A flood-like situation that was labelled ‘man-made’ by many, has indicated an almost insensitive approach to the cause of the damage and even the damage control.

So, when the flood-affected areas were visited by the leaders, they faced a backlash from the general public. They were either scolded for their ‘late awakening’, while some were prevented from  even getting down from their cars.

When the leaders fell short of their duty, it came down to people to help each other out in the moment of crisis. After much pressure, and a week later, relief packages were announced, a little late for the suffering people went through in allegedly ‘man-made’ floods.

85% local employment rule not followed even in Govt offices

According to the rules set by the labour and employment department of Gujarat, any industry setting up its shop in the state has to recruit 85% local staff.

However, for years, the rule hasn’t been put into practice. Even if the department notices it, the industries have been given a slap on the wrist in the form of notices. There hasn’t been a solid incident of punishment or lockdown of any unit for breaking this rule.

For example, Tata Motors in Sanand has reportedly violated the 85% local recruitment rule, however, no action was taken against the company. In fact, the plant was established with large incentives from the government itself.

The department and state government, however, have their hands tied since reportedly, the central government companies have not been following the rule, let alone the private ones!

The story of experiments with the prohibition

The Gujarat high court will hold a hearing on Oct 29 on petitions challenging the liquor ban in the state. A number of petitions have been filed in t he high court challenging the prohibition on the right to privacy and to manifest arbitrariness.

According to sources, though the government has officially opposed the lifting of the ban, it wants the high court to declare the ban illegal. Many believe that the liquor ban is a major obstacle to the development of both tourism and business in Gujarat.

At a time when the PM has implemented the project of developing the Gandhi Ashram to promote Gandhian values, the state is discussing the lifting of the ban on alcohol.

Is a kidney scam taking shape in Gujarat?

The ugly head of organ trafficking is once again popping out in Gujarat. Several cases of kidney removal have been reported by the cops in central Gujarat.  

In one such incident, a person had borrowed ₹20,000 at 30% interest from the alleged traffickers. They later lured him with a high-paying job at a hospital in West Bengal.  

The victim got to know about the kidney removal only when the doctor informed him about his consent for kidney removal (aap apni marzi se kidney donate kar rahe hai).

According to sources, in Kheda and Anand, about 15 people’s kidneys were removed illegally. Many believe these cases point to a big kidney racket taking shape.

Imposters galore in Gujarat

In Gujarat, fake police, CBI, ED, I-T officials, and even PMO and CMO officials have come to light. Such an imposter from Gandhinagar, named Janak Pandya was detained, claiming to be a ‘collector’. 

According to reports, he threatened police personnel with suspension and transfer. Turns out, Pandya was a son of a policeman, and into a driving business. 

The sea-plane in Gujarat hits the turbulence of malpractice

The seaplane service from Sabarmati riverfront to Kevadia has been on hold for three years. A petition filed in a court has shed light on the corruption and malpractice committed while assigning its contract.

The then director of the civil aviation company had asked for an upfront fee of Rs ₹1.5 cr and a monthly instalment of ₹15 for the contract.

However, the contract was cancelled just under 30 days after the acquisition after the company failed to sign it.

The bank guarantee of ₹25 lakh was not returned to the company, and it has since been blacklisted.

Sources believe that on further investigation, there are chances of finding bigger names. 

A BJP blunder with ‘no repeat’ policy

BJP has implemented a ‘no repeat’ policy in appointing new office-bearers in local self-governing bodies. However, there was a slip-up at the taluka panchayat of Kodinar in the Gir Somnath district.

BJP nominated Deepu Barad as the president only to realise later that Barad was an executive chairman in the first term, so cannot be appointed again under the ‘no repeat’ policy.

Therefore, Barad was asked to resign and Rambhu Waja was made the president. However, she was also the vice president in the first term, and cannot be appointed either!

The top leaders have now reportedly ordered an investigation into how such a mishap was committed while appointing the office-bearers.

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