Uttar Pradesh is steadily strengthening its position as one of India’s most investment-ready destinations, with Invest UP significantly accelerating the sanctioning of ‘Letters of Comfort (LoC)’ to investors and the processing of investment proposals by the Empowered Committee (EC) constituted for this purpose. Over the past three years, a total of 137 investment cases have been sanctioned, representing an aggregate proposed investment of Rs 2,37,599.86 crore.

In FY 2024–25, as many as 45 cases were processed, translating into cumulative investments of Rs 43,099.41 crore—a nearly tenfold increase in value over the previous year.

Reflecting improved policy efficiency and implementation agility, FY 2025–26 has recorded nearly 2X growth in processing compared to the initial years of implementation.

Officials here on Monday said, ”Over the past three financial years (FY 2023–24 to FY 2025–26), a total of 137 investment cases have been sanctioned, representing an aggregate proposed investment of Rs 2,37,599.86 crore. This strong pipeline highlights sustained investor confidence and the state government’s proactive project facilitation approach”.

The growth trajectory shows a sharp rise in both speed and scale. In FY 2023–24, 10 cases involving investments worth Rs 4,380.71 crore were processed, marking the early phase of policy rollout and institutional alignment. Momentum gathered pace in FY 2024–25, with 45 cases processed, translating into cumulative investments of Rs 43,099.41 crore—a nearly tenfold increase in value over the previous year.

The pace has further accelerated in FY 2025–26. So far, 42 cases have been processed, accounting for investments of Rs 75,873.17 crore. Additionally, 40 investment proposals in an advanced stage, worth Rs 1,14,246.57 crore, have been evaluated and forwarded to the competent committee, reflecting timely appraisal and fast-track progression.

Overall, 97 LoC/EC approvals have been issued to date, with a substantial share cleared in the last year alone—underscoring strengthened institutional capacity, digital processing systems, and coordinated clearances.

A Letter of Comfort is a sovereign commitment from the state government to provide a set of incentives defined under a particular scheme, subject to meeting eligibility criteria and other admissibility provisions.

This fast-tracked LoC sanctioning framework is enabling quicker project grounding across sectors and regions. By converting investment intent into actionable approvals at unprecedented speed, Invest UP continues to play a pivotal role in driving industrial expansion, employment generation, and Uttar Pradesh’s journey toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy.

Under the UP Industrial Investment & Employment Promotion (IIEPP) Policy-2022 and the UP FDI/FCI, Fortune Global 500 & Fortune India 500 Companies Investment Promotion Policy 2023, the state has achieved notable milestones.

Region-wise, Paschimanchal leads with 32 per cent of approved LoCs. Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar together account for 29 per cent of LoC investments, followed by Purvanchal (23pc) and Madhyanchal (15pc), reflecting balanced regional industrial growth.

The Deputy Secretary (Disciplinary Authority) of the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has issued an order suspending Md Sanwar Ali Parvej, assistant teacher of Mathurapur BSS High School in Malda, following serious allegations of misconduct during the Madhyamik Pariksha (Secondary Examination).

According to the order issued by the Secretary, WBBSE, the teacher was on invigilation duty at Mathurapur Examination Centre under Manikchak Block on 6 February. It was alleged that he unauthorisedly entered an examination room not assigned to him as per the approved duty chart. He allegedly wrote answers on a loose sheet bearing the Madhyamik Examination Centre code, which is strictly prohibited. He is also accused of verbally dictating answers to examinees during the examination.

The board stated that the acts amount to gross misconduct, violation of examination rules and conduct unbecoming of a teacher. Exercising powers under Rule 6(1)(b) of the 2018 WBBSE Discipline Rules, the authority placed the teacher under suspension with immediate effect, pending disciplinary proceedings.

What should have been remembered as an act of rare courage and humanitarian foresight has instead descended into suspicion, violence, and arrest. A 63-year-old woman, who had legally pledged her organs for medical science, now lies at the centre of a criminal case, while her grieving family members spend their first days of mourning behind bars.

Rabia Bibi Sheikh (63), a resident of Senpur Shyamnagar Para under Kotwali police station limits in Krishnagar, had formally pledged to donate her organs ~ including her corneas ~ in 2024 through a registered voluntary organisation, Gana Darpan of Kolkata. Her pledge, made in sound mental condition and in the presence of witnesses, was part of an awareness camp organised by the Lions Club of Chandannagar, according to official documents.

Following her death on Sunday morning, her son Amir Chand Sheikh, himself associated with posthumous cornea donation awareness, contacted doctors as per protocol. A medical team subsequently retrieved both corneas, which were handed over to Baharampur State General Hospital for transplantation, officials of the organisation confirmed.

However, tensions flared soon after. While the family waited for other relatives to arrive before proceeding to the burial, a section of local residents allegedly attacked them, accusing the family of selling the woman’s eyes and being part of a human organ trafficking racket. Amid the growing unrest, police intervened and brought the family members to Kotwali police station, initially claiming that they were rescued from an irate mob.

The situation took a dramatic turn early Monday when police registered a case on the basis of a written complaint lodged by a neighbour, Rasid Sheikh (44). In his complaint, Rasid alleged that Rabia Bibi had been ill-treated by her family during her lifetime and claimed that her organs had been removed for monetary gain. He further alleged links between the family and organ traffickers.

Acting on the complaint, police arrested five family members ~ three women and two men ~ under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). They were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Krishnagar and remanded to three days’ judicial custody.

Meanwhile, Rabia Bibi’s body was sent to the police morgue for post-mortem examination.

Contradicting the allegations, Gana Darpan issued a formal communication confirming that the corneas were retrieved lawfully and ethically, in accordance with the deceased’s written consent. The organisation described Rabia Bibi’s decision as an “outstanding example of scientific temper and humanitarian values”.

The incident has sparked unease among medical and social activists, who fear that such cases may discourage voluntary organ donation ~ particularly within marginalised communities where awareness efforts have only recently begun to take root.

As investigations continue, the case raises troubling questions: how a legally documented act of donation came to be criminalised, and how grief, suspicion, and misinformation combined to turn a final act of generosity into a cause for arrest.

Police officials said the matter is under investigation.

After a strong return from injury through an impressive Hockey India League (HIL) campaign, India’s rising forward Araijeet Singh Hundal is set to feature in the upcoming FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 matches, scheduled from February 10 to 15 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. India will open their campaign against Belgium on February 11.

Araijeet entered the HIL season after recovering from an injury sustained during training that forced him to miss the junior World Cup held in Tamil Nadu last year, where hosts India went on to claim the bronze medal.

Speaking about his recovery and comeback, the young forward said, “Missing the Junior World Cup due to my injury was very difficult for me mentally. The doctors suggested surgery, but I believed in my recovery and decided not to go for it. I focused completely on my rehab and exercises, and more than anything, it was about mentality. I was clear that I wanted to come back stronger, and I recovered quite quickly just in time for the HIL season.”

The forward enjoyed a productive stint with Ranchi Royals in the HIL, scoring three goals during the tournament, including one in the final, as the team finished runners-up. Araijeet credited the league for helping him rediscover rhythm and confidence after his time on the sidelines.

“The HIL season was very good for me, much better than last year. I needed two or three matches initially to settle in and boost my confidence but after that, I got my momentum and kept going. Reaching the Final with Ranchi Royals was a big thing for us and I really enjoyed the tournament. There were senior players and overseas players in our team and I learned a lot from them. Watching how they prepare and how they make decisions in pressure situations helped me improve my game,” he said.

Araijeet also spoke about the impact of playing alongside experienced forward Mandeep Singh at Ranchi Royals, a partnership that will continue in India’s forward line during the FIH Pro League.

“Playing with Mandeep bhai is always very helpful. He has been performing at the top level for many years, and whenever we make a tactical or technical mistake, we can approach him for guidance. He explains things very clearly—what to do and what to avoid. He is calm, approachable, and always willing to help the juniors, which makes it much easier for us to learn and improve,” Araijeet said.

The Rourkela leg of the FIH Pro League will see hosts India take on global heavyweights Argentina and Belgium. As preparations intensify for the home leg, Araijeet expressed confidence in the team’s training under head coach Craig Fulton.

“Our training sessions have been very productive, and the intensity has been excellent. This is a great opportunity for me to prove myself at the senior level. Craig Fulton has given me clear guidance as a forward, particularly on improving my awareness and decision-making inside the circle. I have noted those points, and before every match I make sure to revisit them and apply them in my game,” he said.

Looking ahead to the upcoming fixtures, the young forward outlined his immediate focus areas.

“Right now, I am focusing on two key areas. First, when I have the ball inside the circle, I want to avoid careless mistakes and look to create an active scoring opportunity or win a penalty corner for the team. Second is my discipline off the ball – staying alert, maintaining my positioning, and executing my role within the team structure,” he added.

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena’s Rajya Sabha MP and chief Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said on Monday that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat should tell the BJP government to give the Bharat Ratna award to Hindutva icon Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, instead of raising the issue in a speech.

“Why don’t they (the RSS) give the Bharat Ratna to Savarkar? It is their (the BJP) government in power. Swayamsevaks hold government positions in the government. Lakhs of RSS workers have given their lives to bring this government to power. So, why don’t they give Bharat Ratna to Savarkar? Instead of raising this issue in a lecture, Mohan Bhagwat should directly ask this to PM Modi and Amit Shah,” Sanjay Raut said.

The issue came into prominence after Bhagwat spoke about it in Mumbai on Sunday on the occasion of ‘100 Years Of Sangh Journey – New Horizons’. He said awarding Savarkar with the Bharat Ratna would enhance the prestige of the award.

Raut also criticised the BJP-RSS for the framework of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States, holding the Sangh responsible for the absence of “achhe din” (good days) for the nation. “The Sangh is responsible for the lack of ‘achhe din’ in the nation. Under the Sangh, the BJP enjoys ‘achhe din’, but the nation’s ‘achhe din’ went away. India became a slave of the US, and the Sarsanghchalak (RSS chief) will have to take the responsibility for it. The Sarsanghchalak said that the deals should be on our terms, but we surrendered to the terms set by President Trump. The Prime Minister was once a Sangh pracharak, but the nation has become a slave to the US. So, the Sangh should take responsibility for it,” he contended.

India and the US issued a joint statement on the BTA framework, which states that the US will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 per cent on Indian goods encompassing textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and certain machinery.

The Opposition has criticised the framework, pointing out that India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits, among additional products.

Raut also strongly objected to the presence of singer Adnan Sami at the RSS centenary event in Mumbai. “This event has revealed to the world how hypocritical the patriotism of the BJP and the RSS is. Adnan Sami, whose father, Arshad Khan, bombed the Pathankot IAF base when he was in the Pakistan Air Force during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, was sitting next to the RSS chief having breakfast. Didn’t the RSS’s ideologists and organisers know this history? What kind of inspiration is the RSS trying to give by honouring the heir of the person who attacked India,” he asked.

“An actress was standing there saying ‘I love Bhagwat’, but a lookout notice had been issued against her in a financial irregularities case. Not only that, her husband is involved in a serious case related to making pornographic films. What kind of character is the Sangh projecting by inviting people with such dubious backgrounds? People who default on bank loans and are against the law are trying to cover up their sins by appearing on the Sangh’s platform,” Sanjay Raut said.

Raut also expressed surprise at eminent citizens like Javed Akhtar and Shah Rukh Khan not being invited to the event. “Javed Akhtar’s uncle had served a prison sentence in Andaman jail along with Savarkar, but he was not invited. Shah Rukh Khan’s grandfather was a general in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA), but he too was not invited. These true patriots are not important to the Sangh. We respect the Sangh, but the way those with criminal and controversial backgrounds are being given importance at present shows the moral decline of the Sangh,” Sanjay Raut said.

Even as the Mamata Banerjee-led state government has proposed an increase in the remuneration of civic volunteers in the interim Budget, BJP leaders in Siliguri on Monday launched a campaign highlighting alleged neglect of civic volunteers following the death of one such volunteer at an Armed Forces training centre in Fulbari on Sunday.

Siliguri MLA and Chief Whip of the Opposition, Sankar Ghosh, staged a demonstration near the Gandhi statue in Siliguri town, while Dabgram–Fulbari MLA Shikha Chatterjee visited the training centre to assess the circumstances surrounding the death and ascertain the exact cause.

Addressing the protest, Mr Ghosh claimed that the deceased civic volunteer, a resident of Cooch Behar belonging to a poor family, fell seriously ill due to excessive workload and mental stress. He alleged that the volunteer had taken a loan of Rs 850 to pay training fees and was under severe pressure as he was unable to repay the amount.

Launching a scathing attack on the state government and the police administration, Mr Ghosh alleged that the training centre lacked basic medical infrastructure. “There was no facility for immediate medical treatment, nor was an ambulance readily available. Had the authorities shifted him to a hospital in time, his life could have been saved,” he said.

Demanding a thorough inquiry into the incident, the BJP leader questioned the rationale behind charging training fees from civic volunteers. “A monthly remuneration of Rs 10,000 is grossly inadequate to run a family, especially for those from economically weaker sections. How can the authorities justify charging Rs 850 as training fees?” he asked.

Mr Ghosh said he had taken up the matter with the Leader of Opposition and reiterated the party’s demand for a substantial hike in remuneration. “Although the state government has proposed an increase, civic volunteers are expected to receive it only from April. There is also apprehension of further delay if the Election Commission of India intervenes,” he said.

“If we come to power, our government will ensure proper welfare and dignity for civic volunteers,” he added.

BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to exclude Kerala from the central government’s decision to scrap the procurement bonus for paddy and wheat.

In a letter to Minister Sitharaman, Chandrasekhar said that paddy farmers in Kerala have been neglected for years, particularly in areas such as production costs, procurement mechanisms, and marketing support.

He said that Kerala has experienced a steady, long-term decline in paddy acreage and production and is not a surplus-producing state contributing to excess central stocks.

Chandrasekhar has written to the Union Finance Minister in the wake of a recent communication issued by the Department of Expenditure, which asked states, including Kerala, to review and consider discontinuing the announcement of MSP bonus for paddy and wheat in view of surplus stocks, fiscal burden, and sustainability concerns.

The BJP Kerala chief pointed out that Kerala has been governed by political fronts that have largely neglected the concerns of paddy farmers, particularly with respect to production costs, procurement mechanisms, and marketing support.

He further said that many farmers were compelled to depend on private money lenders, leading to severe financial stress. “The Government of Kerala has not announced any additional bonus over and above MSP for paddy or wheat in the manner followed by certain states with surplus production,” Chandrasekhar said.

Former Army Chief General MM Narvane’s unpublished book ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, which was at the centre of last week’s Parliament face-off between Rahul Gandhi and the Government, has leaked online, prompting the Delhi Police to register an FIR.

According to Delhi Police officials, a pre-print copy of General Narvane’s ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ is being circulated online in PDF format. The Delhi Police Special Cell has filed a case into the “purported leak/breach of a yet-to-be-approved publication.”

The pre-print book ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ is the autobiography of former Army Chief MM Naravane. The publication of the book was allegedly put on hold days before its launch. The book is currently under the review of the Defence Ministry.

“Delhi Police took cognisance of information found on various online social media platforms and news forums, which claimed that a pre-print copy of the book ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ is being circulated. It was also reported that the necessary clearance for the publication of this book is yet to be received from the relevant authorities,” a Delhi Police official said.

“Upon verification, it was found that a PDF copy of a typeset book with the same title, apparently prepared by M/S Penguin Random House India Pvt. Limited, is available on certain websites, and some online marketing platforms have displayed the finished book cover as if it is available for purchase,” the official added.

Police said that in order to carry out a thorough investigation into “this purported leak/breach of a yet-to-be-approved publication, a case has been registered with the Special Cell, and an investigation is being taken up.”

A political row had erupted after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sought to quote from the unpublished book during his speech in Lok Sabha on the motion of thanks on the President’s Address, with the treasury benches strongly opposing his remarks.

Rahul alleged that Narvane has revealed in his memoir that Chinese tanks entered Indian territory during the 2020 Ladakh conflict, but the Narendra Modi-led regime was apparently not decisive in its decision-making.

After facing several adjournments on the issue, the House last week adopted the motion of thanks by voice vote amid sloganeering by Opposition benches.

A political storm has intensified in Bihar over the issue of law and order and increasing cases of rape and murder across the state. As soon as the proceedings of the Legislative Council began on Monday, the Opposition cornered the government over the rising number of rape-murder cases.

Former Chief Minister Rabri Devi made a strong statement, alleging that crimes against women have risen ever since Samrat Choudhary became the Home Minister.

She demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Samrat Choudhary for failing to control atrocities against women.

Following Rabri Devi’s statement, all RJD and Congress MLCs stood up and started raising slogans. In the presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the Opposition demanded answers from the government on cases of rape and murder. Soon, the entire Opposition reached the well of the House, clapping and raising slogans.

Amid the uproar, Nitish Kumar said that the Opposition had done nothing during its tenure and was now creating disturbances even when the government was working. He added that the Opposition’s statements had no meaning.

During his remarks, Nitish Kumar addressed Rabri Devi as “ladki” (girl). Opposition members became angry and intensified sloganeering. The Opposition made it clear that protests in the House would continue until the government responds to the issue of rising crime against women.

During the debate, Rabri Devi lost her temper as BJP MLC Devesh Kumar used unparliamentary language for the former chief minister.

After the House proceedings were adjourned, RJD members approached Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh in his chamber and submitted a written complaint against Devesh Kumar, demanding action for using unparliamentary language against Rabri Devi.

Later, RJD National Working President Tejashwi Yadav also critcised Nitish Kumar for his remarks against Rabri Devi.

In a post on X, he said, “When the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s worsen, a person enters a mentally unstable state, where one can only sympathetically wish for the patient’s mental recovery. What would one call a Chief Minister who refers to the state’s first woman Chief Minister as a ‘girl’ and repeatedly displays a narrow, negative, and flawed mindset towards women?”

“It is this very mentality of the Chief Minister that encourages daily incidents of sexual assault against hundreds of young girls, students, and women in Bihar,” he alleged.

The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is adopting a more systematic approach to selecting potential candidates for the next Assembly elections, with a clear focus on grassroots leaders rather than celebrities, particularly from the film industry.

A member of the BJP’s state committee said the shift follows lessons learnt from the 2021 Assembly elections, when several well-known personalities were fielded as candidates.
“Many celebrities joined the party ahead of the 2021 elections and were given tickets. After they lost, most of them distanced themselves from the party, with several immediately joining the ruling Trinamul Congress,” the leader said.
He added that this time the process of shortlisting names for recommendation to the party’s central leadership is being carried out quietly and in a more organised manner, without publicity.

The state unit plans to submit two separate lists for each of the 294 Assembly constituencies. One list will contain three preferred candidates, while the second will include three names not recommended for candidature.
The party may also attach brief explanatory notes to both lists. However, the state leader said the final decision will rest with the BJP high command.
At the same time, the Bengal BJP is seeking to assess public sentiment ahead of the elections and before finalising its manifesto.

Last week, the party launched the ‘Sankalp Patra Paramarsha Yatra’ (Manifesto Consultation Drive). As part of the programme, suggestion drop boxes will be placed at 1,000 locations across West Bengal to gather public feedback for the manifesto.

After coal, sand and stone, a fresh case of illegal soil excavation and trade has surfaced in West Burdwan district following a complaint filed over the unauthorised extraction of soil and its use in brick kilns.

A resident of Barabani has lodged a complaint with the District Magistrate and Collector of West Burdwan, S Ponnamballam, and also with the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

According to sources, authorities have inspected several locations in the Barabani police station area under the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC) in connection with alleged illegal soil mining.

Bittu Viswakarma, a social worker from the Barabani Assembly constituency, submitted a written complaint to the District Magistrate and the NGT, alleging rampant extraction of topsoil from the area, even during night hours, using heavy earth-moving machinery. He has also submitted video footage in support of his allegations. He further claimed that the soil is loaded onto tractors and transported at night.

It has been alleged that a large number of brick kilns operate across the industrial belt of the Asansol Sadar and Durgapur sub-divisions in West Burdwan district, for which huge quantities of soil, sand and coal are required. As all three materials are readily available in the region, the brick kiln industry has expanded rapidly. Complaints have previously been made to the authorities regarding their illegal operations.

The District Magistrate of West Burdwan, S Ponnamballam, has already directed the Additional District Magistrate (Land Revenue) to probe the allegations. The investigation is currently underway, and complaints relating to illegal soil mining are now also being examined.

According to administrative sources, bricks are manufactured by stacking them around a chimney and firing them with coal. As per government rules, the quantity of soil used is assessed for every thousand bricks produced, and royalty is collected accordingly. The royalty rate is fixed per thousand bricks, and the entire process is conducted online.

However, according to local sources, it is alleged that royalty is deposited for only 3,000 bricks, while production continues up to 10,000 bricks. Soil used for the additional bricks is allegedly sourced illegally without payment of royalty. The actual position will emerge only after the completion of the investigation.

It has also been reported that soil is being loaded onto tractors at night, and in some areas land is being cut using heavy earth-moving machinery.

This fresh complaint has created a major political stir in the district, which has already been rocked by recent CBI and Enforcement Directorate raids linked to illegal sand and coal mining operations.

The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s order staying the State government’s decision to shift the headquarters of the Himachal Pradesh Commission for Backward Classes from Shimla to Dharamshala, holding that such decisions fall squarely within the policy domain and have minimal scope for judicial interference.

Emphasising judicial restraint, a Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria observed that courts should ordinarily refrain from interfering in executive decisions that concern administrative policy and affect the public at large.

“Prima facie, it seems to us that the shifting of HQ of an institute is a policy matter which has least scope of justiciability, especially if it affects the rights of the public at large… there is no reason for the State to not shift the office,” the Court said, while lifting the High Court’s interim stay.

The Bench clarified that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter pending before the High Court but found no justification for continuing the restraint on the State’s proposal. It accordingly permitted the State to shift the Commission’s headquarters to Dharamshala or any other suitable place, subject to further orders in the pending proceedings.

The High Court had, on January 9, stayed the proposed relocation after a public interest litigation was filed by Ram Lal Sharma, who opposed the move. The petitioner argued that the Commission was already housed in leased premises at Shimla and questioned the lack of clarity regarding infrastructure and accommodation at Dharamshala. The High Court sought responses from the State and ordered the status quo until further hearing.

Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan, appearing for the State, justified the move by pointing out that a large proportion of the backward class population resides in Kangra district, where Dharamshala is located.

Apparently accepting this, the Court remarked that institutions meant to serve the public should ideally be closer to those who require access to them. “When we seek access to justice or redressal at the doorstep, should we not think in this regard?” the Bench observed.

CJI Kant also expressed concern over courts entering administrative terrain, stating that the judiciary should remain aloof from such decisions unless they are “directly in the teeth of constitutionality or Part III of the Constitution”.

With these observations, the Supreme Court lifted the High Court’s stay, allowing the State to proceed to move the headquarters of the Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Backward Classes from Shimla to Dharamshala.

The primary section of the first ever co-education school for general students, run by the Ramakrishna Mission in West Bengal was inaugurated by Swami Suvirananandaji Maharaj, general secretary of Ramakrishna Math and Mission on Sunday.

The school has come up in Jhargram, where the RKM runs a co-education Ekalavya Residential Model School for ST students. The new school is called the Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith. Vidyapith will offer CBSE course.

Inaugurating the school Swami Suviranandaji, himself an educationist spoke about the man making character building education of Swami Vivekananda. The educational institution run by the RKM is gaining popularity across the country because of the holistic education it offers. RKM gives stress on the total personality development of the students. Revered Suviranandaji was attached to the Swami Vivekananda Centenary College in Rahara. He was in Arunachal Pradesh for more than two decades, where the Mission runs a school. He was the secretary of RKM Deoghar which runs a school of national repute.

The Vidyapith in Jhargram has come up on 10 acres of land given by Nimpith Ashram. The new school has great demand in the area. Jhargram is coming up as an educational hub. There is a state-run university and a college. There are private schools including one run by the nuns of Sri Sri Saradapith, which was set up by Swami Sarbanandaji. The new school has school buses to bring the students. The fees are nominal and the best education will be provided to the students.

Preparations for the country’s first fully digital Census-2027 have begun in full swing. For the first time, citizens are being given the option of self-enumeration.

Under this, 15 days before the commencement of the census work in the state, i.e., from May 7 to May 21, 2026, all citizens will be able to conduct their own census by filling out the online questionnaire through the Self-Enumeration Portal and mobile app.

Extensive arrangements are being made at the central, state, district, and tehsil levels. This will be the 16 census of the country and the eighth since independence and is considered the largest and most reliable source of primary data at the village, city, and ward levels.

On Monday, the Chief Principal Census Officer and Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Uttar Pradesh, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Sheetal Verma (IAS), held a detailed review meeting on the preparations for Census-2027 with the Varanasi Divisional Commissioner and the District Magistrates of the four districts at the Commissionerate auditorium.

The census will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, house listing and house enumeration will be carried out simultaneously across Uttar Pradesh from May 22 to June 20, 2026. The second phase will involve population enumeration, which will be conducted simultaneously across the country in February 2027.

Census-2027 will be entirely conducted through digital means. Digital apps will be used to prepare GIS-based maps and enumeration blocks of all urban local bodies and villages to ensure complete coverage.

In the meeting, the Director of Census Operations, Uttar Pradesh, gave a detailed presentation on the census process, timeline, and action plan. Intensive discussions were held on the successful and efficient conduct of the census, action plans, and roadmaps on the issue.

Verma said that the census will collect detailed information related to social, economic, and housing conditions, which will form a strong basis for future development plans and policy-making. He stated that the data collected would prove extremely useful in the development of the country’s infrastructure.

During the house listing and house enumeration process, enumerators will collect a total of 33 types of information related to the building’s use, construction materials, number of rooms, ownership status, availability of toilets, primary source of lighting, fuel used for cooking, LPG/PNG connection, main foodgrains consumed by the family, and amenities such as telephones, vehicles, televisions, and internet access. All this information will be collected digitally.

All information provided by the families will be kept strictly confidential. Officials and employees involved in the census work will receive phased training starting February 15th.

It is estimated that approximately 10,000 personnel will be deployed for census duty in Varanasi district, 11,000 in Jaunpur, 9,000 in Ghazipur, and 5,000 in Chandauli.

Varanasi Divisional Commissioner S Rajalingam emphasised the importance of training and instructed all District Magistrates to ensure effective training arrangements and pay special attention to the selection of suitable trainers. He said that all necessary preparations should be completed now to ensure that the census work is conducted in a timely, transparent, and error-free manner.

The meeting was attended by the District Magistrates of all four districts of the Varanasi division, Chief Development Officers, the Varanasi Municipal Commissioner, all Additional District Magistrates (Finance and Revenue), the Joint Director of Education, the Deputy Director of Information, the Deputy Director of Panchayati Raj, the Deputy Director of Economics and Statistics, the District Informatics Officer, and other officials concerned.

The Supreme Court on Monday extended by a week the time for the considering claims and objections in respect of questionable voters that have surfaced in the course of the ongoing conduct of Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in West Bengal and directed the State government to ensure that 8505 of its officer offered by it to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to report to the District Electoral Officer by 5.00 pm Tuesday. .

The court said that the ECI will have the discretion to use these officers, if found suitable.

In a slew of additional directions passed on Monday after more than an hour-long hearing, a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice N.V. Anjaria also directed the Director General of the State Police to file a personal affidavit relating the to the non-registration of FIRs against the individuals interfering and obstructing the SIR work including the destruction of the material relating to the claims and objections.

Issuing directions, the bench said it would ensure that there are no impediments in the conduct of the SIR. “We will not allow any impediment in the conduct of SIR. This must be clear to all States,” Chief Justice Surya Kant said.

The bench recalled its January 19 order wherein it had instructed the West Bengal Director General of Police, Superintendent of Police of each district, and the Collector to ensure that there are no law-and-order problems at the location where claims and objections are being considered and that the entire activity proceeds smoothly.

Clearing all confusion and doubt as to who will take a final call on the claims and objections, the court made it clear that officers being provided by the West Bengal government including those already working and the micro-observers will only be assisting the Electoral Returning Officer (ERO) – who will take the final decision.

Referring to the two affidavits filed by the Election Commission of India voicing grievance against the West Bengal government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that a message must go that the Constitution applies to all States. Poll panel told the court that it had recommended suspension of certain officers but nothing has been done by the State government.

Asking the West Bengal government to look into the affidavit filed by the Election Commission, the court, however, said that the poll panel will be at liberty to change the officers who are not doing duties as expected.

Referring to the instances where notices have been sent flagging a gap of 50 years in the age of the vote and the grandparent, Justice Bagchi said that these are the ground realities when marriages happen at the age of 20 years.

Stating that the software being used by the ECI was very restrictive, Justice Bagchi said that Kumar is a middle name in Bengali families. He said that in Tapan Kumar Roy, Kumar is a middle name and notices have been sent to those who have mentioned their name as Tapan Roy.

In the last hearing of the matter on February 4, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banejee had appeared personally in the PIL filed by her against the SIR and had sought conduct of State assembly elections scheduled in a few months on the basis of 2025 electoral rolls and withdrawal of notices issued under the “logical di9scripencies” category.

The Court has already reserved judgment in earlier petitions challenging the SIR process nationwide, after the exercise—initially undertaken in Bihar—was extended to several States including West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The Jharkhand unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission, alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct following reports of a proposed financial assistance announcement linked to the ‘Maiya Yojana’ during the ongoing urban local body election process.

In a written representation submitted to the State Election Commissioner, the BJP claimed that several leading newspapers on February 8 published reports stating that beneficiaries of the Maiya Yojana would be provided loans worth ₹20,000 for employment purposes. According to the party, the reports appeared while the civic body election schedule was in force.

The BJP pointed out that the State Election Commission had already announced the municipal election programme on January 27, 2026, and that the Model Code of Conduct remains effective till February 23. The party alleged that any such announcement during this period amounts to an inducement aimed at influencing voters, particularly women beneficiaries of the scheme.

The letter further claimed that the reports suggested the announcement was made at the behest of the state government and was intended to impact the civic polls. The BJP asserted that such publicity violated the spirit of free and fair elections and demonstrated disregard for the Model Code of Conduct.

The party urged the Election Commission to issue clear directions restraining the state government from making any announcements related to financial incentives or benefits until the completion of the election process. It also sought action against officials responsible for issuing or facilitating such announcements and requested steps to prevent further publication of related promotional news.

Uttar Pradesh Water Resources Minister Swatantra Dev Singh on Monday issued a stern warning to companies executing Jal Jeevan Mission projects in the Bundelkhand and Vindhya regions, stating that FIRs will be registered and contracts terminated if 100 per cent clean drinking water supply to households is not ensured within the next 30 days.

Chairing a review meeting at the Jal Nigam (Rural) office in Lucknow, the minister gave a final ultimatum to agencies found to be lax in project implementation.

Expressing strong displeasure over the slow pace of work by BGCC and L&T in Bundelkhand and Vindhya, Singh said strict legal action would be initiated against company management if deadlines are missed. “The government will not hesitate to send those responsible to jail,” he warned.

Addressing the media, the minister said that most projects in the two regions are nearly complete, with only four to five schemes still pending. Water supply is currently affected in about three per cent of villages due to damaged pipelines or technical issues, and officials have been directed to resolve these problems immediately.

During the meeting, Singh instructed executive engineers and district-level officers to maintain continuous coordination with public representatives and keep them fully informed about project progress. He also warned of action against officers who fail to communicate effectively and directed them to visit villages regularly to ensure swift resolution of local issues.

The minister announced that a “Jal Utsav” (Water Festival) will be organised between March 8 and March 22 in villages where 100 per cent household water supply has commenced. Following these directions, the State Water Supply and Sanitation Mission has begun preparations to hold the Jal Utsav in around 22,000 villages across the state.

Singh also launched the “Jal Sarathi App” to enable quick resolution of water supply-related complaints. The app will allow villagers to access real-time information on water supply status, project expenditure, construction progress, contact details of concerned officials and grievance redressal mechanisms. The application will be available on both Android and Apple platforms.

Additionally, the minister reviewed the status of road repairs damaged during pipeline laying. Officials informed him that of the total 9,772 kilometres of roads affected, 9,435 kilometres have already been repaired, with the remaining work scheduled for completion by the end of March.