What will be Bhujbal’s next move?

NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Chhagan Bhujbal has expressed displeasure at being overlooked for a ministerial berth in the Mahayuti government. Despite this setback, Bhujbal has said he has no plans to form a new political party and intends to remain within the government while continuing to voice his concerns. Bhujbal’s supporters argue that he played a key role in rallying the OBC community's support and his exclusion from the cabinet is unpardonable. This situation raises critical questions: Will the BJP step in to resolve Bhujbal's grievances, or will Bhujbal resort to drastic measures to assert his position? The unfolding tensions signal a turning point in Maharashtra politics, ushering in a potentially tumultuous phase for the ruling alliance.

BUREAUCRACY

IAS Sakshi Sawhney Promotes Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Amritsar with Shark Tank-Style Platform for Marginalized and Disabled Communities

IAS Sakshi Sawhney belongs to the 2014 batch Punjab cadre and is currently posted as Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, Punjab. With this appointment, She made history by becoming the first woman deputy Commissioner of Amritsar.

Her vision for the district focuses on skilling, employment, and livelihood for the youth. “We are working on skilling, employment, and livelihood for the youth and making the best of our demographic dividend, ensuring that every person can live their best life according to their capabilities,” she said.

Under her leadership, the district has launched an initiative called Future Tycoons, designed to provide marginalized groups and individuals with disabilities a platform to pitch their business ideas. Explaining the motivation behind this program, Sawhney said, “These people are talented individuals with brilliant ideas, but they lack access to platforms or mentorship. They aren’t part of business schools or incubators, and this initiative aims to bring them forward.” Citizens are being motivated to come, present their ideas or existing businesses and then receive 15-20 days of mentorship including training on how to make a presentation and how to pitch their ideas effectively. “We have a panel of judges, much like Shark Tank, who evaluate these pitches,” she shared. Recalling a success story, she said “In Patiala, where I implemented this idea earlier, a woman presented her concept of making diabetic-friendly achaar and murabba. Not only did they win the challenge and receive ₹50,000 as the first prize, but they also attracted investors and a network which are going to help them expand and grow.”

The impact of the program extends beyond financial support “A lot of social good comes out of this initiative. We help connect them with possible investors, mentors, and incubators and then the market does its magic. They are able to recognize the talent and merit in their ideas and move forward," she said.

Further enhancing opportunities for growth, Vocational skill certificates and courses on emerging technologies like AI are being introduced “We’ve showcased 3D manufacturing and AI tools to demonstrate how these technologies can add value to existing skills,” she added.

In addition to this for people with disabilities, a collaboration between Punjabi University and special schools enables students to pursue distance education. This initiative allows students with disabilities to study further locally, write exams, earn a degree, and secure jobs. "There are job reservations for people with disabilities, but without degrees, their opportunities are limited," she explained.

Sawhney’s ambitious vision also encompasses tourism and border villages, which often lack access. “we are working to develop facilities within these villages. For instance, two players from the Indian Hockey team who won hail from Amritsar. In their areas, I am establishing hockey nurseries to nurture local talent. “

Over one dozen IAS officers under suspension

More than one dozen officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of various cadres and batches are under suspension in the country.

Subodh Kumar Singh appointed as PS to Chhattisgarh CM

Subodh Kumar Singh has been appointed as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He is a 1997 batch IAS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre.

(We said this on Dec 7, 2023 & Dec 18, 2024)

Shortage of 13 IPS officers in Chhattisgarh cadre

A total of 129 IPS officers are in positions in Chhattisgarh cadre against a total authorized strength of 142. There is a shortage of 13 IPS officers in the cadre.

Dr Nandakumar is Ambassador to Mali

Dr N Nandakumar, presently Consul General, Consulate General of India, Shanghai, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Mali. He is a 2007 batch IFS officer.

Alok Ranjan Jha is High Commissioner to Zambia

Alok Ranjan Jha, presently Ambassador of India to Belarus, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Zambia. He is a 2002 batch IFS officer.

Venkat Rao Chavali in race for Director (E, R&D), BHEL

Venkat Rao Chavali, ED, BHEL, is in the race for the post of Director (Engineering, Research & Development), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).

Maheshwar Singh appointed IG (Admin), Railway Board

Maheshwar Singh, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Northern Railway (NR), has been transferred to the Railway Board, promoted to senior administrative grade, and posted as Inspector General (IG) (Administration), Railway Board. He is an Indian Railway Protection Force Service (IRPFS) officer.

Ms Priyanka Singh appointed Joint Director (Signal), RDSO

Ms Priyanka Singh, who is presently posted in North Central Railway (NCR), has been transferred to the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and posted as Joint Director/Signal, RDSO. She is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE) officer.

Jayant Kumar is also EDME (Coaching), Railway Board

Jayant Kumar, who is presently serving as Executive Director, Mechanical Engineering (Modernisation & Development), Railway Board, has been assigned additional duties of the post of Executive Director, Mechanical Engineering (Coaching), Railway Board. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

Vinod Kumar is also EDME (Freight), Railway Board

Vinod Kumar, Executive Director, Mechanical Engineering (PU&W), Railway Board, has been detailed to look after the duties of the post of Executive Director, Mechanical Engineering (Freight), Railway Board, in addition to his own. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

Bhuvnesh Singh appointed ADRM, Lucknow

Bhuvnesh Singh has been transferred from North Central Railway (NCR) to North Eastern Railway (NER) and posted as Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM), Lucknow (LJN). He is an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) officer.

LK Dhurandher appointed ADRM, Kota

LK Dhurandher, who is presently posted in the National Academy of Indian Railways (NAIR), has been transferred to West Central Railway (WCR) and posted as Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM), Kota. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

Alok Raj is also Chairman, Bihar Staff Selection Commission

Alok Raj, DG-cum-Chairman-cum-MD, Bihar Police Building Construction Corporation, Patna, has been assigned an additional charge of Chairman, Bihar Staff Selection Commission. Besides, Mohammad Sohail will be relieved of the additional charge of this post. He is a 1989 batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre.

Rajesh Kumar is PS, Correctional Administration in Bengal

Dr Rajesh Kumar has been appointed as Principal Secretary, Correctional Administration Department in West Bengal. He is a 1990 batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre.

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