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Hitachi’s Social Innovation Forum 2021: A trusted partner to India’s digital transformation journey

Posted on March 5, 2021 by City Today News (City today.media)

Encompassing Urban Transportation, Information & Technology, Energy, Payments,

e-Governance, e-Education, e-Health and Agriculture, as part of the Connected Citizen Ecosystem

Bengaluru, March 4, 2021: Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501; “Hitachi”) and Hitachi India Pvt. Ltd. successfully concluded the Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2021 INDIA ONLINE today. The virtual forum brought together business leaders from varied business backgrounds and subject matter experts to discuss digital solutions and innovations that can pave the way towards a sustainable future. With a combination of 14 business sessions and virtual exhibition showcasing, how technology could enhance operational efficiencies and create a sustainable society in the long term, for India.

The forum was graced by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Chief Guest for the event.

The two-day virtual event witnessed an amalgamation of bureaucrats, government officials, heads representing Innovation and Technology fields, industry-best minds & leaders from key industries including Railways, IT, Payment, e-Governance, Healthcare, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Energy, and Infrastructure including city gas distribution. Backed with insightful keynotes, the industry leaders and subject matter experts shared their unparalleled industry knowledge and experience on digital transformation and delved upon enhancing the Environmental, Social and Economic values of citizens and society at large.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Bharat Kaushal, Managing Director, Hitachi India said, “Hitachi has been a trusted partner to the Indian government for more than eight decades. We have been offering our technological prowess to accelerate innovation. There has been an increased impetus placed on streamlining digital transformation by the Indian government. We at Hitachi, are actively partnering with the Government of India to hasten its digital journey, leveraging our vast experience in OT X IT to pioneer Social Innovation Business solutions that empower millions to lead a better quality of life, thus realize the vision of an AatmaNirbhar Bharat, a digitally empowered India.”

The forum transformed as a unique ‘Collaborative Creation’ platform for collective thinking and discussion that can lead the way to build and realize a sustainable society under the new normal.

Eminent speakers accentuated on intervention and upscale of digital technology, while also sharing insights, and ultimately explore pathways for the New Normal way of conducting business.

The intuitive platform revolved around some of the most vital topics in the realm of digital transformation. Hitachi strongly believe in weaving together a collaborative network of partners, business leaders, stakeholders and government leadership to strive for the common goal and support in enhancing India’s position to a global pedestal aligned with the government’s Make in India and Digital India initiatives.

Topics including Artificial Intelligence in post-COVID India, how cash and digital economy go hand in hand in a developing economy, Re-imagining mobility in the aftermath of Covid-19, shifting to electric vehicles (EVs), necessity of integrated renewable energy significance and potential of technology in key areas like manufacturing, e-education, healthcare, agriculture etc. were deliberated upon.

The virtual exhibition canvas offered visitors a real-life experience. Features like Meet Our Team, Resource Centre etc. brought dynamism to the entire exhibition. The audience were able to interact actively by utilizing the chat and polls options, engaging with the thought leaders.

Hitachi, through its Social Innovation Business Solution, is actively partnering in reformative schemes proposed by the government to provide technological expertise in areas such as education, agriculture, and healthcare. Aligning itself and contributing to government’s vision, Hitachi is also supporting the ambitious program of the prime minister’s Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Abhiyan and the National Health Digital Mission (NHDM) scheme under Ayushman Bharat, that pledges to offer a Healthier Environment, focusing on tele-medicine and offering health services by providing primary healthcare to all bridging the rural-urban connect.

Hitachi’s comprehensive urban mobility solutions are empowering citizens and are enhancing the environmental value of customers. Contributing to the expansion and modernisation plan of the Indian Railways, Hitachi is partnering in evolutionary high-capacity, high-speed infrastructure projects. It is also working on significant metro projects which includes Noida Metro (DMRC), Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC), and Navi Mumbai Metrorail by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), thereby creating new benchmarks for India’s urban transportation system.

Enabling greater financial inclusivity, Hitachi is disrupting the payments landscape of India. Aimed at customer convenience, and its commitment to building a robust and secure payment infrastructure for India, Hitachi with its comprehensive range of cash and digital payment solutions, is bridging the gap between urban and rural India, further expanding the payment ecosystem in the country.

Committed to the government’s vision of a knowledge-based economy, Hitachi is emerging as an ideal partner in offering e-Education to millions, utilizing its ICT solutions that ensures that children who enter the most crucial part of their learning do so with tenacity and the required support. This is tremendously supporting the Government of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) covering the remotest area within the country.

Digital transformation is also appreciating the customer’s economic value as it is resulting in optimization of resources and higher network capability to serve more consumers, amounting to higher revenue at lower cost.

Hitachi’s seamless cross-platform solution capabilities are supporting the government in its quest for reviving the country’s infrastructure which is a major driver of economic growth. Realizing the importance of adopting low carbon footprint energy solutions for sustainable living, the Government has recognized the huge potential of natural gas as a low polluting urban utility. Being aligned to this vision, Hitachi fully leveraged its expertise to devise robust and comprehensive operations automation solution for one of India’s leading natural gas distribution companies through its city gas distribution network.

Adoption of latest technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) enabled water monitoring and control systems will go a long way in optimizing the available water supply. Hitachi, with its intelligent, IoT-driven Water Environment Solutions, is actively partnering with the Government and local bodies in meeting the nation’s ever-growing water requirement, equitably and sustainably.

Hitachi will continue to partner with the Government of India in digitally transforming the social infrastructure & enriching citizens’ lives through collaborations with stakeholders and partners.

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JINDAL GLOBAL LAW SCHOOL (JGLS) ENTERS GLOBAL TOP 100 IN THE WORLD

Posted on March 4, 2021 by City Today News (City today.media)

AT RANK 76 IN THE WORLD, JGLS IS INDIA’S NUMBER ONE LAW SCHOOL AND THE ONLY INDIAN LAW SCHOOL IN THE QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS BY SUBJECT (LAW) 2021

4th March 2021, Sonipat, Haryana: The Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) is now ranked 76 out of all law schools globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (Law) 2021. This makes JGLS the number one law school in India once again, and the only Indian Law School to be ranked this year.

JGLS is India’s Number One Law School, and the only Indian Law School to be ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (Law) 2021.
Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) is now ranked 76 globally by the QS World University Rankings by Subject (Law) 2021.
Out of 976 that were considered globally by QS, 320 law schools were ranked. JGLS is the only law school to be ranked from India.
JGLS is ranked 33 and 58 in the world in the parameters of ‘Employer Reputation’ and ‘Academic Reputation’ respectively in the QS World University Ranking by subject 2021.
JGLS’s current global rank of 76 compared to previous rank in the 101-150 bracket is driven by a 45% increase in research citation and a 25% increase in the H-index of research output of JGLS.
JGLS is now ranked alongside highly reputable law schools including University of Bristol, University of Manchester, and George Washington University.
JGLS is ranked above some leading law schools including in the University of Nottingham, University of Warwick, University of Leeds, Griffith University, York University, Cardiff University, and SOAS in the UK.
Overall, JGU scored in 7 subjects in the ‘Social Science & Management’ category and in 2 subjects in the ‘Arts & Humanities’ category. JGU academic reputation in ‘Social Sciences & Management’ increased by 10% compared to the last year, which reflects the scholarly impact of research done by the faculty members of JGU.

Out of 976 law schools considered globally, only 320 made it to the QS World University Rankings by Subject (Law) 2021. The number of law schools around the world that are considered in these prestigious rankings is substantially more than institutions considered in other subject areas, which highlights the intense competition among law schools in the world. JGLS, as the first and the only Indian law school to find a place in this year, puts India on the global map for legal education and higher education.

With a global rank of 76 this year, JGLS has jumped from the 101-150 bracket in the previous year. JGLS is ranked 33 and 58 in the world in ‘Employer Reputation’ and ‘Academic Reputation’ respectively, which are the two most important parameters in the QS World University Ranking by Subject. Jindal Global Law School’s significant improvement from the last year is driven by a 45% increase in research citation and a 25% increase in the H-index of research output of JGLS.

Reacting to this remarkable achievement, Mr. Naveen Jindal, Founding Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University, said, “The year 2020 has been a challenging year for higher education institutions worldwide. O.P. Jindal Global University has not only demonstrated transformation and resilience in these difficult times, but also led the path towards academic excellence. JGLS has risen in the ranks to enter the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject this year. As the only law school in India to feature in these rankings, it gives me great pride to see Jindal Global Law School feature among the world’s finest law schools. JGLS has put India on the world map of providing high-quality legal education, research and training.”

Chancellor Mr. Jindal, added that “As a twelve-year old university, this achievement is commendable. I congratulate all the members of our JGU family for making this possible through their commitment, dedication, team-work and perseverance in building a world-class institution. It is indeed a proud moment to be able to contribute consistently to the building of our country and the educational landscape. I congratulate our Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, and his outstanding colleagues in JGU and JGLS for bringing this important distinction to India.”

To produce the rankings for this year, QS analysed close to 14 million unique scholarly papers, producing more than 80 million citations. 1453 institutions were ranked across 51 subjects in 5 broad subject areas (including social sciences which includes law), resulting in over 16,981 published entries. These figures reflect the scale behind this huge undertaking that QS carried out in order to produce the 2021 Subject Rankings, and the magnitude of global competition.

Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice-Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University welcomed this important milestone and said, “The news of JGLS being ranked 76 in the world is not only a significant achievement for JGU, but is also an extraordinary moment for Indian legal education. Achieving a place in the top 100 law schools in the world and sharing the stage with the world’s leading universities testifies JGU’s aspiration to be a world-class university. This remarkable achievement of rising from the 101-150 rank band last year to 76th position this year in the coveted QS World University Rankings by Subject (Law) 2021 is a landmark development in our relatively short institutional journey.”

Dr Raj Kumar added that “Our continuous efforts will be to further deepen our classroom instruction, instructional methods, global cooperation and quality of research, and elevate the quality of legal education in India. Being recognized as an ‘Institution of Eminence’ by the Government of India this academic year, along with the global lead rankings, only strengthens our faith in our ability to contribute positively to the higher education landscape of India”.

Established in 2009, JGU is private, non-profit university that is committed to promoting social sciences, arts and the humanities. Entering the elite top 100 of the world in the competitive discipline of law breaks longstanding stereotypes and prejudices about the ability of private universities to become world-class to place India on the world map.

Reminiscing over JGLS’ short journey since establishment in 2009, Professor Raj Kumar said, “JGLS being the first school at JGU makes this a very special moment. Particularly, as we started 2020 with one of the most unprecedented crises of our times, to imagine that we would use this as an opportunity to not just overcome the challenges, but take a leap forward to achieve this is truly very humbling, and fills me with a great sense of gratitude today I am grateful to the founding Chancellor and benefactor, Mr. Naveen Jindal for his vision, leadership and philanthropic support that brought us to where we are today. I deeply appreciate the outstanding contributions of my colleagues and the leadership team of JGLS, as well as the faculty for bringing a world-class learning experience to the students, and of course our students who have demonstrated a deep sense of dedication and commitment to their education.”

Furthermore, JGU scored in 9 out of 51 subjects within two broad areas of social science & management (7 out of 9) and arts & humanities (2 out of 9). These subjects include Business & Management Studies, Economics, Law, Social Policy, Sociology, Art & Design and Performing Arts. Overall, JGU’s score in academic reputation in ‘Social Sciences’ increased by 10%, which is a testament to the phenomenal academic achievement and scholarly impact of the work of JGU’s faculty.

On this monumental accomplishment, Professor (Dr.) S.G. Sreejith, Executive Dean, JGLS said, “JGLS started with 100 students and we have grown to over 4000 students in about a decade. During this period, we remain committed to our vision to bring world-class legal education to Indian students, and to provide them with a global perspective on law and legal developments. Today, JGLS being ranked alongside highly reputable law schools from where several of our own faculty members have graduated. In fact, it is very humbling for us to see that this JGLS has been able to surge ahead of some leading law schools of the world. This is humbling and it gives our vision a greater impetus to continue to enhance the experience of students and faculty members.”

Professor Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Registrar, JGU, while responding to this achievement said,“JGU has always aspired to become a world-class university in India with a mission to create global leaders of tomorrow. The news of JGLS being ranked as the 76th best law school in the world is an important milestone for us. This is a recognition of our pursuit of excellence in the field of legal education where our decade-long journey has culminated in ten inter-disciplinary schools, with more than 6600 students and over 830 full-time faculty members.”

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Hazrath Hameed Shah and Hazrath Muhib Shah Dargha committee is to use its resources towards betterment of society improving the educational and technical skills of the students,

Posted on March 4, 2021March 5, 2021 by City Today News (City today.media)

Hazrath Hameed Shah and Hazrath Muhib Shah Dargha Committee is a subsidiary of Karnataka Wakf Board. The Committee manages the affairs of Hameed Shah Complex and other assets.

The objective of the committee is to use its resources towards betterment of society improving the educational and technical skills of the students, providing medical assistance to the poor and helping the needy.

In pursuance of its objectives, the committee has rendered following services and established institutions:

HHS & HMS ITI: This institute imparts education to about 200 students in various technical skills such as A.C Technology, electrician, Electronic engineering, Mechanical Engineering and welding technology.

HHS & HMS Girls Hostel: This hostel is meant for the girls coming from different parts of the state and the nation to pursue studies in different educational institutions in Bengaluru. The hostel accommodates 150 students.

Dialysis Centre: The committee has set up a dialysis unit, which provides dialysis facility free of cost to about 30 persons a day. Dialysis treatment in Private costs about Rs. 1,500/- per head.

Urban Health Centre: The Committee runs an Urban Health Centre in collaboration with BBMP providing free Medical Consultancy and free medicine. On an average, daily 150 patients avail this benefit.

V.K Obaidullah School: This school was earlier adopted by a business group. The group got into legal entanglement and the financial assistance from them abruptly stopped creating panic in Students, parents, teachers and staff and the locality. There were 1800 students in the sehool coming from the poorest of poor in the society. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the committee, responded to the appeals from the local social workers and leaders, adopted the school and running it successfully at an estimated expenses of Rs.1,00,00,000/- per annum. Hon’ble Education Minister Sri Suresh Kumar who visited the school was highly impressed and appreciated the efforts of the committee.

Besides, the following proposals are on hand for implementation:

PSI Training (Police Sub- Inspector Training): Training to prepare candidates for competitive examinations. In this regard, the committee plans to provide free coaching, training & accommodation with food for deserving candidates to those who wish to appear for the selection of Police- Sub Inspector in the next two months (The Govt of Karnataka have announced selection for the post of 224 Sub- Inspectors). It is also envisaged to make this programme ongoing for giving similar training to both the male and female candidates appearing for various posts under State & Central Govt.

The Govt Skill Development programme (Chief Minister’s Kausalya Karnataka Yojane): This is one of the ambitious programs of the Government to ensure employment oriented skill development of youth. There are 1600 courses, The Govt of Karnataka was pleased to grant accreditation to the institution. The institution has already began training for Dialysis Technician, General Duty Assistant, and Home Health aid. Further, it will be expanded to cover important courses like armed security guard, driving, fashion Designer, Beautician, Horticulture, farming etc. SSLC failed candidates also can acquire the skill through training and obtain certificate issued by the Government which will give them openings in various govt, Semi Govt & Corporate sectors.

The committee aims to extend this training to minimum 1000 candidates per year and also to start these trainings in various localities across the state, The committee envisions that nobody should remain unskilled and unemployed.

Blood Bank: The poor are finding it very difficult to get blood when in necd. They have to run around. At times, they do not get the blood. Even if they get each bottle of blood costs Rs.1,800/- In order to enable the poor to get the blood free of cost and without tension, a Blood Bank will be established The donors would be motivated and encouraged to donate blood. The blood so collected shall be given to the needy free of cost. In this connection the committee desires toappoint Doctors: MBBS, MD, Pathology or MBBS, DCP, In Technical Supervisor: BSc. MLT, Technician: DMLT, In Staff Nurse: GNM, Social Worker: MSW Interested may please contact the given numbers.

All the above 3 programme require huge funds. Therefore, the committee seeks liberal donations from Philanthropists. As these programmes besides generating employment would also empower the deprived clsses, the committee appeals to the NGO’s to kindly create awareness so that maximum candidates undergo skill development training.

Ph No. Office: 080-43705786, Education Convener: 9845453355, Special Officer – 9886925171. Assistant: 6360623151.

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Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance presents DigiShield – First-of-Its-Kind Fully Customizable Term Plan

Posted on March 4, 2021 by City Today News (City today.media)

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance presents DigiShield – First-of-Its-Kind Fully Customizable Term Plan
A hyper-personalized plan to suit individual protection needs
Industry first offering of whole life cover with sum assured reduction option

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance (ABSLI), the life insurance subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL), announced a hyper-personalized term plan, ABSLI DigiShield Plan, to cater to the unique protection needs of customers. This single plan will offer multiple plan options, added benefits linked to life stages, joint life protection, critical illness cover and rider options to tailor-make a distinctive protection solution, offering a comprehensive financial safety net for the customers and their loved ones.

People have various protection needs during different stages of their life and the hyper-flexibility offering of this plan helps to curate a protection strategy that aligns with their specific needs. Besides offering death benefit and acting as an income replacement tool, ABSLI DigiShield plan assists in comprehensive financial planning.

Unlike traditional term plans, this plan allows a customer to enjoy its benefits during their lifetime through the survival benefit option. Further, it provides a unique flexibility to reduce the sum assured at a pre-defined retirement age, allowing customers to align their cover as per their outstanding liabilities and the life stage. This whole-life cover with sum assured reduction feature is a first-of-its kind in the life insurance industry which offers life coverage until age 100 years.

Along with these fully customizable offerings, this plan also provides various premium paying terms, policy tenures and death benefit pay-out options to satisfy unique customer requirements. This holistic plan mitigates liabilities, provides protection to loved ones, and supports retirement and legacy goals.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Kamlesh Rao, MD & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance, said, “Recent uncertain times have generated a need for a resilient financial cover with customized offerings. 2021 would be the year of hyper-personalization and at ABSLI, we aim to offer solutions which evolve with changing needs and lifestyles of our customers. ABSLI’s DigiShield Plan is one of a kind offering that stands as testimony to our customer-centric ethos. Now, our new-age customer will be empowered to tailor make a comprehensive solution through the various personalization features and carve a protection policy which is a precise fit for self and family”.

Unique benefits offered by the DigiShield plan:
• Sum assured reduction option with whole life cover – This option offers life coverage until age 100 years and also allows the customer to reduce the sum assured by 50% or 25% at a pre-determined retirement age. This unique flexibility allows customers to choose high sum assured in their earning years and reduce their life cover during their retirement years. It makes the offering ideal for salaried customers or people who have to manage their liabilities effectively.
• Survival income on attaining Age 60 years – This option provides monthly income to the customer on attaining Age 60 years and takes care of retirement income needs. Life cover continues throughout the policy term and the nominee is paid lumpsum benefit of sum assured, less survival benefits paid, in case of any unfortunate event. This option ensures need for life protection & retirement income is taken care under one plan.
• Income Benefit option – This option provides support to the dependent members of the customer in his/her absence by replacing the lost income with a 1.25% of Sum Assured as fixed monthly income or increasing monthly income at 5% (simple) per annum for a period of 10/15/20 years, as chosen by the customer at inception of the policy.
• Level cover option – The nominee is paid the absolute amount equal to the sum assured on death, in lump sum.

• Customize the plan based on your needs: DigiShield plan offers 10 plan options with a variety of benefits to suit every individual’s requirements. Some of the options that one can select from are:
• Type of cover (level & reducing)
• Tenure of the policy (To Age 85 & Whole Life)
• Premium payment term (Single, Limited & Regular)
• Death benefit pay-outs (Lump sum, Monthly income and Lump sum plus Monthly income)
• Accelerated Critical Illness (ACI) benefit: Secured protection against 42 critical illnesses by opting for the Accelerated Critical Illness (ACI) Benefit option with additional premium payment.
• Cover for your spouse: Now one can cover their partner’s life under the same plan by availing of the Joint Life Protection option.
• Multiple rider benefits: A comprehensive protection plan can be created by opting for additional protection through multiple riders by paying additional premiums.
• Enhance protection cover without medical: One can avail flexibility to increase the cover amount on specific events like marriage, childbirth or on availing house without undergoing fresh medical or underwriting, just by intimating us on any of these events.

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3000 Beedi Workers across Tamil Nadu appeal for the Hon’ble PM’s empathy and request him to roll back the proposed amendments to the COTPA, 2003

Posted on March 4, 2021 by City Today News (City today.media)

Chennai, March 2nd, 2021: The Ministry of Health, Government of India, on 1.1.2021, has proposed to add several stringent amendments to the already harsh rules of the ‘Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, production, Supply and Distribution) Act’, 2003, popularly known as Cigarette & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). If these proposed amendments become laws within this act, the 200 year old, ‘Hand-Made in India’ Beedi industry, an indigenous cottage industry, is at risk of overnight closure, and the livelihood of over thirty million workers associated with this industry is in grave peril. Some of the key issues of these rigorous amendments are as follows :

Prohibition of printing the Brand name on the Beedi bundle, pack or carton, thus stripping a legal product of its unique and recognisable identity.
The number of Beedis hand-packed in a bundle to be mandated by the government.
Mandatory purchase of a government issued special Trade License by the smallest of village shopkeepers, street vendors and hawkers for selling Beedis.
Mandatory printing of the Date of manufacture and Maximum Retail Price even on a tiny, hand wrapped, conical pack, 85% of which is already covered by a previously mandated, dire, pictorial warning.
Over and above the existing, absolute prohibition of all forms of retail advertisement and promotion under COTPA 2003 , the proposed new amendments seek to impose even stricter measures, like the prohibition of displaying the brand, or even the product name on the warehouse notice board where it is stored, or at the shop from where it is to be sold, and the prohibition of any type of brand name or logos on the Beedi bundle, pack or carton.
In case of a failure to follow these rigorous rules, wilfully or erroneously, the amendments seek to impose severe punishments and penalties, under both the civil and the criminal codes, and range from seven year jail terms to the highest level of monetary fines.

While the Beedi industry is already fully compliant with the existing, stipulated regulations of COTPA, to be compliant with the new, harsher amendments proposed to COTPA 2003, is extremely challenging, if not impossible, for a small scale , hand-made, cottage industry. The imposition of these proposed amendments and restrictions on this totally natural, indigenous, ‘Hand-Made in India’ product will have a severe and immediate effect on the livelihoods it sustains across the remotest parts of India, where there is no viable alternative employment currently. These new provisions of COTPA may well cause the closure of the Beedi industry, and drive over 30 million workers into unemployment, forced migrations, and extreme poverty. There are eight and a half million home based Beedi rollers across India, of whom six and a half million are women. Mostly housewives, mothers and grandmothers, these multi-generational women earn their livelihood rolling beedis from home while their husbands go out to work, and their children attend school. This essential income enables them to feed, clothe and educate their children, especially daughters, who in the absence of this earning would be forced to go to work as underage domestic help or beg at street corners. Seven million women and tribal people are employed in Tendu leaf plucking in remote forested areas across several states. The cultivation and harvesting of native tobacco used in Beedis employs more than four million farmers and farm workers. Seven and a half million small shopkeepers earn their livelihood by selling Beedis in semi urban and rural areas. If the proposed amendments to COTPA were to become law, Beedi sales are certain to nose dive and fall to a much greater degree as compared to the fall in sales of machine-made Cigarettes and Chewing Tobacco, which do not provide the huge employment that the Beedi industry does. The resultant fall in Beedi production and its deeply negative impact on Beedi employment, threatens to push 30 million workers down into penury instead of helping their next generation rise up to a better life. With this in mind, Beedi Workers across India have been appealing to the Hon’ble Prime Minister to save their livelihoods by keeping Beedis out of the ambit of these new amendments to COTPA, or to have a separate legislation for them within COTPA which is sensitive to their product and situation, and distinct from the laws governing machine-made Cigarettes and Chewing Tobacco.
Worth noting too is the fact that Women Beedi rollers make Beedis at home voluntarily, and have long been regarded as an icon of ‘Atmanirbhar’ India. There is as yet no viable home-based employment alternative available to these six and a half million Beedi women rollers. This hand-made, humble product, often termed a ‘poor man’s luxury’ has not just been a quiet income provider for rural households, it has also been a silent enabler for women beedi rollers to remain financially independent, retain their self-respect and self-reliance, and help their next generation move one step closer to a better life. It is incumbent on the government to keep this unique, situational context of the Beedi industry in mind while giving balanced thought to the exigencies of public health, the sheer magnitude and scale of beedi workers’ employment, and the existential crisis that will be unleashed upon the workers’ livelihoods by the imposition of ever more stringent COTPA laws, especially in the wake of the damage already wreaked by the COVID pandemic.

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