National
LS passes bill allowing construction near protected monuments
New Delhi, Jan 2 (IANS) A Bill allowing construction within 100 metres of ancient and protected monuments was passed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2017 amends a provision in the existing Act prohibiting construction in “prohibited areas” – defined as 100 metres around the monument – even if it is for public purposes.
The proposed amendment allows civil construction for pubic purpose in the “prohibited areas” but after official permission and under certain conditions.
The Bill also holds that “public works”, which includes construction of any infrastructure financed and carried out by the Central government necessary for public safety and security, will only be allowed after considering the archaeological, visual and heritage impact on the protected monument.
“The work on the projects will only be allowed in case when it benefits the country and not an individual or any private organisation. The works in prohibited areas will be allowed when there were no other options,” Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma told the members.
The Minister also said that there have been many cases where norms have been violated by the state governments and illegal construction within the “prohibited area” was encouraged like the flyover near Emperor Akbar’s tomb in Sikandra, construction of pool in Kolhapur, Akkana Madana in Vijaywada, construction at Sarnath and others.
He said 24 monuments are “missing” due to encroachments, while 321 are already marred by illegal encroachment and currently the Archaeological Survey of India has 3,686 monuments under its observation.
“Demolition notices has been served for 12 such tombs to clear off the encroachment… and attempts are being made to protect all such heritage properties which are under encroachment,” the minister added.
–IANS
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National
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Lucknow: Vishal Singh, a renowned social worker from Lucknow, also known as Foodman, has once again made India proud. He was honored by the Happy Hands Gloves Cooperative Limited Company in Korathai, Thailand, for his work with the Hunger Free World Mission.
The Hunger Free World Mission’s meeting was held in Korathai, Thailand, under Vishal Singh’s leadership. Representatives from several countries, including Mr. Raja Dwivedi (Managing Director of Happy Hands Gloves Limited), Thailand Coordinator Mr. Raja Mishra, and member Mr. Varun Singh, attended the event.
Under Vishal Singh’s leadership, the attendees took a pledge to work together toward creating a hunger-free world.
Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Singh explained that the main goal of the Hunger Free World Mission is social participation. He said the mission is not just about feeding people but also about meeting other basic needs of those who are struggling. The mission focuses on helping families of terminally ill patients in hospitals by providing food and shelter. It also works to fulfill essential needs like education, jobs, and care for the elderly.
For the last 16 years, the Vijay Sri Foundation has been providing free services, benefiting thousands of people. Vishal Singh highlighted that the mission aims to gain global recognition like other organizations such as WHO, WWF, and Red Cross, which work for social causes.
During this meeting, Vishal Singh was appointed as the Chairman of the Hunger Free World Mission by representatives from various countries. They also discussed holding regular meetings in different countries to push the mission forward.
Business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has also supported this humanitarian mission, vowing to promote the idea of “Seva Parmo Dharma” (Service is the highest duty) worldwide. Vishal Singh praised him, stating that people like Dr .Abhishek Verma inspire others to work for the betterment of society.
Recently, Romania’s Ambassador, Mr . Daniela Sezonov Ţane, invited Vishal Singh to the Romanian Embassy in Delhi, where they discussed the mission in detail. Impressed by his humanitarian work, she honored Vishal Singh and invited him to Romania to take the mission forward .
Food man Vishal Singh has been serving the people of India for the past 16 years. Through the Vijay Sri Foundation, he provides free meals to cancer patients & their families ,shelter, and education for women & children along with running free old-age homes in Lucknow.
In addition to his humanitarian work, Vishal Singh also addresses issues like crime and corruption through his role as Chairman of Seva Path Media and Managing Director of Vijay Sri Foundation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vishal Singh and his team worked tirelessly to provide food and help to the needy, including starving children, elderly citizens, and pregnant women. Despite contracting the virus himself, he continued to assist others after his recovery. He even created a life-saving oxygen regulator using household items, which was praised by doctors both in India and abroad.
In his address at the meeting, Vishal Singh spoke about his mission to create a hunger-free world. He pointed out that India’s large population, along with issues like unemployment and poverty, has caused the country to fall on the Hunger Index. He urged people to contribute just one handful of grains daily to help create a hunger-free world.
He concluded by saying that through social participation, we can empower the people around us, meet their basic needs, and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous, and developed society.