BJP to Fulfill Poll Promise of Rs 2,500 Monthly Aid to Women by March 8: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

Bengaluru, June 26: In the wake of the June 4 stampede in Bengaluru, Karnataka’s Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP), M.A. Saleem, has issued a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve crowd management during large events and mass gatherings.

The new SOPs, released on June 26, focus on pre-event planning, emergency preparedness, and controlled crowd dispersal, aiming to ensure public safety and accountability at high-footfall venues.

🔹 Pre-Event Planning & Risk Assessment

The SOPs mandate:

•    Simulations and spatial analysis to identify high-risk zones and bottlenecks.

•    Comprehensive safety audits of venues to ensure compliance with emergency evacuation protocols.

•    Rejection of event approvals if the venue fails to meet safety standards.

🔹 Coordination with Organisers

Police units are directed to:

•    Collect key event details such as expected footfall, type and timing of the event, assembly/dispersal plans, and emergency service availability.

•    Establish seamless communication channels with event organisers to avoid confusion during the event.

🔹 Crowd Management Planning

The force has been instructed to develop:

•    A well-defined crowd management plan with clearly assigned roles.

•    Movement control protocols, queue management systems, and entry screening procedures.

•    Adequate signage, public communication infrastructure, and a command structure for quick decision-making.

🔹 Emergency Preparedness

The SOPs call for:

•    A dedicated emergency response plan.

•    Regular training and mock drills for personnel.

•    Clear instructions for on-ground operational conduct during emergencies.

🔹 Crowd Dispersal & Use of Force

The police chief has laid down a specific protocol for crowd dispersal:

•    Use of force should be a last resort, applied only when absolutely necessary and in the minimum required quantity.

•    Mass arrests should be avoided unless legally and operationally justified.

🔹 Documentation and Accountability

All actions taken during such events must be documented, with proper log maintenance and adherence to legal arrest procedures, where applicable.

Mangaluru, July 8: In a significant employment push for the region, the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, introduced by the central government through the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), is expected to generate 20,000 to 25,000 new jobs in Dakshina Kannada district.

Announcing this at a press meet on Monday, Rajib Mukherjee, Regional Commissioner of EPFO Mangaluru, said the initiative targets 2,500 to 3,000 establishments in the district, with a major focus on boosting employment and social security, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

"The ELI scheme is designed not only to support first-time job seekers but also to incentivize employers for generating sustainable employment," Mukherjee said.

Key Highlights of the Scheme:

•    For first-time employees, the government will provide EPF wage support of up to ₹15,000, disbursed in two installments.

•    Employers who create new jobs will receive incentives of up to ₹3,000 per new hire per month for a duration of two years.

•    In the manufacturing sector, these incentives will continue for an additional two years (years three and four), encouraging long-term hiring.

Wider Goals and Eligibility:

The ELI scheme is part of the Prime Minister’s five-scheme package announced in the 2024–25 Union Budget, which aims to generate 3.5 crore jobs across India over two years.

•    The benefits will apply to jobs created between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027.

•    Employees with a monthly salary of up to ₹1 lakh are eligible.

•    Employers hiring within this salary range are eligible for government subsidies, provided the job is retained for at least six months.

Awareness and Outreach:

EPFO is conducting awareness camps across Dakshina Kannada to inform businesses and job seekers about the scheme’s benefits and application process.

Officials U Panduranga Kini, Nagendra Babu Gutti, Benny Lobo, and Anita R were also present at the briefing.

Mumbai, July 5: In a dramatic turn in Maharashtra politics, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared the stage for the first time in 20 years, fuelling intense speculation about a potential political realignment ahead of key civic elections.

Reuniting under the banner of "Marathi language and identity", the Thackeray cousins sent a powerful message from a packed event at Mumbai’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Stadium in Worli on Saturday—held to celebrate the state government's rollback of the controversial three-language policy in primary schools.

While the event was not under any formal political banner, its symbolism was unmistakable. As Uddhav (Shiv Sena-UBT chief) and Raj (MNS president) walked in together, and their sons Aaditya and Amit later embraced on stage, chants of “Thackeray brand is back together” echoed through the crowd.

“We’ve removed the distance between us… We’ve come together to stay together,” said Uddhav, triggering loud applause.

“What Balasaheb couldn’t do, Devendra Fadnavis did—he brought us together,” quipped Raj, mocking the deputy CM. “You may control Vidhan Bhawan, but we have the power on the streets.”

The duo reiterated their stand on Marathi pride, vowing to protect the language and oppose the imposition of Hindi or English-centric policies. Raj didn’t hold back:

“Everyone living here must know Marathi. But don’t go beating people and making videos—let them say they were beaten. You stay silent,” he said, half-jokingly, half-threateningly.

He also slammed the lack of Marathi in judiciary proceedings, demanding systemic change:

“Why is English the only language in courts in Maharashtra? Why not in UP or Bihar?”

Uddhav echoed the aggressive tone:

“Yes, we are goondas... if goondagiri is needed for justice, so be it.”

The event marks a potential political watershed, with the cousins not just sharing a stage but indicating possible joint campaigns—starting with the BMC polls. “We will capture Mumbai and Maharashtra together,” Uddhav declared.

With Balasaheb’s legacy looming large and opposition to the BJP sharpening, the reunion could reshape alliances in Maharashtra’s complex political landscape.