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Ancient monuments Bill goes to panel for more scrutiny

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New Delhi, July 25 (IANS) The government on Wednesday agreed to form a select committee to scrutinise the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill but confusion remained whether it would be passed this monsoon session.

As soon as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel rose to speak about sending the Bill to a select committee, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad opposed him, saying “it has to be in the next session”.

Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu urged Azad to let the minister move the motion but he did not relent and opposed it.

“It will be in a rush, and it will be passed. Which select committee has given its report in seven days,” he asked even as the Chairman assured him that it would not be passed.

Goel said it was agreed upon that at least 10 days should be given as sought by the deputy leader of the Congress. “We are ready to extend it by two more days,” he said.

Goel also said that the government has tried to ensure representation of almost every party in the committee.

Congress member Anand Sharma said the Bill needs parliamentary scrutiny.

“If the government feels the necessity to bring the amendment, that justification has to be established through scrutiny of Parliament. The select committee will call experts and all the stakeholders,” he said.

He also raised the issue of representation of political parties in the committee.

As the matter generated heat, Naidu gave directions to the government saying “Rework, discuss and come tomorrow.”

The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on July 25 by Minister of State for Culture Mahesh Sharma, but it could not be taken up as the Opposition members, including the Congress, protested and demanded that it be sent to a select committee.

The demand was supported by the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Left parties, the DMK, the RJD and others.

The Chairman then took sense of the House and asked the Parliamentary Affairs Minister to discuss the issue with all the political parties and come back to the House.

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 18, 2017 by Mahesh Sharma and was passed by the Lower House in January. Since then it is pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The Act defines a ‘prohibited area’ as an area of 100 meters around a protected monument. The Central government can extend the prohibited area beyond 100 meters.

The Act does not permit construction in such prohibited areas, except under certain conditions. It also does not allow construction in ‘prohibited areas’ even if it is for public purposes.

The Bill amends this provision to permit construction of public works in ‘prohibited areas.’

–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

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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.

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