Minister Narottam Mishra cannot vote in presidential poll
In a major embarrassment for the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government, the Delhi High Court dismissed the petition of cabinet minister Narottam Mishra challenging the Election Commission's decision to disqualify him for three years owing to a paid news case. Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court had refused to hear his petition. Mishra will not be able to vote in the presidential poll now.
The irrigation and public relations minister has refused to resign saying that the “decision of EC is not correct’’. State BJP chief Nandkumar Singh Chouhan, too, defended Mishra saying, “BJP respected the EC and the courts. However, it feels that Narottam was not guilty. The party is exploring alternatives.”
The Congress has asked Gujarat Governor Omprakash Kohli, who is also in charge of Madhya Pradesh, to dismiss the minister who has lost his legislature membership. Leader of opposition Ajay Singh mounted further pressure on the BJP government saying they will not allow the assembly to function if Mishra is allowed to enter the House even after the EC's order.
Meanwhile, in a show of strength, Mishra today organised a huge rally of his supporters in his constituency Datia.
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Elections announced in over three dozen local bodies
The State Election Commission has announced election to 14 Nagar Palika Parishads and 23 Nagar Parishads. The voting will be held on August 9 while the results will be declared on August 12.
Around 18,51,732 voters in urban areas will elect their representatives to the local bodies. State Election Commissioner R. Parasuram said that polls in 15 local bodies of Dhar and Barwani will take place after October. The two districts are facing displacement issues due to the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which is likely to be closed on July 31.
“For the first time, the candidates can file their nomination online from a designated kiosk where poll officials will help to fill the forms,” Parasuram said, adding that steps are being taken to make the elections more transparent and convenient. The voters can use a mobile app to download their voter slip and show it to the presiding officer during voting.
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Government to close 3,000 schools having less than 15 students
The state education department is planning to close some 3,000 government primary schools having less than 15 students each. It is being done to meet the growing demands for teachers at bigger schools. The process will begin from the tribal district of Betul where students and teachers of these schools will be shifted to other nearby schools.
Deepak Joshi, minister of state for school education (independent charge), said that the schools have been identified and the process is being done as per the norms laid out under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The Act says that all schools must have a proper building, playground, toilets and adequate number of teachers. Presently, there are thousands of primary and middle schools who do not meet these norms.
“If the schools are merged with others, the problem of shortage of teachers would be sorted out to some extent,” the minister said.
