State BJP celebrates PM Modi’s 73rd birthday

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sep 17: The State BJP celebrated the 73rd birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.

The program started with cutting of a beautiful cake by National Vice President Chuba Ao. The program was attended by State office bearers district office bearers, Mahila Morcha members and Yuva Morcha members at the State BJP office Shillong. Later, Prallad Joshi Union Minister joined the program.

This may mention that the BJP had declared September 17 to October 2 as a fortnight long program to ensure the reach of services to the poorest people.

This may be mentioned that Prime Minister has launched a new scheme for traditional craftsmen and artisans called PM Vishwakarma Scheme on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. The scheme aims not only to help them financially by providing loans at minimal interest rate but also to keep alive and rich the tradition, culture, and versatile heritage of past centuries through local products, art and sculpture.

The scheme is completely being funded by the Central government with an outlay of Rs 13,000 Crore.

Addressing the function, National Vice President Chuba Ao mentioned that how Modi dedicated his life for the people of the country.

He said Prime Minister’s vision is leading India towards being the number one country in the world. “Today all top country leaders believes in Modi,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s birthday also was celebrated in different districts including Regional office Tura.

Corruption will lead to formation of militant groups: Mukul

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sep 17: Opposition AITC leader and former chief minister Mukul Sangma said formation of militant groups will take place if there is corruption in the State.

He was reacting a query on the recent formation of a new militant outfit in Khasi-Jaintia Hills region – National Liberation Council of Nongkyndong (NLCN).

“Now in absence of jobs, in absence of opportunities or rather will you say in the circumstance where you see robbing of opportunities by people in authority, by people in power, when too much of nepotism and your complete monopoly in business and other things are there then this is what happens,” Mukul said.

Stating these are precursors of what is going to happen, he said, “When there is increased number of elite groups fighting for the same kind of space and the space is limited then when you cannot create that kind of equilibrium in the society then you will have that whole distortion of the equilibrium.”

“This is the slow indication of what is going to happen. And once it happens then it is going to remain for 15-20 years so another 15-20 years, you are going to have a mess and who is going to clear it?” he asked.

The former chief minister further asserted that the interest of the State is more important and said there is need to handle the situation with the State already witnessing lots of crimes.

Precursor to G20 SELM begins at Shillong

Under India’s G20 Presidency, the precursor meeting of the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) commenced today in Shillong in Meghalaya.

The focus of the two-day event is to showcase all the capabilities of ISRO and the Department of Space and to collaborate in future science missions.

The inaugural programme of the meeting held at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Union Minister of State (Finance) Pankaj Chaudhury, Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science &Tech Dr Jitendra Singh (virtually), G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Space (DOS) Somanath S, Chairman IN-SPACe Dr Pawan Kumar Goenkaand other dignitaries.

Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhury in his address said that Indian economy is growing at a faster rate and the major contribution to this growth is from the New Space Segment. Stressing on the need to conduct the space activities in a responsible manner he said that efforts are being taken to promote New Space for further fuelling the space economy. As all the G20 members have established space agencies and industries, the country should also look forward to possible alliances, he said.

Chaudhury also said that the Space based technologies are recognised as one of the key contributors for growth and prosperity. The space technologies like satellite based earth observation, satellite communications and navigation have positive impacts in agriculture, disaster management, transportation, health and in addressing climate change issues, he added.

Hinting on the commitment of the Government for developing and promoting Space technology for the nation, the minister said, “Indian Space programme was evolved with intention of harnessing the benefits of space technology for solving the problems of common man. The Government of India has recognized Space as a key contributor for developing the Indian economy in the times to come. To enable this, the Government has opened up the Indian Space sector for private investments through the 2020 space sector reforms”. Talking about the opportunities in space technologies, he said that the country needs vital alliance of responsible space actors to enhance the contribution of Space economy in global economy.

Dr Jitendra Singh while virtually addressing the inaugural session said that significant progress has been made as far as India’s space sector is concerned.

“Over these last few years space technology has penetrated into all walks of life, as a result of this there is a huge demand for space based services which have huge commercial potential. So far as the Indian space and Research Organisation (ISRO) is concerned, it has been striving hard to meet the demands for the space based services and at the same time it is also realizing the need to concentrate on the research for developing new technologies and new applications,” he said.

“The government headed by Prime Minister Modi took a path breaking decision to open up space sector for Indian private industry through the 2020 Space sector Reforms in order to enhance the participation of the private players in end to end space activities. The increased private industry participation will eventually result in increased contribution of India in the global space economy”, he further added.

Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma in his address expressed gratefulness in the decision of the Prime Minister to hold the G20 programmes throughout the country as he said, “If we look at the entire theme that has been brought in today discussion on space technology and economy, and the fact that it is happening here in Shillong is something that I really feel very privileged”.

Sangma said that in the recent times India have seen a large number of reforms and while the country as a whole have moved forward, Northeast India and states like Meghalaya which had not seen the kind of growth economically have been able to become a part of the economic growth and success of this great Nation.

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa in his address said that India firmly believes that the country, as a global community, must think and act as one in this journey to and through the final frontier – space. He referred to the historical event and the thought shared by Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian citizen who went to space – “Anyone who goes to space tried to look at his own country first, but soon it appears that there is no boundary between the countries and the entire world is one family where our destinies are integrated.” He appealed to the delegates and participants to take a moment to consider how this thought, shared decades ago, is reflected in the theme of India’s G20 Presidency, “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” or “One Earth. One Family. One Future.”

Speaking about the enormous potential of Space Technology, Kant said that from providing digital communication services in the hardest to reach places to monitoring cyclones, rainfall, and crop cycles, space-based technology solutions help all our nations leapfrog in socio-economic development. The G20 must recognize that space-based technology solutions play a central enabling role in such development in each of our nations and also as a global community, he added.

Speaking about the Indian Space Policy 2023, Kant said that the policy was announced earlier this month with the goal of institutionalizing and facilitating the access of private sector participation in the space sector for India. “It continues to hold the vision of Dr Vikram Sarabhai at its core, and provides a framework of roles and responsibilities of ISRO, IN-SPACe, and the private sector to work together towards establishing India as a hub of the global space economy. This approach encourages developing meaningful partnerships with the international community”, he added.

Somanath S, Chairman, ISRO in his address lauded the activities undertaken of Northeastern Space Applications Centre and said that it is looking specifically to the problems of this region across different issues. The Chairman hoped that the effort everyone put today will come up with some fruitful outcome and assist the space community at different levels in each of our nations. Stressing on the power of the G20, he further added that the space application for the benefit of the mankind will increase many folds and can play the role of an economic contributor and benefit the global economy. Speaking about the need for cooperation among the Nations for the development of Space technology and its applications he said that there have been a great amount of bilateral relationships including all these nations and these relations should further be strengthened.

During the technical deliberations in today’s programme, the delegates discussed the perspectives of the respective G20 countries on space economy and the present state of space economy in the respective countries. Efforts by the respective governments to promote space economy, including the New Space and the challenges faced were also discussed. Following this, a session on policy perspectives of space economy was also held, wherein there were curated talks on specific aspects of space economy by think tanks and experts.

The second session on Space Economy was moderated by Dr Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman, INSPACe, who provided insightful discussion on “Evolving Indian space policy framework and future outlook”. The panel consisted of other prominent leaders in the relevant fields and they deliberated on various topics like framework for measuring space economy, New Space and responsibility for sustainable and safe space operations, New Space economy in the G20 countries and opportunities for collaboration etc.

28 delegates from the G20 and Guest countries attended the meeting from Argentina, Australia, France, South Korea, Mexico, Türkiye, USA, Oman, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, China, Russia, Netherlands, Germany, Indonesia and UK. Prominent international and national experts also attended the discussion.

Startups in the space economy sector participated in the precursor event and showcased their products. Some of them are Alpha Design, Satsure, Oneweb, Data Pattern, Centum Azista Aerospace, Caliche, L&T, Skyserve, AnanthTechnologies, Agnikul, Digantara, Pixxel and Dhuruva Space.

Meghalaya all set to host precursor meeting of G20

Meghalaya is ready to host the precursor meeting of the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM).

Addressing a pre-event press conference for the upcoming G20 meet, Principal Secretary, Home Department, Govt of Meghalaya Dr Shakil P Ahmed informed that besides the technical event, the host State will hold exhibits to showcase India’s space activities as well as Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage.

The inaugural programme will be held on April 17th at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott, Shillong. “Apart from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), there will be exhibits by the startups of the space economy sector. We would also showcase our cultural heritage and events,” said Dr Shakil adding that hosting the delegates will help showcase and benchmark Meghalaya as a prime destination for tourism, investment and development.

Around 28 startups in the space economy sector will participate in the precursor event, he said.

The event is a continuation of earlier events held in the G20 summits by Saudi Arab, Italy and Indonesia in the past to collaborate in the space sector. “In a sector like the space economy, you need alliances because it is a technology which is naïve and is at a different level,” he said while briefing the media.

Director, ISRO Dr Sudheer Kumar highlighted the focus of the event, which is to showcase all the capabilities of ISRO and the Department of Space and informed that the event will be a collaboration in future science missions.

“Northeast States play a very important role for us. Because of the hilly areas, the potential is more. In harsh conditions, the space application is the best. The Northeast Space Application Centre is doing great. We want to showcase that these areas have huge potential for the space industries to come and invest. Our next event will be held in Bengaluru on 6th and 7th July. This is a precursor to that main event,” said the ISRO Director citing that space technology serves best to predict weather conditions with high probability.

Dr Joram Beda, Commissioner & Secretary, Dept of Planning, Govt of Meghalaya briefed the Press about the Technical Sessions that are being planned during the event.

The inaugural function on April 17th will have Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Union Minister of State (Finance) Pankaj Chaudhury, Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science &Tech Dr Jitendra Singh, Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Secretary, Department of Space (DOS) Somanath S, Chairman IN-SPACe Dr Pawan Kumar Goenka.

Meghalaya to host G20 meet

The Meghalaya government is all set to host the G20 meeting which will be attended by 120 delegates in Shillong from April 15 to 17

After chairing a meeting with different departments here today, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said, “I am happy to inform you that we are more or less ready for welcoming the G20 meeting which is scheduled to be held in Shillong from April 15 to 17.”

“More or less 120 delegates will be attending the meeting to be held at Marriott hotel,” he added.

Tynsong also informed that the issue of traffic congestion was also discussed and instruction has been given to the concerned department to work out all the details relating to the roads to be used by VVIPs.

“All concerned departments have been instructed and now the work is on-going and we will be able to complete it on or before 15 of this month,” he said.

Meanwhile, the deputy chief minister assured that the law and order situation is okay and said, “those VVIPs who are reaching Shillong will be happy and this will be also a pride for the state of Meghalaya.”

Meghalaya among 9 states to withdraw general consent to CBI

As many as nine states, including Telangana and Meghalaya, have withdrawn the general consent given to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for probing certain offences.

The information was disclosed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh during the winter session of the Parliament in December 2022.

The minister informed the House that as per Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, the CBI requires the consent of the respective state governments to conduct investigations in their jurisdiction.

The state governments had granted general consent to the CBI for the investigation of a specified class of offences against specified categories of persons, enabling the agency to register and investigate those specified matters, Singh elaborated. However, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, and West Bengal have withdrawn the general consent to the CBI to investigate cases. This move could potentially create roadblocks for the CBI to investigate cases in these states.

Non-BJP-ruled states have accused the CBI of “selectively targeting” Opposition leaders.

The withdrawal of consent could also affect the CBI’s ability to investigate cases that have national significance or interstate ramifications. It remains to be seen how the CBI will navigate these challenges and continue to discharge its duties effectively.

This development highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the DSPE Act, 1946, and its provisions related to the CBI’s jurisdiction and powers.

In March this year, a Parliamentary Committee emphasised the withdrawal of general consent for the CBI probe by several states and stated that the existing law governing the federal probe agency has “several limitations”.

The committee has suggested the need to enact new legislation that defines the CBI’s status, functions, and powers.

“The Committee feels that the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act has many limitations and therefore, recommends that there is a need to enact a new law and define the status, functions and powers of the CBI and also lay down safeguards to ensure objectivity and impartiality in its functioning,” it said.

Rudra Vikram Singh, Supreme Court lawyer said that withdrawal of general consent means CBI does not have the general consent of a state government, it is required to apply for consent on a case-by-case basis and cannot act before the consent is given.

“However CBI can continue to investigate cases in a state registered prior to the withdrawal of general consent. In July 2022, the Calcutta High Court, in a case of illegal coal mining and cattle smuggling being investigated by the CBI, ruled that the central agency cannot be stopped from investigating a Central government employee in another state,” said Singh.

“In its order, the High Court observed that corruption cases across the country must be treated equally and that Central government employees could not be exempted from an investigation on the grounds that their offices were located in states that have withdrawn general consent. The judgment also said that withdrawal of general consent and its ramifications would be applicable in cases where exclusively state government employees were involved,” he added.

This order, however, has been challenged in the Supreme Court, where the matter is still pending. Hence, as it stands, the CBI can use the Calcutta High Court order to its advantage to carry on certain investigations until the order is struck down by the Supreme Court.

Gurmeet Nehra, legal scholar and member of the Supreme Court Bar Association said that CBI can approach the local court of that state for issuing a search warrant and it can register a case in Delhi and proceed with the investigation.