News Analysis India

Tag: Yogi Adityanath

  • Lucknow hotel blaze: Three people including manager sent to jail

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW:  Speeding up the action in the Levana Suites inferno case, the Lucknow police arrested two of the owners – Rahul Agarwal and Rohit Agarwal—along with the hotel manager Sagar Srivastava producing them in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) here on Tuesday.

    On Monday morning, at least, four hotel persons including two women, all Lucknow residents were killed and 11 others were injured in the fire that originated from the banquet hall of the hotel situated in posh Hazratganj.

    The court sent all three on 14-day judicial remand to jail. An FIR was lodged against Rohit and Rahul Agarwal along with their father Pawan Agarwal and hotel Manager Sagar Srivastava under IPC Sections 304 (for causing death due to negligent act) and 308 (for risking people’s lives with their act) on late Monday night, said police sources.

    While interacting with the media persons, joint commissioner of police (law and order) Piyush Mordiya confirmed four deaths and stated that the two hotel owners and general manager were initially detained and questioned about the lapses that led to the fire incident. Later they were arrested.

    Firefighters and the State Disaster Response Team (SDRF) members carried out rescue operations and several people staying in the hotel were rescued. To query about the two persons still missing, the JCP said in all likelihood, the duo would have escaped from the rear side exit of the hotel as there arevery thin chances of anybody being left behind in the hotel.

    ALSO READ | Four dead, many injured as major fire breaks out in Lucknow hotel

    The police were trying to track their locations through electronic surveillance, he added.

    Earlier, the press note from DM’s office stated that two persons – Naina Tewari (staying in room number 314) and Ujjwal Mishra (in room number 208) – were reported missing after the incident.

    Meanwhile, the inquiry team comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob and Lucknow Police Commissioner SB Shiradhkar visited the site on Tuesday with other officials concerned to ascertain the reasons for the fire which claimed four lives. The probe team is likely to submit its report to CM Yogi Adityanath by Tuesday night.

    However, with the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA)being asked by the district administration to seal and demolish the hotel building as per the rules, the police commissioner pointed finger at the short circuit as the prima facie reason for the mishap. On the other, Dr Roshan Jacob had indicated the ‘suspicious’ role of the officials of LDA who passed the map for the building and helpedprocuring various NOCs.

    As per the highly placed LDA sources, the hotel Levana Suites, which was supposed to be a residential apartment, was turned into a hotel in blatant violation of norms. Even more, last month, the LDA issued a notice seeking a reply from the owners as to why the building should not be demolished.

    The hotel started operations after receiving a power connection from Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration (Lesa) in October 2017.

    The sources claimed that the area where the hotel is situated, was used for residential purposes, and the owners of the structure had violated norms by building a hotel. Later, they filed an affidavit and sought six months to convert the structure into a residential apartment, which they never did, and continuedcommercial operations.

    According to a statement issued by Lucknow divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob, the owner of the structure failed to present the LDA’s approved map for the hotel. “On May 7, 2022, the structure owners were served notice following which they submitted a no-objection certificate from the fire department on May 12.

    The NOC was valid till 2024 but prima facie it was found that the structure had no fire exit system and was given NOC on iron grill stairs installed at hotel’s façade,” the statement said.

    “The zonal officer served another notice on May 26, 2022, to present the LDA’s approved map for the hotel. No response was received till August 18,” it added.

    LDA zonal officer, Arvind Tripathi, said: “On August 18, another notice was served on the owners under section 27 (1) of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, as to why not the structure built on 6,400 sq feet should be demolished.”

    “The owner did not respond to the notice till August 29. The order to seal the structure was issued today (September 5),” said the copy of the order issued by LDA. On Monday evening, LDA officials conducted a survey of the building and sealed it.

    “Following due legal process, the structure will now be demolished,” the divisional commissioner’s statement said. The divisional commissioner also clarified that the LDA officials involved inletting the hotel operate without approval would be identified and disciplinary action would be taken.

    LUCKNOW:  Speeding up the action in the Levana Suites inferno case, the Lucknow police arrested two of the owners – Rahul Agarwal and Rohit Agarwal—along with the hotel manager Sagar Srivastava producing them in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) here on Tuesday.

    On Monday morning, at least, four hotel persons including two women, all Lucknow residents were killed and 11 others were injured in the fire that originated from the banquet hall of the hotel situated in posh Hazratganj.

    The court sent all three on 14-day judicial remand to jail. An FIR was lodged against Rohit and Rahul Agarwal along with their father Pawan Agarwal and hotel Manager Sagar Srivastava under IPC Sections 304 (for causing death due to negligent act) and 308 (for risking people’s lives with their act) on late Monday night, said police sources.

    While interacting with the media persons, joint commissioner of police (law and order) Piyush Mordiya confirmed four deaths and stated that the two hotel owners and general manager were initially detained and questioned about the lapses that led to the fire incident. Later they were arrested.

    Firefighters and the State Disaster Response Team (SDRF) members carried out rescue operations and several people staying in the hotel were rescued. To query about the two persons still missing, the JCP said in all likelihood, the duo would have escaped from the rear side exit of the hotel as there are
    very thin chances of anybody being left behind in the hotel.

    ALSO READ | Four dead, many injured as major fire breaks out in Lucknow hotel

    The police were trying to track their locations through electronic surveillance, he added.

    Earlier, the press note from DM’s office stated that two persons – Naina Tewari (staying in room number 314) and Ujjwal Mishra (in room number 208) – were reported missing after the incident.

    Meanwhile, the inquiry team comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob and Lucknow Police Commissioner SB Shiradhkar visited the site on Tuesday with other officials concerned to ascertain the reasons for the fire which claimed four lives. The probe team is likely to submit its report to CM Yogi Adityanath by Tuesday night.

    However, with the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA)being asked by the district administration to seal and demolish the hotel building as per the rules, the police commissioner pointed finger at the short circuit as the prima facie reason for the mishap. On the other, Dr Roshan Jacob had indicated the ‘suspicious’ role of the officials of LDA who passed the map for the building and helped
    procuring various NOCs.

    As per the highly placed LDA sources, the hotel Levana Suites, which was supposed to be a residential apartment, was turned into a hotel in blatant violation of norms. Even more, last month, the LDA issued a notice seeking a reply from the owners as to why the building should not be demolished.

    The hotel started operations after receiving a power connection from Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration (Lesa) in October 2017.

    The sources claimed that the area where the hotel is situated, was used for residential purposes, and the owners of the structure had violated norms by building a hotel. Later, they filed an affidavit and sought six months to convert the structure into a residential apartment, which they never did, and continued
    commercial operations.

    According to a statement issued by Lucknow divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob, the owner of the structure failed to present the LDA’s approved map for the hotel. “On May 7, 2022, the structure owners were served notice following which they submitted a no-objection certificate from the fire department on May 12.

    The NOC was valid till 2024 but prima facie it was found that the structure had no fire exit system and was given NOC on iron grill stairs installed at hotel’s façade,” the statement said.

    “The zonal officer served another notice on May 26, 2022, to present the LDA’s approved map for the hotel. No response was received till August 18,” it added.

    LDA zonal officer, Arvind Tripathi, said: “On August 18, another notice was served on the owners under section 27 (1) of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, as to why not the structure built on 6,400 sq feet should be demolished.”

    “The owner did not respond to the notice till August 29. The order to seal the structure was issued today (September 5),” said the copy of the order issued by LDA. On Monday evening, LDA officials conducted a survey of the building and sealed it.

    “Following due legal process, the structure will now be demolished,” the divisional commissioner’s statement said. The divisional commissioner also clarified that the LDA officials involved in
    letting the hotel operate without approval would be identified and disciplinary action would be taken.

  • Uttar Pradesh CM reviews preparations for demolition of Noida towers 

    By PTI

    LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday reviewed preparations for the demolition of Supertech Twin Towers in Noida, which is scheduled to take place on August 28.

    According to a statement issued by the government here, Adityanath said people’s safety should be ensured at all cost.

    He also directed to take care of the environmental challenges in view of the demolition.

    Water tankers, sprinklers and smog guns will be used to clear the dust generated as a result of demolition. Sweeping machines will be installed on the roads within two-kilometre radius of the buildings.

    After the Chief Minister’s review, Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner Arvind Kumar issued detailed guidelines.

    Kumar said the preparations for the demolition of the towers have been completed. The buildings near the towers will be vacated on August 28 at 7 am.

    Alternate parking arrangements and the protection of gardens will be ensured.

    He said as per the CM’s directions, traffic on the roads around the Twin Towers will be restricted during the demolition.

    The Noida-Greater Noida Expressway will be closed for half an hour for safety at the time of demolition. A private firm has partnered with South African Jet Demolitions for the task.

    The officer said the company has to demolish the towers in such a way that there is no damage to residential buildings nearby.

    According to the statement, about 3,700 kg of explosives being used to demolish the towers. The demolition will result in the generation of approximately 80,000 tonnes of debris. Steel and concrete will be separated from the rubble on the spot.

    About 50,000 tonnes of debris will be accommodated in the twin towers’ two basements. The remaining 30,000 tonnes of debris will be processed scientifically and converted into tiles. According to the plan, the entire process of disposal of debris will be completed in next three months.

    LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday reviewed preparations for the demolition of Supertech Twin Towers in Noida, which is scheduled to take place on August 28.

    According to a statement issued by the government here, Adityanath said people’s safety should be ensured at all cost.

    He also directed to take care of the environmental challenges in view of the demolition.

    Water tankers, sprinklers and smog guns will be used to clear the dust generated as a result of demolition. Sweeping machines will be installed on the roads within two-kilometre radius of the buildings.

    After the Chief Minister’s review, Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner Arvind Kumar issued detailed guidelines.

    Kumar said the preparations for the demolition of the towers have been completed. The buildings near the towers will be vacated on August 28 at 7 am.

    Alternate parking arrangements and the protection of gardens will be ensured.

    He said as per the CM’s directions, traffic on the roads around the Twin Towers will be restricted during the demolition.

    The Noida-Greater Noida Expressway will be closed for half an hour for safety at the time of demolition. A private firm has partnered with South African Jet Demolitions for the task.

    The officer said the company has to demolish the towers in such a way that there is no damage to residential buildings nearby.

    According to the statement, about 3,700 kg of explosives being used to demolish the towers. The demolition will result in the generation of approximately 80,000 tonnes of debris. Steel and concrete will be separated from the rubble on the spot.

    About 50,000 tonnes of debris will be accommodated in the twin towers’ two basements. The remaining 30,000 tonnes of debris will be processed scientifically and converted into tiles. According to the plan, the entire process of disposal of debris will be completed in next three months.

  • Yogi govt sets up first Anti-Narcotics Task Force

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: In order to crack down on illicit liquor and drug smugglers in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government has set up an ‘Anti-Narcotics Task Force’ (ANTF) to check drug trafficking.

    ANTF has been constituted following the directives of CM Yogi Adityanath to confiscate the properties of those found involved in illicit liquor and drugs trade and put up their posters at public places, said the official spokesman of state government here on Tuesday.

    The CM issued the orders to authorities concerned to crack a whip on those found involved in the trade of illicit liquor and drugs as it should be seen as a national crime. The CM was reviewing the campaign against illicit liquor and narcotics across the state.

    According to a statement issued by Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar, ANTF would be supervised by Additional Director General of Police (Crime).

    As per the UP police statement, in the first phase, Narcotics Police Stations would be established in two districts — Barabanki and Ghazipur. It added that officers from central agencies like Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) would be taken on deputation in ANTF.

    ANTF would be equipped with all the powers related to search, seizure, arrest and investigation against criminals and mafia involved in the drug trade. It would be able to investigate by registering FIR against criminals in any police station within its jurisdiction.

    ANTF would be divided into three zones — Eastern, Western and Central – across the state.

    While Eastern zone  would comprise of Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi divisions, Western would have of Meerut, Bareilly, and Agra divisions and Central zone would have Lucknow and Kanpur division.

    At the Headquarters, the task force would be headed by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police level officer with the support of the Superintendent of Police (Operations) and the Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), the statement said adding that each zone would be headed by a deputy SP level officer.

    DIG Abdul Hamid has been appointed the first officer to head ANTF. In the first phase of the campaign which was launched on Monday, 785 accused were arrested while narcotics worth more than Rs 5.50 crore were seized in raids that were carried out in 342 hookah bars at 4,338 places across the state, the official statement said.

    The drive was launched to save the youth of the state from drug addiction. 

    The task force will also oversee the implementation of treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, and preventive education and awareness generation programmes of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It will also coordinate with de-addiction centres established by the Union health ministry.

    The ANTF has also been tasked with keeping a vigil on the illegal farming of poppy seed and cracking down on the illegal narcotics trade through the dark web, social media, and  cryptocurrency.

    LUCKNOW: In order to crack down on illicit liquor and drug smugglers in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government has set up an ‘Anti-Narcotics Task Force’ (ANTF) to check drug trafficking.

    ANTF has been constituted following the directives of CM Yogi Adityanath to confiscate the properties of those found involved in illicit liquor and drugs trade and put up their posters at public places, said the official spokesman of state government here on Tuesday.

    The CM issued the orders to authorities concerned to crack a whip on those found involved in the trade of illicit liquor and drugs as it should be seen as a national crime. The CM was reviewing the campaign against illicit liquor and narcotics across the state.

    According to a statement issued by Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar, ANTF would be supervised by Additional Director General of Police (Crime).

    As per the UP police statement, in the first phase, Narcotics Police Stations would be established in two districts — Barabanki and Ghazipur. It added that officers from central agencies like Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) would be taken on deputation in ANTF.

    ANTF would be equipped with all the powers related to search, seizure, arrest and investigation against criminals and mafia involved in the drug trade. It would be able to investigate by registering FIR against criminals in any police station within its jurisdiction.

    ANTF would be divided into three zones — Eastern, Western and Central – across the state.

    While Eastern zone  would comprise of Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi divisions, Western would have of Meerut, Bareilly, and Agra divisions and Central zone would have Lucknow and Kanpur division.

    At the Headquarters, the task force would be headed by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police level officer with the support of the Superintendent of Police (Operations) and the Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), the statement said adding that each zone would be headed by a deputy SP level officer.

    DIG Abdul Hamid has been appointed the first officer to head ANTF. In the first phase of the campaign which was launched on Monday, 785 accused were arrested while narcotics worth more than Rs 5.50 crore were seized in raids that were carried out in 342 hookah bars at 4,338 places across the state, the official statement said.

    The drive was launched to save the youth of the state from drug addiction. 

    The task force will also oversee the implementation of treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, and preventive education and awareness generation programmes of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It will also coordinate with de-addiction centres established by the Union health ministry.

    The ANTF has also been tasked with keeping a vigil on the illegal farming of poppy seed and cracking down on the illegal narcotics trade through the dark web, social media, and  cryptocurrency.

  • CM Yogi reiterates resolve to make UP a trillion dollar economy in next 5 years

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: While reiterating the resolve to make Uttar Pradesh a trillion dollar economy in the coming five years, CM Yogi Adityanath Monday assured the people of the state of his government’s commitment towards providing honest and sensitive administration. The CM also listed ‘service, security, and good governance’ among his priorities.

    During his Independence Day speech after hoisting the national flag at Vidhan Bhawan, CM Yogi said his government was working on increasing the state economy four times. “While on one side, the state government has tried to provide transparent and accountable governance, we are committed to ensure honesty and sensitivity in administration,” said the CM.

    He added that during the last five years, the foundation of development and good governance was laid in UP and in the next five years, a grand structure of growth and prosperity would take shape.

    The CM referred to his government’s handling of the pandemic claiming that many models were presented by UP and were followed by others. He exuded confidence that people of the state would connect themselves with the programmes of double engine government. He added his policy of “zero tolerance” against crime and criminals also drew attention of various quarters and appreciated widely.

    ALSO READ | India@75: How Indian economy regained its mojo and how it can be the bird of gold again

    Listing the achievements of his government, CM Yogi disclosed that the state government was working on the plan to develop “Maryada Purushotam Bhagwan Sri Ram ke Pawan Dham” on the lines of Kashi Vishwanath Dham. He added other religious places such as Braj Bhumi or Namisaran will also be developed by his government.

    He claimed that Uttar Pradesh had emerged as a potential dream destination for investment. “We have succeeded in doubling the state’s GDP. We could draw an investment of Rs 4 lakh crore Investors’ through investors’ summit  of 2018.

    Paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and all freedom fighters and soldiers during the ceremony, CM Yogi said that the five-day events, including the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign as well as Partition Horror Remembrance Day, connected the people of the state with its rich cultural heritage.

    The UP chief minister also sought the support of the 25 crore people of the state to make the dream of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” a reality.

    Mentioning the return of BJP to power in UP for a consecutive second term in 2022 assembly elections, CM Yogi sought to clinch a moment of pride by saying that for the first time in 37 years, a government was repeated in the state and a CM , after serving the people of the state successfully for five years without deviating or stopping and taking forward his programmes and once again took the oath of office to continue to serve the people.

    LUCKNOW: While reiterating the resolve to make Uttar Pradesh a trillion dollar economy in the coming five years, CM Yogi Adityanath Monday assured the people of the state of his government’s commitment towards providing honest and sensitive administration. The CM also listed ‘service, security, and good governance’ among his priorities.

    During his Independence Day speech after hoisting the national flag at Vidhan Bhawan, CM Yogi said his government was working on increasing the state economy four times. “While on one side, the state government has tried to provide transparent and accountable governance, we are committed to ensure honesty and sensitivity in administration,” said the CM.

    He added that during the last five years, the foundation of development and good governance was laid in UP and in the next five years, a grand structure of growth and prosperity would take shape.

    The CM referred to his government’s handling of the pandemic claiming that many models were presented by UP and were followed by others. He exuded confidence that people of the state would connect themselves with the programmes of double engine government. He added his policy of “zero tolerance” against crime and criminals also drew attention of various quarters and appreciated widely.

    ALSO READ | India@75: How Indian economy regained its mojo and how it can be the bird of gold again

    Listing the achievements of his government, CM Yogi disclosed that the state government was working on the plan to develop “Maryada Purushotam Bhagwan Sri Ram ke Pawan Dham” on the lines of Kashi Vishwanath Dham. He added other religious places such as Braj Bhumi or Namisaran will also be developed by his government.

    He claimed that Uttar Pradesh had emerged as a potential dream destination for investment. “We have succeeded in doubling the state’s GDP. We could draw an investment of Rs 4 lakh crore Investors’ through investors’ summit  of 2018.

    Paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and all freedom fighters and soldiers during the ceremony, CM Yogi said that the five-day events, including the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign as well as Partition Horror Remembrance Day, connected the people of the state with its rich cultural heritage.

    The UP chief minister also sought the support of the 25 crore people of the state to make the dream of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” a reality.

    Mentioning the return of BJP to power in UP for a consecutive second term in 2022 assembly elections, CM Yogi sought to clinch a moment of pride by saying that for the first time in 37 years, a government was repeated in the state and a CM , after serving the people of the state successfully for five years without deviating or stopping and taking forward his programmes and once again took the oath of office to continue to serve the people.

  • Women over 60 to get free bus rides in UP

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to make bus travel free for women aged above 60 years.  Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the decision while addressing an event organised here to flag off 150 new diesel buses of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) on Wednesday.

    Providing free bus travel to senior women citizens was one of the promises made by the BJP in its manifesto ahead of 2022 Assembly elections. Yogi also announced free bus rides for every woman for 48 hours in the state on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. He said women can travel for free in government buses from August 10 (midnight) to August 12 (midnight).

    Later taking to the Twitter, the CM posted: “On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan in Uttar Pradesh, all mothers, sisters and daughters will be provided free travel facility for the next 48 hours in government buses from 12 midnight today (August 10) to midnight of August 12.” “The service will help the sisters and mothers to travel in a safe environment to reach their destination to celebrate Raksha Bandhan.”

    Stating that if airports can be built with “world-class” facilities, why can’t bus stations have similar amenities, he called for the need of equipping them with dormitories, restaurants and clean toilets.He remembered how the buses of the transport department carried migrant workers returning from different parts of the country to their destination during the pandemic. “It was the largest exercise to ferry passengers for free after the Kumbh Mela of 2019,” he added.

    He stressed on the need to phase out old buses in order to improve the travel experience of the passengers.Expressing concern over the rising rate of accidents, Yogi also asked the transport department to ensure a yearly health report of the drivers. “The biggest concern is deaths caused in road mishaps. I’m saddened to say that the number of deaths in road accidents is over 20,000 a year. We need to take measures to reduce it,” he said.

    He asked the transport minister to link state transport corporation workshops with ITIs where youth can be skilled through training.

    Lucknow, Varanasi among 4 UP cities to hold G20 events next year Lucknow: Brand UP’ will get another chance to get featured on the world map, as four of its cities — Lucknow, Varanasi, Greater Noida and Agra – have been chosen to host events of the G20 summit which will be organised in India over a span of one year between December 2022 and December 2023. India will be in chair of the multilateral group next year. According to state government officials, various programmes would be organised during the summit. “Here is a golden opportunity to make the whole world aware of the potential of ‘New India’s New Uttar Pradesh’. We have planned things accordingly and systematically to showcase the cultural, spiritual, social, economic and industrial features of the state,” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said while chairing a meeting over the issue recently.

    LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to make bus travel free for women aged above 60 years.  Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the decision while addressing an event organised here to flag off 150 new diesel buses of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) on Wednesday.

    Providing free bus travel to senior women citizens was one of the promises made by the BJP in its manifesto ahead of 2022 Assembly elections. Yogi also announced free bus rides for every woman for 48 hours in the state on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. He said women can travel for free in government buses from August 10 (midnight) to August 12 (midnight).

    Later taking to the Twitter, the CM posted: “On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan in Uttar Pradesh, all mothers, sisters and daughters will be provided free travel facility for the next 48 hours in government buses from 12 midnight today (August 10) to midnight of August 12.” “The service will help the sisters and mothers to travel in a safe environment to reach their destination to celebrate Raksha Bandhan.”

    Stating that if airports can be built with “world-class” facilities, why can’t bus stations have similar amenities, he called for the need of equipping them with dormitories, restaurants and clean toilets.
    He remembered how the buses of the transport department carried migrant workers returning from different parts of the country to their destination during the pandemic. “It was the largest exercise to ferry passengers for free after the Kumbh Mela of 2019,” he added.

    He stressed on the need to phase out old buses in order to improve the travel experience of the passengers.
    Expressing concern over the rising rate of accidents, Yogi also asked the transport department to ensure a yearly health report of the drivers. “The biggest concern is deaths caused in road mishaps. I’m saddened to say that the number of deaths in road accidents is over 20,000 a year. We need to take measures to reduce it,” he said.

    He asked the transport minister to link state transport corporation workshops with ITIs where youth can be skilled through training.

    Lucknow, Varanasi among 4 UP cities to hold G20 events next year 
    Lucknow: Brand UP’ will get another chance to get featured on the world map, as four of its cities — Lucknow, Varanasi, Greater Noida and Agra – have been chosen to host events of the G20 summit which will be organised in India over a span of one year between December 2022 and December 2023. India will be in chair of the multilateral group next year. According to state government officials, various programmes would be organised during the summit. “Here is a golden opportunity to make the whole world aware of the potential of ‘New India’s New Uttar Pradesh’. We have planned things accordingly and systematically to showcase the cultural, spiritual, social, economic and industrial features of the state,” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said while chairing a meeting over the issue recently.

  • Over 50 cattle die at cow shelter in UP’s Amroha, CM Yogi orders probe

    By PTI

    AMROHA: More than 50 cattle have died under mysterious circumstances at a cow shelter in Hasanpur area of Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha district.

    The deaths that took place on Thursday prompted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ordered a probe and direct Animal Husbandry Minister Dharam Pal Singh to reach Amroha.

    District Magistrate of Amroha BK Tripathi told media persons that the cows fell ill in the evening after eating fodder.

    Officials of the Animal Husbandry Department and veterinarians were rushed to the scene to treat the cattle.

    Superintendent of Police Aditya Langeh later confirmed to PTI that more than 50 cows at the shelter died.

    According to the DM, the management at the cow shelter has procured fodder from a person identified as Tahir.

    “An FIR has been lodged against Tahir and efforts are being made to arrest him,” the DM said.

    “The village development officer, who is in charge of the cow shelter, has been suspended,” he added.

    “Chief Minister Adityanath has directed the animal husbandry minister to reach the spot after taking cognisance of death of cows in Amroha,” the CM’s Office tweeted on its official handle.

    The office said the chief minister has ordered to send a team of veterinarians for the treatment of ailing cows.

    “The CM has said that anyone found guilty for the incident will not be spared,” read another tweet.

    AMROHA: More than 50 cattle have died under mysterious circumstances at a cow shelter in Hasanpur area of Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha district.

    The deaths that took place on Thursday prompted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ordered a probe and direct Animal Husbandry Minister Dharam Pal Singh to reach Amroha.

    District Magistrate of Amroha BK Tripathi told media persons that the cows fell ill in the evening after eating fodder.

    Officials of the Animal Husbandry Department and veterinarians were rushed to the scene to treat the cattle.

    Superintendent of Police Aditya Langeh later confirmed to PTI that more than 50 cows at the shelter died.

    According to the DM, the management at the cow shelter has procured fodder from a person identified as Tahir.

    “An FIR has been lodged against Tahir and efforts are being made to arrest him,” the DM said.

    “The village development officer, who is in charge of the cow shelter, has been suspended,” he added.

    “Chief Minister Adityanath has directed the animal husbandry minister to reach the spot after taking cognisance of death of cows in Amroha,” the CM’s Office tweeted on its official handle.

    The office said the chief minister has ordered to send a team of veterinarians for the treatment of ailing cows.

    “The CM has said that anyone found guilty for the incident will not be spared,” read another tweet.

  • Transfer of 48 doctors cancelled after being found to be against norms of UP transfer policy

    By Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: With the ongoing controversy over the transfers in various departments, UP CM Yogi Adtiyanath, on Saturday, cancelled the transfers of 48 doctors, all dentists, carried out by the state health department, allegedly against the state’s transfer policy.

    After taking action on the officials responsible for issuing the erroneous orders in violation of the current transfer police of the state government, the CM, who is seized of the matter and the respective probe reports over erroneous postings, has now cancelled the transfers, it was learnt.

    Early in the week, four health department officials were suspended for the alleged violation of rules with regard to the recent transfers in the department.

    As per highly-placed sources in the health department, in the transfer list of 313 level 1 medical officers, the names of 48 doctors of level 2, 3 and Ayush were added against the norms of transfer policy.  Following the protests by the transferred doctors, a probe was set up under Chief Secretary DS Mishra.

    On the basis of the probe report, the transfer order of 48 doctors figuring on the list of 313 level 1 doctors were cancelled. These transfers were done at the level of Medical and Health directorate allegedly against the rules which say that the doctors of level 2 and 3 should be transferred by the state administration only.

    In this connection, a departmental inquiry has been ordered against Additional Director (personnel), Dr Anurag Bhargava, who retired recently.

    ALSO READ | Black is the new gold: UP’s rice bowl strikes it rich

    The official sources did not rule out the cancellation of more transfers of doctors done by the health department.

    Significantly, since the first week of July, the doctors and other medical staff had been protesting against the transfers done by health department, saying that these were in violation of the state transfer policy.

    Even Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who holds the health portfolio, had sought a reply in this regard from the additional chief secretary, medical health, Amit Mohan Prasad. Besides, an inquiry was also conducted into the transfers by the health directorate.

    It had come to light that the ACS had released all the transfer orders without consulting Pathak when he was away in Telangana to take part in the BJP national executive meet.

    As a result, Pathak briefed CM Yogi Adityanath in this connection and wrote him a letter also mentioning that the transfers taken place in health department were against the state transfer policy and plagued with a lot of irregularities.

    The deputy CM had claimed in his letter to the CM that in the state capital, a number of specialist doctors were transferred without appointing their replacement.

    Besides the doctors, UP chapter of Indian Medical Association had lodged objection to the transfers of senior doctors.

    However, after the probe report furnished by the committee headed by the Chief Secretary, four officials including Dr Rakesh Kumar Gupta, additional director medical and health services (para-medicals), Dr Ashok Kumar Pandey, additional director, medical and health services (health/administration), Dr Arvind Kumar Verma, joint director (paramedical) and Mohammad Ismail, administrative officer in the health department, were suspended.

    LUCKNOW: With the ongoing controversy over the transfers in various departments, UP CM Yogi Adtiyanath, on Saturday, cancelled the transfers of 48 doctors, all dentists, carried out by the state health department, allegedly against the state’s transfer policy.

    After taking action on the officials responsible for issuing the erroneous orders in violation of the current transfer police of the state government, the CM, who is seized of the matter and the respective probe reports over erroneous postings, has now cancelled the transfers, it was learnt.

    Early in the week, four health department officials were suspended for the alleged violation of rules with regard to the recent transfers in the department.

    As per highly-placed sources in the health department, in the transfer list of 313 level 1 medical officers, the names of 48 doctors of level 2, 3 and Ayush were added against the norms of transfer policy.  Following the protests by the transferred doctors, a probe was set up under Chief Secretary DS Mishra.

    On the basis of the probe report, the transfer order of 48 doctors figuring on the list of 313 level 1 doctors were cancelled. These transfers were done at the level of Medical and Health directorate allegedly against the rules which say that the doctors of level 2 and 3 should be transferred by the state administration only.

    In this connection, a departmental inquiry has been ordered against Additional Director (personnel), Dr Anurag Bhargava, who retired recently.

    ALSO READ | Black is the new gold: UP’s rice bowl strikes it rich

    The official sources did not rule out the cancellation of more transfers of doctors done by the health department.

    Significantly, since the first week of July, the doctors and other medical staff had been protesting against the transfers done by health department, saying that these were in violation of the state transfer policy.

    Even Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who holds the health portfolio, had sought a reply in this regard from the additional chief secretary, medical health, Amit Mohan Prasad. Besides, an inquiry was also conducted into the transfers by the health directorate.

    It had come to light that the ACS had released all the transfer orders without consulting Pathak when he was away in Telangana to take part in the BJP national executive meet.

    As a result, Pathak briefed CM Yogi Adityanath in this connection and wrote him a letter also mentioning that the transfers taken place in health department were against the state transfer policy and plagued with a lot of irregularities.

    The deputy CM had claimed in his letter to the CM that in the state capital, a number of specialist doctors were transferred without appointing their replacement.

    Besides the doctors, UP chapter of Indian Medical Association had lodged objection to the transfers of senior doctors.

    However, after the probe report furnished by the committee headed by the Chief Secretary, four officials including Dr Rakesh Kumar Gupta, additional director medical and health services (para-medicals), Dr Ashok Kumar Pandey, additional director, medical and health services (health/administration), Dr Arvind Kumar Verma, joint director (paramedical) and Mohammad Ismail, administrative officer in the health department, were suspended.

  • ‘Talk to representatives of Opposition parties during visits to districts’: Yogi to UP ministers

    By PTI

    LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday asked his ministers to interact with public representatives of opposition parties and take their feedback on government policies during their visits to the districts under the ‘’Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ campaign.

    The chief minister asserted that corruption and irregularities will not be tolerated and directed the ministers to take all decisions based on merit.

    As part of the ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ campaign, 18 groups of ministers – one each for 18 administrative divisions in Uttar Pradesh — were constituted in April to reach out to the people and ensure efficient execution of development work.

    Addressing the ministers, Adityanath said the government has the reports of the two visits conducted by the groups so far and during the future visits, the opposition parties representatives’ feedback on government schemes as well as grievances, if any, should be taken note of.

    “We live in a democratic setup. During your visits to your respective divisions, you should meet public representatives of the opposition parties and have a dialogue with them and take their suggestions,” the chief minister said.

    He said there should be coordination between cabinet and state ministers.

    “”State ministers should be included in the departmental meetings. No instance of corruption or irregularity is acceptable. The decisions should be taken on merit and not in haste,” he said.

    He said the ministers’ visits have had a positive impact and it should be maintained in future.

    Nodal officers should be given reports of the ministers and developmental work should be carried out accordingly, he said.

    In 2023, the Uttar Pradesh global investors’ summit is planned and the groups of ministers should go abroad and create a favourable atmosphere for the state there so that it attracts more investment.

    LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday asked his ministers to interact with public representatives of opposition parties and take their feedback on government policies during their visits to the districts under the ‘’Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ campaign.

    The chief minister asserted that corruption and irregularities will not be tolerated and directed the ministers to take all decisions based on merit.

    As part of the ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ campaign, 18 groups of ministers – one each for 18 administrative divisions in Uttar Pradesh — were constituted in April to reach out to the people and ensure efficient execution of development work.

    Addressing the ministers, Adityanath said the government has the reports of the two visits conducted by the groups so far and during the future visits, the opposition parties representatives’ feedback on government schemes as well as grievances, if any, should be taken note of.

    “We live in a democratic setup. During your visits to your respective divisions, you should meet public representatives of the opposition parties and have a dialogue with them and take their suggestions,” the chief minister said.

    He said there should be coordination between cabinet and state ministers.

    “”State ministers should be included in the departmental meetings. No instance of corruption or irregularity is acceptable. The decisions should be taken on merit and not in haste,” he said.

    He said the ministers’ visits have had a positive impact and it should be maintained in future.

    Nodal officers should be given reports of the ministers and developmental work should be carried out accordingly, he said.

    In 2023, the Uttar Pradesh global investors’ summit is planned and the groups of ministers should go abroad and create a favourable atmosphere for the state there so that it attracts more investment.

  • Namaz vs Sunder Kand at Lulu Mall: CM Yogi gets tough, says anarchy will not be tolerated

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: Breaking his silence on the ongoing Namaz vs Sunder Kand controversy that broke out at the newly-inaugurated Lulu Mall in Lucknow, UP CM Yogi Adityanath made it clear to the police and district administration authorities that anarchy in any from will not be tolerated.

    Meanwhile, following the CM’s orders, the Lucknow police on Tuesday morning arrested four persons — Noman, Lukman, Atif and Rehan — among those videographed offering namaz in the corridors of the Mall. The video had gone viral on social media last Tuesday.

    While presiding over a meeting of the authorities late Monday night, CM Yogi had ordered the Lucknow administration to deal with troublemakers with an iron fist as they were trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the state capital.

    Notably, a controversy had erupted after a video of a bunch of Muslim men offering namaz at Lulu Mall went viral drawing reaction from right-wing outfits including Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha and Karni Sena who gave the ‘Boycott Lulu’ call and thronged the mall to recite Sunder Kand and Hanuman Chalisa inside it.

    The right-wing activists had been demonstrating at the mall and the roads approaching it, leading to huge traffic snarls and lawlessness in the area. The police arrested three demonstrators and detained scores for protesting at the mall.

    ALSO READ | LuLu Mall in Lucknow in the thick of Namaz vs Sundar Kand controversy days after inauguration

    The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in this case on July 14 on the basis of a written complaint given by Sibtain Hussain from the mall under Section 153(A), 341, 505, 295 (A) of IPC against unidentified persons.

    Giving directions to officials CM Yogi said, “There is a mall which has opened in Lucknow. It is working as a commercial establishment. Making it a political battleground, giving unnecessary statements, protesting on streets and hampering public movement is uncalled for. The Lucknow district administration should take it seriously as a malicious attempt being made to create communal disharmony with anarchy. The administration should deal strictly with those trying to spoil the atmosphere by promoting unnecessary issues.”

    He reiterated that no one will be given permission to perform puja and other religious activities on road and public places.

    Lulu’s Lucknow mall claims to be India’s biggest. (Photo | EPS)

    The Lulu Mall, the fifth in the chain in India, was inaugurated by the CM himself on July 10 in Lucknow. The owner, Kerala businessman Yusuf Ali MA, had announced the mall, the biggest in India, at the UP Investors Summit in 2018. It was constructed at a whopping Rs 2,000 crore and is spread across 11 acres of land in the state capital. The group has also announced projects in Varanasi and Prayagraj.

    As per a senior police official involved in the investigation, the CCTV footage showed the incident was a deliberate attempt at mischief. The intention was to malign the mall and cause enmity and hatred between communities.

    The mall administration has also had to refute allegations that 80% of the mall staff was from the Muslim community. Lulu claimed that most of their staff is from the majority community of Lucknow and other areas and only 20% was from other communities.

    LUCKNOW: Breaking his silence on the ongoing Namaz vs Sunder Kand controversy that broke out at the newly-inaugurated Lulu Mall in Lucknow, UP CM Yogi Adityanath made it clear to the police and district administration authorities that anarchy in any from will not be tolerated.

    Meanwhile, following the CM’s orders, the Lucknow police on Tuesday morning arrested four persons — Noman, Lukman, Atif and Rehan — among those videographed offering namaz in the corridors of the Mall. The video had gone viral on social media last Tuesday.

    While presiding over a meeting of the authorities late Monday night, CM Yogi had ordered the Lucknow administration to deal with troublemakers with an iron fist as they were trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the state capital.

    Notably, a controversy had erupted after a video of a bunch of Muslim men offering namaz at Lulu Mall went viral drawing reaction from right-wing outfits including Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha and Karni Sena who gave the ‘Boycott Lulu’ call and thronged the mall to recite Sunder Kand and Hanuman Chalisa inside it.

    The right-wing activists had been demonstrating at the mall and the roads approaching it, leading to huge traffic snarls and lawlessness in the area. The police arrested three demonstrators and detained scores for protesting at the mall.

    ALSO READ | LuLu Mall in Lucknow in the thick of Namaz vs Sundar Kand controversy days after inauguration

    The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in this case on July 14 on the basis of a written complaint given by Sibtain Hussain from the mall under Section 153(A), 341, 505, 295 (A) of IPC against unidentified persons.

    Giving directions to officials CM Yogi said, “There is a mall which has opened in Lucknow. It is working as a commercial establishment. Making it a political battleground, giving unnecessary statements, protesting on streets and hampering public movement is uncalled for. The Lucknow district administration should take it seriously as a malicious attempt being made to create communal disharmony with anarchy. The administration should deal strictly with those trying to spoil the atmosphere by promoting unnecessary issues.”

    He reiterated that no one will be given permission to perform puja and other religious activities on road and public places.

    Lulu’s Lucknow mall claims to be India’s biggest. (Photo | EPS)

    The Lulu Mall, the fifth in the chain in India, was inaugurated by the CM himself on July 10 in Lucknow. The owner, Kerala businessman Yusuf Ali MA, had announced the mall, the biggest in India, at the UP Investors Summit in 2018. It was constructed at a whopping Rs 2,000 crore and is spread across 11 acres of land in the state capital. The group has also announced projects in Varanasi and Prayagraj.

    As per a senior police official involved in the investigation, the CCTV footage showed the incident was a deliberate attempt at mischief. The intention was to malign the mall and cause enmity and hatred between communities.

    The mall administration has also had to refute allegations that 80% of the mall staff was from the Muslim community. Lulu claimed that most of their staff is from the majority community of Lucknow and other areas and only 20% was from other communities.

  • ‘Revadi culture’: PM Modi warns against garnering votes through freebies

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: Denouncing the ‘politics of freebies’ allegedly practised by certain political parties to garner votes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon the people to be cautious of them and also rid the country’s political arena of the proponents of ‘Revadi’ (freebie) culture as it was a dangerous trend which retarded the growth.

    While addressing a gathering after inaugurating 296-km long Bundelkhand Expressway, built at a cost of Rs 1,132 crore within 28 months, in Jalaun on Saturday, the PM said: “The ‘Revadi culture’ (freebie culture) is dangerous for the development of the country. The followers of ‘Revadi culture’ will never build expressways, airports and defence corridors. People, especially, the youth have to be cautious of such designs as this culture lures the youngsters by freebies and pushes their future to darkness. Together we have to remove this freebie culture from country’s politics.”

    Crediting the development to the double engine government, Modi said neither the BJP-ruled states nor the Centre ever resorted to shortcuts of distributing freebies. “We believe in working hard to improve the future,” he maintained.

    Laying stress on connectivity as the basic requirement to proceed on path of development, the PM praised CM Yogi Aditayanath saying that under his leadership, UP was witnessing major transformation.

    He pointed out that prior to 2017, UP was identified by two things — bad law and order scenario and poor connectivity. “After Yogiji took over as CM, there has been a marked improvement in both. I knew if these two things would be corrected, UP will become a state that can fight all odds,” said PM Modi.

    ALSO READ | Free education, healthcare not freebies, but efforts towards making India No 1: Arvind Kejriwal

    Modi dedicated Bundelkhand Expressway to the “glorious legacy and pride of Bundelkhand which had been the land of warriors and patriots”. “The newly unveiled expressway will not just provide convenience to the transportation issues in the region but will also bring prosperity in and around the seven districts – Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Auraiyya, Jalaun, Mahoba, Banda, and Etawah — linked with it,” claimed the PM. He added that Bundelkhand Expressway would reduce Chitrakoot-Delhi travel time by 3-4 hours, giving boost to industrial progress of the region which had been lying ignored as the backward in the previous dispensations.

    “With this expressway, there will be an industrial boom in the region. Earlier, big cities had the first right on modern means of transport, but that’s not the case anymore as this is Modi, this is Yogi. Sarkar bhi badli hai, mijaaz bhi badla hai or hum naye tareeke se aage badh rhe hai (Every corner of Uttar Pradesh is moving forward with new dreams in a new mood as this is a new government) ,” said the PM.

    The expressway has been completed eight months before the designated time. The expressway, built in 28 months, is four-lane road expandable to six lanes. With the inauguration of a new expressway, the distance of 630 km between Delhi and Chitrakoot could be covered in just 6 hours.

    The PM called upon the people of the country to be away from anything and everything which may hamper country’s growth. “No work should be done which does not give shape to the present aspirations of the country for a bright future. We have to be cautious of everything which can hamper the growth and harm the country,” said the PM.

    PM Modi concluded his speech by making a fervent appeal to the people across six lakh villages of the country to organise month-long programmes till August 15 and celebrate the 75th year of India’s independence to pay homage to all those freedom fighters who made immense sacrifices to win this freedom for us,” he said.

    LUCKNOW: Denouncing the ‘politics of freebies’ allegedly practised by certain political parties to garner votes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon the people to be cautious of them and also rid the country’s political arena of the proponents of ‘Revadi’ (freebie) culture as it was a dangerous trend which retarded the growth.

    While addressing a gathering after inaugurating 296-km long Bundelkhand Expressway, built at a cost of Rs 1,132 crore within 28 months, in Jalaun on Saturday, the PM said: “The ‘Revadi culture’ (freebie culture) is dangerous for the development of the country. The followers of ‘Revadi culture’ will never build expressways, airports and defence corridors. People, especially, the youth have to be cautious of such designs as this culture lures the youngsters by freebies and pushes their future to darkness. Together we have to remove this freebie culture from country’s politics.”

    Crediting the development to the double engine government, Modi said neither the BJP-ruled states nor the Centre ever resorted to shortcuts of distributing freebies. “We believe in working hard to improve the future,” he maintained.

    Laying stress on connectivity as the basic requirement to proceed on path of development, the PM praised CM Yogi Aditayanath saying that under his leadership, UP was witnessing major transformation.

    He pointed out that prior to 2017, UP was identified by two things — bad law and order scenario and poor connectivity. “After Yogiji took over as CM, there has been a marked improvement in both. I knew if these two things would be corrected, UP will become a state that can fight all odds,” said PM Modi.

    ALSO READ | Free education, healthcare not freebies, but efforts towards making India No 1: Arvind Kejriwal

    Modi dedicated Bundelkhand Expressway to the “glorious legacy and pride of Bundelkhand which had been the land of warriors and patriots”. “The newly unveiled expressway will not just provide convenience to the transportation issues in the region but will also bring prosperity in and around the seven districts – Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Auraiyya, Jalaun, Mahoba, Banda, and Etawah — linked with it,” claimed the PM. He added that Bundelkhand Expressway would reduce Chitrakoot-Delhi travel time by 3-4 hours, giving boost to industrial progress of the region which had been lying ignored as the backward in the previous dispensations.

    “With this expressway, there will be an industrial boom in the region. Earlier, big cities had the first right on modern means of transport, but that’s not the case anymore as this is Modi, this is Yogi. Sarkar bhi badli hai, mijaaz bhi badla hai or hum naye tareeke se aage badh rhe hai (Every corner of Uttar Pradesh is moving forward with new dreams in a new mood as this is a new government) ,” said the PM.

    The expressway has been completed eight months before the designated time. The expressway, built in 28 months, is four-lane road expandable to six lanes. With the inauguration of a new expressway, the distance of 630 km between Delhi and Chitrakoot could be covered in just 6 hours.

    The PM called upon the people of the country to be away from anything and everything which may hamper country’s growth. “No work should be done which does not give shape to the present aspirations of the country for a bright future. We have to be cautious of everything which can hamper the growth and harm the country,” said the PM.

    PM Modi concluded his speech by making a fervent appeal to the people across six lakh villages of the country to organise month-long programmes till August 15 and celebrate the 75th year of India’s independence to pay homage to all those freedom fighters who made immense sacrifices to win this freedom for us,” he said.