This report was first published in english.alarabiya.net and has been posted here without any alterations or editing. To read the original report, CLICK HERE

Saudi Arabia will resume normal operations of international flights and the complete opening of airports across the Kingdom starting from May 17, according to local media reports citing a circular from the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority (GACA).

GACA indicated in its circular that “the Kingdom’s airports will be open to international flights, starting at one 1 am Monday, the 17th of next May.”

The circular by GACA was sent by the authority to all airlines operating in airports across the country to notify them of the change in the previously scheduled date of March 31 to the new date of May 17.

The authority stressed the need to adhere to the preventive protocols and precautionary measures as well as instructions issued by the concerned higher committee in this regard to stem the spread of coronavirus epidemic in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia postponed on Jan. 29 the reopening of its sea, land, and airports and extended the travel ban for its citizens to May 17 instead of March 31.

Courtesy: english.alarabiya.net

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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.