Latest news with #P.Prasad
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Country enduring an ‘undeclared emergency', says CPI-ML leader
CPI-ML (New Democracy) official representative P. Prasad has alleged that an 'undeclared emergency' is being implemented in India now, five decades after then Indira Gandhi government had declared Emergency. Participating in a seminar against 'Fascism', organised by the CPI-ML (ND) Area Committee of Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts, at the Visakhapatnam Public Library on Thursday, Mr. Prasad alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's actions were being controlled by corporate groups. He alleged that Adivasis, Dalits and Muslims were being depicted as enemies of the nation and the people were being misled. He recalled during the Emergency 50 years ago, 1.70 lakh people were arrested and 19,000 were jailed. Human Rights Forum (HRF) State coordinator V.S. Krishna alleged that the Modi government had dumped the Constitution after assuming power.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Become job creators rather than jobseekers, Governor urges KAU graduates
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar called upon graduates of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) to strive to become job creators rather than jobseekers. The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university, was addressing the university's convocation ceremony here on Thursday where degrees were awarded to 1,039 students across fields of agriculture, engineering, forestry and related disciplines. Highlighting the need for a shift in the mindset of the youth, the Governor urged the students to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, especially in the light of rising unemployment. 'A secure job might sometimes lead to secure poverty, whereas those willing to take risks could open the doors to prosperity,' he said. He stressed that every individual had a role in achieving India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Encouraging students to think differently, he pointed out the growing opportunities in the agricultural sector and said the youth should approach this space with courage, vision, and entrepreneurial intent. The Governor added that both the Union and State governments had introduced various schemes to support agri-entrepreneurs. The university's incubation centres and entrepreneurship development programmes would provide guidance and support to students stepping into this field, he said. He also stressed the importance of promoting natural farming methods in the State to ensure the production of pesticide-free food. Minister for Agriculture and university Pro-Chancellor P. Prasad, who presided over the event, noted that advancements in digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, had significantly improved productivity and reduced manual effort in agriculture. 'The government is working to adopt these innovations in the State's farming practices, with the university playing a central role in this transformation.' The Minister reminded the graduates that agriculture was a socially critical sector and emphasised their responsibility in uplifting the socio-economic condition of farmers. 'We should never forget the soil or the farmers. Without them, life itself is unsustainable,' he said, urging the graduates to dedicate their knowledge and skills to solving real-world challenges faced by the farmers. The Governor handed over a financial contribution of ₹25 lakh from the university for Wayanad disaster relief to the Agriculture Minister. The university also conferred honorary doctorates on Kadambot Siddique, Hackett Professor at the University of Western Australia; and Paul Thomas, managing director and Chief Executive Officer of ESAF Small Finance Bank; in recognition of their contributions. A student declaration against dowry was presented to the Governor by the Agriculture Minister, and a university resolution against drug abuse was handed over by Vice-Chancellor B. Ashok. Awards for academic excellence in each discipline were distributed jointly by the Governor and the Minister. Registrar Shakir Hussain, and Deans Roy Stephen, P.R. Jayan, and T.K. Kunjamu were among those present.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day observed
The Social Justice department organised a programme to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Government Old Age Home, Mayithara, on Sunday. It was inaugurated by Agriculture Minister P. Prasad. Mr. Prasad said elderly people deserve society's respect and protection. 'It is everyone's responsibility to ensure this. Elderly individuals should not face any difficulties, either in society or at home. It is important for every person, starting from their student days, to understand the importance of caring for the elderly. The government is implementing various initiatives in this regard. The younger generation should recognise that they too will grow old one day, and therefore, there should be no hesitation in ensuring care and happiness for elderly family members,' the Minister said. A torch-lit rally was organised on the occasion. Kanjikuzhy block panchayat president V.G. Mohanan presided.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Second phase of groyne construction gains momentum
The second phase of groyne field (pulimuttu) construction using tetrapods along the Alappuzha coast is making progress. Forty-one groyne fields are being constructed by the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC) at a total cost of Rs. 107.8 crore sanctioned under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). Nineteen groynes with a total length of 1.8 km are coming up at Kakkazhom-Valajavazhi in the Ambalapuzha Assembly constituency, nine each at Ottamassery (960 m) in Cherthala and Kattoor-Polletahi (1 km) in Alappuzha and four at Nellanikkal (450 m) in Haripad. While the construction of groynes had already begun at Kakkazhom-Valajavazhi, Kattoor-Polletahi and Nellanikkal, work at Ottamassery was kick-started in the last week of May. 'We expect the work to gain momentum by next week,' said a KIIDC official. Ottamassery is the area most affected by sea surges in the Cherthala Assembly constituency, with 12 houses destroyed in recent years. The project to protect the coastline was conceived in 2021. Initially, an amount of ₹16 crore was sanctioned for constructing groyne fields at Ottamassery, but it proved insufficient. Following the intervention of Agriculture Minister P. Prasad, KIIFB sanctioned additional funds for the project. Though approval was granted based on a revised estimate of ₹30 crore, work was again stalled due to difficulties in procuring granite stones. Stones are now being transported from Konni in Pathanamthitta. In the first phase, KIIDC constructed 114 groynes with a total length of 11.26 km at five places — Kattoor, Ambalapuzha, Arattupuzha, Vattachal and Pathiyankara – at a cost of ₹223.18 crore sanctioned under KIIFB. The groynes were constructed using tetrapods weighing two and five tonnes. After laying granite stones of different sizes, tetrapods were placed on top. Groyne fields, built 100 m apart in areas prone to severe sea surges, were designed not to hamper the flow of floodwaters into the sea through existing channels. The groynes, which extend from the shore into the sea, are helping reduce the impact of waves and prevent coastal erosion.
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
CPI(ML) New Democracy criticises Union government for not handing over the bodies of Maoist leaders to their families
CPI (ML) New Democracy's State official spokesperson and Indian Federation of Trade Unions State president P. Prasad on Saturday accused the Union government of violating Constitution norms and basic human rights by refusing to hand over the bodies of Maoist leaders who were killed in encounters in Chhattisgarh and other places. The party organised a condolence meeting in Srikakulam and recalled the services of Maoist top leaders Nambala Keshava Rao, Sudhakar and others who were killed recently in Operation Kagar launched by the Union government. Speaking on the occasion, he said that completion of last rites was the wish of every family but it was denied by the Union government. He said that the Maoist leaders dedicated their lives for the people's rights while ignoring their own families for many decades. Mr. Prasad said that the government cannot kill the ideology of Maoism with its special operations like Kagar and others. CPI (ML) New Democracy Srikakulam district secretary Tandra Prakash and the party assistant secretary Vankala Madhavarao alleged that the government not handed over Keshavarao's body to his family members in spite of the Andhra Pradesh High Court's order. Several leaders, including Tirupati Rao (CPI), Rao (CPIM) and Tandra Aruna (CPI-ML), offered tributes to the portrait of Keshavarao.
