A journalist's arrest, 99% pollution funds unused, and a disability initiative
Apr 1, 2025
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In this episode, Sukrita Baruah discusses the arrest of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar in Assam, uncovering significant press freedom concerns amid political tensions. Nikhil Ghanekar reveals shocking statistics: 99% of pollution control funds in India remain untouched due to bureaucratic obstacles. Lastly, Parul Kulshrestha highlights a transformative initiative in Rajasthan's Salumber district, providing mobility aids to over 700 individuals with disabilities, showcasing community empowerment and the need for better support systems.
The arrest of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar raises alarming concerns about press freedom and legal protections for journalists in India.
A successful initiative in Rajasthan provided assistive technology to over 700 individuals with disabilities, highlighting effective administrative efforts and community engagement.
Deep dives
Journalist Arrest Highlights Press Freedom Issues
The episode discusses the arrest of journalist Dilwar Hussain Muzumdar in Assam, which occurred while he was covering a protest regarding alleged financial irregularities at the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank. His arrest stirs significant concerns about press freedom, as it is emphasized that he was detained under accusations of misbehaving and using offensive language towards a security guard during the protest. The response from the journalistic community was unprecedented, with widespread protests highlighting the perceived attacks on press freedom in the region and the state's treatment of journalists. Furthermore, the Assam Chief Minister’s comments dismissing Muzumdar's journalistic status sparked further outrage, prompting conversations about the need for legal protections for journalists in India.
Severe Underutilization of Environmental Funds
A report revealed that the Indian government's Ministry of Environment had severely underutilized funds aimed at addressing air pollution, spending less than 1% of an allocated budget exceeding 850 crore rupees. This underutilization stems partly from bureaucratic delays concerning the approval for continuing the pollution control scheme, which is crucial for monitoring air quality in urban centers. The committee's findings pointed out that such negligence directly impacts the country's ability to combat air pollution, which is a significant public health concern, causing severe respiratory issues and other health threats. The report serves as a critical reminder that consistent and effective action is necessary to tackle air pollution, which continually increases in severity across urban India.
Innovative Initiative Supports Persons with Disabilities
The episode highlights a local initiative in Rajasthan that successfully provided assistive technology to over 700 individuals with disabilities, notably in a newly formed tribal district. Spearheaded by district collector Jasmid Singh Sandhu, this campaign involved extensive door-to-door surveys to assess the needs of individuals requiring assistance, leading to the distribution of essential equipment such as battery-operated wheelchairs and sensor-equipped walking sticks. The initiative not only improved mobility and independence for beneficiaries but also demonstrated the potential of well-coordinated administrative efforts to address longstanding community challenges. However, the implementation faced hurdles such as mistrust towards government programs and logistical difficulties, emphasizing the need for systematic approaches when replicating such initiatives in other regions.
First, we talk to The Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah who tells us about the arrest of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar following his coverage of a protest against a government-affiliated bank in Assam. Next, The Indian Express' Nikhil Ghanekar discusses the parliamentary report highlighting the severe underutilisation of funds allocated for pollution control. (13:42)
Lastly, we speak to The Indian Express' Parul Kulshrestha who talks about an initiative that has helped hundreds of people with disabilities in Rajasthan's Salumber district. (22:19)
Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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