The PMD noted that this decision was made to provide financial relief and support to farmers….reports Asian Lite News
The Sri Lankan government has announced an immediate cancellation of all crop loans taken by farmers, following requests from several farmer associations, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD) on Tuesday.
The PMD noted that this decision was made to provide financial relief and support to farmers.
In a separate press statement earlier on Tuesday, the PMD said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased in 2023, reflecting an improvement in the overall economic situation, Xinhua news agency reported.
According to official data, the agriculture sector contributes approximately 7 percent to the national GDP, and over 30 percent of Sri Lankans are employed in the agricultural sector.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Monday that the government is planning to establish a National Wealth Fund using government assets, similar to investment companies created by countries like Norway, Qatar, and Singapore, where profits from government revenues are used for public welfare.
Noting that he took control of the country during an economic collapse and made “difficult decisions” to rebuild it, Wickremesinghe also emphasised that without the patience shown by the people of Sri Lanka, the island nation could have faced a fate similar to Bangladesh today.
“If people had taken to the streets to govern the country, Sri Lanka could have faced the same fate as Bangladesh today. Rebuilding the economy required making difficult and unpopular decisions, including necessary steps in consultation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF),” the Lankan President said during an event in Colombo on Monday where he launched a new retirement insurance system for the elderly.
“At one point, buying a vehicle, a house, or modern appliances seemed like an unattainable dream for many. However, we have overcome those challenging times, and with the economy now stabilized, the people’s purchasing power has increased, which in turn is expected to fuel the growth of small businesses and attract investors,” he added.
The Lankan President said that his government has also initiated a programme to grant rights to the people, starting with the decision to issue freehold deeds to secure land rights.
As part of this effort, two million freehold deeds are being distributed. Another scheme has also been launched to provide Colombo urban flats to people free of charge, and plans are in place to create estate villages in the upcountry, offering each family a plot of seven perches.
“This process of transferring rights to the people is progressing rapidly,” he said.
Last week, Wickremesinghe held discussions on the ongoing economic collaboration with India during National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval’s visit to Colombo.
The police have also destroyed six acres of poppy cultivation during the operations which lasted a couple of days…reports Asian Lite News
Counter-narcotics police during a series of operations in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province have seized 150 kg opium poppy and taken nine people into custody on the charge of involvement in the drug business, provincial police spokesman Mullah Asadullah Jamshid said on Tuesday.
The contraband, according to the official, has been seized in the wake of operations covering the provincial capital Kandahar city and several districts recently. The police have arrested nine smugglers for their involvement in the illegal drug business, Xinhua news agency reported.
The police have also destroyed six acres of poppy cultivation during the operations which lasted a couple of days, the official said.
Opium poppy has been largely used in manufacturing heroin. The caretaker Afghan government banned poppy cultivation, and its processing to drug and drug trafficking in April 2022.
In similar operations, the police seized more than 1 tonne of opium poppy and arrested two persons on the charge of involvement in drug business from Badakhshan province last week.
In April 2022, Afghanistan’s de-facto authorities banned all cultivation of opium poppy under strict new laws. It saw poppy cultivation drop by around 95 per cent from 233,000 hectares at the end of 2022 to 10,800 hectares in 2023.
Opium is an essential ingredient for manufacturing the street drug heroin, and the class of medical prescription opioids which millions rely on for pain medication nationwide.
Earlier in August, the counter-narcotics police have discovered and destroyed a drug processing lab in western Afghanistan’s Nimroz province.
Acting on a tip-off, police launched operations in the province’s Dilaram district. In addition to destroying the drug lab, the police also discovered and burned a large quantity of materials used in manufacturing heroin, District director for counter-narcotics police Mawlawi Samiullah Samim said.
No drug traffickers were arrested at the site of the operations, the official said, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those involved in the drug business.
Over the past few months, police destroyed hundreds of poppy farms across Afghanistan, a country once known for its extensive poppy cultivation.
The Afghan caretaker government banned poppy cultivation, drug processing, and drug trafficking in April 2022.
A taliban member is seen at the explosion site near the Kabul airport in Afghanistan, Aug. 27, 2021. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua/IANS)
ISIL claimed that the attack resulted in the deaths of more than 45 people and was revenge for “Muslims held in Taliban prisons.”…reports Asian Lite News
Islamic State (IS), also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Kabul that resulted in six people losing their lives, Al Jazeera reported.
Notably, an explosion in Kabul on Monday killed at least six people, and injured 13 others, the Kabul police and Ministry of Interior Affairs said.
Sharing a post on X on Monday, Khalid Zadran, Kabul police spokesman had said, “An explosion occurred in the 6th security zone of Kabul this afternoon in the area of Qala-e-Bakhtiar, which was caused by explosives carried by a person. Unfortunately, six people, including a woman, were killed and 13 others were injured in the blast. The injured were taken to hospital and investigations are underway.”
In a Telegram post on Tuesday, ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) said one of its members detonated an explosive vest in the Afghan capital the previous day (Monday), targeting the Taliban government’s prosecution service.
The bomber waited until government employees finished their shifts and then detonated the explosive in the middle of a crowd, the post said, according to Al Jazeera.
ISIL claimed that the attack resulted in the deaths of more than 45 people and was revenge for “Muslims held in Taliban prisons.”
Notably, the most notorious attack linked to ISIL since the Taliban takeover was in 2022 when at least 53 people, including 46 girls and young women, were slain in the suicide bombing at an education centre in a Shia neighbourhood of Kabul. For which, the Taliban officials blamed ISIL for the attack.
A United Nations Security Council report released in January stated that there had been a decrease in ISIL attacks in Afghanistan because of “counter-terrorism efforts by the Taliban”. But the report also said that ISIL still had “substantial” recruitment in the country and that the armed group had “the ability to project a threat into the region and beyond”.
While violence has decreased in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, ISIL’s affiliate in the Khorasan region – Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) – still remains active.
The ISIL’s chapter spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia had also claimed responsibility for the March attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, where over 140 people were killed, marking the deadliest attack in Russia in two decades, Al Jazeera had reported. (ANI)
In Balochistan, the death toll since July 1 has now reached 39, with 19 children among the victims….reports Asian Lite News
Five children died across Balochistan, and four others lost their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 24 hours as monsoon rains continued to unleash devastation across Pakistan, Dawn News reported on Tuesday.
The relentless downpours, compounded by the remnants of Cyclonic Storm Asna, have wreaked havoc in several regions, prompting widespread relief and rescue operations.
In Balochistan, the death toll since July 1 has now reached 39, with 19 children among the victims. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that a new spell of rain began in the province a day ago, affecting 22 districts. Younus Mengal, head of the PDMA’s control room, confirmed that relief efforts are ongoing in the calamity-hit areas.
Among the tragic incidents reported on Monday, two brothers drowned in flash floods in Zhob District, and their bodies were later recovered by the district administration and PDMA.
In Khuzdar District’s Tootak area, three children were rescued after falling into a dam, but two of them succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Another child drowned in a flash flood in the Kech River, further adding to the devastation, reported Dawn News.
The PDMA has declared 11 districts in Balochistan as calamity-hit, with rescue and relief operations underway. Holidays for PDMA and other government employees have been suspended to ensure an effective response to the ongoing crisis.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rains have also taken a severe toll. The PDMA confirmed that three people were killed when a landslide struck a bus in Upper Kohistan, while a minor was struck by lightning in Malakand District.
Meanwhile, the Karakoram Highway, which had been blocked by landslides, was reopened on Tuesday after authorities cleared the debris, allowing stranded vehicles and passengers to continue their journeys.
The province has seen a total of 96 deaths and 133 injuries from rain-related incidents since July 1, with 963 houses damaged due to flash floods and heavy downpours. The PDMA is coordinating closely with district authorities to provide aid and relief to the affected areas, Dawn reported.
Meanwhile, other regions in Pakistan, including Punjab and Sindh, are bracing for more rainfall. Lahore recorded 201mm of rain, leading to concerns of potential flooding in nearby rivers.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of further rains in eastern Sindh, with Karachi expected to experience isolated thunderstorms over the next few days.
Authorities across the country remain on high alert, with disaster management teams working around the clock to mitigate the impact of the ongoing monsoon season. (ANI)
Civil servants are barred from disclosing official documents or information to unauthorized individuals, the public…reports Asian Lite News
The Pakistan government recently issued a directive prohibiting civil servants from speaking on media and social media platforms without prior authorization, as reported by Express News Pakistan.
According to the office memorandum issued by the Establishment Division, current regulations require government employees to obtain permission before making any statements on media platforms.
Additionally, civil servants are barred from disclosing official documents or information to unauthorized individuals, the public, or the media.
The memorandum further stipulates that government employees must not express opinions or disclose facts on media or social media that could harm the reputation of the Pakistani government.
They are also prohibited from making comments against policy decisions or national sovereignty, and from making statements that might influence international relations. Civil servants are expected to maintain neutrality and avoid participating in social media discussions.
These restrictions on social media in Pakistan have faced criticism from both domestic and international observers, raising concerns about potential infringements on freedom of speech, impacts on civil liberties, and broader implications for democratic engagement.
The Pakistani government has also advised monitoring social media platforms to remove any offensive content. Federal secretaries, additional secretaries, department heads, and chief secretaries are tasked with enforcing adherence to these guidelines by removing objectionable content.
Pakistan’s score of 30 out of 100 on the assessment report index reflects concerns that the government placed curbs on free speech, especially regarding discussions about the pandemic and related information.
Recent instances have shown the government targeting specific social media accounts and news outlets, often coinciding with political tensions or attempts to control narratives around sensitive issues.
Amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) were introduced to address what the government terms “cybercrime,” but critics argue that these amendments could be used to target dissent and suppress criticism. (ANI)
Mr Kharge said India and the United States enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership covering almost all areas of human endeavour…reports Asian Lite News
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday as they discussed deepening of ties between the two countries.
In a post on X after the meeting, Mr Kharge said India and the United States enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership covering almost all areas of human endeavour, driven by shared democratic values.
“Delighted to meet Ambassador of the US to India, HE Mr. Eric Garcetti, Minister-Counselor of Political Affairs, Mr. Graham Mayer and Chief of Staff, Ms. Lisa Brown and discussed deepening of ties between the two countries,” the Congress chief said.
The US Ambassador met Mr Kharge at the latter’s residence here.
Earlier, lauding the bilateral relationship between the two nations, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti last week said that Americans and Indians feel similarly as people of both countries are aligned as they look at the world.
Speaking at the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024 in Delhi, Garcetti said, “What are the things we are trying to accomplish in the US-India relationship. We know that Americans and Indians feel similarly, I think our hearts are very aligned…Our heads are aligned as we look at the world, understanding that an open and free Indo-Pacific is better than something that doesn’t have freedom, doesn’t have democracy, doesn’t celebrate people’s rights…”
Garcetti said that the power of US-India collaboration is unprecedented.
TRAI urged all stakeholders to comply with the directives and contribute to a cleaner and more efficient telecom ecosystem….reports Asian Lite News
TRAI urged all stakeholders to comply with the directives and contribute to a cleaner and more efficient telecom ecosystem….
In a bid to curb spam calls and messages, telecom service providers have blocked over 50 entities and disconnected more than 2.75 lakh mobile numbers and telecom resources, the government informed on Tuesday.
The action was taken after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued stringent directives to all access providers last month to immediately stop promotional voice calls from unregistered senders or telemarketers.
“Access Providers have taken stern measures against misuse of telecom resources for spamming and blacklisted over 50 entities and disconnected more than 2.75 lakh SIP DID/Mobile Numbers/Telecom resources,” said the TRAI.
These steps, the telecom regulator added, are expected to have a significant impact on reducing spam calls and providing relief to consumers.
TRAI urged all stakeholders to comply with the directives and contribute to a cleaner and more efficient telecom ecosystem.
“Any unregistered telemarketer found to be misusing these resources will face severe consequences, including disconnection of all telecom resources for up to two years and blacklisting,” it noted.
In the January-June period, the TRAI observed a significant rise in spam calls, with over more than 7.9 lakh complaints reported against unregistered telemarketers (UTMs).
Meanwhile, the regulator has granted a one-month extension to access service providers to comply with its direction regarding the whitelisting of URLs, APKs and OTT links. TRAI had earlier asked major telecom operators in the country to regulate such messages by September 1.
The move is aimed at curbing the number of spam and phishing attempts by scammers who try to dupe people using SMS service. The telecom regulator has now directed all access providers to furnish to the authority an updated status on action taken within 15 days and a compliance report within 30 days from date of issue of this direction.
The TRAI has also introduced punitive measures for non-compliance. Content templates registered under the wrong category will be blacklisted, and repeated offenses will lead to a one-month suspension of the sender’s services.
The story of Balochistan and CPEC is a complex one, characterized by a mix of hope and despair, promise and betrayal.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province, remains a region marred by conflict, underdevelopment, and deprivation. Despite its vast natural wealth, the people of Balochistan have largely been left out of the economic prosperity that these resources should ideally provide.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a massive infrastructure and economic project touted as a game-changer for Pakistan, has been particularly contentious in Balochistan. While CPEC is often promoted as a vehicle for regional development and economic upliftment, many argue that it has exacerbated the existing inequalities and exploitation in Balochistan.
Historical context: Balochistan’s plight
To understand the dynamics at play, it’s essential to delve into the historical background of Balochistan. Balochistan has a long history of resistance against what many Baloch people see as the exploitation of their resources by external powers. Since the accession of Balochistan to Pakistan in 1948, there have been multiple insurgencies, driven by grievances related to political marginalisation, economic exploitation, and cultural suppression.
Despite being home to vast mineral resources, including natural gas, coal, copper, and gold, Balochistan remains the poorest province in Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Balochistan’s contribution to the national GDP is disproportionately low compared to its resource wealth, with a GDP per capita significantly lower than the national average.
These figures highlight the stark disparities between Balochistan and the rest of Pakistan, illustrating the longstanding neglect and underdevelopment that has fueled resentment and unrest in the province.
Promise and perils of CPEC
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to connect Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China’s Xinjiang region through a network of highways, railways, and pipelines.
With an estimated investment of over $62 billion, CPEC is marketed as a transformative project that will bring prosperity to Pakistan, particularly its less developed regions like Balochistan.
However, the reality on the ground in Balochistan paints a different picture. Critics argue that CPEC has primarily served the interests of the central government in Islamabad and Chinese investors, with little regard for the local population’s needs and aspirations. The following points shed light on how CPEC exploits Balochistan rather than fulfilling its promise of development:
1. Resource exploitation and environmental degradation: Balochistan’s natural resources have long been extracted without adequate compensation or reinvestment in the local economy. CPEC has exacerbated this issue, with large-scale projects often leading to environmental degradation and displacement of local communities. For example, the extraction of minerals and the construction of infrastructure have led to deforestation, loss of arable land, and pollution of water sources.
2. Marginalisation of local workforce: One of the most significant grievances related to CPEC in Balochistan is the marginalisation of the local workforce. Despite promises of job creation, a large portion of the labour force employed in CPEC projects comes from other provinces or China. This exclusion has left the local population feeling alienated and resentful.
3. Security concerns and human rights violations: The militarisation of Balochistan under the guise of securing CPEC projects has led to widespread human rights abuses. The Baloch people have been subjected to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and a heavy military presence, further alienating them from the state.
4. Economic disparities and unequal distribution of benefits: The economic benefits of CPEC have largely been concentrated in other regions, particularly Punjab, while Balochistan continues to lag in terms of infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. This unequal distribution of benefits has deepened the sense of deprivation in Balochistan.
Voices of dissent: Mahrang Baloch and Baloch resistance
In recent years, voices from within Balochistan have become increasingly vocal in their opposition to CPEC and the broader policies of the Pakistani state. Among these voices is Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch activist who has consistently highlighted the exploitation and marginalisation of the Baloch people under CPEC.
Mahrang Baloch has criticised CPEC as a project that primarily serves the interests of the Pakistani elite and foreign investors while further entrenching the economic and political disenfranchisement of the Baloch people.
In a recent statement, she said: “CPEC is not a development project for the people of Balochistan. It is a tool of exploitation that has only brought more suffering to our land. Our resources are being taken, our environment is being destroyed, and our people are being displaced, all in the name of development. But where is this development? It is not in our schools, our hospitals, or our roads. It is in the pockets of the rich and powerful.”
Mahrang Baloch’s words resonate with many in Balochistan who feel that their voices are being ignored in the national discourse. Her activism has brought international attention to the plight of the Baloch people, shedding light on the darker side of CPEC.
Gwadar Port controversy
At the heart of CPEC is Gwadar Port, a deep-sea port in Balochistan that is strategically located on the Arabian Sea. Gwadar is often portrayed as the crown jewel of CPEC, with promises of turning it into a bustling trade hub that will bring prosperity to the region.
However, the reality for the people of Gwadar has been quite different. Despite the massive investment in the port and its surrounding infrastructure, the local population has seen little improvement in their living conditions. Basic amenities such as clean drinking water, electricity, and healthcare remain scarce.
The fishing community, which has traditionally been the backbone of Gwadar’s economy, has been particularly hard hit by the development of the port, with many fishermen losing their livelihoods due to restricted access to the sea.
In response to these grievances, protests have erupted in Gwadar, with local residents demanding their rights and a fair share of the benefits from the port. The “Gwadar Ko Haq Do” (Give Gwadar Its Rights) movement has gained momentum, highlighting the disconnect between the grand promises of CPEC and the reality on the ground.
CPEC and the Baloch Nationalist Movement
The perceived exploitation of Balochistan under CPEC has also fueled the Baloch nationalist movement, which seeks greater autonomy or even independence for Balochistan. Baloch nationalist groups argue that the central government’s policies, including CPEC, are designed to extract resources from Balochistan without giving the local population a say in how their land and resources are used.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, has been particularly active in targeting CPEC projects and personnel, viewing them as symbols of the state’s exploitation of Balochistan. The BLA has carried out several high-profile attacks on Chinese nationals and CPEC infrastructure, further complicating the security situation in the region.
Economic impact of CPEC on Balochistan
Despite the criticism, the Pakistani government and proponents of CPEC argue that the project has the potential to bring economic development to Balochistan. They cite the construction of roads, energy projects, and industrial zones as evidence of CPEC’s positive impact on the region.
However, the data suggests that the economic benefits of CPEC in Balochistan have been limited and unevenly distributed. While there has been some improvement in infrastructure, the overall economic impact on the province has been modest at best.
The slight improvements in GDP growth and industrial growth have not translated into significant reductions in poverty or unemployment, suggesting that the benefits of CPEC have not reached the broader population.
The story of Balochistan and CPEC is a complex one, characterized by a mix of hope and despair, promise and betrayal. While CPEC has the potential to bring much-needed development to Balochistan, the current approach has largely marginalized the local population and exacerbated existing inequalities.
For CPEC to truly benefit Balochistan, there needs to be a shift in how development is approached in the province. This includes ensuring that the local population is genuinely involved in decision-making processes, that the economic benefits are equitably distributed, and that the environmental and social impacts of projects are carefully managed.
The voices of dissent, like that of Mahrang Baloch, should not be ignored. Instead, they should be seen as a crucial part of the conversation on how to build a more just and inclusive future for Balochistan.
Without addressing the underlying grievances of the Baloch people, CPEC risks becoming yet another chapter in the long history of exploitation and neglect in Balochistan.
The BJP’s legislative team in the Assembly, as promised, did not seek any division in the vote for passing the bill…reports Asian Lite News
The ‘Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill’, which seeks the death penalty for convicts in rape and murder cases or in cases of rape where the victim is left in a vegetative state, was passed through a voice vote in the state Assembly on Tuesday.
The BJP’s legislative team in the Assembly, as promised, did not seek any division in the vote for passing the bill.
Describing the bill, which seeks amendments in the relevant provision under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while participating in the debate on the bill, claimed that it “was a matter of shame that the Prime Minister could not do what her government did”.
Thereafter, she said that since the Prime Minister could not take any initiative in protecting the women, he should resign and the Union Home Minister should also resign.
The Mamata government proposed the bill amid the nationwide protests against the rape and murder of a woman doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that she wanted justice for the victim junior doctor from the CBI, which is currently conducting the probe in the rape and murder case.
She said that the Governor should promptly clear the bill from his end so that it could be sent to the office of the President for final clearance there. “Thereafter enforcing and making that effective will be our responsibility. So I am requesting the leader of the opposition in the House to tell the Governor to clear the Bill at the earliest,” the Chief Minister said.
The said bill will need Presidential assent as it proposes to amend certain provisions in the Central laws on this count.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister also criticised the BJP legislators for being silent about similar rape and murder cases in the BJP-ruled states, “When you speak of an event in West Bengal, will you not speak about what happened at Unnao? It is a matter of shame that the accused legislator in the matter was garlanded,” the Chief Minister said.
BJP Minority Morcha has formed the 7-member team on August 31. The team will submit its report to the BJP National President and the JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal….reports Asian Lite News
The Bharatiya Janata Party is all set to engage in a dialogue with the Muslim community on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, as the seven-member team constituted in this regard held its first meeting at the party headquarters here on Tuesday.
At the meeting, a line of action was prepared to reach out to the community, seeking their suggestions, and clear up any misconception about the bill.
National President of BJP’s Minority Morcha Jamal Siddiqui, National General Secretary of the BJP (Org) BL Santosh, Dushyant Gautam, in-charge of BJP Minority Morcha held the meeting with the seven member team.
BJP Minority Morcha has formed the 7-member team on August 31. The team will submit its report to the BJP National President and the JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal.
The team will explain why properties are given to Waqf and how it is being “misused,” emphasizing the need for amendments to the Waqf Board.
This 7-member team will talk with the Waqf Board chairmen, former chairmen, and members across the country who will dialogue with Muslim society in their respective states.
Assigned waqf board leaders will engage in dialogue with the Muslim community through various means in their respective states.
The team members include Waqf Board Chairmen of four BJP-ruled states Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Shadab Shams, Sanawar Patel, Chaudhary Zakir Hussain, Mohsin Lokhandwala, respectively and two members of BJP’s National Executive, Maulana Habib Haider, Nasir Hussain, and Rajbali, former Chairman of the Waqf Board, Himachal Pradesh.
According to sources, a committee of seven members will run several awareness campaigns regarding the confusion being spread by the opposition regarding the Waqf Board, so that people do not have any kind of confusion regarding the Waqf Board Amendment Bill.
BL Santosh has asked more and more people to seek suggestions so that Muslims do not feel that the waqf Board will work contrary to them.
According to sources, the seven-member committee will soon meet the Joint Parliamentary Committee chairman Jagdambika Pal and give the suggestions taken from the Muslim communities.
THE Centre has referred the Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced in Parliament during the Budget Session to the JPC. (ANI)
