Indian artist allegedly commits suicide in Muscat
Dubai: A 50-year-old noted Indian artist has allegedly committed suicide in his apartment in Muscat, Oman police have said.
Unni Krishnan, a skilled graphic designer and signboard artist who was a well-known member of the Indian cultural community in Oman, was found hanging at his apartment in Ruwi, the commercial hub and the main business district of Muscat, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) said on Sunday.
"Ruwi Police Station received a report at 4pm on Saturday about an Indian expat found hanging with a white rope tied around his neck at his residence on Honda Road in Ruwi," a police official was quoted as saying by the Times of Oman.
"The crime investigation team and the ROP went to the place of the incident and took the body to the police hospital," the official said. Further investigations are going on, police said.
"The incident was reported by one of his friends, who became suspicious after he didn't answer his repeated calls," the official said.
Krishnan's death has come as a shock for the Indian community in Oman, the report said.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
