News Analysis India

Tag: Nityanand Rai

  • Gujarat saw 81 custodial deaths in last five years, highest in India 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Gujarat witnessed the most number of custodial deaths in the last five years with 81 such cases, followed by Maharashtra with 80 deaths,  Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

    Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said as many as 687 people died in police custody in various parts of the country from April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2023.

    While 81 deaths in police custody were reported in Gujarat, 80 such deaths took place in Maharashtra in the said period, he said, replying to a written question.

    The minister said there were 50 police custodial deaths in Madhya Pradesh, 47 in Bihar, 41 in Uttar Pradesh and 36 in Tamil Nadu.

    Citing the data provided by the National Human Rights Commission, Rai said a total of 164 deaths in police custody were reported in 2022-23, 175 in 2021-22, 100 in 2020-21, 112 in 2019-20 and 136 in 2018-2019.

    NEW DELHI: Gujarat witnessed the most number of custodial deaths in the last five years with 81 such cases, followed by Maharashtra with 80 deaths,  Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

    Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said as many as 687 people died in police custody in various parts of the country from April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2023.

    While 81 deaths in police custody were reported in Gujarat, 80 such deaths took place in Maharashtra in the said period, he said, replying to a written question.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The minister said there were 50 police custodial deaths in Madhya Pradesh, 47 in Bihar, 41 in Uttar Pradesh and 36 in Tamil Nadu.

    Citing the data provided by the National Human Rights Commission, Rai said a total of 164 deaths in police custody were reported in 2022-23, 175 in 2021-22, 100 in 2020-21, 112 in 2019-20 and 136 in 2018-2019.

  • India’s next census to be digital, app-based exercise: Centre

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: India is gearing up for its first digital census and the government has already made several technological advancements on the platform on which the exact headcount, class, gender, age, employment and other socio-economic data of over 130 crore Indian citizens would be captured and categorised.

    Nityanad Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, informed the Parliament on Tuesday that the next census will be an app-based exercise, adding, “the forthcoming Census will be the first digital Census and there is a provision for self-enumeration.”

    Rai further said that “Mobile apps for the collection of data and a census portal for the management and monitoring of various census-related activities have been developed.”

    The Minister was responding to a question in Lok Sabha on the status of the decennial census, which was slated to be conducted in 2021. Several Parliamentarians sought to know from the Ministry of Home Affairs as to when the census would be completed.

    “The intent of the Government for conducting Census 2021 was notified in the Gazette of India on March 28, 2019. Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Census 2021 and the related field activities have been postponed until further orders,” Rai said, adding that the next census would be done on a digital platform.

    The last decennial or decadal population census exercise of India, conducted by the Directors of Census Operations who coordinate the work of census taking in the respective States and Union Territories, was undertaken during Feb 9–28, 2011, with a revisional round during March 1-5, 2011. The next Census was due in 2021 but the same has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Meanwhile, Rai said, “the population projection for India and States and Union Territories for 2011-2036, based on Census 2011 data, were available in the Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections published by the National Commission on Population, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.”

    Population Census provides basic statistics on the state of human resources, demography, culture and economic structure at the local, regional and national levels. The information and data are vital to guide and shape the future development projects of the country.

    NEW DELHI: India is gearing up for its first digital census and the government has already made several technological advancements on the platform on which the exact headcount, class, gender, age, employment and other socio-economic data of over 130 crore Indian citizens would be captured and categorised.

    Nityanad Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, informed the Parliament on Tuesday that the next census will be an app-based exercise, adding, “the forthcoming Census will be the first digital Census and there is a provision for self-enumeration.”

    Rai further said that “Mobile apps for the collection of data and a census portal for the management and monitoring of various census-related activities have been developed.”

    The Minister was responding to a question in Lok Sabha on the status of the decennial census, which was slated to be conducted in 2021. Several Parliamentarians sought to know from the Ministry of Home Affairs as to when the census would be completed.

    “The intent of the Government for conducting Census 2021 was notified in the Gazette of India on March 28, 2019. Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Census 2021 and the related field activities have been postponed until further orders,” Rai said, adding that the next census would be done on a digital platform.

    The last decennial or decadal population census exercise of India, conducted by the Directors of Census Operations who coordinate the work of census taking in the respective States and Union Territories, was undertaken during Feb 9–28, 2011, with a revisional round during March 1-5, 2011. The next Census was due in 2021 but the same has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Meanwhile, Rai said, “the population projection for India and States and Union Territories for 2011-2036, based on Census 2011 data, were available in the Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections published by the National Commission on Population, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.”

    Population Census provides basic statistics on the state of human resources, demography, culture and economic structure at the local, regional and national levels. The information and data are vital to guide and shape the future development projects of the country.

  • Have ‘Kashmiri Pandits’ become ‘Kashmiri Migrant Employees’? Centre thinks so

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Have Kashmiri Pandits become ‘Kashmiri Migrant Employees’ in the eyes of the Government of India?  At a time when there’s a growing sentiment on the plight Kashmiri Pandits fuelled by Bollywood film ‘The Kashmir Files’, the Ministry of Home Affairs has called them ‘Kashmiri Migrant Employees’. 

    In a written reply to a zero-hour question raised by Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits on February 4, Nityanand Rai-the minister of state for Home Affairs called “Kashmiri Migrant Employees”.

    The Shiv Sena MP, reacting to Kashmiri Pandits being called ‘Kashmiri Migrant Employees’ said: “The letter speaks of Kashmiri Migrant Employees. Kashmiri Pandits are not migrants sir, Kashmir is their home and they continue to wait to return with dignity and honour”.

    According to the written response received by Chaturvedi, out of 6,000 Transit Accommodations (TAs) approved by the government to house Kashmiri Migrant Employees in Kashmir valley, only 1,025 units have been completed while 1,488 units are in different stages of completion.

    “In the initial phase the private land was to be acquired for construction of these transit accommodations. However, due to cost escalation and time overrun in land acquisition process, Govt of J&K in 2019 to acquire state land with the aim to speed up the construction works,” the ministry noted in the written reply.

    “It is expected that construction will be completed by 2023,” it said. 

    Category ‘Y’ cover for the kashmir files maker

    Film director behind The Kashmir Files Vivek Agnihotri has been given ‘Y’ category security with CRPF commando cover in light of the threats to his security following the release of the film.

  • No decision yet on NRC at national level: Union Minister Nityanand Rai

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai informed Parliament that government is yet to take a decision on preparing the National Register of Citizens at national level.

    Rai was responding to a question by Trinamool Congress MP Mala Roy who asked about the status of having a NRC for the entire country. Roy also asked when the work related to NRC will be completed along with the status of NRC in Assam.

    In a written reply, Rai said, “Till now, the Government has not taken any decision to prepare National Register of Indian Citizens at the national level. On the Supreme Court directions, the supplementary list of inclusions and the list of exclusions for NRC, Assam were published on August 31, 2019.”

  • Message to Valley: CRPF to commemorate annual Raising Day parade in Jammu & Kashmir

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  In a decision that suggests a likely policy shift for all the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and may come as a morale-booster for the security personnel, CRPF has decided to commemorate its annual Raising Day parade in Jammu and Kashmir instead of its usual venue – Delhi-NCR.

    According to a senior official, the decision is in line with the suggestion given by Union Home Minister to have such functions in areas where the forces have significant presence so as to “strengthen their connection with public”. The official added that this time, the event will be called ‘CRPF Day’ instead of ‘Raising Day’.

    MoS Home Affairs Nityanand Rai is likely to be the chief guest at the CRPF’s Raising Day parade, which is scheduled on March 19 in Jammu. According to sources, other CAPFs are likely to commemorate their annual Raising Day parades at venues where they have been engaged for a long time. Sources say that the idea is also aimed at bridging the distance between the troops and the top-brass.

    On March 19, the CRPF plans a wreath-laying ceremony at Martyr’s memorial and the CRPF Day Parade followed by  cultural and Badakhana programmes, where all top officials will have meals with officers of all ranks. 

    Notably, the BSF had also shifted its Raising Day from Delhi-NCR to Jaisalmer last year. Officials told this newspaper that the shift of venue is intended at sending a positive message to the people of J&K where terror incidents have come down since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

    Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand were also considered for the ceremony as CRPF has its highest deployment in Left Wing Extremism-hit areas. “There were also deliberations on holding the function in Srinagar but ultimately Jammu was finalised,” a CRPF officer said.

  • Seven properties bought by outsiders in Jammu and Kashmir, all in Jammu region: Centre

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Seven plots of land have been bought by outsiders in Jammu and Kashmir in the last one year ever since the central government brought new land laws for J&K where earlier land could only be purchased by residents of the region, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs informed Parliament on Wednesday.

    Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha by CPI (Marxist) leader Jharna Das on the issue, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai elaborated that all the seven plots of land bought by people from outside J&K are located in Jammu and no such purchase has been made in the Kashmir Valley.

    In response to a separate question on whether civilian killings have increased recently in J&K, the minister did not give a clear answer and said, “The numbers of civilian killings have remained in the range of 37-40 every year during the last five years – 2017 to 2021 (till November 30, 2021).”

    Rai was responding to a question by Congress MP KC Venugopal who further asked whether civilian killings are increasing insecurity among outsiders in Jammu and Kashmir and also sought to know the steps taken by the government to ensure safety and security of people in J&K. To this, Rai said, “Notwithstanding attempts by terrorists to target some civilians, a large number of migrant workers continued to stay on in the Kashmir Valley and left as usual upon the onset of the harsh winter. Also, a large number of tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir during the last few months.”

    The junior home minister told the Lower House that the government has taken several steps to ensure safety and security of civilians including those from outside Jammu and Kashmir.

    Citing measures taken by the government in this direction, Rai said a robust security and intelligence grid is in place; day and night area domination, patrolling and proactive operations against terrorists are being carried out in J&K. Besides, round the clock checking at Nakas and Road Opening Parties have been adequately augmented at strategic points to thwart any terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Rai added. On Wednesday, Rai also responded to questions on restoration of statehood to the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. “Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would be granted at an appropriate time,” the minister said. When asked by Congress MP Vivek Tankha whether there is a timeline to hold the state elections in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Rai said, “The decision to schedule elections is the prerogative of the Election Commission of India.”

    Earlier this year in August, the Centre had told Parliament that two people from outside Jammu and Kashmir have bought property in the region since August 2019.

    In October last year, the central government notified new land rules allowing any Indian citizen to purchase non-agricultural land in the Union territory. The new land laws for Jammu and Kashmir followed the August 2019 decision of the government to bifurcate the erstwhile state into two Union territories and revoke Article 370 which granted special rights to J&K.

  • Nine properties of Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir restored to original owners: Govt tells Parliament

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The government is taking steps to restore ancestral properties of Kashmiri Hindu migrants who had to run away from Kashmir in the wake of terrorist violence there and so far nine properties have been given back to the rightful and original owners, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

    Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said under the Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection and Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997, District Magistrates (DMs) of concerned districts in Jammu and Kashmir are the legal custodians of the immovable properties of the migrants, who take suo motto action on eviction proceedings in cases of encroachment, while the migrants can also request DMs in such cases.

    ALSO READ | Only two persons bought two properties in J&K post Article 370 abrogation: Government to Parliament

    “Regarding restoration of properties to its rightful and original owner, nine properties have been restored, as per the information provided by the government of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said in a written reply to a question.

    Rai said as per the information provided by the government of Jammu and Kashmir, after the abrogation of Article 370, a total of 520 migrants have returned to Kashmir for taking up the jobs under the Prime Minister’s Development Package-2015.

    Replying to another question, the minister said after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, all provisions of the Constitution have been made applicable to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which necessitated changes in existing laws in J-K by Adaptation Orders so as to conform with the provisions of the Constitution.

    He said as per the adapted land laws of Jammu and Kashmir, the government may, by notification in the official gazette, allow transfer of land for public purposes such as education, healthcare and charitable purpose.

  • Reduction in funds for police force modernisation: Centre puts blame on states

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  The funds allocated to states under a scheme for modernisation of police forces have been reducing over the last two years, but the Centre contends that most of the states were unable to utilise ‘substantial’ portion of the allocations.

    Union MoS for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai asserted that most of the state governments have substantial unspent balances out of the funds released during earlier years.

    “For the States which utilise funds timely, the scheme (‘Assistance to States for Modernization of Police’) has unique mechanism to provide more funds based on their efficiency in timely utilisation of funds, in the form of ‘better performance incentives’ which are released out of pooled amount of the funds unreleased due to non-furnishing of Utilization Certificates by other States and ‘incentives for police reforms’ in selected reform areas for which up to 20% of allocated funds are kept aside,” he informed Parliament.

    Only smaller states like Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, and Mizoram have requested for more allocation, according to official records.

    While Rs 607.25 cr was allocated to the states for modernisation of police forces in 2018-2019, the Centre brought the funds down to Rs 561 cr and Rs 521.10 cr in the subsequent two years.

    analysis of the government data reveals that funds have dipped for all states in the country.

    The funds allocated to Uttar Pradesh, the most populated state in the country, came down from Rs 68.39 in 2018-2019 to Rs 63.19 cr in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.

    Maharashtra’s share dropped from Rs 51 cr in 2018-2019 to Rs 47.11 cr in the last two years.

    While the third highest allocation was allocated to Jammu and Kashmir, the scheme was stopped last year as it became a Union Territory.

    It had got Rs 39.9 cr and Rs 43.19 crore in 2019-2020 and 2018-2019. Similarly, Karnataka received Rs 38.37 cr in the last two financial years as compared to Rs 41.53 cr in 2018-2019.

    The central funds are used for acquisition of advanced weapons; intelligence equipment including UAVs, night vision devices (NVDs), CCTV Surveillance system; modern communication equipment and state-of-the art equipment.

  • MoS Nityanand Rai attends passing out parade of 144 IPS probationers at Sardar Vallabhai National Police Academy

    By Express News Service

    HYDERABAD: The much awaited Passing out Parade of the 2019 batch IPS officers trained at the Sardar Vallabhai National Police Academy (SVPNPA) was held at the academy in Hyderabad on Friday. Minister of state for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai reviewed the parade. After reviewing the parade led by batch topper Ranjeetha Sharma of Rajasthan cadre and ceremonial oath taken by the candidates, Rai addressed them.

    Rai began his address with the words of Sardar Vallabhai Patel- If you have a good police service, which has the freedom to make up their minds for the nation, you will have a united India. 

    “There is a great contribution of police officers in keeping the nation strong and united. Even during the pandemic, they have rendered great service to the people of the country. More than 2,000 police officers have laid their lives in the fight against the pandemic. I express my wholehearted gratitude and condolence to their families,” he said.

    From the learnings and the experiences at the academy during the training, you should lead the police department in reforms.

    “People of this nation wish that you work on the pillars of the constitution and it is possible only when you work with transparency, integrity, humility, courage, commitment, teamwork and have the courage to stand for truth. If you want to be a good police officer, your attitude and approach, persona and behaviour should be of the highest standards.” Rai told the candidates. 

    To get along with the people of the country, actively implement the aspect of community policing and whatever step you take, it will get strength with collectivity, he told them.

    The nation is fighting with serious problems like terrorism, rebellion and traditional crimes, and big conspiracies sorrounding them. “ The Prime Minister, Home Minister and people of this country have their hopes on you young people that you will protect the country and its people from these grave threats.”

    Crime against women and children in the country is always a concern and their valuable contribution is needed in this area. He also advised them to spend at least 100 hours every year to train the men and women under them on the latest techniques and technology.“ As long as you do not invest in improving the skills of your subordinates and team members, you won’t be able to achieve extraordinary results,” he said.

    He expressed confidence that the new officers will work based on the constitutional values and make the country proud in all aspects. “ Keep in mind the Prime Minister’s message- National First, Always first and Home Minister’s message just and sensitive policing. I am sure that you will live to these values and we all hope that you will build your career on honesty and hard work will script a new history. And your services to the nation and the people will always be remembered”

    He also asked them to remember that the pride of the tri colour and the motherland will always strengthen them. “  The desire to live for the country and die for the country, will give you a sacred identity and the Uniform will inspire you to be alert, active, courageous and just always” Rai said.

    Before addressing the parade, he gave out trophies to the winners. 178 candidates, including 144 IPA probationers and 34 foreign officer trainees passed out from the academy. Among them 33 are women, including 23 IPSs.

  • 4,046 applications of Hindus for citizenship still pending: Centre to Rajya Sabha

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: A total of 4,046 applications for Indian citizenship from Hindus belonging to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh are pending with various state governments, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

    Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai also said that 4,171 foreigners were given Indian nationality in the last five years – from 2016 to 2020.

    Of the pending applications for citizenship from Hindus, 1,541 are with the Rajasthan government, 849 with the Maharashtra government, 555 with Gujarat, 490 with Madhya Pradesh, 268 with Chhattisgarh and 123 with Delhi, he said.

    In addition, 10 applications of Hindus for citizenship are pending with the central government, Rai said in a written reply. Referring to those who were granted Indian citizenship in the last five years, the minister said 1,105 foreigners were given Indian nationality in 2016, 814 in 2017, 628 in 2018, 986 in 2019 and 638 in 2020.

    The Indian nationality has been given to these people under the Citizenship Act 1955. However, no one has been given Indian citizenship under the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act as the rules under the 2019 legislation were yet to be notified.

    Of those who were granted Indian citizenship in the last five years, 1,089 were in Gujarat, 751 in Rajasthan, 535 in Madhya Pradesh, 446 in Maharashtra, 303 in Haryana, 301 in Delhi, 146 in West Bengal, 145 in Uttar Pradesh, 75 in Uttarakhand, 73 in Tamil Nadu, 72 in Karnataka and 65 in Kerala.