Assam govt proposes law to ban 'magical healing'
Guwahati (PTI): The Assam government on Wednesday introduced a new legislation in the assembly aimed at eliminating non-scientific healing practices.
The proposed law seeks to criminalise "magical healing", conducted by individuals with malicious intent, making it a cognisable and non-bailable offence punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.
The 'Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024' was introduced in the House by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika on behalf of the home and political departments held by the chief minister.
The Bill aims to bring social awakening in society and to create a healthy, science-based knowledge and safe environment to protect human health against the evil and sinister practices of ignorance.
According to the statement of objects and reasons' of the Bill, no person shall take any part in healing practices and magical healing propagation for treatment of any diseases, disorder or any condition relating to the health of a person, directly or indirectly, giving a false impression of providing treatment.
It also bars any person from taking part in any sort of advertisement relating to any kind of medicine, or remedy (directly or indirectly) relating to any false claim to cure diseases through healing practices.
"The evil practice of magical healing by any person with a sinister motive to exploit common people is a cognisable and non-bailable offence under the said Bill," the statement of object and reasons said.
The punishment will range from imprisonment of one year, which may be extended up to three years, or with a fine of Rs 50,000, or both in case of first conviction, the Bill said.
In case of subsequent convictions, a person will face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of Rs 1 lakh or both, it said.
Vigilance officers, who will be police officers not below the rank of a sub-inspector, will be entrusted with checking such evil healing practices or magical healing, it added.
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
