Rajasthan became the first state in the country to pass a bill to protect people against coronavirus infection.
Under this new bill, the state assembly amended the Rajasthan Epidemic Act, making it mandatory for people to wear face masks in both private and public means of transport and while attending any social or political events.
The House passed the Rajasthan Epidemic (Amendment) Bill, 2020 by voice vote.
The Bill has also made the new provision by seeking to add a new clause in section 4 of the Act. The new clause proposes to prohibit the movement of any person in public without properly covering his mouth and nose with a face mask.
Oct 31, 2020
'Meri Saheli' Initiative by Indian Railways
The Railway Protection Force launched "Meri Saheli" initiative. The initiative will focus on the safety of women passengers. It was launched as a pilot project in South Eastern Railway in September 2020. It was then extended to all zones.
The initiative will provide safety and security to women passengers travelling by train. Under the initiative, a team of young RPF women personnel will converse with women passengers at the originating station. They will mainly focus on those women who are travelling alone. During the interaction, the women passengers will be informed about the precautions they have to follow during the journey. Also, they will be informed about the number 182. They can call the number in case of problems.
Oct 30, 2020
New Law to Tackle Problem of Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR
In a bid to tackle the persistent problem of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Centre has introduced a new law through an ordinance which comes into force with immediate effect.
According to the ordinance released by the Ministry of Law and Justice, violation of the provisions entails a punishment of a jail term up to five years or with fine up to Rs. 1 crore or with both.
The ordinance may be called the Commission for Air Quality Management In National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance 2020. It shall apply to the national capital region and also adjoining areas in so far as it relates to matters concerning air pollution in the NCR.
The ordinance was signed by the President.
As per the ordinance, the adjoining areas where it shall be in force include Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, adjoining areas of the NCR and Delhi where any source of pollution is located which is causing an adverse impact on air quality in the national capital region.
The commission will consist of over 20 members who will ensure strict compliance.
Oct 27, 2020
New Andhra Pradesh Industrial Policy
The Andhra Pradesh government has come up with a new industrial policy (2020-23) that provides a special push to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially among the underprivileged communities, particularly scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST).
This new industrial policy will provide an added focus on strengthening pre-establishment support, improving market linkages, credit facilities, and economic development with a focus on encouraging increased participation of SC/ST entrepreneurs by providing special incentives to promote the 362 manufacturing and 9,754 service sector activities among the socially disadvantaged communities.
Oct 25, 2020
Kisan Suryoday Yojana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Kisan Suryoday Yojana in Gujarat. The scheme aims to provide day time power supply for irrigation.
Under the scheme, the farmers are to be availed with power supply between 5 AM and 9 PM. In order to implement the scheme, the State Government of Gujarat has allocated budget of Rs 3,500 crores.
These funds will install transmission infrastructure by 2023. Around 234 transmission lines are to be installed under the scheme. Each line is to carry power of 66 KW. They are to be erected to a total length of 3,490 km. Also, additional 220 KV substations are to be installed.