BJP, RSS spreading misinformation on SC order on NRC: Bengal CM
Kolkata, Aug 5 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday attacked the BJP and the RSS, accusing them of "spreading misinformation" on the Supreme Court's directive in publishing the National Register of Citizens in Assam.
Reiterating that the names of many Indians were "deliberately" left out of the draft NRC in Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Assam, Banerjee said every step taken by these outfits are influenced by "political vendetta".
"It is unfortunate that the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are making and spreading misleading statements against the Supreme Court which never asked for deletion of names of Indian citizens from the list," Banerjee wrote on Twitter.
"The list of Indian citizens left out comprise Bengalis, Assamese, Rajasthanis, Marwaris, Biharis, Gurkhas, UPites, Punjabis and natives from four southern states," she claimed.
Referring to kin of former Indian President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed who were left out of the draft NRC, Banerjee said that such families are being put in panic because of serious anomalies.
She also raised questions over the deployment of 200 companies of central forces in Assam following the publication of the draft NRC on July 30 and alleged that the core values of India, such as democracy and secularism, are being destroyed by the BJP and RSS.
"Where is democracy? Where is secularism? Why are the core values of our country being destroyed? Why have 200 companies of central forces being sent to Assam. Every single action of the BJP and RSS is one of deliberate destructiveness and political vendetta," she added.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
