Swachh Bharath Abhiyan "Healthy Mind-Clean Campus" organised at BIT
Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT) organized a Swachh Bharath Abhiyan under the theme "Healthy Mind - Clean Campus" on October 7, 2024. The event aimed to promote cleanliness and mental well-being among students. Dr. Ashwini S Shetty, Director of Extension and Outreach at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), was the Chief Guest.
The program began with an invocation song. Dr. S.I. Manjur Basha, Principal of BIT, Dr. Nalini E Rebello, Head of the Civil Engineering Department, Dr. Kafeel Delvi, NSS Officer, and Prof. Badruddin P.M, NSS Coordinator, were also present on the dais.
During her address, Dr. Ashwini emphasized the connection between a healthy mind and a clean environment. She highlighted the importance of physical activity, good eating habits, and avoiding junk food, explaining the negative effects junk food can have on organs such as the lungs, heart, and reproductive system. She encouraged students to adopt schools and extend support to underprivileged communities, stressing that helping others brings satisfaction and happiness.
Dr. Ashwini also discussed the environmental impact of human actions on soil, land, and air, urging the need for maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
The session concluded with a Sanskrit verse emphasizing serenity, self-control, and purity of thought. Following the formal session, students actively participated in a campus cleanliness drive, picking up papers, plastics, and ensuring the campus was left in a clean and hygienic condition.
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.
Modi govt's 'calibrated erosion' of EC's integrity: Kharge on election rule
New Delhi (PTI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday hit out at the government for tweaking an election rule to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents, alleging it is part of the Modi government's "systematic conspiracy" to destroy the institutional integrity of the Election Commission.
Kharge also said the Modi government's "calibrated erosion" of the ECI's integrity is a frontal attack on the Constitution and democracy.
The government has tweaked an election rule to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV camera and webcasting footage as well as video recordings of candidates to prevent their misuse.
Based on the recommendation of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Union law ministry on Friday amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to restrict the type of "papers" or documents open to public inspection.
Reacting to the development, Kharge said, "Modi government's audacious amendment in the Conduct of Election Rules is another assault in its systematic conspiracy to destroy the institutional integrity of the Election Commission of India." "Earlier, they had removed the Chief Justice of India from the Selection panel which appoints Election Commissioners, and now they have resorted to stonewall electoral information, even after a High Court order," he said in a post on X.
Everytime the Congress party wrote to the ECI, regarding specific poll irregularities such as voter deletions and lack of transparency in EVMs, the ECI has responded in a condescending tone and chosen not to even acknowledge certain serious complaints, Kharge said.
"This again proves that the ECI, even though it is a quasi-judicial body, is not behaving independently," he said.
"The Modi government's calibrated erosion of ECI's integrity is a frontal attack on the Constitution and Democracy and we will take every step to safeguard them," Kharge said.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh had said the party would legally challenge the amendment.
Lok Sabha MP and Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said the poll panel had chosen opacity and a pro-government attitude in its dealings thus far.
According to Rule 93, all "papers" related to elections shall be open to public inspection.
The amendment inserts "as specified in these rules" after "papers".
Law ministry and ECI officials separately explained that a court case was the "trigger" behind the amendment.
While documents such as nomination forms, appointment of election agents, results and election account statements are mentioned in the Conduct of Election Rules, electronic documents such as CCTV camera footage, webcasting footage and video recording of candidates during the Model Code of Conduct period are not covered.
"CCTV coverage, webcasting of polling stations are not carried out under Conduct of Election Rules but are the result of steps taken by the ECI to ensure a level playing field," a former ECI official explained.
