BJP MLA, former legislator join Congress in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal (PTI) : A Bharatiya Janata Party MLA and a former legislator from the party on Saturday joined the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, where Assembly polls will be held at the end of the year.
MLA Virendra Raghuvanshi and former legislator Bhawar Singh Shekhawat joined the opposition Congress at the party's state headquarters along with others in the presence of state unit president Kamal Nath and AICC general secretary in-charge of Madhya Pradesh Randeep Singh Surjewala.
Raghuvanshi had resigned from the BJP a couple of days back.
Speaking on the occasion, Nath exuded confidence that his party would win the Assembly polls and accused the ruling BJP of turning MP into a corrupt state.
Nath said the loans of 27 lakh farmers were waived and several public welfare decisions were taken when the Congress was in power (from 2018 to March 2020).
Surjewala said 13 BJP ministers lost in the 2018 Assembly polls and 31 ministers would lose in the upcoming elections.
The BJP government in the state has failed to protect Dalits, tribals and women, Surjewala alleged.
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.
Illegal overseas recruitment busted in Mangaluru; POE Bengaluru urges caution among jobseekers
Here’s what you should do before attending any interviews for jobs abroad
Mangaluru, May 17 – In a crackdown on illegal overseas recruitment activities, Avaneesh Shukla, the Protector of Emigrants (POE), Bengaluru, under the Ministry of External Affairs, visited Mangaluru on Thursday after receiving credible information regarding unauthorised interviews being conducted for overseas job placements.
Speaking to Vartha Bharati on May 17, Shukla confirmed that two separate cases of illegal recruitment have come to light in the city. These actions, he said, were taken in close coordination with the Mangaluru City Police as part of their ongoing efforts to ensure safe and legal migration for Indian citizens.
According to Shukla, upon receiving information that a recruitment drive was about to take place in Bendoorwell, he immediately travelled to Mangaluru. By the time he reached, the planned interviews were already postponed. However, investigation revealed that the agency in question, identified as Z-Zone Consultancy, was operating without the mandatory license required under the Immigration Act, 1983.
A police case has already been registered against Z-Zone Consultancy. The POE confirmed that this agency was attempting to recruit individuals for jobs overseas without valid authorisation from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Shukla further revealed that a separate agency operating out of Pumpwell, which had been active on social media platforms for the past six months, was also caught engaging in similar illegal activities. The agency had been advertising jobs in Europe, Israel, Mauritius, and Gulf countries.
Following a joint raid with the Mangaluru Police, officials confiscated various documents including application forms that listed destinations applied for, as well as bio-data of candidates. The agency's Instagram and other social media handles were found flooded with advertisements promising overseas job opportunities.
An FIR has been registered against this agency as well, making this the third case in the last six months to be booked under the Immigration Act in Karnataka.
Prior to these two recent cases, a similar action was taken against another agency named Higher Glow Elegant Overseas Placement, also located in Bendur Valley. An FIR had been filed against this agency earlier for similar violations.
Shukla stressed that such fraudulent agencies are increasing in number and are preying on the dreams of job seekers, particularly those aiming to work abroad. He urged all citizens to verify the legitimacy of any recruitment agency before engaging with them.
Under Section 10 of the Immigration Act, 1983, no individual or organisation in India is permitted to carry out recruitment for overseas employment without a valid certificate issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. Shukla clarified that those who violate this law can be punished under Section 24 of the Act.
The punishment includes imprisonment up to two years or a fine of ₹2000. In case of a repeat offence, both the fine and imprisonment duration will be doubled.
What Should Jobseekers Do?
Shukla issued a clear advisory to all Indian citizens aspiring to work abroad. He said people must verify if the recruitment agent is registered with the Ministry of External Affairs. This can be done in two ways:
By visiting the official government website: www.emigrate.gov.in
By contacting the Protector of Emigrants (POE) Bengaluru office via email at: poebengaluru@mea.gov.in
The website also provides a complete list of registered recruitment agencies and contact details of all POE offices across India.
Help for Distressed Indian Workers Abroad
When asked about what assistance is available for Indians who may have been duped and are stranded or exploited abroad, Shukla assured that help is available.
Affected individuals can:
Email the POE office
Call the 24x7 toll-free helpline: 1800-11-3090
Even if the person stuck abroad is unable to call, their family or friends can contact the helpline. The issue will then be forwarded to the concerned POE, who will take necessary action.
Responding to a question on steps being taken to raise awareness, Shukla said that awareness programs are being actively carried out across various districts. He personally conducted a sensitisation program for the Mangaluru City Police six months ago and held a session at a local nursing college to educate students about legal migration processes.
The POE offices also collaborate with state governments and other departments to educate people and discourage them from approaching illegal agents.
Appeal to Jobseekers and Agents
In his remarks, Avaneesh Shukla made a strong appeal to all citizens and recruitment agencies.
“To all aspiring emigrants, I urge you to stay alert and approach only registered agents. If you go through an illegal agent, you are putting yourself and your family at risk,” he said.
He also sent a stern warning to agents conducting recruitment without a valid license, urging them to stop immediately and register with the Ministry if they wish to continue such work legally.
“Instead of risking legal action, come forward and work with us to ensure safe and legal migration,” he added.
Important Contacts for the Public
Official Website: www.emigrate.gov.in
Email: poebengaluru@mea.gov.in
24x7 Toll-free Helpline: 1800-11-3090
