- TN PROHIBITION ACT TO BE AMENDED, MAKE PUNISHMENT STRINGENT
- Amendment of Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937
- Kallakurichi Tragedy: The incident involving the consumption of spurious liquor resulted in the tragic loss of 65 lives. This has prompted the government to consider amending the existing prohibition laws to impose stricter punishments.
- Proposed Amendments – Stringent Punishments: The amendments aim to increase the severity of punishments for those involved in the production and sale of spurious liquor. This could include longer prison sentences and higher fines. Accountability of Law Enforcement Suggestions by MLAs
- Accountability of Collectors and SPs: K. Marimuthu of the CPI suggested that district Collectors and Superintendents of Police should be held accountable for such tragedies. This could involve penalties such as transfers or suspensions.
- Role of Police: G.K. Mani of the Pattali Makkal Katchi pointed out that the sale of drugs and spurious liquor near Tasmac liquor shops likely occurs with the knowledge of the police, indicating a need for stricter oversight and accountability.
2. SOMANATHAPUR TO BE THE FOCUS OF MYSURE TOURISM CIRCUIT
- 13th-Century Heritage: The Keshava Temple at Somanathapur is a fine example of Hoysala architecture, known for its intricate carvings and detailed sculptures. It was built in the 13th century during the reign of the Hoysala Empire.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which underscores its global cultural significance.
- The Karnataka Tourism Department’s plan to promote Somanathapur as part of the Mysuru tourism circuit has the potential to significantly boost tourism in the region, enhance cultural awareness, and contribute to economic development.
- By focusing on cross-promotion, improving accessibility, and integrating cultural programmes, the initiative can provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for tourists.
3. NCPCR TO FELICITATE 30 DISTRICT OFFICIALS FOR CONTAINING DRUG ABUSE AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN
- The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) are taking significant steps to address substance abuse among schoolchildren through the Joint Action Plan (JAP).
- Recognition of Top Performing Districts: – Event: The NCPCR will felicitate 30 top-performing districts for their successful implementation of the JAP. ○ Award: District Magistrates and Collectors of these districts will be awarded by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai.
- Objective: To acknowledge and encourage effective measures taken at the district level to combat substance abuse among schoolchildren. Joint Action Plan (JAP):
- Development: The JAP was developed by the NCPCR and NCB in 2021, based on deliberations with various ministries.
- Purpose: To streamline efforts by different agencies and bring paradigm shifts in the prevention of drug and substance abuse among children.
- National Review and Consultation: – Participants: Representatives from State and Union Territory Commissions for Protection of Child Rights, Departments of Women and Child Welfare, Health, Education, Police, Drugs Controller, Excise, Pharmacy Councils, and State AIDS Control Societies.
- Objective: To review and consult on the implementation of the JAP and discuss further strategies.
- Launch of ‘Prahari’ Portal: – Portal: A new portal named ‘Prahari’ (sentry) will be launched by Mr. Rai.
- Function: The portal will facilitate quarterly activities for awareness on drugs and substance abuse in schools, conducted by children and teachers nominated by special ‘Prahari’ clubs.
- Prahari Clubs: These are associations managed and run by children to achieve common goals related to drug abuse prevention.
- Legislative Framework:
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: This act provides for the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children in need, including those affected by substance abuse.
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985: This act regulates the operations relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, aiming to prevent drug abuse and illicit trafficking
4. IMPORTANCE OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT
- Increasing Frequency of Disasters: – Amit Shah emphasized that due to climate change, disasters such as avalanches, landslips, floods, and storms are expected to increase in frequency and intensity.
- This necessitates a proactive approach towards disaster management to minimize casualties and damage.
- Budget Increase for Disaster Management: – The budget for the State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs) and NDRF has seen a significant increase from ₹66,000 crore (2004-2014) to ₹2 lakh crore (2014-2024).
- This substantial increase reflects the government’s prioritization of disaster preparedness and response.
- Focus on Zero Casualty: – The goal is to achieve zero casualty during disasters by employing scientific principles and advanced technologies in disaster management.
- This includes improving efficiency in areas such as forest fire management and flood response.
- Risk and Hardship Allowance: – The government has approved a risk and hardship allowance for NDRF personnel, set at 40% of their salary. This decision acknowledges the challenging and dangerous nature of their work.
- Approximately 16,000 NDRF personnel will benefit from this allowance.
- Participation in Sports Competitions: – The Centre has decided that teams from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will participate in sports competitions, promoting physical fitness and morale among the personnel.
5. TN ADOPTS BILL TO ENHANCE PRISON TERM, FINE FOR ILLICIT LIQUOR CRIMES
- Enhanced Punishment for Illicit Liquor Offences: Life Imprisonment: If the consumption of illicit liquor results in death, the accused can face rigorous imprisonment for life along with a fine of not less than ₹10 lakh.
- Other Offences: For certain other offences related to illicit liquor, the maximum term of rigorous imprisonment has been set at seven years, with fines ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh.
- Confiscation and Sealing: – The amendment provides for the confiscation of all movable assets used in committing the offences.
- It also allows for the sealing of unlicensed places where liquor consumption occurs.
- Non-Compoundable Offences: The offences under this amendment are made non-compoundable, meaning they cannot be settled out of court.
- Executive Magistrates’ Powers: Executive magistrates are empowered to issue orders requiring habitual offenders to execute bonds with sureties for a hefty amount.
- Bail Conditions: The amendment suggests that the consent of the public prosecutor should be obtained before granting bail to the accused in such offences. This measure aims to ensure that bail is not easily granted to those involved in serious illicit liquor offences.
ONE LINER
- Theni district called as Azha Nadu hundreds of years ago- Information in Mayiladumparai inscription
- Kaviarasu Kannadasan Award for veteran film lyricist poet Muthulingam
