sabha has been great. Are you satisfied with the number of sittings of the Lok Sabha? The number of sittings of the House during the year was satisfactory. I got ample opportunity to participate in the proceedings. However, I feel that more training sessions should be held for new members, particularly on the procedures, rules, and regulations of the Lower House. One training session was organised, but holding more would yield better results. What is the most effective way to raise issues of public importance in the House? Though a member can raise issues of public importance in many different ways, I found participation in debates on the President's address, the budget, bills and other important issues to be the most effective to put across one's, or the party's point of view. Advance preparation and clarity of thought are important. What difference have you made to your constituency in the last one year, and what do you plan to do in the remaining term as MP? During the election campaign, a major concern among the people was absentee MPs who did not show up for two to three years after getting elected. I have tried to change this perception by regularly meeting the people of my constituency to take feedback and understand their problems so I can raise their issues in Parliament. I have been regularly meeting the central ministers to secure projects and funds under various schemes for the area. For instance, 19 people suffering from serious ailments like cancer have received financial assistance from a central scheme for treatment. Under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), development works totalling ₹ 5 crore — the full allocation for the first year — have been recommended. In addition to making all-out efforts to fully utilise the MPLADS funds, my endeavour will be to improve the infrastructure and facilities in my constituency with the support of both state and central governments.
Hans India
07-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Chittoor to lead in govt. schemes: Minister
Chittoor: Transport Minister and Chittoor District In-charge M Ramprasad Reddy has called for transforming Chittoor into a model district for implementing government welfare schemes. Chairing the District Development Review Committee (DDRC) meeting on Tuesday, he urged officials to work with dedication to uplift all sectors and launch a movement-like initiative to enhance groundwater levels. He said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu envisions Chittoor as a horticulture hub and is committed to resolving mango farmers' issues. Efforts are on to ensure remunerative prices for mangoes in coordination with the administration. Chittoor MP Daggumalla Prasada Rao emphasized improving Anganwadi infrastructure using NREGS and MPLADS funds and called on the health department to expedite National Health Mission projects. He directed completion of hospital construction, staffing, and infrastructure reporting. Collector Sumit Kumar stated that groundwater improvement works under NREGS are underway, with priority on addressing summer water scarcity using municipal and panchayat funds. Gudipalle mandal ranks lowest in groundwater among 31 mandals, with Kuppam also facing issues. Officials were directed to complete drinking water and road projects within a month. He also proposed TTD collaboration to distribute mango pulp to devotees, benefiting farmers. A committee of public reps and mango growers will be formed, and a letter sent to TTD to define quality and pricing standards. MLAs Gurajala Jaganmohan and K Muralimohan attended the meeting, which reviewed departments including RWS, ZP, Panchayat Raj, Roads and Buildings, Medical and Health, Horticulture, DRDA, ICDS, and Irrigation.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
A.P. govt. committed to strengthen healthcare infra: Minister
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has emphasised the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, particularly for those battling chronic illnesses, and reiterated the importance of expanding such essential services across Andhra Pradesh. He said this while speaking to the media during an inspection at Allipuram Primary Health Centre (PHC) in SPSR Nellore district on Saturday (May 3, 2025). He has inaugurated two dialysis centres at Vinjamuru and Podalakuru Community Health Centres respectively in the district on the same day. He said, 'These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to provide critical care for patients suffering from kidney-related ailments and will greatly benefit them by offering convenient access to lifesaving treatments. This is a significant milestone in improving healthcare access for the region.' MP Beeda Masthan Rao and Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy were also present at the Allipuram PHC inspection. On the occasion, the Minister estimated that ₹1.25 crore will be required for the creation of infrastructure at the Allipuram PHC. Mr. Masthan Rao immediately responded and sanctioned ₹30 lakh from MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) funds. The Minister assured to provide basic facilities at the Allipuram PHC from the department funds. Mr. Satya Kumar identified serious shortage of doctors and staff in the medical and health department and he announced that the government is making large-scale recruitments to reduce it. He said that many vacancies were identified during the review of 17 teaching hospitals. He further said that steps will be taken on a warfooting basis to fill the vacancies in secondary healthcare and teaching hospitals. The hospitals with 100-300 beds will be set up in each constituency under public-private partnership (PPP) mode, he informed. The Minister discussed various initiatives for the betterment of healthcare infrastructure in the region and emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve enhanced healthcare outcomes for the people of the State. The visit to the district served as an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights on ongoing projects, and explore new avenues for improving public health systems, he said. Mr. Somireddy extended his support to the health initiatives being undertaken in this region.
