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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.

Greater Kashmir 18 Aug 2026 5:50 am

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

Morningstar 18 Aug 2026 4:45 am

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

Morningstar 18 Aug 2026 3:35 am

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

Morningstar 18 Aug 2026 2:55 am

West Bengal Police deny assault claims after Abdul Hafiz

The News Mill

The News Mill 18 Aug 2026 2:52 am

Hotel fire kills 9 pilgrims in temple town Tarapith

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 1:46 am

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.

Rediff 18 Aug 2026 1:09 am

No forcible land acquisition, says CM Suvendu Adhikari

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:58 am

5 of a Meghalaya family among 9 killed in Tarapith fire

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:26 am

Afternoon Rallies, Rain Choke Kolkata Traffic

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:24 am

Russa Road Building Balcony Collapses, Man Dies

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:21 am

50-100 mm Rain In 24 Hours Across Kolkata

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:19 am

Audit panel formed to check Tarapith hotels, lodges

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:03 am

App goes offline to help enumerators

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 11:51 pm

Gang vandalises Tiljala club

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 11:35 pm

535 buildings out of ban shadow, work resumes

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 11:33 pm

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 []

bhaskarlive 17 Aug 2026 11:33 pm

2 from Bengal picked for central roles in BJP

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 10:22 pm

Abhishek moves SC over delay in rebel MPs disqualification

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 10:16 pm

2 more held in Cong neta, son murders

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 9:46 pm

BJP to take 100-day report card to 4 crore Bengal voters

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 9:43 pm

Cops to probe abetment angle in Asish Banerjee 'suicide

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 8:55 pm

39 FIRs filed: TMC MLA seeks early hearing in HC

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 8:41 pm

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

Morningstar 17 Aug 2026 8:30 pm

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.

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 8:25 pm

10 buses kick off Naihati-Joka direct services via Sec V

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 8:19 pm

Five Meghalaya Residents Killed In Siliguri Fire; MLA A.L. Hek Seeks Clarity From West Bengal Government

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 .

North East Today 17 Aug 2026 8:05 pm

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.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 7:57 pm

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.

Greater Kashmir 17 Aug 2026 6:09 pm

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.

Boomlive 17 Aug 2026 5:47 pm

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

Morningstar 17 Aug 2026 5:24 pm

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.

Rediff 17 Aug 2026 5:22 pm

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

The Hindu 17 Aug 2026 5:21 pm

Meet Deepak Mhaskey, The New Chief IT Chief Who Replaced Amit Malviya

Deepak Mhaskey has been appointed as the new IT cell chief of the BJP. He has replaced Amit Malviya, who had held the position since 2015 and was also the party's co-in-charge for West Bengal. Joining him in the restructured digital

Oneindia 17 Aug 2026 5:12 pm

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.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 4:55 pm

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.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 4:32 pm

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

Morningstar 17 Aug 2026 4:05 pm

PM Modi Expresses Condolences Over Birbhum Fire Tragedy, Announces Financial Aid for Victims Families

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

Morningstar 17 Aug 2026 3:15 pm

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

Udaipur Kiran 17 Aug 2026 1:29 pm

Seven Die as Fire Engulfs Hotel in West Bengal

Tarapith (WB), Aug 17: At least seven people were killed and several others critically injured after a fire broke out at a hotel in West Bengals Birbhum district early Monday, police said. The blaze erupted around 5 am on the ground floor of the four-storey hotel in the temple town of Tarapith when most of [] The post Seven Die as Fire Engulfs Hotel in West Bengals Tarapith appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 17 Aug 2026 12:39 pm

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.

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 11:46 am

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.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 11:18 am

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.

Web Dunia 17 Aug 2026 11:18 am

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 .

Pragativadi 17 Aug 2026 11:11 am

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

The Hindu 17 Aug 2026 10:05 am

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.

Business Standard 17 Aug 2026 9:23 am

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

Deccan Chronicle 17 Aug 2026 9:11 am

Delhi likely to get light rain; monsoon remains active across India

IMD has forecast isolated extremely heavy rain over West Bengal and Odisha, with heavy to very heavy showers likely across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand

Business Standard 17 Aug 2026 9:07 am

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.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 8:37 am

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

India TV 17 Aug 2026 8:32 am

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

Mid Day 17 Aug 2026 8:15 am

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 .

Mangalorean 17 Aug 2026 8:07 am

'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.

NDTV 17 Aug 2026 7:28 am

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.

Greater Kashmir 17 Aug 2026 6:51 am

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.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 12:28 am

Reflector, Paint: KP Starts Overhauling 4k Guard Rails

The Times of India 16 Aug 2026 11:46 pm

Filmmaker Raja Sen passes away at 70

The Times of India 16 Aug 2026 11:40 pm

Help Develop Lansdowne Market, Set Politics Aside: Minister

The Times of India 16 Aug 2026 11:39 pm

Deadline extended but server glitch plagues LPG e-KYC

The Times of India 16 Aug 2026 11:36 pm

Stray-feeding row: Woman gets acid attack threat

The Times of India 16 Aug 2026 11:35 pm

Heavy rain likely today as low pressure intensifies

The Times of India 16 Aug 2026 11:35 pm

Park St to Park Circus 7-Pt to be hawker-free zone: Minister

The Times of India 16 Aug 2026 11:21 pm

Sealdah-Barasat AC local to go till Bangaon from Thurs

The Times of India 16 Aug 2026 11:17 pm

Suvendu Adhikari to inaugurate Haldia Petrochemicals' Rs 6,000-crore phenol and acetone plant in October

First of its kind in the country, the plant will be developed under HPL's subsidiary Adplus Polymers & Chemicals. The facility is set to house the country's first on-purpose propylene plant based on olefin conversion technology and the country's largest phenol production unit in West Bengal's Haldia.

The Economic Times 16 Aug 2026 11:06 pm

Congress leader's son killed in Nadia district of West Bengal

Three persons have been arrested in connection with the murders, among them Fatema Bibi, head of Nadias Haranagar panchayat

The Hindu 16 Aug 2026 10:52 pm

West Bengal News | Siliguri: Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Holds Torch Rally Over Vande Mataram Row

The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) held a torch rally in Siliguri, West Bengal, protesting against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi over the Vande Mataram recitation row. BJP workers raised slogans against the Congress leadership during the protest.

NDTV 16 Aug 2026 10:49 pm