UPA privatised taxpayers' money, nationalised corruption: Sitharaman

by Argus News

New Delhi, March 16: In a strong counter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the government's privatisation policy, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday that the previous UPA regime was the epitome of corruption, which privatised taxpayers' money besides nationalising corruption.

Rahul Gandhi had alleged in a tweet on Tuesday that selling public sector banks to cronies will compromise the country's financial security. "Government of India (GOI) is privatising profit and nationalising loss. Selling PSBs to Modi cronies gravely compromises India's financial security," Gandhi tweeted.

Sitharaman said that privatising taxpayers' money is what the UPA did for the betterment of one family. Referring to the bank nationalisation carried out during the tenure of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the Finance Minister alleged that the UPA had nationalised loss making.

"In fact, they (UPA) nationalised corruption," she said.

Sitharaman said that as the leader of the main opposition party, Rahul Gandhi should engage in serious discussions rather than throwing two-liners.
Earlier, the Finance Minister had defended the government's privatisation policy, which also involves privatising two public sector banks. She said that even after privatisation, each entity would perform for the betterment of the economy.

She said the country needs banks that can scale up operations by bringing private capital into the segment. "It has not been a quick decision (to privatise)... the interests of the workers would be protected," she said.

The Finance Minister's statement came even as about 10 lakh employees of public sector banks are observing a two-day strike stating March 15, opposing the government's bank privatisation plan.
(IANS)

Investigation Agencies Free To Act Against Illegal Activities: Anurag Thakur

by Sabyasachi Kundu

Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said on Tuesday that the central investigation agencies are free to carry out action against anyone involved in illegal activities.

“The investigative agencies probe if anyone does anything wrong. It is not written anywhere that the agencies can’t initiate any probe even if you have received money through illegal means which is objectionable. Investigative agencies are free and they take action as per the rules,” said Thakur answering a query on the raids on NewsClick and its journalists by the Special Cell of Delhi Police.

Addressing a Press conference, Thakur urged the Odisha government to ensure speedy and better implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission that can bring significant changes to the lives of women.

“I would like to request the state government to ensure speedy and proper implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission,” Thakur said.

He also stated that all the schemes of the Centre are meant for the welfare of the poor, especially for the welfare of women.

Thakur emphasised that by passing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Bill, the Modi Government has delivered the promise of 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and state Assemblies ensuring the empowerment of women leadership in the country.

“As per data, the Modi Government has given several times more funds to Odisha than the UPA Government. It cooperated with the state in the process of development,” Thakur added.

“During the G20 more than 200 meetings were held in 60 cities in different states and union territories showcasing the art and traditions of the country which will boost the tourism sector. Odisha will also benefit from the economic corridor connecting Europe through Arab countries,” Thakur asserted.

He also claimed the tax collection in Odisha increased following the enactment of GST by the Modi Government. (IANS)

ALSO READ: Modi Govt Has Allocated More Funds To Odisha: Union Minister Anurag Thakur

Shouts Of Thalaivar.. Thalaivar, As Rajinikanth Arrives In Thiruvananthapuram

by Manisha Das

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 3: Superstar Rajinikanth arrived to a rousing welcome at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport here on Tuesday afternoon.

Hundreds of his fans were waiting outside the arrival lounge and as soon as he emerged rounded up with security personnel, his fans started shouting Thalaivar... Thalaivar and instantly he responded with folded hands and a beaming smile.

The Tamil superstar unlike his counterparts here, always maintains a low profile in public space and it was after the shouts rendered the air, people waiting in the airport realised that it was Rajinikanth and then there was a commotion to have one glimpse of the actor.

After speaking with those who came to receive him, he drove away in the car that had come to pick him up.

An airport woman staff was overjoyed to see her favorite actor at close quarters.

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“Yes I am really excited and happy... I was able to see him at very close quarters,” said the airport staff.

The Tamil superstar will be in state capital for the next 10 days for the shoot of his next film tentatively titled 'Thalaivar 170'.

This is the first time in his career that he is shooting for a film in the state capital city.

The film also stars Kerala actors Manju Warrier and Fahad Fazil.

(IANS)

Also Read: Entertainment News

Odisha Lost 753 Jumbos & Big Cats In Past 8 Yrs; 602 Persons Killed In Animal-Human Conflicts

by Sabyasachi Kundu

Odisha Lost 753 Jumbos and Big Cats In Past 8 Yrs; 602 Persons Killed In Animal-Human Conflicts

Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: As many as 753 elephants, leopards and Royal Bengal Tigers (RBTs) died in Odisha in the last eight years between 2015-16 and 2023-24.

This was informed by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Pradip Kumar Amat in the Assembly today.

According to the Minister, as many as 698 elephants, 48 leopards and seven RBTs have died in the state during the eight years.

The deaths of the animals were caused by diseases, electrocution, train accidents, road mishaps, poaching and other reasons.
While replying to another related question, the Minister told the House, " In the past five years (2018-19 to 2022-23), 602 persons died due to elephant-human conflicts."

Moreover, 127 domestic animals were killed due to the elephant menace. As many as 9,611 houses were damaged by the jumbos in this period, the Minister said.