Political crops of Maharashtra, PM-SHRI in Punjab, and severe AQI in Delhi
Nov 14, 2024
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Parthasarathi Biswas, an expert from The Indian Express, delves into the critical socio-political significance of soybean and sugarcane crops in Maharashtra and how farmers' frustrations over low prices could sway the upcoming Assembly elections. Divya Goyal, also from The Indian Express, discusses the delayed implementation of the PM-SHRI scheme in Punjab, revealing the political tensions that hindered progress. The conversation wraps up with a concerning look at Delhi’s hazardous air quality, where pollution levels are causing travel disruptions.
The economic struggles of soybean farmers in Maharashtra due to declining prices may significantly affect the upcoming assembly elections.
The implementation of the PM-SHRI scheme in Punjab aims to enhance educational standards after a prolonged funding freeze between the state and central government.
Deep dives
Impact of Crops on Maharashtra Elections
Soya bean and sugarcane are crucial crops significantly influencing the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra. While sugarcane farmers benefit from a fair price regime, soybean farmers are struggling with low market prices that fall below the minimum support price. The political implications are profound, as dissatisfaction among farmers in key regions like Marathwada could translate into loss of support for the ruling party. With prices of soybean continuing to decline and the economic strain felt by farmers, political leaders are increasingly pressured to address these issues to mitigate potential backlash at the polls.
Punjab's Shift to PM Shree Schools
Punjab's government has agreed to prefix 'PM Shree' to 233 of its government schools as part of a central initiative aimed at enhancing educational standards. This decision comes after a conflict between the state and central government, which had led to a freeze on crucial education funding in Punjab. The PM Shree scheme is designed to align with the National Education Policy and includes a significant budget, of which the central government covers 60%. By finally resolving the impasse, Punjab aims to improve educational infrastructure while also adhering to its own existing projects.
Severe Air Quality Crisis in Delhi
Delhi has recorded its first severe air quality index (AQI) level of the season, with readings reaching 418, indicating serious pollution concerns. Multiple monitoring stations have classified the air quality as 'severe', prompting health warnings and regulatory action, including a Supreme Court directive for stricter enforcement of firecracker bans. The city's deteriorating air quality led to visibility issues, disrupting flights and worsening public health risks. Meteorological forecasts suggest unfavorable conditions for pollutant dispersion, hinting at a challenging winter ahead for air quality management in the capital.
First, The Indian Express' Parthasarathi Biswas shares details on the two crops that are socio-politically and economically the most important crops of Maharashtra and can impact the upcoming Assembly elections.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Divya Goyal about the PM-SHRI scheme and its implementation in Punjab. She shares why the scheme took so long to get implemented in the state, what was the impact of the delay and the current update regarding the same. (12:47)
Finally, we talk about Delhi entering the severe category of the Air Quality Index causing massive smog and flight diversions. (22:50)
Produced and hosted by Niharika Nanda. Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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