First India 02022023.pdf

1. INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH GREEN GROWTH GOVERNANCE FOCUS YOUTH POWER FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT AGRICULTURE DIGITAL INFRA JAIPUR l THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 l Pages 14 l 3.00 l RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764 l Vol 4 l Issue No. 237 UNION BUDGET 2023-24 UNION BUDGET 2023 ‘DISAPPOINTING’ FOR RAJASTHAN, SAYS CM First India Bureau Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday termed the Union Budget disappointing. He said while budget provides additional funds for an irri- gation scheme in Kar- nataka, it has not given national status to East Rajasthan Canal Project. He claimed Budget allotted `5,300 crore to the Upper Bhadra Irriga- tion Project in Karna- taka keeping the coming elections in mind and accused the Centre of being “step-motherly” towards Rajasthan. “If the Union Budget istalkedaboutinthecon- text of Rajasthan, then it was very disappointing. The people of the state aredisappointedbecause the central government did not accept our just demandof givingnation- al status to the ERCP , an importantprojectrelated to the development of Rajasthan,” Gehlot said. More on P10 CRUCIAL READ Gehlot: Centre did not accept the only demand of giving nat’l status to ERCP Last full Union Budget before 2024 Lok Sabha elections ticks all boxes ‘ALL INCLUSIVE’ BUDGET! Rahul Gandhi @RahulGandhi ‘Mitr Kaal’ Budget has: NO vision to create Jobs, NO plan to tackle Mehngai, NO intent to stem Inequality, 1% richest own 40% wealth, 50% poorest pay 64% of GST, 42% youth are unemployed- yet, PM doesn’t Care! This Budget proves Govt has NO roadmap to build India’s future. Narendra Modi @narendramodi This Union Budget 2023 will fulfil the dreams of an aspirational society including poor people, middle-class people, and farmers. I congratulate Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and his team for this historic budget. The first budget of “Amrit Kaal” will build a strong foundation for building a developed India. It gives priority to the deprived. Amit Shah @AmitShah The budget-2023 brought by the Modi government is a budget that lays a strong foundation of Amritkal. I am sure that this all- inclusive and visionary budget will give further impetus to the resolve of the Modi government for a self-reliant India, taking every section along. Congratulations to @narendramodi and @nsitharaman for this. #AmritKaalBudget Top TWEETS Moni Sharma he “first Budget of Amrit Kaal”, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called her fifth budget in a row on Wednesday. This was the Nar- endra Modi government’s last full budget before the 2024 Lok Sabha election and came ahead of polls in nine states this year. Keeping that in mind, it ticked off as many boxes as it could without de- railing government finances and had something for everybody -- from industry to the middle classes, farmers and various social groups that the BJP would like to keep on its side as the countdown for the general election begins. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said during her budget speech that the focus remains on widening the scope of economic growth, boosting key areas like infrastructure and manufacturing and creating jobs. 1ST BUDGET OF ‘AMRIT KAAL’: NATION FIRST, CITIZEN FIRST GREEN GROWTH GOVERNANCE FOCUS YOUTH POWER FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT BUDGET! Wednesday. This was the Nar- endra Modi government’s last full budget before the 2024 Lok Sabha election and came ahead of polls in nine states this year. Keeping that in mind, it ticked off as many boxes as it could without de- railing government finances and had something for everybody -- from industry to the middle classes, farmers and various social groups that the BJP would like to keep on its side as the countdown for the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said during her budget speech that the focus remains on widening the scope of economic growth, boosting key areas like infrastructure and manufacturing T First budget of Amrit Kaal....the world has recognised India as a bright star. Economic growth for the current year (2022-23) is estimated at 7 per cent... is the highest among all major economies. —Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister SITHA’S ‘SEVEN SAGES’ MAJOR TAKEWAYS The govt has simplified the slabs in the new tax regime. There will be no tax on income on up to `7 lakh a year -- up from `5 lakh. For the railways, the minister announced an outlay of `2.4 lakh crore — the highest in almost a decade and four times the last year’s budget. The PAN will be used as a common identifier for all digital systems of specified govt agencies. The KYC process will be simplified and a one-stop update of identity will be established through Digilocker service and Aadhaar. The government will spend a record `10 lakh crore on longer term capital expenditure. In another populist measure, the agricultural credit target has now been increased to `20 lakh crore. Allocation for Prime Minister Awas Yojna increased by 66 per cent to over `79,000 crore. The government has promised 50 new airports and helipads. To settle commercial disputes, the government will bring another dispute resolution scheme. The government is targeting 5 MT of Green Hydrogen production by the year 2030. Budget provides for Rs 35,000 crore for priority capital investment towards energy transition and net zero objectives. The fiscal deficit target of 6.4 per cent will be retained in the revised estimate for the current fiscal. For next fiscal 2023-2024, it will be cut down to 5.9% of the GDP. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2023-24 to the President, Droupadi Murmu, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on Wednesday. 6th FinMin to present Budget 5 times in a row; Sitha’s shortest speech at 87 mins FinMin Nirmala Sitharaman is 6th minister in independent In- dia to present 5 consecutive budget, joining a select league of legends likes of Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley and P Chidam- baram. She wrapped her 2023 speech in under 90 minutes. D-STREET CHEERS BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENTS! SENSEX SURGES 1,200 PTS, NIFTY NEAR 17,900 SHUBMAN GILL STARS WITH UNBEATEN 126 AS IND DEMOLISH NEW ZEALAND TO WIN T20I SERIES BIDEN MAY HOST MODI FOR US VISIT IN JUNE MORBI: OREVA GROUP CHIEF IN 7 DAYS PC Mumbai: Indian stock markets reacted positively to the Union Budget for 2023-24 with benchmark indices rising over 1,000 points to breach the 60,000 mark. Barring the Nifty oil and gas index, all other indices traded in the green, National Stock Exchange data showed. Nifty bank, financial services, and private bank rose the most. Ahmedabad: India remained unbeaten in 2023 after defeating New Zealand in the decider of the three-match series. Led by Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 126, India were able to defeat Mitchell Santner and Co. by a massive margin of 168 runs - the biggest margin for victory from India against the New Zealand. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the United States later this year. US President Joe Biden has reportedly extended an invitation to PM Modi for a state visit in June or July. The invitation has been accepted in principle and both sides are presently working on mutually convenient dates for the visit. Gandhinagar: Oreva Group MD Jaysukh Patel was sent to police custody for 7 days till February 8 by a court on Wednesday in connection with the Morbi bridge collapse case. This comes a day after he surrendered before a Morbi court. Oreva Group signed a 15-year contract for operation and maintenance of bridge. ADANI ENTERPRISES CALLS OFF `20,000 CRORE FPO A SPOILSPORT AFTER BUDGET... The interest of the investors is paramount and hence to insulate them from any potential financial losses, Board has decided not to go ahead with FPO: Adani First India Bureau Mumbai: On Wednes- day, tremendous, ambitious and popular budget was presented by Un- ionFinanceMinister,on the same day there was ahugechaosinthestock market.BillionaireGau- tam Adani-led group’s firm Adani Enterprises decided to scrap its follow-on public offer (FPO), a day after it was fully subscribed. `20,000 crore FPO was fully subscribed a day agoasinvestorspumped funds into the flagship firm. Adani Group said that it has decided not to proceed with FPO in the interest of its subscrib- ers. “Given the unprecedented situation and the current market vola- tility the company aims to protect the interest of itsinvestingcommunity by returning the FPO proceeds and withdraws the completed transac- tion,”AdaniGroupsaid. Stating that his group balance sheet is very healthy with strong cash flows and secure assets, Adani said that decision will not have any impact on their existing operations and future plans. Thanking the investors for their support and commitment to the FPO, given the unprecedented market movement, the board of directors of company felt that going ahead with FPO will not be “mor- ally correct”. —Gautam Adani, Chairman Adani Group ADANI LOSES ASIA’S RICHEST PERSON TITLE, DROPS TO 15 ON WORLD LIST Gautam Adani lost his title as Asia’s richest person on Wednesday. Stock losses saw Adani slip to 15th on the Forbes rich list with an estimated net worth of $76.8 billion. www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & MUMBAI Illustration by: Uttkarsha Shekhar

2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Minister Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Narendra Singh Tomar and others lend ears to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she presents the Union Budget 2023-24 on 2nd day of Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Wednesday. ‘PLEASE ALL’ BUDGET! TAX TAX ALL NEW INCOME TAX SLABS REBATE LIMIT INCREASED FROM `5 LAKH TO `7 LAKH A YEAR `0 to `3 lakh 0% `3 lakh to `6 lakh 5% `6 lakh to `9 lakh 10% `9 lakh to `12 lakh 15% `12 lakh to `15 lakh 20% Above `15 lakh 30% FINANCIAL EMP’MENT MSMEs Collateral OTHERS l `9,000 crore l `2 lakh crore l Banking Laws to be amended l KYC process simplified l Support for digital public infrastructure will continue l Std deduction to `52,500 for income slabs to `15.5 lakh to more l Over 100 Joint Commisioners to dispose small Tax disputes l New TAX regime to be implemented l One stop solution for reconciliation and updation of identity and address of individuals to be established using DigiLocker service and Aadhaar as foundational identity l Phase-3 of E-Courts project to be launched with an outlay of w7,000 crore for efficient administration of justice l Setting up a single window IT system for registration and approval from IFSCA, SEZ authorities, GSTN, RBI, SEBI and IRDAI l 1% Reducing credit guarantee NATIONAL FINANCIAL REGISTRY FOR FINANCIAL STRATEGY INDIA FY24 FISCAL DEFICIT SEEN AT 5.9% Fiscal Consolidation underway Note: India’s financial year runs from April to March. FY2024 is a target FY2024 5.9% FY2023 6.4% FY2022 6.4% FY2021 6.7% SURCHARGE DOWN 25% 37% OTHER PROJECTS UNION BUDGET 2023-24 On Wednesday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made as many as five personal income tax-related announcements, in what was her fifth consecutive budget speech. No announcement on income tax was made in last year’s budget. This was the last full budget of the Narendra Modi government before next year’s parliamentary elections, slated for April-May 2024 INCOME TAX 02 JAIPUR | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/ thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia Infusing new energy to India’s growth! The Union Budget for the Financial Year 2023- 24 envisages a total outlay of Rs. 45,03,097 Crore. Of this, Ministry of Defence has been allocated a total Budget of Rs 5,93,537.64 Crore, which is 13.18 % of the total GoI Budget. The best budget for India’s growth in ‘Amrit Kaal’. Rajnath Singh, Union Defence Minister The first budget of ‘Amrit Kaal’ reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visionary leadership. It is a budget to empower poor farmers, trib- als, Dalits, backward, deprived, economically backward and middle class... Emphasis is on middle class earnings and the well-being of the elderly. Jagat Prakash Nadda, BJP National President Key announcements such as setting up the National Financial Information Registry, establishing a Central Data Processing Centre, targeting fiscal deficit to be below 4.5% by 2025-26, etc. are all indicative of the Govt’s commitment towards taking the country to newer heights. Manish Gupta, ICSI President Personal tax rebate hiked, slabs cut inance Minister Nir- mala Sitharaman has increased the rebate limit for indi- vidual taxpayers from `5 lakh to `7 lakh a year. “..Currently, those with income up to `5 lakh do not pay any income tax in both old and new tax regimes. I pro- pose to increase the rebate limit to `7 lakh in the new tax regime. Thus, persons in the new tax regime, with income up to `7 lakh will not have to pay any tax,” Ms Sitharaman said while presenting Budget 2023 in parliament today . She also announced new tax slabs and scrapped the old twin-structure system that was unboxed in 2020, which taxed citizens under 25 per cent without exemptions and 30 per cent with exemptions allowed. New Tax Regime to be Default Regime: The new tax regime will now be the default tax regime, but citizens can still avail of benefits under the old tax regime on an opt-out basis. Rebate Increased: The finance minister has proposed in the Budget to increase the tax rebate. There- fore, the income rebate limit has now been increased to `7 lakh from `5 lakh in the new tax regime. Faster Processing of Tax Returns: The average processing time for income tax returns has been reduced from 93 days to 16 days. Common IT Return Forms: The government seeks to roll out next-gen common Income Tax Return forms and strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms for taxpayers to help them resolve issues of income tax payments. In a relief to taxpayers, the FM proposed to change tax structure in new personal income tax regime TAXATION F Chief Economic Adviser Venkatramanan Anantha Nageswaran interacts with Finance Secretary TV Somanathan and share a lighter moment after FinMin’s Budget Speech of 2023 at the Parliament House in New Delhi on Wednesday. SIMPLIFIED INCOME TAX REGIME FOR PEOPLE  The collection through personal income tax is estimated at `8.15 lakh crore for fiscal year 2022-23 and are projected to rise by 10.4% next year and reach `9 lakh crore  The fiscal deficit target of 6.4% will be retained in the revised estimate for the current fiscal. For the next fiscal 2023-2024, it will be cut down to 5.9% of the GDP  A system of ‘Unified Filing Process’ will be set-up to streamline the current process of duplication for multiple departments for ease of business First India Bureau New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednes- day hailed the “first budget of Amrit Kaal” and said that it would lay a strong foundation for building a developed India. The Prime Minister said that the budget gives priority to the deprived and will ful- fill the dreams of the aspirational society, the farmers and middle class. “The first budget of Amrit Kaal will build a strong foundation for building a developed India. It gives priority to the deprived. This budget will fulfil the dreams of an aspirational society including poor people, middle-class people, and farmers. I congratulate Nirmala Sitharaman and his team for this historic budget,” PM Narendra Modi said in a televised address. Strong foundation for building developed India, says PM Modi VISHVAKARMA KAUSHAL SAMMAN Noting that PM Vishvakarma Kaushal Samman will bring a huge change in the lives of ‘Vishvakarmas’, the Prime Minister said that for the first time schemes relating to their support has been incorporated into the budget. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing after tabling the Union Budget 2023-24 via video conferencing on Wednesday. STEPS TAKEN FOR WOMEN IN RURAL, URBAN EASY: PM The govt has taken several steps to make the lives of women, in rural and urban areas, easy. Women’s self-help groups will further enhance them. Special savings scheme will be started empowering women in households, said PM Modi. “This year’s Budget infuses new energy to India’s devp trajectory”, he added. INDIRECT TAXES DIRECT TAXES l Tax exemption on Capital Goods and lithium Batteries for Electric vehicles l GST EXEMPTION ON BLENDED CNG l Custom Duty reduced from 21% to 13% l MOBILES CAMERAS LENSES TO GET CHEAPER l Gold Silver Diamonds to get expensive l CLOTHES TO BECOME MORE EXPENSIVE l Customs duty on parts of open cells of TV panels cut l MSME with turnover upto 2cr and 50 lakhs can avail presumptive taxation l TAX RELIEF TO 3.7 LAKHS FOR CUSTOMERS WHOSE CASH RECEIPTS IS 5% l New IT return form for easing Filing returns l HIGHER TDS LIMIT OF 3CR FOR COOPERATIVES l Lower Taxes on Higher Digital Payments l 100 JOINT COMMISIONER TO DISPOSE SMALL TAX DISPUTES l TDS cut on EPF withdrawal

3. JAIPUR | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 03 www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

4.  Increase in government capex on infrastructure to Rs 10 lakh crore, increase of 33% compared to last year  To allocate Rs 15,000 crore over three years under Schedule Tribe Mission towards safe housing and infrastructure development towards Road  Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) will be established through use of priority sector lending shortfall  States and cities encouraged to undertake urban planning reforms and actions to transform cities into ‘sustainable cities of tomorrow’  Union Agriculture Minister Tomar said that the total budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, including Agricultural Education and Research, is about Rs 1.25 lakh crore this time  Rs 60,000 crore has been made for the the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sam- man Nidhi (PM-Kisan)  Focusing on Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, the agricultural loan target has been increased to Rs 20 lakh crore  A new sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana will be launched with a targeted investment of Rs 6,000 crore to further enable activities of fishermen, fish vendors, and micro and small enterprises, improve value chain efficiencies, and expand the market  Agriculture Accelerator Fund will be set-up to bring affordable solutions for challenges faced by farmers  Government to implement a plan to set up decentralised storage capacity so farmers can store produce  One crore farmers to be supported to adopt natural farming, for this, 10,000 bio input resource centres & network for distributing micro fertiliser and pesticide manufacturing to be set up  The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been allocated a total of Rs 18,050 crore in the Union Budget for 2023-24 which is an increase of around 4.64 per cent over last year’s allocation of Rs 17,250 crore  India has allocated Rs 990 crore for the G20 presidency while retain- ing an outlay of Rs 100 crore for Iran’s Chabahar port, signalling the importance of the facility in regional connectivity efforts  The GoI has allocated Rs 2,400 crore for Bhutan, Rs 400 crore to the Mal- dives, Rs 200 crore for Afghanistan  A specific allocation of Rs 1,002.78 crore was made for commitments towards issuing e-passports and implementing the Passport Sewa Project V2.0 to usher in technological upgrades in passport services HIGHLIGHTS  Despite the demand under MGNRE- GA reaching near pre pandemic levels in the Union Budget 2023 the allocation has been cut to Rs 60,000 crore, the lowest in past four years. In 2022-23, the govt had allocated Rs 73,000 crore for MGNREGS in the Budget, while the expenditure as per the revised estimates was Rs 89,400 crore  The Rural Development Ministry has been allocated Rs 1,57,545 crore in the Union Budget for 2023-24, around 13 per cent less than the estimated expenditure made by the ministry in the current fiscal  To end manual scavenging, Fi- nance Minister informed that all cities and towns will be enabled for 100% mechanical de-sludging of septics tanks and sewers to transition from manhole to machine hole mode  Civil aviation ministry gets Rs 3,113.36 cr allocation in Union Budget  Rs 19,518 cr allocated to metro projects across India in Budget 2023-24  Budget allocation for Minority Af- fairs Ministry reduced by over 38 per cent to Rs 3097.60 for FY 2023-24  The Centre allocated Rs 3079.40 to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as part of the Union Budget 2023  To tackle the issues at hand such as pollution, the Centre has allocated Rs 948 crore  The allocation for the National Mission for Green India reduced from last year’s Rs 361.69 crore to Rs 220 crore in this year’s Budget  Finance Minister provided an outlay of Rs 35,000 crore to achieve energy transition and net zero objectives New Delhi (PTI): Whether it was just a slip of tongue or a tongue-in-cheek swipe at opposition parties, Finance Minister Nir- mala Sitharaman’s mention of replacing “old political” before correcting it with “old polluting vehicles” triggered moments of mirth all round during her budget speech in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Speaking on the vehicle replacement measures to curb pollution, she said, “Vehi- cle replacement is an important continuing policy. Replacing the old political...” Treas- ury benches had a good laugh as the slip, delib- erate or not, appeared to be aimed at the Op- position Congress, In- dia’s oldest political party which has been replaced by the BJP as the country’s most powerful party . New Delhi: The Union Budget presented in Par- liament by Finance Min- ister Nirmala Sithara- man on Wednesday allocated Rs 5.94 lakh crore for the Defence Ministry, a 13% increase year-on- year from last year’s budget estimates. Capital expenditure for military modernisation also saw a 6.7% rise by Rs 10,230 crore year-on-year to Rs 1.62 lakh crore. There was also a major hike in the allocation for defence pensions on ac- count of the revision of the One Rank One Pen- sion (OROP) scheme. The overall revised estimates for 2022-23 for defence stood at Rs 5.85 lakh crore and this year’s allocation represents a 1.5% increase. Of this year’s defence budget, Rs 2.7 lakh crore is for revenue expenditure, Rs 1.38 lakh crore for pensions and Rs 22,612 crore for defence (civil). Of the Rs 1.62 lakh crore set aside for capital expenditure, a 6.7% increase year-on-year, Rs 37,242 crore has been earmarked for the Army, Rs 52,804 crore for the Navy and Rs 57,137 crore for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This represents a year-on-year increase of 16.32% for the Army, 10.96% for the Navy and 2.79% for the IAF. Budg- et documents show that the Defence Ministry has returned about Rs 2,370 crore from the capital component, a major part accounted for by the IAF, which has un- spent funds of Rs 1,837 crore. The revised estimates of 2022-23 for pensions shot up by Rs 33,719 crore to Rs 1,53,415 crore following the Union Cabi- net’s approval for the revision of the OROP scheme last December, which was pending since July 2019. The revision will benefit more than 25.13 lakh veterans and family pensioners, including over 4.52 lakh new ben- eficiaries. Capex for defence received a nominal 7% increase compared with the 33% rise in the country’s overall capital expenditure commitment, according to Gaurav Mehndirat- ta, partner and head, Aerospace and Defence, KPMG in India. “We be- lieve the capex allocation misses a commensurate reflection of the government’s impetus on defence manufacturing,” he said. 10.96% for the Navy and 2.79% for the IAF. Budg- et documents show that the Defence Ministry has returned about Rs 2,370 crore from the capital component, a major part accounted for by the IAF, which has un- spent funds of Rs 1,837 The revised esti- pensioners, including over 4.52 lakh new ben- Capex for defence received a nominal 7% increase compared with the 33% rise in the country’s overall capital expenditure commitment, according to Gaurav Mehndirat- ta, partner and head, Aerospace and Defence, KPMG in India. “We be- lieve the capex allocation misses a commensurate reflection of the government’s impetus on defence manufacturing,” he DEFENCE BUDGET ESTIMATES (2023-24) 5.93 2.7 lakh crore total allocation lakh crore capital expenditure lakh crore revenue allocation lakh crore Pension 1.62 22,612 crore civil 1.38  In her Budget speech, Sitharaman said: A capital outlay of Rs 2.40 lakh crore has been provided for the Railways. This highest ever outlay is about nine times the outlay made in 2013-14.  At least 100 critical transport infrastructure projects for last and first mile connectivity have also been identified and will be taken up on priority for steel, coal, fertiliser and foodgrain sectors with investment of Rs 75,000 crore, including Rs 15,000 crore from private sources  Makeover of 1,275 railway stations across the country under the Amrit Bharat scheme  Some of the major station under the redevelopment stage are – New Delhi, CSMT, Puri etc.  In MoRTH was allocated Rs 2.70 lakh crore. In the last Budget, 2022-23, MoRTH was allocated Rs 1.99 lakh crore  For Roads, the Budg- et allocation has increased about 35% from the previous year  Out of the total Rs 2.7 lakh crore, the NHAI has been allocated around Rs 1.62 lakh crore as part of MoRTH’s capital expenditure plan for 2023-24  The higher budgetary alloca- tions are necessary to help MoRTH meet the target of 25,000 km target announced by the government in the 2022-2023 budget UNION BUDGET 2023-24 MORE HIGHWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS, VANDE BHARAT TRAINS, RAPID LAYING OUT OF 5G INFRASTRUCTURE AND SHORING UP INDIA’S DEFENCES – THIS IS THE TOP PRIORITY OF THE NARENDRA MODI-LED GOVERNMENT IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR WITH JUST FOUR MINISTRIES OR DEPARTMENTS ACCOUNTING FOR NEARLY 73 PER CENT OF THE MASSIVE `10 LAKH CRORE CAPEX BUDGET IN 2023-24 DEFENCE, ROAD, RLYS & INFRA 4-5 JAIPUR | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/ thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia INDIA FLEXES MUSCLES, MARCHES FORWARD Overall, the Modi government has made life difficult for the people. The country’s economy has been deeply hurt. The Modi government has done nothing except loot the country’s wealth. This budget will be called ‘Naam Bade Aur Darshan Chhote Budget’ (big on announcements and short on delivery). —Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress president This budget is for everyone’s support, everyone’s development and everyone’s effort.’ Finance Minister has presented such a budget that every section will feel empow- ered. India is on the path of economic development based on self-reliance. —GS Shekhawat, Union Minister No indirect taxes have been reduced. There is no cut in the cruel and irrational GST rates. There is no reduction in the prices of petrol, diesel, cement, fertilizers etc. There is no cut in the numerous surcharges and cesses which are, anyway, not shared with the state governments. —P Chidambaram, Former Union FinMin The budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhay,’ which is a historic step for the country towards inclusive development. This budget will take India fast forward in the direction of green growth. The budget is entirely dedicated to the prosperity of all sections including farmers, women, job-professionals, businessmen and youth. —Vasundhara Raje, Former CM This Union Budget is not futuristic, totally oppor- tunistic, anti-people and anti-poor. It will benefit only one class of people. This Budget will not help address the country’s unemployment issue. It has been prepared with an eye on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. —Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal CM The budget presented by #NirmalaSitharaman failed to address the issues of the middle class, lower middle class & shopkeep- ers. Increasing tax slab is only beneficial for those who are making that much money but what has the govt done to assist people in increasing their income? —SS Randhawa, Raj Cong In-charge Step-motherly treatment again with the people of Delhi. The people of Delhi paid more than Rs 1.75 lakh crore income tax last year. Out of that only Rs 325 crore was given for the development of Delhi. This is a gross injustice to the people of Delhi. —Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister The budget of the central government is not a budget to provide relief to the common citizen, every section has been disappointed. There is no concrete action plan in the budget to reduce rising inflation and unemployment. —Sachin Pilot, Senior Cong Leader Instead gave more concessions to the rich and even reduced the highest tax bracket. The finance minister herself announced that these tax concessions amount to losses of Rs 35,000 crore in terms of revenue collec- tions for the coming year. So this way the economy is contracting. —Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) General Secretary This year we are grow- ing at 7%, next year we are projected to grow at 6.5%. This is because of the global slowdown. It is obvious that we too would be affected by that. Our growth rate is projected to slow down by 0.5% but elsewhere it is shrinking by two to 3%. —Jayant Sinha, former Union Minister  The Modi government on Wednesday allocated Rs 1.96 lakh crore to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with a major- ity of the spending on Central Armed Police Forces such as CRPF and intelligence gathering  Rs 1,27,756.74 crore has been allocated to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Rs 31,772.23 crore, Border Security Force (BSF) Rs 24,771.28 crore, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Rs 13,214.68 crore, Shashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Rs 8,329.10 crore  The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which guards the Sino-Indian border, got Rs 8,096.89 crore in comparison to Rs 7,626.38 crore given in the current fisca, Assam Rifles Rs 7,052.46 crore, National Security Guard (NSG) Rs 1,286.54 crore, Intelligence Bureau Rs 3,418.32 crore, Special Protection Group (SPG) Rs 433.59 crore, Delhi Police Rs 11,662.03 crore Capital expenditure for military modernisation also saw a 6.7% rise by `10,230 crore year-on-year to `1.62 lakh crore FinMin’s FAUX PAS RAILWAY MINISTRY ROAD MINISTRY INFRASTRUCTURE AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS HOME MINISTRY COSTLIER  Taxes on cigarettes hiked by 16%  Basic import duty on com- pounded rubber increased to 25% from 10%  Basic customs duty hiked on articles made from gold bars  Customs duty on kitchen electric chimney increased to 15% from 7.5% CHEAPER  Customs duty on parts of open cells of TV panels cut to 2.5%  Govt proposes to reduce customs duty on the import of certain inputs for mobile phone manufacturing  Govt to reduce basic customs duty on seeds used in manufacturing of lab-grown diamonds  Govt to reduce customs duty on shrimp feed to promote exports PRICES UP & DOWN New Delhi (PTI): The government plans to borrow a record Rs 15.4 lakh crore from dated securities in FY24 to meet its expenditure requirement to prop up the economy . This is higher than the total borrowing of Rs 14.21 lakh crore for the current financial year ending March 31, 2023. Finance Minister Nirmala Sithara- man while presenting the Budget on February 1 said the net market borrowings from dated securities are estimated at Rs 11.8 lakh crore to finance the fiscal deficit in 2023-24. “The balance financing is expected to come from small savings and other sources. The gross market borrowings are estimated at Rs 15.4 lakh crore,” she said. The government has raised Rs 12.93 lakh crore till January 27, which is 91% of the overall borrowing target of Rs 14.21 lakh crore estimated for 2022-23. The indebtedness of the Centre and State governments together is equal to 83% of the annual gross domestic product (GDP). The Finance Minister retained the fiscal deficit target at 6.4% despite an increase in the subsidy bill. “Coming to 2023-24, the total receipts other than borrowings and the total expenditure are estimated at Rs 27.2 lakh crore and Rs 45 lakh crore, respec- tively . The net tax receipts are estimated at Rs 23.3 lakh crore,” she said. She pegged the fiscal deficit at 5.9% of GDP for FY24. “In my Budget Speech for 2021-22, I had announced that we plan to continue the path of fiscal consolidation, reaching a fiscal deficit below 4.5% by 2025-26 with a fairly steady decline over the period. We have adhered to this path, and I reiterate my intention to bring the fiscal deficit below 4.5% of GDP by 2025-26,” she said. Ms. Sitharaman had pegged gross market borrowing through dated securities for 2022-23 at Rs 14,95,000 crore. However, the government in Septem- ber 2022 decided to cut the gross borrowing to Rs 14.21 lakh crore during FY23. The gross borrowing for 2021-22 was Rs 12,05,500 crore. GOVERNMENT TO BORROW RECORD `15.4L CRORE IN FY24 TO BRIDGE REVENUE GAP

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6. ver since the very inception of budget in 1860s it has shown a transformation from briefcase to bahi kha- ta, then to tablet for now. The very first budget of “Amrit Kaal” as enunciated by Finance Minister,was an excellent opportunity for the nation to demonstrate how its tax policy measures align with its growth and investment goals while pre- venting needless conflicts from arising on its path to becoming the third largest economy by the turn of the decade. Following seven priorities, which complement each other and act as the Saptarishi in guiding us through the ‘Amrit Kaal’ are: inclusive development, infrastructure and investment,reachingthelastmile, unleashing the potential, green growth, youth power, financial sector. The big picture of the Budget is its fo- cusongrowththroughhigh- er productive capital spending, and simultaneously sticking to fiscal prudence. Prior to the general elections in 2024, the Union Fi- nance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, unveiled a significant budget that fea- tured significant invest- ments in infrastructure and agricultural sectors as well as redesigned tax brackets that provided significant relief to middle class. The Union Budget 2023-24 can be summarized in the following big takea- ways as mentioned: PUSH FOR GREEN GROWTH- REDUCING GREEN INFLATION Green inflation is the accel- eration of consumer prices triggered by the increase in the price of products linked to the transition to a carbon- free economy, both those to bediscontinuedandthoseto be enhanced. With regard to green product prices, such as commodities used inten- sively by renewable ener- gies (copper, lithium), price increases are also to be expected given the slow response of production to the increase in demand. With a budget of Rs 19,700 crores, the recently established National Green Hy- drogen Mission would help India shift to a low carbon economy, and establish the nation as a market and technological leader in this emerging industry . RAISING CAPEX The amount spent on capital projects has steadily increased over the past three years, rising from Rs 4.39 lakh crore in 2020–21 to Rs 5.4 lakh crore in 2021–22, Rs 7.5 lakh crore in the current fiscal year (202–23), and Rs 10 lakh crore in the following fiscal year. The expected capital expenditure for 2022–2023 is 33% lower than the expenditure for the following year. NEW TAX REGIME New Personal Income Tax regime is now the default: The Budget choice that will likely garner the greatest attention is this one. Indi- ans who make a living on a salary anticipated some tax relief. Although it was in- troduced last year and not many people took use of it, the FM appears to have included it under the so-called new personal income tax structure. The public is likely to support this action since it will provide relief for the salaried class. The government hopes that this will help to boost the economy by putting more money in the hands of taxpayers. By exempting income up to Rs 7 lakh from tax, Si- tharaman has put more money in the hands of many young) entrants to the job market. Now, those earning up to Rs 7 lakh (monthly income of just under Rs 60,000) will not pay any tax. Also, those who have retired – government employees and even private sector – which is an increasing number today, will not have to pay tax if their pension is less than Rs 60,000. FISCAL PRUDENCE The fiscal deficit, or the dif- ference between expendi- tures and revenues, is the figure that matters the most in the budget and is closely monitored by all FIIs and foreign investors. In addition to estimating the budget deficit for 2023– 24 at 5.9% (less than 6%; a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from the deficit fore- cast for 2022–23), she noted that the budget has fallen short of the objective this year, which was 6.4% of the GDP. Interest rates are lower when the government borrows less money. This will have a salutary impact on the broader economy as it suggests that money will be available for private en- trepreneurs to borrow. CONCLUDING REMARK India Budget 2023 has of- fered a multi-dimensional view. The 3 Cs which stand out are — capex increase, consumption boost, capital gains tax status quo. Mind- ful of the fact that there is hardly any space for fiscal expansion, FY24 fiscal deficit is pegged at 5.9 % and expected to see progressive reduction by FY 2026. Budg- et 2023 also aimed at the economic empowerment of women and job generation for youth. Under PM Vish- wakarmaKaushalSamman, traditional artisans, for the first time, will get a package of assistance which will focus on bettering the quality , scale and reach of their products. There is no populism in Union Budget for 2023-24, Finance Min Nir- mala Sitharaman’s fifth in a row,noforeshadowof 2024LS polls – or its imperatives for a party working for a third term. If at all, this Budget clearly points to continuity to government’s economic strategy . It is bold, and in- novative too with the hope that good economics isn’t necessarily bad politics. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHORS ARE PERSONAL PROF ND MATHUR The writer is Dean, Jaipur School of Economics, JECRC University SUMANT KAUSHIK The writer is Assistant Professor, Jaipur School of Economics, JECRC University UNION BUDGET 2023-24 PERSPECTIVE 06 JAIPUR | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/ thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia This year’s Budget provides an unprecedented impetus to: Sustainable Future, Green Growth, Green Economy, Green Infrastructure, Green Jobs. Bhupender Yadav @byadavbjp Unprecedented - allocation to create paperless courts for faster delivery of justice. I thank PM @ Narendramodi ji and FM @ NSitharaman ji for timely announcing critical eCourts Phase-III Project with an outlay of Rs 7000 Cr in Budget for 2023-24. Kiren Rijiju @KirenRijiju E SAPTRISHIS TO GUIDE INDIA’S GROWTH SABKA SAATH SABKA VIKAS MAPPING PRIORITIES FOR AMRIT KAAL: A ROADMAP TO 3RD LARGEST ECONOMY Under PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman, traditional artisans, for the first time, will get a package of assistance which will focus on bettering the quality, scale and reach of their products. The package will include financial support, skill training, digital, green techniques, brand promotion, digital payment, social security etc. There is no populism in Union Budget for 2023-24, Finance Min Nirmala Sitharaman’s fifth in a row Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? —Bible SPIRITUAL SPEAK Vol 4 Issue No. 237 RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Press, D.B. Corp Limited, Shivdaspura, Tonk Road, Jaipur. Published at 304, 3rd Floor, City Mall, Bhagwan Das Road, C-Scheme, Jaipur-302001, Rajasthan. Phone 0141-4920504. Editor-In-Chief: Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act aptrishis, the seven ascetics extolled by the Vedas, were in- voked in Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget for Fi- nancial Year 2023-24. A con- stellation is named after them. What do the mytho- logical holy men have to do with the Union Budget? As the Finance Minister explained they form the government’s seven priorities- --inclusive development, last mile growth, green growth, infrastructure and investment, unleashing the potential, youth power, financial sector---in the Am- rit Kaal. Inclusive growth carries forward the government’s agenda of ‘Sabka saath, sabka vikas’ for the welfare of Divyangjan (physically challenged), financially weaker sections, farmers, O BCs, SCs STs. The Fi- nance Minister outlined in her Budget speech a wide range of schemes for the benefit of agriculturists. Also included for inclusive development are the health and education sectors, both important components re- quiring focus especially in the context of farmers and weaker sections of the society . Sitharaman announced four schemes for reaching the last mile. In the case of infrastructure and investment the government announced an increase of 33.4% in capital outlay, increasing the Rail- ways capital outlay by Rs 2.4 lakh cr, creation of a fund for development of modern infrastructure in Tier 2 and 3 cities and other schemes. To unleash potential 3 artificial intelligence centres in educational institutes, a national data governance policy, making contract execution for MS- MEs less strict, etc. have been planned. Ambitious schemes are on the anvil for other priority sectors. The Budget is a clear roadmap to make India outshine other countries. S As the Finance Minister explained they form the government’s seven priorities—inclusive development, last mile growth, green growth, infrastructure and investment, unleashing the potential, youth power, financial sector— in the Amrit Kaal

7. 150% HIKE in outlay of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban l In a major boost to the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), the Centre on Wednesday announced a 150-per cent hike in the outlay of its flagship scheme with an allocation of `5,000 crore in the Union Budget 2023-24. l However, there has been a nine-per cent decrease, with an allocation of `2,132 crore, for the construction of non-residential office buildings, including the Central Vista project, Parliament and Supreme Court, as compared to the revised estimates of `2,344.08 crore in the last fiscal. 50% RISE in National Ayush Mission Focus on integrating Ayush system in National Health eco- system had got a boost in the Budget 2023-24 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sithar- aman. The total allocation of budget to Ayush Ministry has increased by 20 percent to `3,647 crores. The budget has also emphasized on promoting evidence- based research in Ayush systems through Ayush research councils. Budget allocation to centrally sponsored National Ayush Mission (NAM) has got 50 percent increase in allocation from `800 cores to `1,200 crores. Union Budget brings cheers to the automobile industry as it will positively give push to sales The budget has laid special emphasis on the Vehicle Scrappage Policy which will not only boost the sales but will also enable in achieving clean and green environment for overall sustainable development. Venkatram Mamillapalle, Renault India CEO MD `700 CRORE PLUS BOOST FOR SPORTS MINISTRY n a year when the In- dian athletes will compete at the Asian Games and prepare for 2024 Paris Olym- pics, the Sports Ministry has got a fillip with the government allocating Rs 3,397.32 crore, an increase of Rs 723.97 crore, in the Union Budget here on Wednesday . One of the reasons for the reduced revised allocation for 2022-23 could be the post- ponement of the Hangzhou Asian Games, which will be held this year. Theministry’sflagshippro- gramme, ‘Khelo India — Na- tional Programme for Devel- opment of Sports’ continues to be the govt’s priority, with it being allotted Rs 1,045 crore as against the revised alloca- tionof Rs606croreduringthe previous financial year. SPORTS I UNION BUDGET 2023-24 The Union Budget 2023 has allocated a whopping `88,956 crore to health expenditure, a `2,350 crore hike of 2.71% from `86,606 crore in FY23. Dwelling on the subject of Pharma Innovation, Government will encourage industry to invest in RD through centers of excellence. National Digital Library for Children and Adolescents will be set-up for facilitating availability of quality books across the nation HEALTHEDU 07 JAIPUR | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/ thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia Office of Mr. Anurag Thakur @Anurag_Office 157 new nursing colleges will be set up in Sahasthan along with the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014. A mission will be launched to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047 through awareness generation and universal screen- ing of 7 crore people in affected tribal areas. Smriti Z Irani @smritiirani Congratulations to PM @narendramodi Ji FM @nsitharaman Ji for a truly #AmritKaal- Budget epitomising inclusive development reinforcing economic fundamentals. Empha- sis given to infra, tech, green energy other areas will institutionalise India’s growth for a stronger tomorrow. Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp #AmritKaalBudget paves the way to transform India into a knowledge- based economy. Highest-ever allocation of `1,12,899.47 crore for the education sector. Total allocation of `1,16,417.08 crore for the education and skill development sector in #AmritKaalBudget. hebudgetallocatedto theWomenandChild Development Minis- try , the nodal department of the govern- mentforthewelfareof women and children, stood at Rs 25,448.75 crore in 2023-24, an increase of Rs 267 crore from Rs 25,172.28 crore allotted in 2022-23. The most significant announcement for women in Finance Minister Nirmala Si- tharaman’s Budget speech was the proposal for the ‘Ma- hila Samman Saving Certifi- cate’ with a fixed interest rate of 7.5 per cent for two years. The deposit can be made in the name of a woman or a girl child. The maximum deposit amount has been kept at `2 lakh and the scheme will have a partial withdrawal facility as well. For the ministry, the largest allocation has been for the Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 (Umbrella ICDS - Anganwadi Services, Poshan Abhiyan, Scheme for AdolescentGirls)of `20,554.31 crore. Mission VATSALYA (Child Protection Services and Child Welfare Services) has been allotted `1,472 crore and allocation for Mission Shakti (Mission for Protec- tion and Empowerment for Women) is `3,143 crore in 2023-24, a dip from `3,184 crore in 2022-23. Marginal rise for WCD Ministry, new savings scheme for women WOMEN FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT AUTONOMOUS BODIES GETS RAISE IN BUDGET The budget allocation for autonomous bodies is Rs 168 crore, a marginal increase from Rs 162 crore in the earlier budget. These autonomous bodies include - Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA), National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and National Commission for Women. AboosterdoseforYouth,WomenSports People watch a live telecast of Union Budget 2023-24 presentation at an electronic showroom, in Kolkata on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANI To give impetus to the youth and help the ‘Amrit Peedhi’ realise their dreams, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that the government has formulated the National Education Policy, focused on skilling, adopted economic policies that facilitate job creation at scale and support business opportunities.  Setting Up Of Unity Malls In State Capitals , For promotion and sale of ODOPs (One District, One Product), GI and handicraft products  Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 will be launched to skill lakhs of youth within the next 3 years  The scheme will also cover new age courses for Industry 4.0 like coding, AI, robotics, IOT, 3D printing, drones, and soft skills 30 SKILL India International Centres will be set up across different states to skill youth for international opportunities 47 LAKH youth to get stipend support in three years through direct benefit transfer under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme KEEPING A KEEN EYE T SKILL DEVP FOR ‘AMRIT PEEDHI’ uring the delivery of the Union Budget 2023 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Si- tharaman stated that the govt will establish 157 new nursing colleges, while talking about budget allocation in the sector of health and education. “157 new nursing colleges will be established in co-locations with the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014,” she added. The Finance Minister also said, “Facilities in select In- dian Council of Medical Re- search (ICMR) labs will be made available for research by public and private medical colleges.” She has also made the announcement of a new research scheme for research in the Pharma sector. FM has given a massive push to millets, the coarse grain already being recom- mended by doctors as having the capability of reducing the burden of diabetes in a country . This is the first time that nutrition gets a big push with a special programme called the PM Programme for Resto- ration Awareness Nourish- ment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-Pranam). The govt also announced an Aspirational Blocks Pro- gramme, covering 500 blocks for saturation of essential govt services across multiple domains such as health, nutrition, education, agriculture, water resources, and skill development. However, the budget for the National Health Mission has been cut down to Rs 36,785 crore this year from Rs 37,165 crore in 2022-’23. 157 nursing colleges to be set up The Centre will recruit 38,800 teachers and support staff for 740 EkLavya Schools serving 3.5L tribal students HEALTH EDUCATION D EDUCATION MINISTRY GETS `1.12 LAKH CRORE, HIGHEST EVER ALLOCATION As per budget documents, cetre’s allocation for the Ministry of Educa- tion for the next financial year is `1,12,898.97 crore. Notably, this is the highest allocation granted to the ministry ever. School Education De- partment’s outlay stands at `68,804.85 crore, while the Higher Education Department has been allocated `44,094.62 crore. WHAT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION  The ICMR Labs will be made available for research by public and pvt medical college faculty  Centre will appoint over 38,000 teachers for 700 plus Ekalavya model residential schools serving 3.5 lakh tribal students  Teachers’ training to be reenvisioned via innovation  District Institutes of Education and Training to be developed as vibrant institutes of excellence  National digital library to be set up for children  The government is aiming to test seven crore people for sickle cell disease in tribal belts, and those who test positive will be given a colour-coded card  All cities and towns will be enabled for 100% mechanical desludging of septic tanks

8. INDIA JAIPUR | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 08 www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia Promoted by Shree Salasar Oversease Pvt. Ltd. NEWS DIGEST Washington (ANI): The United States and India on Tuesday for- mally established a high-level initiative on critical and emerging technologies or iCET. India’s National Se- curity Advisor Ajit Dov- al had a ‘fruitful discus- sion’ with his US counterpart at the White House. In the discus- sions, there was a laser focus on aligning Wash- ington and New Delhi’s strategic, commercial and scientific approach- es specifically in the field of technology. Of- ficials did announce several concrete steps that the initiative will be taking forward from the high-power meeting in Washington. Sullivan, in an inter- view with reporters, said that iCET would ‘serve both countries’ deeper strategic inter- ests, according to The Washington Post. iCET has no explicit refer- ence to China, but the Biden administration sees technology development vis-a-vis China as a zero-sum game that the U.S. cannot lose hence iCET could be an important way forward. “The US-India defence and artificial intelligence dialogue is a multi-layered approach and China is one of the dimensions as it is a major challenge to New Delhi and the world,” a senior administration official told reporters. Dehradun (ANI): The killingsof formerPrime Ministers Indira Gan- dhi and Rajiv Gandhi were not “martyrdom but accidents”, Uttara- khand Minister Ganesh Joshi said, stoking a political controversy . The Minister said that there is a “differ- ence between accident and martyrdom” and what happened with the two former prime ministers is betetr called an “accident”. “If you look at History , there is a dif- ference between accident and martyrdom. Freedom fighters like Chandra Shekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil and others, who accepted capital punishment but did not accept the Brit- ishers’ demands, were martyrs. If there is some bad incident with someone, that is called an accident,” said Joshi. Former PM Indira Gandhi was killed by her 2 Sikh bodyguards in 1984 as a revenge for military operation to flush out extremists fromtheGoldenTemple. Her son Rajiv Gan- dhi, who was the prime minister, was assassinated by Tamil Tiger rebels in 1991 during an election campaigning. “Indira and Rajiv Gandhi killings were accidents” NEW CONTROVERSY Former PM Indira Gandhi was killed by her two Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984. Her son Rajiv Gandhi, who was the prime minister, was assassinated by Tamil Tiger rebels on May 21, 1991. Chinaamajorchallengetoworld:US Multi-layered approach needed to strengthen our defense partnership, and China is one of the dimensions as it is a major challenge to India and the world, a senior administration official in Washington told media CONG FUMES OVER BJP’S ‘NOT MARTYRDOM’ REMARK FOR GANDHIS, DEMANDS APOLOGY New Delhi (ANI): Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Congress leader Harish Rawat on Wednesday slammed the BJP’s minister Ganesh Joshi for his remarks on the deaths of former Prime Ministers, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, demanding an apology from the latter. “BJP has gone mad, as no one has the right to insult martyrdom, to criticize the sacrifice. BJP should apologize for this statement made by their minister,” Rawat said. Joshi courted a political controversy calling the killings of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi “accidents, not martyrdom”. The killings of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were not “martyrdom but accidents”, Joshi remained firm over his statement while talking to ANI. “Those who do violence like PM Modi, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval, and RSS, cannot understand pain, but we can. We should stand against the ideology which tries to demolish the base of India,” he said. Assembly polls: PM Modi,Shah, Nadda attend BJP CEC meeting New Delhi (ANI): Prime Minister Naren- dra Modi attended the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting over the upcoming Meghalaya and Naga- landAssemblyelections. The meeting at the party headquarters in Delhi was chaired by BJP national president JP Nadda. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Ra- jnath Singh and all the members of the Central Election Committee were present at the meeting. Voting for As- sembly elections in Na- galand and Meghalaya will be held in a single phase on February 27. The results will be declared on March 2. In Meghalaya, BJP will fight in all seats alone this time while in Naga- land, the party will con- test the polls in alliance with the Nationalist Democratic Progres- sive Party (NDPP). Air Marshal AP Singh takes charge as Vice Chief of Indian Air Force Shah to visit WB in Feb to boost party’s morale New Delhi (ANI): Aiming to strengthen the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organisa- tion in West Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be vis- iting the state in Feb- ruary. Incidentally, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is constantly vis- iting West Bengal to strengthen its organi- sation. BJP state president Sukanta Majum- dar informed ANI that Amit Shah will visit Bengal in February but the date has not been confirmed yet. “We will finalise the date of the Home Min- ister’s visit on Febru- ary 6. Although, there is a possibility that he will visit the state in the second week of Feb- ruary,” he said. The party has also started the Loksabha Pravas Yojana, in view of the Lok Sabha elections. New Delhi: Air Mar- shal AP Singh, who has more than 5,000 hours of flying experience, assumed charge as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force on Wednesday . He succeed- ed Air Marshal Sandeep Singh who retired on Tuesday after more than 39 years of service. An alumnus of the National Defence Acad- emy, Defence Services Staff College and Na- tional Defence College, the Air Marshal was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on Dec 1984. The officer is a qualified flying instructor an ex- perimental test pilot with over 5,000 hours of flying experience. Anti-encroachmentdriveoninJK Srinagar (PTI): Au- thorities in Kashmir launched a massive anti-encroachment drive here on Tuesday, bull- dozing illegal struc- tures to recover over 500 ‘kanals’ of land from influential people including former ministers and kin of an ex- chief minister. One acre is equal to eight ‘kanals’. The recovered land includes 40 kanals allegedly oc- cupied by the owners of Hotel Nedou’s at MA Road here, officials said after the drive conduct- ed by revenue department in Srinagar and Anantnag districts. New Delhi: Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan, held on terror charges, will be released today. A Special court in Lucknow signed his release order today -- over a month after he got bail in the 2 cases against him. His lawyer said the formalities have all been completed today, “but the release order didn’t reach jail in time. He’ll walk out of jail tomorrow before noon”. Kappan was expected to walk out last evening, but he could not be released since the judge of the Special Court on Prevention of Money Laundering was busy with a bar council election. New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed WhatsApp to publicise its undertaking given to the Centre in 2021 that it will not limit functionality for users not agreeing to its new privacy policy.A five-judge Constitution bench asked the mobile messaging app to give advertisement in five newspapers to publicise its undertaking given to the government.“We record that the stand taken in the letter (to government) and we record the submission of the senior counsel for WhatsApp that they will abide by the terms of letter…till next hearing. KERALA JOURNO KAPPAN TO BE RELEASED TODAY SC ASKS WHATSAPP TO PUBLICISE UNDERTAKING SC SEEKS CENTRE’S RESPONSE ON CUSTODY MATTERS COURTYARD in in National Security Advisor Ajit Doval meets his American counterpart Jake Sullivan. —PHOTO BY ANI White House National Security Advisor to US President Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan during the Round Table on Critical and Emerging Technologies hosted by US-India Business Council, in Washington. INDIA MADE JET ENGINES IN US PLAN TO COUNTER CHINA Washington: The US and India plan to share advanced defense and computing technology, including the potential joint production of General Electric Co. jet engines, as the Biden administration seeks to shift New Delhi away from Russia and counter China. US officials are evaluat- ing a proposal from GE to approve joint production of jet engines for Indian warplanes. Sulli- van and Ajit Doval attended an event with executives from American and Indian tech firms and university presidents. DOVAL DISCUSSES DEFENCE TIES WITH US INDIA, US TIES TO TARGET CHINA’S AI, MILITARY EQUIPMENT: WHITE HOUSE Washington: The White House is launching a partnership with India that President Joe Biden hopes will help the countries compete against China on military equipment, semi- conductors and artificial intelligence (AI). Washing- ton wants to deploy more Western mobile phone networks in the subcon- tinent to counter China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, to welcome more Indian computer chip specialists to the US and to encourage companies to collaborate on military equipment like artillery systems. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, are meeting with senior officials from both countries at the White House to launch the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies. New Delhi: Leaders of Delhi’s civic body will meet again on February 6 to elect a mayor after two failed attempts last month amid a tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party, or AAP, has alleged the BJP is trying to capture the Municipal Cor- poration of Delhi by electing a BJP leader to the mayor’s post, although the AAP won far more seats than the BJP in the recent election to the civic body. DELHI MAYOR ELECTION ON MONDAY, WAS STALLED TWICE DUE TO AAP-BJP FIGHT JHARKHAND CM ANNOUNCES `4 LAKH AS EX-GRATIA WHATSAPP BANS 36.77 LAKH ACCOUNTS IN 2022 Ranchi (PTI): After PM Narendra Modi had announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren on Wednesday announced Rs 4 lakh as compensation to the next of kin of those killed in the Dhanbad fire tragedy. 14 were charred to death after a major fire broke out on the second floor of ‘Ashirwad Tower’, a multi-storied building in the Joraphatak area. New Delhi: WhatsApp said it banned 36.77 lakh accounts in India in November, marginally lower than the number of accounts it barred in the preceding month The banned WhatsApp accounts include 13.89 lakh accounts which were barred proactively before being flagged by users. In December, WhatsApp banned 37.16 lakh accounts, including 9.9 lakh accounts which were barred proactively. Srinagar (ANI): Major General Girish Kalia assumed charge as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the elite Vajr Division from Major General Abhijit S Pendharkar, a Defence spokesperson said. Major Gen Girish Kalia was commissioned on 14 December 1991 from IMA, Dehradun into MADRAS Regiment, a spokesperson said. An alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, the General Officer has attended all-important career courses at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Army War Col- lege, Mhow National Defence College, New Delhi, he said. MAJOR GEN GIRISH KALIA TAKES CHARGE AS GOC OF ARMY’S VAJR DIVISION AVALANCHE KILLS TWO FOREIGNERS ‘NATION’S SAFETY CANNOT BE OUTSOURCED’ Gill creates history; breaks Kohli’s records Baramulla (ANI): Two foreign nationals were killed in an avalanche in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg, police said on Wednesday. During the rescue oera- tions, 19 foreign nationals and 2 local guides have been rescued. Some skiers were trapped in the famous ski resort Gul- marg after an avalanche hit the Afarwat peak in the region, Baramulla Police said and added that three teams comprising twenty- one Foreign nationals and two local guides went to Affarwat Gulmarg for ski- ing on Wednesday. Pune (PTI): Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande on Wednesday said no country is willing to share the latest, “state-of- the-art” technologies and it implies that security of the nation can neither be outsourced nor be dependent on the largesse of others. He was speaking at the foundation day of the Army Institute of Technology in Maharash- tra’s Pune city. New Delhi: India de- feated New Zealand to win the T20 series against Kiwis 2-1. Shub- man Gill single-handed- ly destroyed the bowl- ing attack of New Zea- land and was undefeat- ed at 126. Gill became only the fifth Indian to hit hundreds across all formats of the game, joining Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Rai- na. He created history as he surpassed Kohli Raina to become the youngest Indian to hit a T20I century . LANDSLIDE BLOCKS NAT’L HIGHWAY-44 Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir went into overdrive to retrieve the encroached government land from influential persons. PM Narendra Modi with Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and BJP chief JP Nadda and other dignitaries at the BJP Central Election Committee meeting, in New Delhi on Wednesday. New Delhi: A major landslide occurred near the Rampari area in Banihal town of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Na- tional Highway 44 has been closed for vehicular traffic following a landslide. In a video shared by the deputy commissioner of Ramban, boulders can be seen on the highway, blocking it. The deputy commissioner of Ramban district has advised people to follow advisories issued by the JK traffic police. “People are advised to follow JK Traffic Police advisories,” said Deputy Commissioner, Ramban. New Delhi (PTI): The SC has sought the Centre’s response on the issue of exploring the possibility of entering into mutual agreements with the US in matters related to child custody disputes as such cases are increasing due to Indians residing there. The apex court passed the order while holding a man, who is a resident of the US, guilty of civil contempt for his failure to bring back his child to India on the order of the court in May last year.

9. RAJASTHAN JAIPUR | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 09 www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia Promoted by Shrey Dream Projects LLP First India Bureau Nagaur: The Station House Officer (SHO) and Head Constable of Ku- chaman Police Station in Nagaur were suspended on Wednesday for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakhs in a land dispute case. Sources informed that Kuchaman Police Sta- tion SHO Manoj Machra and Head Constable So- han Lal were suspended by Nagaur SP Ram Murthi Joshi after an inquiry was held into the matter. The SHO had allegedly taken Rs 2.5 lakhs as a bribe for not arresting four people in the property dispute matter. A confidential inquiry was held and after confirmation, the SHO and Head-Consta- ble was suspended. Nota- bly, the bribe was fixed at Rs 3 lakhs. However, Rs. 50,000 was also paid to a journalist. The matter is being investigated. First India Bureau Jodhpur: The Ra- jasthan High Court on Wednesday said that the construction of religious places should not be done with taxpayers’ money. The HC while hearing a PIL related to the construction of a mosque in Mandor village of Jodhpur district stayed the construction and said that taxpayers’ money should not be used in the construction of religious buildings. The division bench of Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Rajendra Prakash Soni stayed the construction of the mosque while hearing thepetitionfiledbyHary- ali and Prakartik Vikas Sansthan. The petitioner questionedthelegalityof theconstructionandsaid that the mosque should havebeenconstructedby Jodhpur Development Authority(JDA). Thepe- tition also stated that the mosque is being built on land that has been declared as a forest area and so it cannot be built upon. The court also ob- served that in their opin- ion no religious building should be constructed with taxpayers’ money . NGT notice to Raj govt on ‘Maru Mahotsav 2023’ Plea raised issue of damage to environment by activities during Mahotsav New Delhi (ANI): The NGT has called for an Action Taken Report (ATR) from various authorities of the State of Rajasthan on a plea raising the issue of apprehended damage to the environment by the proposed activities during ‘Maru Mahotsav’. The matter has been listed on February 3, 2023, for further consid- eration. The bench headed by NGT Chairperson Jus- tice Adarsh Kumar Goy- alcalledforanATRfrom various authorities and also issued notice to the project proponent - Prin- cipal Secretary, Tour- ism, Rajasthan by email. The present application has been moved by Tapeshwar Singh Bha- ti, a resident of Kota Rajasthan. The grievance in this application is against apprehended damage to the environment by proposed activities during ‘Maru Mahotsav 2023’ at Jaisalmer from Febru- ary2to5,2023.Thebench said, “ To further consider the above issues, we call for a factual and action is taken report in the matter from PCCF Wildlife, Rajasthan, Chairman, State PCB, and District Magistrate, Jaisalmer by February 3, 2023, by e-mail. History-sheeter shot at in broad daylight, critical First India Bureau Jodhpur: Five miscre- ants shot a history- sheeterinthecityaveng- ing old enmity . The condition of the history- sheeter is said to be critical. The incident took place on Wednes- day evening at 4 pm in the Vitarag City Society of the Police Commis- sionerate. The miscre- ants fired as many as 3 to 4 rounds. The youth who got shot is Rakesh Man- ju. Manju is a history- sheeter and has an old enmity with the crook Vikram Singh Nandia. In the past also there has been an incident of firing between Rakesh Manju and the opposing group. On getting information about the incident, Shastri Nagar police station officer Jo- gendra Singh reached the hospital. Cops to get promotions for recovering children: DGP DGP Umesh Mishra Rehearsal on for four-day ‘Maru Mahotsav’ set to commence from today in Jaisalmer. DGP announces award on firing and paper leak accused Man sets house on fire over ‘witchcraft’ Shivendra Parmar Jaipur: Constable to assistant sub-inspector level policemen, who recover missing children in the state, will be given a special promotion by nominating them for the promotion cadre course as an incentive. DGP Umesh Mishra has issued detailed orders in this regard. According to this order, constable, head constable and assistant sub-inspector level police officers who recovered 60 children below the age of 18 years, including 25 children below the age of 14 years, in a period of one year will be eligible for a special promotion. DGP Mishra in- formedthattheDGP Commendation Roll will be awarded to encourage policemen from constable to ASI level who have recovered 20 children below the age of 18 years including 10 children below the age of 14 years during a period of 1 year. Shivendra Parmar Jaipur: DGP Umesh Mishra has announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh on thearrestof absconding accused Bhupendra Sa- ran and Suresh Dhaka in the paper leak case alongwithRohitGodara and Hrithik Boxer of Lawrence Bishnoi gang wantedintheG-Clubfir- ing case of Jawahar Cir- cle area. They had de- manded a ransom of Rs 5 crore from G-Club owner Akshay Gurnani. Along with the Jaipur Commissionerate Po- lice, a team of hundreds of policemen from the Raj Police is on the look- out for Rohit Godara and his associates. Godarahadalsoclaimed responsibility for the murder of gangster Raju Thehat in Sikar. First India Bureau Churu: Ayoungman living in the neigh- bourhood set on fire a houseonsuspicionof witchcraft on a woman in Lambor Chhoti village. As per locals, the house was set on fire by throwing petrol and acid. Due to this, the food items of the house including grains, cash and jew- ellerywerealsoburnt toashes.Themember of the house had gone to another village to attend a marriage. In the house, a mother and three daughters were present. Taxpayers’ money should not be used for constructing religious places: HC Suspended SHO Manoj Machra. Kirodi’s dharna on 9th day: More leaderscomeinsupportofprotest SHO head constable suspended for taking `2.5 lakh bribe Mahesh Sharma Jaipur: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dr Kirodi Lal Meena along with hundreds of youths of the state sat on a dharna for the 9th day in the bitter cold demanding a CBI probe into paper leak cases and 95% reservation for Rajasthan youth in government jobs and other demands. Bharatpur MP Ran- jeeta Koli, former MP Col. Sona Ram, MLA Ashok Lahoti, MLA Hamir Singh Bhayal, Srichand Kripalani, Ram Kishore Meena, Suman Sharma, Mus- lim Nagauri Samaj State President Hajiba- bu Khan, National Sec- retary of Vishwa Hin- du Mahasangh Naren- dra Raj Purohit, Bhu- pendra Saini, Former IAS Mahendra Singh, Neelam Gurjar and others reached the protest site. Dr Kirodi Lal Meena with Haji Babu Khan, Narendra Rajpurohit Suman Sharma at the protest site on Wednesday. Kashiram Choudhry Jaipur: The Jaipur In- ternational Airport be- comes silent airport from February 1. All important information will now be displayed on dozens of digital screens installed across the airport. The screens are placed at strategic locations out- side and inside terminal, in check-in halls, and a security hold area. Passengers will also get instant and regular updates on their mobile phone through SMS. The airport aims to make the traveling experience more relaxing for passengers by reducing the noisy at- mosphere inside the terminal. Passengers will get all important and boarding related updated on the digital screens and messages on their respective- numbers. Technology- based and automated PA systems will also be deployed at the airport to provide important updates to the passengers. In their respective capacities, airline companies will also be updating passengers on all important and travel-related information. Jaipur Airport goes ‘silent’ digitally HASSLE FREE EXPERIENCE Rathore takes part in Haath Se Haath Jodo campaign in Ajmer First India Bureau Ajmer: Chairman of Rajasthan Tourism De- velopment Corporation (RTDC) Dharmendra Rathore on Wednesday took part in the Haath Se Haath Jodo Campaign of Congress in Ajmer. He reached former MLA Rajkumar Jaipal’s home and participated in the campaign. “People have shown immense support to the Bharat Jodo Yatra of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The Chief Min- ister of Rajasthan is the only leader who has stopped the BJP govt from toppling the govt. The Congress govt has given relief to the general public by announcing various schemes and is working for the welfare of people,” said Rathore. While addressing the gathering, Rathore also directed Congress workers to prepare for upcoming assembly elections and strengthened the party . Dharmendra Rathore reached Rajkumar Jaipal’s residence participated in Haath Se Haath Jodo campaign in Ajmer. SC REJECTS PLEA OF NAHAR SINGH IN SUCCESSION CASE RSLDC BRIBERY: ACB ARRESTS EX- GENERAL MANAGER New Delhi: The Apex Court has rejected petition of Nahar Singh in case involving the succession dispute of former Maharaja of Jaipur Brigadier Sawai Bhawani Singh. Nahar Singh went to SC after Raj HC re- fused to consider petition for setting aside decree. The matter came up for hearing before Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjeev Khanna. Jaipur: In the RSLDC bribery case, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested the then-general manager of RSLDC, Ravi Meena. Ravi Mee- na is accused of taking bribe through broker Amit. ACB ASP Push- pendra Singh arrested Ravi from Kota. The action was taken on the instructions of ACB DG Hemant Priyadarshy. Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court has stayed the orders of the Jaipur Police Commissionerate wherein the hotel and marriage gar- den owners were allowed to play music at weddings and other functions without taking permission from copyright owners for playing songs. The single bench of Justice Sudesh Bansal while hearing the petition filed by music companies stayed the order of the additional police commissioner dated December 7, 2022. Bharatpur/Barmer/Churu: In a horrific road accident on Tuesday night a father and son died after an unknown vehicle collided with their auto-rickshaw on the Jaipur-Mathura bypass. Apart from the father and son, the daughter was severely injured due to a col- lision of the vehicle. In another accident, three youths were killed after their motorcycle rammed into a trac- tor in Barmer on Wednesday late evening. Two people were killed in Sujangarh town of Churu on Wednesday after two vehicles collided head-on, police said. HC STAYS ORDER TO PLAY MUSIC WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM COPYRIGHT HOLDERS 7 DIE AND 4 INJURED IN 3 SEPARATE ROAD ACCIDENTS IN STATE NEWS DIGEST Rakesh Manju PETITIONER QUESTIONS LEGALITY RAKESH MANJU’S CONDITION IS CRITICAL: HOSP The division bench of Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Rajendra Prakash Soni stayed the construction of the mosque while hearing the petition filed by Haryali and Prakartik Vikas Sansthan. The petitioner questioned the legality of the construction and said that the mosque should have been constructed by Jodhpur Devel- opment Authority (JDA). MDM Hospital Superinten- dent Dr Vikas Rajpuro- hit told that the condition of Manju is critical. City scans and X-rays are being done. After getting the information of the incident, the compan- ions of the young man also reached the hospital. Rakesh Manju has been transfused about 4 units of blood, he has now been shifted to ICU. —FILE PIC

10. JAIPUR | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia 10 2NDFRONT POSTAL REG NO. JPC/004/2022-24 Dr Rituraj Sharma Jaipur:Chief Secretary Usha Sharma has instructed the officials to get the work of special girdawari completed without delay in view of damage to crops due to cold wave, frost, untime- ly rain, and hailstorm. The Chief Secretary was on Wednesday pre- siding over the meeting organized through VC in relation to crop failure. The Chief Secre- tary said that frost, cold wave and hailstorm have ruined the hard work of farmers. She said that it should be ensured that there is a correct assessment of crop damage. The Chief Secretary instructed the officers to send the girdawari report by the end of the week. Sharma said that the concerned Patwari should be present on the spot and get this work done. She said that action should be taken by taking the people’s rep- resentatives into confi- dence, as well as the farmers should also be given prior notice of special girdawari. The CS asked the Dis- trict Collectors to issue instructions for inspec- tion of girdawari by Land records inspector, Tehsildar and Sub-divi- sional officer. The Chief Secretary also instructed the officers to conduct all crop cutting experiments online through the CCE app. Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Horti- culture Department Dinesh Kumar, Agricul- ture Commissioner Kanaram and Special Secretary, Revenue De- partment Vishwa Mo- han Sharma were present in the meeting. Get Girdawari work completed without delay: CS PROMPT ACTION... Remember that you will never be able to hit a target that you cannot see. Be very clear what you want in life, only then you can achieve it. —Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO Editor-in-Chief, First India First India Bureau Jaipur: Expressing dis- pleasure at the Budget, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said that reducing the provision for schemes such as the MGNREGA proves it is anti-poor, landless farmers and common people. “In the budget, only headline-making ‘jum- las’ have been used in the media but in schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guaran- tee Act, which proved to be a lifeline for poor people in the ‘corona’ period, the Budget provision for 2023-24 by the Centre is 33 per cent (approximately Rs 30,000 crore),” he said. Many fake announcements related to agriculture and farmers’ welfare have been made in the Budget but the allocation to the Union Ministry of Agricul- ture and Farmers’ Wel- fare is about 6 per cent (about Rs 7,500 crore) lower than last year, Ge- hlot alleged. “...there has been a significant reduction of 15 per cent (approximately Rs 23,000 crore) in urea subsidy as compared to last year,” he said. Gehlot also accused the Centre of ne- glecting important areas such as education, health, social justice women and child development. “The whole country has suffered from inflation for the past years -- prices of flour, pulses, oil, soap etc, which are used by the masses on a daily basis, have increased a lot. “In absence of any policy statement regard- ing reducing inflation, life of the masses will become even more difficult.” CM:UNIONBUDGETISANTI-POOR,MASSES Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will give his reply to Governor Kalraj Mishra’s address in the State Assembly at 4 pm today LEADERS SPEAK ON UNION BUDGET-2023 The Union Budget is very disappointing for the common man. All sections of the society have been deceived by the Budget. The expectations of the people of Rajasthan could not be fulfilled. ERCP has not been declared a National Project. —Dr Mahesh Joshi, PHED Minister This is the Budget of Amrit Kaal after independence. The budget would fulfil youth’s imagination. It helped the middle class people by giving them tax exemption. Welfare of the poor is govt’s priority. The Budget is for the welfare of the farmers. —Dr Satish Poonia, BJP State President The Union Budget is disappointing, it has deceived the expectations of farmers, youth, poor and women. No immediate measures have been adopted in the Budget to remove huge problems like inflation and unemployment. Rather, announcements have been made according to the vision from 3 years to 25 years. Due to increased cost of silver and gold, the jewellery industry of the State will be adversely affected. —GS Dotasra, State PCC Chief The Budget is based on capacity expansion, green growth, youth power, and financial sector. It is a new and prosper- ous, powerful budget Public welfare budget of self-reliant India, which will prove to fulfil the aspirations and hopes of the common man. The Budget has once again proved that Modi government is fulfilling the dreams and hopes of the poor, farmers and youth of the country. —Rajendra Rathore, Dy LoP CS Usha Sharma chairs a meeting related to crop damage via VC at the State Secretariat in Jaipur on Wednesday. Also seen here are Dinesh Kumar, Kanaram Vishwa Mohan Sharma. First India Bureau Jaipur: In the election year, the month of Feb- ruary will be important in terms of new appointments in the Con- gress, which is engaged in improving the organ- isation. This month, where existing execu- tive body of PCC will be expanded, the work of appointments of Dis- trict Presidents will also be completed. Con- gress sources reveal that the work of selection of newly appointed State Congress office bearers is almost com- plete. The list of AICC members from Raj is ready word in rele- vant Congress circles is that the list may be released on Thursday and include all major leaders. About 65 to 70 names are being mentioned in list. According to sources, work of reconstitu- tion of State Cong Com- mittee is pending for a long time. Earlier, list of state officials was sent to Delhi, but after the arrival of new in- charge Sukhjinder Sin- gh Randhawa, this list has been reshuffled. List of AICC members from Raj likely to be released today Jodhpur (PTI): Jodh- pur is all set to host the G-20 Employment Working Group meeting from today for which delegates from the guest countries have started arriving in the city. Elaborate security arrangements have been made, and main intersections and other places have been deco- rated on different themes. The guests are being received in traditional Marwari tradi- tions. District administration has also ap- pealed to locals to deco- rate their homes in a traditional manner, a state government official said. In first G20 Employment Working Group meeting to be held from Feb 2- 4, issues like global skills gap, social security to gig platform workers and sustainable fund- ing of social security will be discussed. Guests being welcomed in a traditional manner at Jodhpur Airport ahead of G20 EWG meet, which will begin from today. Jodhpur all set to host G-20 EWG meeting from today HC revokes suspension of three JMCG councillors First India Bureau Jaipur: Rajasthan HC on Wednesday, revoked the suspension of three councillors ofJMC(G). The councillors were suspended along with Mayor Dr Somya in 2021 for misbehaving with the then JMC Commissioner Yagya Mitra Singh Deo. How- ever, Dr Somya was re- instated by HC some time ago now councillors’ suspension have also been revoked. single bench of Jus- tice Indrajit Singh quashed their dismiss- al orders. Petitioner Advocate RN Mathur, RK Daga Akhil Sim- lot said that govt hasn’t given chance of hearing to petitioners in matter. Hosabale: Creating hearts brains is work of the Sangh Aishwary Pradhan Jaipur: “There has been a change in the life of every Swayamse- vak of the Sangh. if there is any mistake in life, it is not the fault of the Sangh but of the person. There is curios- ity in the society as to what the Sangh has to say on every subject because the Sangh influ- ences the national life of India,” said Dat- tatreya Hosabale while speaking during the Deendayal Memorial Lecture organised at Birla Auditorium on ‘RSS: Yesterday, Today Tomorrow.’ He thanked Dr Mahesh Sharma his estab- lishment for lecture. Hosabale cited funny instances from lives of Dattopant Thengadi Mulla Naseeruddin. “To understand Sangh, one needs heart only brain can’t serve the purpose. Creating hearts brains is Sangh’s work. What is life its goals, know this also,” he said. Birla to embark on a day-long tour to Kota on Saturday First India Bureau Kota: LS Speaker Om Birla will visit Kota- Bundi parliamentary constituency on Satur- day for a day and lay the foundation stone of the development works via virtual medium. Meanwhile, Birla has expressed concern over damage to crops due to rains in Kota and Bun- di. On Birla’s direc- tions, his OSD Rajeev Dutta spoke to District Collectors of Kota and Bundi over phone on to inquire about the damage and asked for prop- er compensation to farmers by surveying crop damage at earliest. Birla will lay the foundation stone of development works worth Rs 8.87 crore in Khair- abad, Sultanpur, Eta- wah Ladpura Pan- chayat Samiti areas. Agri Minister Kataria takes stock of PMFBY Kashiram Choudhary Jaipur: Agriculture Minister Lal Chand Ka- taria reviewed the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana directed insurance firms to settle claim of farmers at earliest. During the meet held at Pant Kri- shi Bhawan about crop damage by recent rains hailstorm, he said, “In last 4 years, claims of Rs. 1.72 cr crop insurance policy holders have been approved by Raj govt while an amount of Rs. 18,470 cr have been distributed as insurance claims. Max claims have been distributed in Hanu- mangarh District.” Keeping in mind the problems of the farmers, this work should be done sympatheti- cally and sensitively so that the losses of the farmers can be com- pensated. Usha Sharma, CS No measures to control unemployment and inflation have been mentioned in the Union Budget. There is no thought of eradicating poverty, stopping farmers' suicides, there is no announcement for the minorities of Rajasthan State and the country. Jaipur's jewelry industry was expecting a reduction in the import duty on gold and silver, but an increase in it would increase the parallel economy. —Rajeev Arora, Chairman RAJSICO The progressive Budget presented by Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman is development oriented. The ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ Budget has taken care of every class and sector. Increasing the exemption in income tax up to Rs. 7 lakhs is indeed a progressive measure. Overall, the Budget will benefit the common man and the country will move forward. —Diya Kumari, MP, Rajsamand Iwould indeed call this Budget a progressive one, paving way for the next 25 years. Govt has focused hugely on infrastructure which will boost the economy. On CII’s recommendation, Govt has announced extension of MSME Guaranteed Scheme, collateral free loan releasing 95% payment stuck as penalties in contracts. — Gaurav Rungta, Chairman (CII), Raj The Union Budget is progressive and growth oriented. There is something for everyone. The impetus on tourism promotion augmenting infrastructure in border villages under Vibrant Villages Programme will have a positive impact on sector. Increase in infra outlay by 33% will have a multiplier effect on economy. —Randhir Vikram Singh, Chairman, FICCI Raj State Council Union Budget is mis- leading disappointing. Nothing has been clarified on issues of public interest. In last 10 yrs, BJP govt at the Centre didn’t give any- thing to people. Some industrialists have definitely benefitted. —Shanti Dhariwal, UDH Minister The Centre is trying to divert common man’s attention from deterio- rating economy. The budget has expertise in hiding figures covering up true facts. Budget will increase the fiscal deficit the rate of development will be blocked. —Dr BD Kalla, Edu Min AISHE2020-21:Rajranks1st invarsitynumbers First India Bureau Jaipur: Rajasthan ranks first in terms of number of Universi- ties. There were 78 Uni- versities in Rajasthan in 2016-17, which increased to 92 in 2020-21. Thus, 14 Universities have increased in Ra- jasthan in 5 years, which is about three every year, as per the All India Survey on Higher Education 2020- 21 report released every year by the Department of Education, GoI. UP is in second place with 84 Universities. Gujarat ranks third with 83 Uni- versities. This report is based on the data till December 31, 2020. Rajasthan is also in the top ten in the country in terms of number of Colleges with 3,694 Colleges. According to the district, Jaipur is at the 2nd place in the country with 671 Col- leges. Bangalore Urban ranks first with 1,058 Colleges. Similarly, in terms of the number of colleges, Sikar ranks 10th in the whole country with 308 colleges. According to this report, there were 1,043 Varsities in country in 2019-20, which increased to 1,113 in 2020- 21. Thus, 70 varsities increased in one year. There were 44 Central Universities in country in 2016-17, which increased to 51 in 2020-21. LC Kataria reviews ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’ at Pant Krishi Bhawan in Jaipur. Also seen is Balwan Poonia, Dattatreya Hosabale addresses the gathering at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur. —PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA CM Ashok Gehlot

11. A nushka Sharma, who is quite active on social media, is currently spending time in Rishi- kesh. On Tuesday evening, the actress took to social media and dropped a peaceful picture from the mountains. She also penned a beautiful quote by Neem Karoli Baba in the caption. In the picture, Anushka is seen sporting a black t-shirt and matching leggings. Along with it, she wrote, “Can’t you see, it’s all perfect!” - Neem Karoli Baba.” J ennifer Aniston is a well-known for both her exceptional acting talent and good looks. The actress is now winning the internet with the recently released official trailer of her upcoming project, Murder Mys- tery 2. The renowned star is reprising her much- loved character Audrey Spitz in the crime com- edy, which is set to release on Netflix. To the much surprise of her fans across the globe, especially those of Indian origins, Jennifer is spotted in an exquisite ivory lehenga in the official trailer of Murder Mystery 2, which has been going viral on social media. The heavily embroidered is created by renowned Indian designer, Manish Malhotra. www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/ thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia 11 JAIPUR | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 SELENA SHUTS DOWN A HATER S elenaGomezhas been quite vocal about her health problems, especially her journey with lupus. However, now and then, internet users find an opportunity to comment, criticize and shame her for the same. Speaking of which, recently, the 30-year-old singer re- sponded to a troll who made fun of her hand tremors in a video. A few days back, Selena took to TikTok and posted a video showcasing her skincare regime. Others felt the need to point out that Selena’s hands were shaking. A TikTok user posted a now-deletedvideoonthe platform, saying, “Oh mygod,whatareyoudo- ing?!” as they trolled the actress.Selena took to the comments section and reminded the user by stating “Lol I shake because of my medica- tionforlupus.Alsoread mydisclaimer.Iain’tno pro (laughing emoji)”. ANISTON IN AN INDIAN ATTIRE SAMANTHA’S APOLOGY S a m a n t h a Ruth Prab- hu has joined forces with Liger actor Vi- jay Deverakonda for the romantic entertainer, Kushi. While the makers have already completed the initial schedule of the movie in Kashmir, the rest of the shoot was pushed because of the Yashoda actor’s health condition. Now, the team is all set to resume work on the much- awaited drama. Sharing the happy news, Samantha wrote on Twitter, “#Kushi will resume very soon .. my apol- ogies to @TheDeverakon- da fans @ShivaNirvana @ MythriOfficial.” The film was originally scheduled to release in December 2022, however, it got de- layed. Recently , VD confirmed that same saying, “We have finished close to 60 percent of the shoot. We were originally hoping to release the film by December. But now it has been pushed to next year due to a bunch of reasons. We are eyeing February 2023 release as of now. aani Kapoor, who won hearts for her performance in Abhishek Ka- poor’s Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, has signed her next project The actress will now headline Yash Raj Films’ yet un- titled gritty crime thriller show, which will be helmed by Mardaani 2 di- rector Gopi Puthran. This multi-season show is a part of YRF’s OTT slate. “Vaani has been looking for projects where she could deliver a performance to remember. While she continues to give preference to theatricals, she isn’t going to shut herself out of great digital projects. The show is a gritty, edge-of-the- seat crime thriller which YRF feels is a brilliant concept, and has plans to mount it at a scale that will surprise people. Gopi was clear that he wanted to cast someone who will be fresh in the OTT landscape. He wanted a solid performer who can hold her own and has always ap- preciated Vaani’s work in her films,” in- forms a source close to the development. V Anushka soaks in positive energy Samantha Ruth Prabhu Poster of the film Anushka Sharma Her post... Selena Gomez Jennifer Aniston Jennifer in Manish Malhotra’s lehenga Vaani Kapoor

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