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Hans India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Barring West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, nationwide strikes by Trade Unions remain peaceful
New Delhi: A nationwide strike gripped India on Wednesday, as more than ten central Trade Unions, backed by farmer groups and rural worker organisations, launched a general shutdown in protest against the Centre's alleged "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate" policies. The 'Bharat Bandh' disrupted essential services across several states in the country. The protests remained peaceful across the nation, except in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, where the protestors clashed with the police, after which some were detained. The strike is a coordinated action by key Trade Unions including the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), along with major farmer groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and public sector employees from the Railways, NMDC Ltd, and steel industries. The unions are opposing four new labour codes passed by Parliament, stating these weaken workers' rights, limit the right to strike, increase working hours, and dilute employer accountability. Protesters have demanded scrapping the codes, setting a minimum monthly wage of Rs 26,000, and ensuring equal pay for equal work. They are also demanding a halt to the privatisation of public sector units, the curbing of job outsourcing, and an end to contract-based employment practices, which they argue threaten job security and fair wages. As a result, banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, public transport, and industrial production were affected in many parts of the country. Though schools, private offices, and most train services remained functional, isolated disruptions were reported. In Odisha, the strike coincided with a separate agitation by the bus and truck drivers' association, compounding the impact. Transportation services were hit across the state, as talks with the government failed to break the deadlock. The drivers are demanding a written assurance for the fulfilment of their long-pending demands. In Rajasthan, a broad coalition of workers, including those from the insurance, postal, BSNL, income tax, coal, Defence, Anganwadi, ASHA, and Mid-Day Meal programmes, joined the protest. Medical representatives and farm labourers also participated in the Bharat Bandh. West Bengal witnessed scattered disruptions, with rail and road blockades seen in places like Lalgola, Durgapur, Domjur, and Bandel. In Kolkata's Jadavpur and Lake Town areas, tyres were burnt and traffic came to a halt. There were minor scuffles between police and protesters as law enforcement tried to disperse crowds blocking roadways and rail tracks. Rail services from the Sealdah division were also affected. In Kerala, a state governed by the Left, the strike saw near-total compliance. Shops, offices, markets, and educational institutions remained shut. Public transport, including buses operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), stayed off the roads despite the Transport Minister's assurances. At some depots, CITU-affiliated workers blocked attempts to operate buses, leading to passenger chaos. In one incident in Adoor, a bus driver was seen wearing a helmet while driving amid tension. In Tamil Nadu, around 50 Left-wing activists attempted a rail blockade at Korukkupet in Chennai, demanding wage hikes and price control measures. Protests were also reported from Guindy and Anna Salai. Police detained some individuals after brief altercations with the officials. In Puducherry, a complete shutdown was observed as trade unions and parties of the INDIA bloc spearheaded the protest with a 21-point demand list, including scrapping of the new labour laws and measures to tackle youth unemployment. Punjab saw contract workers from Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC begin a three-day strike, with protests staged outside depots like the one in Pathankot. The workers are demanding that the government address their grievances without delay. In Bihar, the Opposition, which is holding a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, also attacked the Centre's anti-labour policies. Life was thrown into disarray as road blockades and burning tyres were reported near Danapur Court in Patna. Protesters also targeted the alleged manipulation in voter list revision, which they claimed would exclude marginalised groups. Opposition leaders lashed out at the Centre, accusing it of orchestrating the move via the Election Commission. The current mobilisation is the latest in a series of large-scale worker protests, following similar actions in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
New Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
10 lakh people go without ration as e-KYC wrecks 'access' in Gujarat
AHMEDABAD: The National Food Security Act mandates the State to guarantee food access for every citizen, from the womb stage to adulthood. However, the system meant to safeguard this right in Gujarat is cracking. Startling data from the State's own IPDS portal reveals that nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries were not able to receive ration during April, May, and June 2025, largely due to incomplete KYC formalities. This massive lapse exposes the gap between policy promises and on-ground delivery, leaving lakhs of vulnerable citizens battling hunger amid bureaucratic barriers. According to the Anna Suraksha Adhikar Abhiyan, the Centre's NDPS portal lists 3.82 crore beneficiaries in Gujarat. Yet, in the last three months, the number of actual beneficiaries has hovered between just 3.72 crore and 3.76 crore -- a shortfall of nearly 10 lakh people. The primary culprit behind this exclusion? Delays and glitches in mandatory e-KYC. But that's not the only red flag. The growing number of silent ration cards adds another layer of crisis. In the past three months alone, Gujarat has recorded over 4 lakh silent cards -- ration cards that get automatically deactivated if not used for three months. Anna Suraksha Adhikar Abhiyan Coordinator Pankti Jog said 'On paper, it looks like people have stopped collecting rations. However, on the ground, families claim they were turned away by ration dealers due to incomplete e-KYC — leaving them without food and branded inactive by the system.' 'This raises a sharp and pressing question: if people are being denied ration due to e-KYC issues and then their cards are marked silent, who is accountable for pushing lakhs into involuntary hunger? With each ration card typically linked to three or more family members, the real number of affected individuals could be over a million,' she said. In 2013, the Parliament passed the National Food Security Act (NFSA), aiming to bring every Indian, from children in Anganwadis to urban poor, under a legal food safety net. It brought under its ambit flagship schemes like the Mid-Day Meal, Anganwadi nutrition, and the Public Distribution System (PDS). Gujarat implemented the Act from April 1, 2016, promising subsidised grains — wheat at ₹2/kg, rice at ₹3/kg, and coarse grains at ₹1/kg — to 75% of its rural and 50% of its urban population. States were also allowed to expand this with pulses, gram, and oil for added nutrition. The month-on-month data reveals the cracks widening. In March 2025, out of 76,94,736 ration cards, 3,72,92,987 beneficiaries. But by April, even with a marginal increase to 77,01,339 ration cards, the number of beneficiaries slightly dipped to 3,72,71,559. May showed no major deviation, with 3,72,92,987 beneficiaries again, holding steady. However, the crisis exploded in June. Despite 73,99,129 ration cards in circulation, only 3,08,86,997 people received their entitlement. The burden of compliance fell squarely on the ration cardholders.
Indian Express
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
50% students left out of mid-day meal, Centre seeks report from state
A sharp decline in the number of students availing the Mid-Day Meal (PM-POSHAN) in West Bengal — 10 lakh fewer students availing the scheme in 2025-26 as compared to 2023-24 – points to increasing school dropouts in the state. According to the latest minutes of the Programme Approval Board (PAB) under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN), more than 40 per cent of enrolled students did not avail of the mid-day meal in 2024-25 in 15 districts of the state, with Cooch Behar having the least coverage of 46 per cent. Expressing 'serious concern' over this trend, the Additional Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of India, has sought a report from the West Bengal government by June 30. The PAB noted a reduction of 4.01 lakh in students' enrolment from 2023-24 to 2024-25, and a decrease of 8.04 lakh in actual student coverage. The state's proposed enrolment for 2025-26 has dropped by another 6 lakh students. 'The PAB expressed that efforts may be made to cover all the eligible students under the (Mid-Day Meal) scheme,' the minutes of PAB read. While coverage of the PM-Poshan at the pre-primary and primary levels stood at 78 per cent and 74 per cent, respectively, it fell sharply at the upper primary level to just 58 per cent according to the minute's data. According to the data, 1,13,44,146 students were enrolled in PM-POSHAN in 2024-25. However, only 77,91,946 — about 69 per cent — received meals. The numbers were worse in districts like Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Paschim Bardhaman, and North 24 Parganas districts, where less than half the enrolled students availed the meals. (See box) For 2025-26, the PAB has approved coverage for 80,16,881 students—7,25,624 in balvatika (pre-primary), 48,09,138 in primary, and 24,82,119 in upper primary classes, according to the minutes. The minutes also flagged irregularities in fund management. 'The PAB expressed concern that some schools, implementing agencies, and municipal corporations are still holding funds outside the Single Nodal Agency (SNA) accounts. The state has been advised to transfer these funds immediately and take action against officials responsible for the delays and violations of Government of India guidelines,' the minutes noted. Sources in the state School Education Department cited an increased dropout rate, especially at the upper primary level, as a key reason for the falling numbers. 'It is common practice to avail maximum funds. Sometimes the state gives increased numbers as enrolled students. But, in this case, the actual number of students is much less, which means dropout rates have increased in the state education system,' said a senior official of the state education department. He added that frequent long vacations, decreasing school days, and a widening teacher-student ratio due to unfilled vacancies have all contributed to students leaving the system. Atri Mitra is a Special Correspondent of The Indian Express with more than 20 years of experience in reporting from West Bengal, Bihar and the North-East. He has been covering administration and political news for more than ten years and has a keen interest in political development in West Bengal. Atri holds a Master degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University and Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. He is also an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. He started his career with leading vernacular daily the Anandabazar Patrika, and worked there for more than fifteen years. He worked as Bihar correspondent for more than three years for Anandabazar Patrika. He covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections. He also worked with News18-Bangla and covered the Bihar Lok Sabha election in 2019. ... Read More
Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Study Under PM Poshan Scheme Highlights Potential of UHT Milk in Boosting Nutrition in School Children
NewsVoir Chandigarh [India], May 29: A new study conducted under the PM Poshan (formerly Mid-Day Meal) scheme has revealed overwhelming acceptance of UHT (Ultra High Temperature) milk among schoolchildren reinforcing the potential of packaged milk in India's school nutrition programs. The study surveyed 4,484 children (ages 3-13) and 57 key stakeholders, including parents, school administrators, and program coordinators across Chandigarh. "Ensuring access to safe and nutritious milk in schools can be a game-changer for childhood development," said a Verka spokesperson. "This study confirms the strong acceptance of UHT milk among students and makes a compelling case for expanding school milk programs across India. By scaling up distribution and integrating milk's nutritional benefits, we can address key public health challenges like malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Stakeholder collaboration remains crucial to ensuring the success of such initiatives." Key Findings: * 80% of students rated the cardamom-flavored UHT milk from Verka as highly satisfactory. * 69% of children recognized multiple health benefits of milk, with 22% associating it primarily with strong bones. * 44% of students consumed milk more than four times a week, while 38% had it two to four times weekly. * 82% of children responsibly disposed of empty milk packets in designated bins, reinforcing positive environmental habits. The study--conducted by Verka in collaboration with Punjab University, the Department of Education (Chandigarh), Tetra Pak, and NGO Yuvsatta--underscores the effectiveness of aseptic UHT milk packaging. This packaging technology ensures food safety and extends shelf life without refrigeration, making it an ideal solution for large-scale school meal programs. The study calls for an increase in milk distribution days, enhanced awareness campaigns on milk's nutritional benefits, and the addition of complementary nutritious foods to improve overall dietary diversity. Regular monitoring and continuous stakeholder engagement are also recommended to strengthen program implementation. School Milk Program by Verka Milk Fed Punjab's Verka brand recently piloted a school milk program to support the PM Poshan scheme in schools. Through this initiative, students in Chandigarh received nutritious milk in Tetra Pak cartons. After consumption, these used cartons were collected by a local NGO and collection agencies and recycled into various useful items such as notebooks, planters, school desks and more. To encourage milk consumption among school kids, Verka made milk available in cardamom (elaichi) flavor to begin with, making it more appealing to children. In addition to providing much needed nutrition to children, this school milk initiative served as an educational opportunity for children, teaching them the importance of responsible consumption and planet-friendly practices like recycling. Global Context: A Growing Case for School Milk Programs The International Dairy Federation (IDF) advocates for school milk programs as a solution to nutritional deficiencies and food education--helping millions of children worldwide understand the impact of food on health, society, and the environment. Countries like USA and China have successfully integrated milk into their school meal programs, significantly improving childhood nutrition and academic performance. India now has an opportunity to scale its school feeding programs by fostering partnerships between government bodies, dairy cooperatives like Verka, and technology providers such as Tetra Pak. With the right ecosystem, the country can create a sustainable and impactful model for school nutrition, ensuring better health outcomes for future generations. To access the full report, please visit the Verka website
Fashion Value Chain
29-05-2025
- Health
- Fashion Value Chain
Study Under PM Poshan Scheme Highlights Potential of UHT Milk in Boosting Nutrition in School Children
A new study conducted under the PM Poshan (formerly Mid-Day Meal) scheme has revealed overwhelming acceptance of UHT (Ultra High Temperature) milk among schoolchildren reinforcing the potential of packaged milk in India's school nutrition programs. The study surveyed 4,484 children (ages 3-13) and 57 key stakeholders, including parents, school administrators, and program coordinators across Chandigarh. Verka study: UHT milk widely accepted by Chandigarh schoolkids 'Ensuring access to safe and nutritious milk in schools can be a game-changer for childhood development,' said a Verka spokesperson. 'This study confirms the strong acceptance of UHT milk among students and makes a compelling case for expanding school milk programs across India. By scaling up distribution and integrating milk's nutritional benefits, we can address key public health challenges like malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Stakeholder collaboration remains crucial to ensuring the success of such initiatives.' Key Findings: 80% of students rated the cardamom-flavored UHT milk from Verka as highly satisfactory. 69% of children recognized multiple health benefits of milk, with 22% associating it primarily with strong bones. 44% of students consumed milk more than four times a week, while 38% had it two to four times weekly. 82% of children responsibly disposed of empty milk packets in designated bins, reinforcing positive environmental habits. The study-conducted by Verka in collaboration with Punjab University, the Department of Education (Chandigarh), Tetra Pak, and NGO Yuvsatta-underscores the effectiveness of aseptic UHT milk packaging. This packaging technology ensures food safety and extends shelf life without refrigeration, making it an ideal solution for large-scale school meal programs. The study calls for an increase in milk distribution days, enhanced awareness campaigns on milk's nutritional benefits, and the addition of complementary nutritious foods to improve overall dietary diversity. Regular monitoring and continuous stakeholder engagement are also recommended to strengthen program implementation. School Milk Program by Verka Milk Fed Punjabs Verka brand recently piloted a school milk program to support the PM Poshan scheme in schools. Through this initiative, students in Chandigarh received nutritious milk in Tetra Pak cartons. After consumption, these used cartons were collected by a local NGO and collection agencies and recycled into various useful items such as notebooks, planters, school desks and more. To encourage milk consumption among school kids, Verka made milk available in cardamom (elaichi) flavor to begin with, making it more appealing to children. In addition to providing much needed nutrition to children, this school milk initiative served as an educational opportunity for children, teaching them the importance of responsible consumption and planet-friendly practices like recycling. Global Context: A Growing Case for School Milk Programs The International Dairy Federation (IDF) advocates for school milk programs as a solution to nutritional deficiencies and food education-helping millions of children worldwide understand the impact of food on health, society, and the environment. Countries like USA and China have successfully integrated milk into their school meal programs, significantly improving childhood nutrition and academic performance. India now has an opportunity to scale its school feeding programs by fostering partnerships between government bodies, dairy cooperatives like Verka, and technology providers such as Tetra Pak. With the right ecosystem, the country can create a sustainable and impactful model for school nutrition, ensuring better health outcomes for future generations. To access the full report, please visit the Verka website
