LAW AND GOVERNANCE
Bombay HC Directs Action Against Illegal Encroachments on Govt Land
The Bombay High Court has instructed the Chief Secretary to ensure measures are taken against illegal encroachments on government land. This decision was made during a hearing on a PIL filed by NGO “Voice Against Illegal Activities.” The PIL highlighted unauthorized constructions on a piece of land reserved for a garden in Mumbai’s Kandivali area. The bench criticized the neglect by the Mumbai suburban Collector and officers, allowing encroachments that deprive citizens of clean air. The government, despite previous directives, has not acted. The court demanded a compliance report by April 24, stressing the Collector’s duty to protect state property.
SC Allows Withdrawal of Plea on OTT Content Regulation
The Supreme Court has permitted the withdrawal of a plea seeking regulation of inappropriate content on OTT platforms. The petition, filed in public interest, raised concerns about unsuitable content on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta granted the petitioner liberty to approach the Union of India with their grievance. The court suggested making a representation to the government first. Upon withdrawal, the petitioner can still approach the court if the representation is rejected. The issue specifically raised was about the general publication of nudism on OTT platforms.
SC Stays Transfer Order of Kangra SP Amid Investigation
The Supreme Court has stayed the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s order directing the transfer of SP Shalini Agnihotri from Kangra District. The High Court’s order, related to a complaint by a resident alleging a threat to his life, also transferred the complainant’s security protection to ADGP. The SC clarified that the SP’s involvement in the complainant’s security should be reconsidered by the HC. Earlier, the SC had set aside a similar transfer order of DGP Sanjay Kundu, emphasizing the need for a fair investigation. The HC had initiated SIT proceedings without hearing the officers, leading to the SC’s intervention.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Swarnima Scheme for Women (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)
Objective: Swarnima Scheme aims to empower women entrepreneurs from backward classes by providing term loans of up to ₹2,00,000/- @ 5% per annum. Implemented by State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) under the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), the scheme offers a subsidy of ₹2,00,000/- @ 5% per annum for self-employment. Beneficiaries do not need to invest their own funds for projects up to ₹2,00,000/-. The scheme targets women aged 18 to 55, with total family income less than ₹3 lakh per annum.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Female applicant.
- Age between 18 and 55 years.
- Must be an entrepreneur.
- Total Annual Family Income less than ₹3 lakh per annum.
Women Scientists Scheme-A (WOS-A) (Ministry of Science and Technology)
Objective: WOS-A offers research grants to female candidates in frontier areas of science and engineering, particularly those with a career break of at least two years and without regular employment. The scheme supports well-defined research projects for up to three years, covering the fellowship, equipment costs, contingencies, travel, and consumables. It promotes gender mainstreaming, preventing brain drain and fostering women’s roles in Science & Technology.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Female applicant.
- Unemployed or not in a regular/permanent position.
- Age between 27 and 57 years (with 5-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC and physically challenged candidates).
- Minimum essential qualifications: Post Graduate degree equivalent to M.Sc. in Basic or Applied Sciences, or B.Tech., or MBBS, or other professional qualifications like M.Phil/M.Tech/M.Pharm/M.VSc, or Ph.D. in Basic or Applied Sciences.
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