HP: Churah MLA announces Rs 51,000 reward for those providing info about 'Chitta' sellers
Shimla, Feb 16 (PTI): In response to growing concerns over Chitta (adulterated heroin) smuggling, the BJP MLA from Churah assembly seat in Chamba district, Hans Raj, has announced a reward of Rs 51,000 for anyone providing credible information about Chitta sellers.
The BJP MLA further assured that the identity of the informer would be kept confidential.
He was speaking at a rally organized by the Sangharsh Institute to raise awareness about the Chitta mafia and to pay homage to the martyrs of Pulwama in his constituency on Sunday.
Protesters at the rally were chanting slogans such as "Chitta smugglers murdabad" and "Churah ko barbad nahin hone denge" (We won't let Churah be ruined).
Hans Raj said that Chitta is a deadly intoxicant that reduces the lifespan of addicts to just two or three years.
He emphasised the need for everyone to come together to fight this menace.
He added, "Those who view addicts as mere spectators should understand that this fire could reach their homes too. They will regret not acting sooner, realising that their own home could have been saved if they had poured a bucket of water on others' fires."
"The death of any person due to Chitta ruins an entire family and makes life miserable," he said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Caste census will form basis for future policy decision, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the ongoing caste census would form the basis for future policy decisions, asserting that the exercise was crucial to advancing social justice in the state.
Addressing a gathering at the Siddarameshwara Jayanti celebrations here, he said caste enumeration was being carried out for the first time since 1931 and would be followed by deliberations once the report is submitted.
"At present, a caste census (Jaati Sameekshe) is underway. After the report comes, we will discuss it and take necessary decisions," Siddaramaiah said.
He underlined the government’s commitment to equality, stating, "We are committed to social justice. No one should face injustice. Even if not 100 per cent, we will strive to ensure 99 per cent justice."
Referring to measures aimed at addressing intra-caste disparities, the chief minister said the government had already implemented internal reservation based on revised classifications.
"We have gone beyond the Nagamohan Das report and implemented internal reservation… now it has been revised to 5.25 per cent, 5.25 per cent, and 4.5 per cent. This has been approved by the Cabinet," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the broader objective was to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, while reiterating that policy interventions would be guided by constitutional principles.
"Our objective is equal share and equal life for all," he said.
He also emphasised the role of education in eliminating inequalities, particularly among marginalised communities, and said empowerment was essential to dismantle entrenched caste hierarchies.
"Only when people gain such empowerment can caste divisions be eradicated. Education is essential for this," he added.
The CM said the government would examine demands raised by various communities and take decisions based on feasibility, while ensuring that benefits reached all sections without discrimination.
