10-Apr-2017: Two-child norm mandatory to get govt. jobs in Assam
The Assam government has released the new draft population policy.
The policy suggests denial of government jobs to people with more than two children. Any person getting a job after meeting this condition would have to maintain it till end of his service.
For employment generation schemes like grant of tractors, houses and for other government benefits, this two-children norm will be applicable. Besides, all elections such as panchayats, municipal bodies and autonomous councils held under the State Election Commission will also have this norm for candidates.
The policy also aims to make education up to university level free for all girls. This includes facilities like fees, transportation, books and mess dues in hostels. This step is likely to arrest the school dropout rate.
The proposed population policy also seeks to debate on increasing the legal age of marriage from 18 for girls and 21 for boys. If anybody had child marriage then he would be ineligible for government job. The policy would also seek stringent laws to prevent violence and sexual abuse of women.
Besides, a proposal for providing incentives is included for poor persons, who take care of their elderly parents. The policy will also care for the adolescents.
The policy proposes to set up a State Population Council and a State Population Research Centre.
4-Jan-2017: Helpline for Handloom Weavers ‘Bunkar Mitra’ starts functioning
“Bunkar Mitra”, the Government of India’s Helpline for Handloom Weavers, went live today. The helpline was launched by the Union Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani on December 25, 2016 on the occasion of “Good Governance Day”.
Interacting with an official of the call centre housing the helpline agents, the Minister said that the helpline is a great mix of technology, youth and tradition. She told the officials of the Ministry to monitor issues on which maximum complaints are received, so that corrective actions can be taken accordingly. Smt. Irani congratulated the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and appreciated the time-bound manner in which the helpline is designed to addressed to respond to weavers’ queries and grievances.
The helpline provides a single point of contact to handloom weavers across the country for addressing queries and providing guidance. This helpline can be accessed by dialing the toll free number 1800-208-9988. Weavers can call from anywhere in India, from any number. The service is available from 10.00 A.M to 06.00 P.M, on all 7 days of the week, in seven languages: Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada and Assamese.