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Congress attacks government over Gujarat move to give relief to power companies
New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The Congress on Wednesday attacked the Modi government over Gujarat government’s move to set up a commission to give relief to power companies, saying it will burden the people and was in violation of a Supreme Court verdict.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi claims he doesn’t fear to be seen with industrialists because he is honest. But we have seen many instances of his crony capitalism,” said senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh while addressing a press conference.
He said in February 2007, the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) signed a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) for 4850 MW power from three companies.
He said the agreement stated that the three companies would provide power to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana.
Ramesh said according to the agreement, the price of electricity should range between Rs 2.40 to Rs 2.80 per unit.
“The electricity production began in 2007. And five years later, in 2012, these companies requested for increase in price and refused to produce it on the agreed price,” the Congress leader said.
The companies, he said, stated that they cannot provide electricity at the agreed prices and gave an application.
“The matter was debated for over five years at different levels in the state and at Centre. And then the matter finally reached Supreme Court, which in its April 11, 2017 verdict said that the companies’ request does not hold any validity,” he said.
“After the verdict, the Gujarat government issues a notification on July 3, 2018, stating that it would form a three-member commission on the directions of the Central government and sought suggestion on how to provide relief to the three companies,” he said.
“This notification is in direct violation of the Supreme Court verdict. The Central and Gujarat governments should be held for contempt of court,” he said.
He also said that if the three-member commission suggests giving relief to these companies, then it would be a burden upon five states that are purchasing electricity from Gujarat.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.