Ahead of polls, EC nodal officer goes missing in West Bengal
Krishnagar (WB), Apr 19: A nodal officer of the Election Commission in-charge of EVMs and VVPATs posted at Krishnagar under Ranaghat parliamentary constituency in Nadia district, is missing for over 24 hours, an official said Friday.
Arnab Roy(30) left his official quarters here for his poll duty at Bipradas Choudhury Polytechnic College Thursday morning but was not spotted since afternoon, a senior Nadia police officer told PTI.
His vehicle was, however, found parked outside the college here, he said.
Sources in the district police said that his two mobile phones are switched off and their last location was detected to be near Shantipur, also in Nadia district.
"After Shantipur his location could not be detected as his phones were switched off. This is making it difficult for us to locate him," another police officer said.
Initial investigation revealed that Roy, a few days back, had an alleged tiff with Nadia District Magistrate Sumit Gupta, who was also his neighbour, a few days ago on some operational duties in connection with the elections.
When contacted Gupta, however, denied having any altercation with Roy.
"Whoever has told you such a thing has given a wrong information. Nothing has happened between us. We have initiated a search for him," Gupta said.
After a failed search, the district administration lodged a complaint with the PS Kotwali Krishnanagar, the police officer said.
Roy's wife too lodged a complaint.
Election Commission sources said that a report was sought from the district magistrate on Roy going missing.
Ranaghat Parliamentary constituency, considered to be a stronghold of Trinamool Congress, will go to polls of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the fourth phase on April 29.
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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.
