National
Special package for Andhra Pradesh to be finalised soon: Jaitley
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday that the entre was sympathetically working on all issues concerning Andhra Pradesh and a decision on a special package would be finalised over next few days.
Jaitley, who was replying to the debate on the general budget for 2017-18 in the Lok Sabha, told agitating members from Andhra Pradesh including those from the ruling Telugu Desam Party, a NDA constituent, that a package was promised to the people of Andhra after Telangana was carved out of it, and while several parts of the package had been implemented, some work was being done.
Many institutions had gone to Telangana and funds have been given to a several institutions being created in Andhra Pradesh and will “continue to be given as these are built (further),” he said, adding that the Central governmenthas made some payments for backward districts development and was also assisting in the Polavaram project.
Jaitley said the state wants the amount in lieu of special package to come as externally aided projects. “The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh wrote to me saying that this should be given through Nabard,” he said.
He said an arrangement has been worked out and the officers of the state have to inform the Expenditure Department about their acceptability.
Jaitley said the government will expedite it “as soon as we get consent of state government”.
Referring to the state’s demand concerning revenue deficit, he said it was expecting more and the Central government was trying to bridge the gap.
“It will be worked out in the course of next couple of days,” he said.
On the issues pertaining to Railway and Petroleum Ministries, he said the government was in discussion with them and “our friends from Andhra Pradesh” to try to find out best solution.
“We will try and do it extremely early. We are very sympathetic to the people of Andhra Pradesh and would look into each one of these issues expeditiously,” he said.
Jaitley, who faced interruptions from Congress members over his remarks pertaining to Rafale fighter aircraft deal, had to tell the protesting members from Andhra Pradesh to come near him to listen.
The two houses on Thursday continued to witness protest from the members of the TDP and YSR Congress over demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh and other financial benefits to the state.
In Lok Sabha, members of the two parties again staged separate protests, forcing a brief adjournment during Question Hour while the Rajya Sabha witnessed pandemonium over the issue even as the attempts to resolve the issue by Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu failed.
–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.