Over 4,000 criminal cases against legislators; 326 MPs, 14 CMs face cases
A report on criminalisation of politics submitted in the Supreme Court has stated that 251 members out of 543 in the Lok Sabha and 75 lawmakers out of 233 in the Rajya Sabha have criminal cases against them. The affidavit filed in the apex court by senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, who has been appointed amicus curiae in a PIL seeking expeditious disposal of criminal cases against MPs and MLAs, said that there are over 4,000 criminal cases against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). The affidavit stated that the chief ministers of 14 states, out of 28, have declared criminal cases, including serious ones. According to the data, Telangana CM Anumula Revanth Reddy has 89 cases against him, followed by West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari, who has 29 cases, and Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar, who has 19 cases. Hansaria submitted that despite monitoring of cases by the top court and high courts to ensure expeditious trials, the number of pending criminal cas
Baazar Style Retail locked at 5% upper circuit for 3rd day; here's why
Established in 2013, Baazar Style Retail is a value fashion retailer, based out of Kolkata. It has a strong retail footprint across Eastern India, with a dominant presence in West Bengal.
False claim, Minor injury: West Bengal Police denies brutal assault of CJP activists deceased father
CJP officials and Sheikh Abdul Hafiz stated that he had been intimidated by some goons backed by the local BJP MLA Nirmal Dhara, since he returned from the CJPs protest in Delhis Jantar Mantar
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari laid the foundation stone for the company's greenfield integrated steel manufacturing project in Raghunathpur in West Bengal's Purulia district
A biker had a narrow escape after a massive landslide sent rocks, mud and debris crashing onto a road in Bindu, West Bengal's Kalimpong district. The sudden collapse left the rider with only seconds to react as the debris came down across the route, leaving little room to move out of its path.
Jharkhand Governments Delay Criticized by West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh
Kolkata, August 18: West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh has reacted sharply to the Jharkhand governments decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam and all tests conducted by TDP. He stated that the government should have made this decision two weeks ago, avoiding unnecessary drama that has troubled students. Ghosh questioned, Why did the Jharkhand government take ... Read more Jharkhand Governments Delay Criticized by West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh
1 killed, 19 injured after building collapses in Kolkata; rescue operations underway
Fire breaks out on 2nd-floor extended terrace of ATC building at Kolkata airport
TMC MP Mahua Moitra moves privilege notice over late-night order to vacate WB circuit house
Mahua Moitra filed a privilege notice against three West Bengal officials. She alleged a serious breach of protocol and contemptuous conduct occurred. Officials asked her to vacate a circuit house late at night on August 14. Moitra stated this was part of a larger effort to impede her duties. She sought the Speaker's protection from intimidation and harassment.
Health Ministry backs NMC action on work-hour violations
Srinagar, Aug 17:The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has informed Parliament that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has the power to take action against medical colleges and institutions violating reasonable working hour rules. The statement came in a written reply by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel in the Lok Sabha. In response to questions linked to a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) case and reports of excessive duty hours, Patel said under the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023, NMC can take action against the medical colleges not adhering to work and rest hour rules. In her reply, the Minister stated: Case No 441/90/0/2025 of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was referred to Ministry to submit the action taken report on a complaint dated March 17, 2025. The matter was examined in the Ministry in consultation with National Medical Commission (NMC) and submitted the report to NHRC. It was stated that as per regulation 5.2 (ii) of the PGMER, 2023, All post-graduate students will work as full time resident doctors. They will work for reasonable working hours and will be provided reasonable time for rest in a day. The NMC is empowered to take action against the concerned medical college or institution, as per specified under Regulation 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023. Patel has also clarified the constitutional position, stating that public health and hospitals is a state subject and that the respective state governments or UT administrations prescribe norms for doctors working hours. They are also responsible for setting service conditions and the duty rosters in the concerned institutions. The parliamentary response also addressed the situation at R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata. The minister said, The incident at R G Kar Medical College, West Bengal was taken up by the Honble Supreme Court of India in SMW (Crl) No 2 of 2024, wherein the court had constituted a National Task Force (NTF) to formulate recommendations for redressal of the issues regarding safety, well-being and working conditions of medical professionals. The report of NTF had been submitted to the court in November 2024. She said that the NMC Anti-Ragging Committee had met on August 14, 2024, to discuss the various aspects of safety and working conditions of medical students and resident doctors. As an immediate step, the NMC issued an Advisory dated August 13, 2024, to all medical colleges and institutions. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Directorate General of Health Services had also directed all Central Government hospitals and institutes, includinbg AIIMS to ensure filing of institutional FIRs within a maximum of six hours in cases of violence against doctors and healthcare personnel. Advisories had also been issued to states and UTs on August 23, 2024, and September 3, 2024, urging a ramp-up of security to medicos, and safer working environments, especially females. The ministers reply is significant in view of the rising incidents of persistent complaints that postgraduate residents in several medical colleges. The medicos have alleged that they are being made to work 80-100 hours a week. This is far beyond what many consider reasonable. A Public Interest Litigation filed by the United Doctors Front in the Supreme Court seeks enforcement of the Ministrys own 1992 directive limiting resident doctors duty to 12 hours a day, and not more than 48 hours a week. The petition had cited the National Task Force report on the mental health of medical students. It recorded over 150 suicides in 5 years. These, as per the PIL were largely linked to work-related stress and sleep deprivation. The Supreme Court had recently adjourned the hearing after the Centres counter-affidavit was not placed on record. The case is listed for 17 September. In J&K, resident doctors at Government Medical College Jammu, Government Medical College Srinagar and other medical colleges have welcomed the ministrys clear restatement. Several postgraduate students described the ministers written reply as an important official acknowledgment. Reasonable working hours and reasonable time for rest, they said, are obligations on the institutions, they said. A resident from GMC Srinagar said, We welcome this statement. What we need now is a transparent, independent audit of actual duty hours, duty rosters and rest periods across all medical colleges in J&K. Only an audit will show how far the ground reality has drifted from the regulations. He urged both the NMC and the J&K Health and Medical Education Department must invoke the penal provisions under Regulations 9.1 and 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023 against non-complying institutions.
Demands for Investigation into Ashish Banerjees Death Intensify
Kolkata, August 18: Ritabrata Banerjee, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has raised concerns regarding the death of Ashish Banerjee. He has also addressed allegations against Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and MP Kirti Azad. In a conversation with a news agency on Monday, Ritabrata Banerjee stated, We are demanding an investigation ... Read more Demands for Investigation into Ashish Banerjees Death Intensify
Tragic Fire at Tarapith Hotel Claims Eight Lives, Including Five from One Family
Kolkata, August 18: The death toll from the fire at a hotel in Tarapith, Birbhum district of West Bengal, has risen to eight, according to police reports. Among the deceased are five members of a family from Meghalaya who had come to the sacred city to worship at the Tara Temple. The family was staying ... Read more Tragic Fire at Tarapith Hotel Claims Eight Lives, Including Five from One Family
Adolescent Pregnancy: A Major Concern in West Bengal, Says Health Minister Mukherjee
Kolkata, August 18: West Bengals Health Minister, Dr. Sharadwat Mukherjee, has highlighted adolescent pregnancy as a significant concern in the state. This statement comes as the BJP-led government in West Bengal marks its first 100 days in power. The state administration is preparing to present its achievements during this period to the public. Dr. Mukherjee ... Read more Adolescent Pregnancy: A Major Concern in West Bengal, Says Health Minister Mukherjee
West Bengal Police deny assault claims after Abdul Hafiz
The News Mill
Two Leaders from Bengal Join BJPs National Executive Committee
Kolkata, August 18: Following a significant victory in recent elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed two prominent leaders from West Bengal to its National Executive Committee. This move underscores the importance of the partys West Bengal unit to its national leadership. Among the new appointees is Manoj Tigga, the BJP Member of Parliament ... Read more Two Leaders from Bengal Join BJPs National Executive Committee
Moitra seeks privilege action against officials over eviction
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has moved a privilege notice before Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against three senior officials, alleging a serious breach of protocol and contemptuous conduct after she was asked to vacate a circuit house in West Bengal's Krishnanagar late in the night on August 14.
No forcible land acquisition, says CM Suvendu Adhikari
Deletion of parents names from voter list cant decide students EWS eligibility: HC
5 of a Meghalaya family among 9 killed in Tarapith fire
Afternoon Rallies, Rain Choke Kolkata Traffic
Blazing entrance, locked exit: Guests climb down 47-ft tree & pipes to escape
Russa Road Building Balcony Collapses, Man Dies
BJP Yuva Morcha neta in food payment dispute
Audit panel formed to check Tarapith hotels, lodges
500 hotels around Tarapith temple complex: Lens on Tarapith-Rampurhat Development Authority
Tarapith looks at blaze impact on multi-crore religion tourism
App goes offline to help enumerators
Same address but different kitchens? Census will count separate households
Work not part of teachers duty hours, job honorarium-based: Census office
Ayushman patients start to trickle in but tech glitch remains a worry
160 kg plants, seeds seized from 2 flyers at airport
535 buildings out of ban shadow, work resumes
Countdown for Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty
Suhel Seth, Esha Dutta, Rituparna Sengupta, Sundeep Bhutoria, Bickram Ghosh, and Vivek Ojha at the Khuti Puja of Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja, Kolkata Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 17: One bamboo pole for ceremonial worship went into the ground at the Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty premises on Friday evening and with it, north Kolkata []
1.62 cr applications verified, 3rd Annapurna payment rolls out with 1.45 cr beneficiaries
2 from Bengal picked for central roles in BJP
Abhishek moves SC over delay in rebel MPs disqualification
2 more held in Cong neta, son murders
BJP to take 100-day report card to 4 crore Bengal voters
Bankura Purulia offices, schools to shut at 2pm for Manasa Puja
Cops to probe abetment angle in Asish Banerjee 'suicide
39 FIRs filed: TMC MLA seeks early hearing in HC
Entally protest FIR confirms BJP faction locked police station gate
Right to self-defence: Kirti wants gun licence to thwart egg attacks
Strict Action Promised Against Those Responsible for Tarapith Incident: Minister Sukanta Majumdar
Kolkata, August 17: Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar addressed reporters on Monday, discussing various issues, including the unfortunate incident in Tarapith, West Bengal. He stated that the tragedy highlighted the lack of safety measures around hotels during the previous governments tenure. Such incidents should not occur if hotels are equipped with appropriate safety devices. Majumdar assured ... Read more Strict Action Promised Against Those Responsible for Tarapith Incident: Minister Sukanta Majumdar
Asish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face Scrutiny
Veteran TMC leader and former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee was found dead at a party office in Birbhums Rampurhat. A note recovered from the spot has triggered questions, while Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has demanded a detailed probe into whether Banerjee was threatened or blackmailed. Investigators have been asked to verify the notes handwriting, examine mobile phones, call records and messages, and explore his recent political distancing. Adhikari also defended Banerjees clean image while urging investigators to examine every possible angle.
10 buses kick off Naihati-Joka direct services via Sec V
5 from Garo Hills among 8 killed in West Bengal hotel fire
Shillong/Tarapith (WB), Aug 17: Five people from Meghalaya, including two children, were among eight persons killed in a fire at a hotel near Tarapith Temple in West Bengals Birbhum district in the early hours of Monday. The deceased from Meghalaya have been identified as Rajendra Nath, Asha Nath, Buran Madak, and their young children, 10-year-old [] The post 5 from Garo Hills among 8 killed in West Bengal hotel fire first appeared on Highland Post .
Shillong, Aug 17: Pynthorumkhrah MLA AL Hek has expressed deep condolences over the death of five people from Meghalaya in a fire at an industrial park on Sevoke Road in Siliguri, West Bengal, and said he would seek details of the incident from the state government. Hek said he would approach West Bengal Chief Minister... The post Five Meghalaya Residents Killed In Siliguri Fire; MLA A.L. Hek Seeks Clarity From West Bengal Government first appeared on Northeast Today .
West Bengal CM promises Purulia's Junglemahal revamp, jobs and new infrastructure
West Bengal's Chief Minister inaugurated a major drinking water project today. This Japan International Cooperation Agency-assisted initiative will serve over 84,500 rural households. The project aims to provide safe and reliable piped water across five development blocks. It draws water from the Mukutmanipur Reservoir on the Kumari River. This significant milestone strengthens India-Japan development cooperation in the state.
CPI(M) demands scrapping of NTA, NEP after errors in NET-UGC papers
New Delhi, Aug 17: The CPI(M) demanded on Monday that the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, be scrapped, saying errors in three UGC-NET papers have once again exposed the entrenched rot in the country's education system. In a statement issued here, the party's Politburo said the latest errors have exposed the NTA's abject incompetence in conducting examinations and reiterated its demand for scrapping the agency as well as the NEP, which it described as the oot cause of the decay in the education system. This disgraceful episode has once again exposed the entrenched rot in India's education system and lays bare the NTA's abject incompetence to hold these examinations, the CPI(M) said. The party alleged that instead of addressing the consequences of the NEP, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliates are targeting those who question the education system. Deplorably, instead of remedying the NEP's disastrous consequences, the BJP and its affiliates target those who question the system, it said, while condemning the killing of Janab Mafik, father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez, in West Bengal. Mafik died after he was allegedly assaulted at his residence after his son visited a school to record infrastructural gaps. The NTA on Sunday announced a retest for three papers -- English, Commerce and Sociology -- of the UGC-NET that was held in June following complaints of several errors in these papers. The English paper will be held from 9 am to 12 noon on September 9, while the Commerce paper will be conducted the same day from 3 pm to 6 pm. The Sociology re-test will be held from 9 am to 12 noon on September 10. The NTA conducted the UGC-NET 2026 from June 22 to June 30 across 87 subjects for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), eligibility for assistant professor and admission to PhD programmes. In a public notice, the agency said it had received several complaints about multiple errors in the question papers of the three subjects and formed a committee to look into these issues.
Video Does Not Show West Bengal Minister Hoisting BJP Flag On Independence Day
BOOM found that the video was recorded on July 6, 2026, when Singh hoisted the party flag in front of his Barrackpore office.
West Bengal STF Arrests Two for Attempting to Form Jihadi Module Inspired by Al-Qaeda
Kolkata, August 17: The Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police has arrested two individuals for allegedly attempting to establish a jihadi module inspired by Al-Qaeda in the state. Based on intelligence, STF officials conducted raids on Sunday in the Bhangar and Birla Pur areas of the South 24 Parganas district. Janadul Beg was ... Read more West Bengal STF Arrests Two for Attempting to Form Jihadi Module Inspired by Al-Qaeda
Bankura death: CJP gives Bengal govt 10-day ultimatum
A leader of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday gave the West Bengal government 10 days to arrest all those allegedly involved in the death of the father of a party volunteer in Bankura district and demanded a probe into the conduct of police personnel at the local police station.
States can't create blockades in elephant corridors: SC
Justice Bagchi said the practice of using fireballs and spikes in West Bengal is prevalent because the elephants come from Nepal and through West Bengal they go to Jharkhand and other States
West Bengal: Eight killed in Tarapith hotel fire, one detained
Hotel officials had claimed that the fire was caused by a short circuit. It started near the hotel's reception after an electrical component of the power supply system caught fire, they said. The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be established
Calcutta HC: Arrested TMC MLA Dilip Mondal says 39 FIRs filed against him, seeks early hearing
Trinamool Congress MLA Dilip Mondal stated thirty-nine FIRs are filed against him. He was arrested by the West Bengal Special Task Force in Puri. The MLA is challenging four FIRs which were filed against him. His counsel requested an early hearing for his petition.
CJP leader gives Bengal govt 10-day deadline over Bankura man's death
A CJP leader has given the West Bengal government ten days to arrest all accused individuals. He also demanded a court-monitored investigation into local police conduct. The family declined government compensation and requested a school be built in the father's name. Police have arrested eight people following a complaint lodged by the victim's wife. The incident has sparked political confrontation with the BJP denying organisational links.
Heavy rain in Odisha: Minister Vaishnaw orders close watch on vulnerable rail sections
West Bengal Government to Highlight Achievements on 100 Days in Office
Kolkata, August 17: The West Bengal government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, is set to celebrate its first 100 days in power on Tuesday. Preparations are underway to showcase the accomplishments of the new state administration. Sources from the Nabanna state secretariat indicate that the first achievement to be highlighted by Chief Minister Suvendu ... Read more West Bengal Government to Highlight Achievements on 100 Days in Office
Kolkatas road-safety push must begin with pedestrians: IIT transport expert
New Delhi, August 17: The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) has expressed deep sorrow regarding the fire incident at the Foreignini Hotel near the Tarapith police station in Birbhum district, West Bengal. The PMO extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic event and announced financial assistance for the victims ... Read more PM Modi Expresses Condolences Over Birbhum Fire Tragedy, Announces Financial Aid for Victims Families
Baazar Style Retail touches roof on opening new store in West Bengal
Mumbai, August 17 (Udaipur Kiran): Baazar Style Retail is currently locked at its upper circuit limit of Rs. 384.45, up by 18.30 points or 5.00% from its previous closing of Rs. 366.15 on the BSE. The scrip opened at Rs. 384.45 and has touched a high and low of Rs. 384.45 and Rs. 384.45 respectively. ... Read more Baazar Style Retail touches roof on opening new store in West Bengal
VP CP Radhakrishnan pays tribute to former Governor Ganesan in Chennai
Ganesan served as Governor of Manipur from 2021, Governor of West Bengal as additional charge from July to November 2022, and Governor of Nagaland from February 2023
7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal's Birbhum
Seven guests were killed and several others critically injured after a massive fire broke out at Hotel Bideshinii in Tarapith, West Bengals Birbhum district, around 4.30 am on Monday. The blaze began on the ground floor of the G+4 hotel while most guests were asleep. Officials said all seven victims died of asphyxiation after toxic smoke from the burning false ceiling, fiberglass and other inflammable materials spread to the upper floors. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and rescued injured guests, who were taken to Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital. Hotel officials said an electrical short circuit may have triggered the fire, but the exact cause remains unconfirmed. Officials also said the hotel had little or no basic fire detection or prevention equipment. The incident occurred on the last Monday of Shravan, when Tarapith sees a large influx of devotees. Authorities are investigating.
ICAI to train Bengal MLAs on public finances, legislative oversight
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India will host a workshop for West Bengal MLAs. This event focuses on public financial management and fiscal governance for legislators. Over two hundred newly elected members are expected to attend the training session. The Chief Minister and Assembly Speaker will grace the inaugural ceremony. This initiative aims to enhance legislative oversight and efficient public fund utilization.
West Bengal: 7 Pilgrims Killed In Hotel Fire Near Tarapith Temple In Birbhum
Seven people were killed and several injured after a fire broke out at a hotel in Tarapith, West Bengal, early Monday morning. Most victims were pilgrims.
IMD issues red warning as Bay of Bengal depression brings heavy rainfall to Odisha
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded multiple rainfall alerts after a depression formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas early Monday. According to the IMDs morning bulletin, the system intensified from a wellmarked low pressure and was centred near coastal West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh, close to Kolkata. At 5:30am, [] The post IMD issues red warning as Bay of Bengal depression brings heavy rainfall to Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Seven killed, several injured in hotel fire in West Bengals Tarapith
The fire erupted around 5 a.m. on the ground floor of the four-storey hotel in the temple town of Tarapith, when most of the guests were asleep
7 killed, several injured in hotel fire in West Bengal's Tarapith
At least seven people were killed and several others critically injured in a fire at a hotel in West Bengal's Birbhum district early on Monday, police said. The fire erupted around 5 am on the ground floor of the four-storey hotel in the temple town of Tarapith, when most of the guests were asleep, they said. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and they brought the blaze under control. The injured were taken to the Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital. Sources in the hospital initially said that five people had died in the blaze. However, police later revised the toll to seven. Hotel officials claimed the fire was caused by a short circuit.
Seven Killed, Several injured in Hotel Fire in West Bengal's Tarapith
Fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and they brought the blaze under control
At least 7 killed in fire at hotel near Tarapith temple in West Bengal's Birbhum district
A fire erupted at a hotel near Tarapith temple, killing seven pilgrims. The blaze started on the ground floor around 5 am while most devotees slept. Fire tenders quickly arrived and brought the dangerous fire under control. Injured individuals were transported to Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital. Hotel officials suggested a short circuit caused the tragic incident.
Five charred to death in massive fire at hotel in West Bengal's Birbhum
Five charred to death in massive fire at hotel in West Bengal's Birbhum
Bengal ex-deputy speaker found hanging at TMC office
Former West Bengal Assembly deputy speaker and veteran TMC leader Ashis Banerjee was found hanging at a party office in Birbhum on Sunday. Police recovered a purported suicide note and are examining its contents and the circumstances surrounding his death
Two Nepalese citizens held with gold and silver by SSB along border with India
Two Nepalese citizens held with gold and silver by SSB along border with India Kolkata: Two Nepalese citizens were apprehended with undeclared gold and silver, by troops of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) along the India-Nepal border in West Bengal, officials said. The Border Intelligence Team (BIT) of the 41st Battalion of SSB near Panitanki [] The post Two Nepalese citizens held with gold and silver by SSB along border with India appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
'Dimaagi Naxal' Row Escalates | 'Vande Mataram' Row | BJP Seeks Sonia Gandhi's Apology| Punjab News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not refer to Opposition leaders as people with a Maoist mindset, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said today amid swipes by Congress leaders including P Chidambaram on the matter. In a post on X, the parliamentary affairs minister said the words dimagi Naxals referred only to those who supported Maoists and rejected the Constitution, those who stood with separatists and supported Article 370. They also referred to people who call for cutting off the Chicken's Neck to separate India's northeast from the rest of the country. Rijiju said. Chicken's Neck is the thin strip of 22-km-wide land corridor in West Bengal that links up with India's northeast. PM Narendra Modi ji didn't say Opposition leaders as Dimagi Naxals. Only following are Dimagi Naxals: 1. Who support Maoists and reject Indian Constitution. 2. Who stand with separatists & support Article 370. 4. Who want to cut chicken neck to separate North-East from India, Rijiju said in the post.
Formal child adoption remains low in J&K; CARA records 42 cases in 2025-26
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 42 children adopted through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) during 2025-26, a figure substantially lower than adoption numbers reported by several major States, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Rajya Sabha. The State/UT-wise data, furnished in response to a parliamentary question answered on August 12, shows that Maharashtra recorded the highest number of CARA-facilitated adoptions during the financial year, with 792 cases. Gujarat followed with 547, while Tamil Nadu recorded 501 adoptions. Karnataka accounted for 377 cases, followed by Odisha with 308 and Telangana with 307. Jammu and Kashmirs 42 adoptions were also lower than the figures reported by several northern and neighbouring States. Rajasthan recorded 172 adoptions, while Punjab reported 49, only seven more than J&K. Uttar Pradesh registered 231 cases, Haryana 68, Uttarakhand 30, Himachal Pradesh 14 and Delhi 109. Among other States, Assam recorded 186 adoptions, Kerala 170, Andhra Pradesh 140, Bihar 125 and Chhattisgarh 114. West Bengal reported 237 cases, Madhya Pradesh 221 and Jharkhand 60. The data also showed considerable variation among the northeastern States. Meghalaya and Nagaland reported 13 adoptions each, Mizoram 78, Tripura seven, Arunachal Pradesh five and Manipur four. Sikkim recorded 28 cases. Smaller Union Territories and States also reported relatively modest numbers. Goa recorded 25 adoptions, Chandigarh 18, Puducherry 15 and Andaman and Nicobar Islands 11. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu reported five cases. No adoption through CARA was recorded in Ladakh or Lakshadweep during 2025-26. Across the 36 States and Union Territories listed in the annexure, the reported number of CARA-facilitated adoptions stood at 5,022 during the financial year. J&Ks 42 cases therefore accounted for less than one per cent of the reported national total. The Ministry, however, has clarified that adoption figures should be viewed in the context of the availability of children who have been declared legally free for adoption. The waiting period for prospective adoptive parents depends not only on the number of applicants but also on the availability of legally free children and the age group preferred by prospective parents. The government is seeking to strengthen the adoption infrastructure through Mission Vatsalya. States and UTs have been advised to establish at least one Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA) in every district under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations, 2022. As of July 29, 2026, 795 SAAs had been approved across the country under Mission Vatsalya. These agencies support the formal adoption process and provide residential care to adoptable children below six years of age. The adoption system has also been substantially digitised. All SAAs are required to operate through the integrated CARINGS-Mission Vatsalya platform, which facilitates digital processing of cases from referral and matching to documentation. The system also allows authorities to monitor compliance through real-time dashboards at the Central and State levels. The Ministry said District Magistrates have been empowered to issue adoption orders under the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations. Prescribed timelines have been laid down for different stakeholders, while CARA undertakes regular monitoring and follow-up with States and UT administrations to reduce delays. The Centre is also using Mission Vatsalya for awareness campaigns promoting legal adoption and foster care. Nationwide and local outreach programmes, workshops, seminars and orientation sessions are being conducted, while CARA uses print, electronic and social media platforms to spread information on legal adoption procedures.
Politics a mistake: 5-time TMC MLA, ex-deputy speaker Asish Banerjee dies by suicide
1.2 crore receive Ayushman cards, 80 lakh to get CM health scheme benefits
Bankura CJP mans dad beaten to death by BJP men, neta among 8 held
Amit Shah accuses Congress of insulting Vande Mataram; Sonia Gandhi targeted in row
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress of insulting the national song Vande Mataram. He demanded an apology from the party to the people and its writer. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari also called the alleged objection an insult to nationalism. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh responded by criticising Shah's past actions and ideology. Ramesh stated Shah's demand aims to divert attention from current significant issues.
Shameful & devastating: Asishs death unites netas across the aisle
Annapurna benefit disbursement for 3rd instalment to begin today, distribution to go on till Fri
CM calls for Viksit Paschim Banga to realise Viksit Bharat by 2047
Reflector, Paint: KP Starts Overhauling 4k Guard Rails
Ayushman Bharat Cards Bring Hope To Beneficiaries Across State
Filmmaker Raja Sen passes away at 70
Outrage in Kolkata After Young Man Dies Due to Alleged Medical Negligence
Kolkata, August 16: Family members have accused the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata of negligence following the death of a young man. The incident occurred on Sunday, prompting the family to take to social media, urging West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and State Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee to investigate and reform ... Read more Outrage in Kolkata After Young Man Dies Due to Alleged Medical Negligence
Help Develop Lansdowne Market, Set Politics Aside: Minister
Deadline extended but server glitch plagues LPG e-KYC
