Latest news with #RavinderIndrajSingh
India Today
3 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Delhi minister urges universities to declare campuses drug-free zones
In a strong step toward combating substance abuse, Delhi's Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh has written to all vice-chancellors of universities in the capital, urging them to declare their campuses as 'Drug-Free Zones' and form 'Nasha Mukti Clubs' to spread awareness among appeal was made ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26. The Minister's letter highlights the vital role educational institutions play in shaping a drug-free future for TO TAKE LEAD IN ANTI-DRUG INITIATIVEThe Minister stated that drug addiction poses a grave threat not just to individuals but also to families and society. In his letter, Singh called on universities to become the 'first line of defence' in preventing drug abuse. He outlined a number of key actions universities must take:Establishing Nasha Mukti Clubs on each campus to lead peer-driven awareness campaignsDeclaring campuses as Drug-Free Zones, with visible signage and strict enforcement policiesAppointing nodal officers to coordinate all anti-drug effortsUploading all activities and progress reports to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) portal for proper monitoringENGAGING STUDENTS THROUGH CREATIVE OUTREACHTo boost participation and awareness, the Minister encouraged universities to organise student-friendly activities. These include street plays, short video competitions, cultural programmes, and sports events to spread the anti-drug message in an engaging alumni, and even social media influencers have been urged to take part in the campaign, helping to maximise its outreach.A dedicated WhatsApp group for nodal officers will also be created to coordinate efforts and share updates in Minister also reminded institutions to enforce the ban on the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of campus TO HOST MEGA EVENT ON JUNE 26To further promote the cause, the Delhi government organised a large-scale awareness event on June 26 at 9 am at the Yamuna Sports Complex. The event is expected to attract significant participation from students, faculty, and members of civil campaign is part of the nationwide Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, spearheaded by the Government of India to reduce drug demand and create a healthier society.- Ends
NDTV
4 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Declare Campuses Drug-Free, Form Nasha Mukti Clubs: Delhi Minister Writes To Universities
Ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26th, Delhi's Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh has now written to vice-chancellors of all universities in the capital, urging them to actively support the state's drug prevention campaign. The Minister has called for the immediate formation of 'Nasha Mukti Clubs' across campuses and the official declaration of university premises as Drug-Free Zones. In the letter, the Minister emphasised the critical role of the educational institutions in shaping a drug-free future for Delhi. "The dream of a healthy, empowered, and drug-free Delhi can only be achieved with strong public and institutional participation," he wrote. The initiative is part of the wider 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA)', a national campaign led by the Government of India for drug demand reduction. The Minister also invited university students to attend the mega event being organised by the state government at 9 am at the Yamuna Sports Complex. The event is expected to see widespread participation from students, educators, and civil society members. Universities Urged To take Lead In Anti-Drug Action The Minister in his letter has highlighted that drug addiction poses a serious threat not just to individuals, but to families and society at large. "Universities must act as the first line of defense against this menace," he said, urging institutions to take proactive measures such as: Establishing Nasha Mukti Clubs to create awareness and promote peer-led initiatives. Declaring campuses as Drug-Free Zones with visible signages and policy enforcement. Appointing dedicated nodal officers to coordinate anti-drug activities. Uploading progress and initiatives on the NMBA portal/app for monitoring and impact assessment. Engaging student volunteers, alumni networks, and social media influencers to amplify the campaign's outreach. Creative activities like street plays, short video contests, cultural events, and sports competitions to involve students in spreading awareness in an engaging manner. Further, institutions have been asked to ensure strict compliance with the ban on the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of campus boundaries. Coordinated Effort For A Drug-Free Delhi The Department of Social Welfare, acting as the nodal agency for drug demand reduction in Delhi, will create a dedicated WhatsApp group for university nodal officers to share campaign-related information, photographs, and progress updates. This, the Minister said, will enable better coordination and monitoring.
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Rs 5,000 as aid to those caring for differently abled likely soon in Delhi
A financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to caretakers and attendants of people suffering from over 80% or above disability is likely to be provided soon by the Delhi government in a first-of-its-kind initiative, officials have said. 'This is going to be the first such scheme in the Capital where the caretakers will also receive financial assistance from the government…,' Delhi Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh said. 'A proposal has been prepared in this regard, and it was already discussed in the Cabinet meeting once… Some changes are being made. Once it is ready, the proposal will be presented before the Cabinet again for approval and further implementation,' he added. The Capital, the Minister said, has 1,000 such families with people having 80% or above disability, and who are completely dependent on their family members and others. For an accurate figure, however, the department is also planning to conduct a survey so that only those eligible can avail the benefits under the proposed scheme. 'This is a first-of-its-kind proposal not only in Delhi but across the country,' a senior official said. The Social Welfare Department's existing pension scheme provides persons with over 40% disability a monthly aid of Rs 2,500. As per official data, about 1.5 lakh specially-abled people are availing this pension scheme. However, no assistance is provided to their caregivers. 'The aim behind this scheme is to ensure that there is no negligence in the care of such persons with disabilities, especially those from economically weaker sections. Also, the attendants receive some financial support… because well-to-do families have separate nurses or caretakers to take care of such persons…But the case is different in poor families, so this scheme will help them financially,' the senior official added. Officials said the caretakers can be parents, siblings, or anyone who is taking care of the differently abled. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Social Welfare Minister also inspected the under-construction building for mentally challenged individuals in Narela on Friday. Once completed, individuals currently residing in overcrowded shelter homes like Asha Kiran Home in Rohini will be relocated here. The building, located within the Nursing College Hostel premises and the Primary Urban Health Centre campus in Narela, will accommodate 220 differently abled residents. This facility is expected to be operational within three months. The Minister directed the officials to ensure the building is wheelchair-friendly and there is no encroachment around the premises, so that ambulance movement does not face any obstruction. Indraj also said that multiple facilities are being developed across the city for differently abled people. Once the facilities in Mamurpur and Dallupura are completed, they will significantly improve access to services, safety, and healthcare for the differently abled, he added.
NDTV
05-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Delhi Minister Orders Officials To Clear Old Age Pension Cases In 15 Days
New Delhi: Delhi minister Ravinder Indraj Singh on Wednesday directed district social welfare officials to clear all pending cases under the Old Age Pension scheme within 15 days, an official statement said. Chairing a meeting with officials of his department, the Social Welfare minister instructed them to ensure strict adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure timely delivery of benefits under various welfare schemes, the statement said. Mr Singh said he recently conducted surprise inspections at several district offices and interacted with beneficiaries, during which multiple complaints were received. "Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has clearly instructed that every citizen and beneficiary visiting district offices must be given full support. Applications should be processed within the set timeline and pension payments must be made on time," he said. Mr Singh also asked officials to expedite decisions on applications under the Family Assistance Scheme and other similar programmes, adding that most beneficiaries under pension and social welfare schemes come from economically weaker and marginalised communities. "They should not be forced to visit offices repeatedly. District offices represent the government and people's experiences at these centres must be positive and respectful," he said. The minister further said he will continue to conduct unannounced inspections at both district offices and the department's headquarters. Mr Singh asked senior officers to take strict action against any official found responsible for delays or negligence based on complaints.
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
4K sanitation workers in Delhi to get PPE kits with 42 safety items
NEW DELHI: As the monsoon approaches, the Delhi government has announced the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to nearly 4,000 manual scavengers across the city, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at improving safety conditions for sanitation workers. The move comes under the Centre's 'Namaste' (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme, launched in 2023-24 to promote secure, mechanised and dignified sanitation practices. Each PPE kit will contain 42 safety items, including gas masks, helmets with lights, gloves, gumboots, protective suits, and barrier creams designed to guard against hazardous gases and skin infections. The kits are expected to be distributed before the onset of heavy rains, when manual sewer and septic tank cleaning becomes most dangerous. Delhi's Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh said that directives had been issued to ensure all sanitation workers are also enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. Departments have been instructed to speed up training and rehabilitation programmes and establish Emergency Response Sanitation Units. District magistrates have been told to settle all pending compensation cases related to sewer deaths in a time-bound manner. 'The safety of every sanitation worker is our priority. They must have access to PPE kits and health insurance before the monsoon,' Singh said. However, the announcement has sparked criticism from activists who argue that the state should move beyond temporary safety measures. Bezwada Wilson, founder of the Safai Karamchari Andolan, welcomed the distribution of safety gear but said it doesn't address the root of the problem. 'This step is welcome, but it still does not prevent the deaths of manual scavengers,' Wilson said, calling for the complete mechanisation of sewer cleaning in compliance with the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. Wilson also highlighted grim statistics: 102 manual scavengers died in 2023, 116 in 2024, and 30 have died in 2025 so far, including four deaths in Delhi alone. 'The focus must shift from protective gear to ending the practice altogether,' Wilson stressed.
