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Guna, Madhya Pradesh — In a shocking and controversial statement, BJP MLA Pannalal Shakya made a bizarre remark during the inauguration of the "PM College of Excellence" in his Guna constituency, advising students to open motorcycle puncture repair shops instead of relying on college degrees to secure a livelihood. The comment has sparked a wave of criticism and debates on the value of education, especially in light of the event being part of the Union Government's initiative to boost higher education across Madhya Pradesh.

Addressing the students and attendees during the event on Sunday, which was virtually launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Shakya said, “We are inaugurating a PM College of Excellence today, but I want to remind you that degrees alone will not guarantee a future. Instead, consider opening a motorcycle puncture repair shop. At least, you will earn a livelihood.”

The remark has raised eyebrows not just because of its unexpected nature, but also because it was made at an event celebrating higher education. The college, which is part of the "PM College of Excellence" scheme launched by the central government to improve educational standards in 55 districts, aims to provide students with advanced learning opportunities and better career prospects.

Bizarre Advice Sparks Public Backlash

The MLA’s statement quickly went viral on social media, with many students and education advocates criticizing his stance on education. One student, speaking to India Today, remarked, “This statement from the MLA is a clear reflection of the government's disregard for the true value of education. Are degrees now useless?”

Social media users and political opponents were equally vocal, calling the remark not only dismissive of higher education but also out of touch with the aspirations of the youth. Critics argue that such statements diminish the importance of academic achievements, which are crucial for developing skilled professionals in a variety of fields, from medicine and engineering to the arts and sciences.

Pannalal Shakya’s Reflections on Education and Environment

Shakya’s controversial remarks did not stop at education. During his address, he also commented on the state’s environment policies. In a reference to the mega sapling plantation drive in Indore, which set a world record by planting over 1.1 million saplings in 24 hours, Shakya pointed out that while tree planting efforts were commendable, there was little focus on nurturing and preserving the trees. He compared this to the neglect of the ‘panchtatva’ (five elements: earth, air, water, solar energy, and sky) that form the essence of life.

“The world is planting trees, but no one is taking the effort to water and protect them. We need to preserve the panchtatva, the five elements that are part of the human body,” Shakya stated.

He also raised concerns over encroachments on government land along rivers and drains, claiming that while there is significant discourse on pollution and environmental degradation, the necessary actions are often lacking.

The BJP MLA’s Controversial Viewpoint on Government Land Encroachments

In a separate part of his address, Shakya commented on the ongoing issue of government land encroachments, particularly along the rivers and drains in his constituency. He argued that while many are quick to raise alarms about environmental issues like pollution, the real concern lies in preserving and protecting the land and natural resources. “There is too much talk about pollution, but no concrete actions to safeguard the environment and government land,” he added

Sagar, Madhya Pradesh — In a deeply disturbing incident, a 32-year-old woman and her two young daughters were discovered dead in their residence in Sagar city’s Nepal Palace area late Tuesday evening, with police suspecting foul play. The victims, identified as Vandana Patel and her daughters Avantika (8) and Anvika (3), were found in pools of blood, raising immediate concerns about the potential involvement of a third party in this heinous crime.

According to the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sanjeev Uikey, the tragic discovery was made inside the family’s home under the jurisdiction of the Civil Line police station. Vandana’s body and one of her daughters were found lying in the kitchen, while the younger child’s body was discovered in a separate bedroom. “Prima facie, it appears to be a case of murder,” Uikey said, confirming that an FIR has been lodged as authorities probe this deeply unsettling case.

Vandana’s husband, Vishesh Patel, who is employed at the local district hospital, reportedly found the scene when he returned home, sparking immediate involvement from law enforcement. The motive behind the murder remains unclear, but initial investigations suggest that the crime might be premeditated.

Police Form Multiple Teams, Launch Extensive Investigation

To expedite the investigation, Sagar police have mobilized approximately 10 teams, tasked with gathering forensic evidence, interviewing witnesses, and canvassing the neighborhood for potential leads. The investigators are particularly focused on identifying any unusual behavior, financial or personal disputes, or recent visitors to the Patel household.

“Given the tragic nature of this case, we are employing every possible resource to swiftly bring clarity to what happened. We are carefully analyzing CCTV footage from the area, tracing call records, and speaking with close acquaintances of the family,” stated ASP Uikey.

Community in Shock, Police Heighten Security in Nepal Palace Area

The Nepal Palace area in Sagar, typically known for its tight-knit community, is now enveloped in shock. The incident has rattled residents, prompting the local administration to heighten security and increase night patrolling. Local leaders have expressed condolences to the grieving family, calling for swift justice.

"This has sent shockwaves through our city. We have faith in our police to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable," said a community representative.

Fatehabad, Haryana — In a brazen post-Diwali incident, three men were arrested after allegedly opening fire at a popular clothing store in Majra village and leaving a threatening ransom note demanding Rs 20 lakh. The suspects, identified as Rinku from Ayalki, Surendra from Azad Nagar, and Lakhwinder Singh from Bhirdana, are now in custody, with police preparing to seek remand to investigate the full extent of their criminal activities, including weapon procurement and any other accomplices involved.

The incident unfolded on November 2 around 4 p.m. when the masked trio arrived on a bike at Prem Vastra Bhandar, a well-known cloth store in Majra. One suspect fired shots at the shop while another hurled a handwritten note, purportedly penned by Surendra, threatening dire consequences if the ransom was not paid. The note was explicit: “I am Surendra from Fatehabad, and I need Rs 20 lakh. You decide how to give it — this is just a trailer, or else something worse could happen. You and your family will be responsible for your own safety. If the police intervene, remember, I will be the last one you see. Ram-Ram (Goodbye).”

Prem Chand, the store’s owner, reported the incident immediately, prompting the Fatehabad police to form a dedicated crime investigation team and launch a full-scale probe. Initial questioning of the suspects revealed that their motive stemmed from a desire for quick money for leisure activities, and that this was their first attempt at such a crime. Law enforcement is also probing the involvement of additional individuals who may have assisted in planning the attack or drafting the ransom note.

Community Outrage and Call for Action

The incident has shocked the business community and local residents, with Majra's growing commercial sector feeling particularly vulnerable. Bajrang Das Garg, president of the Haryana Pradesh Vyapar Mandal, visited the site and expressed solidarity with the victim, calling for swift police action. “This kind of lawlessness cannot be tolerated. If the authorities do not take immediate steps to ensure safety, we are prepared to shut down businesses across Fatehabad as a show of protest,” Garg stated during a press conference.

Majra, once a quiet village, is rapidly evolving into a bustling commercial hub, attracting customers from Fatehabad and beyond. The village hosts several high-demand stores, including the popular Prem Vastra Bhandar, which services clients nationwide. With furniture showrooms and other businesses expanding in the area, local entrepreneurs are increasingly concerned about security issues.

Police Action and Next Steps

Following the arrests, police are intensifying efforts to understand the full scale of the suspects’ operations. Law enforcement officials are tracing the origins of the weapons used in the firing and are expected to examine CCTV footage from surrounding areas. The police will also investigate if this group has links to any other criminal activities in the region.

The three arrested individuals are expected to be presented in court shortly, where the police will seek custody to gather further details about the planning and execution of the crime. Authorities have reassured the public of stringent security measures and affirmed their commitment to safeguarding Fatehabad’s thriving commercial environment.

Kaithal, Haryana — Bringing a fresh wave of leadership to Kaithal, IAS officer Preeti, from the 2015 batch, officially took charge as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) on Wednesday. With extensive administrative experience across Haryana, Preeti has served as the administrator for the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) in Rohtak and has held various significant roles across multiple districts. These include her tenure as the Deputy Commissioner of Charkhi Dadri, Additional Deputy Commissioner in Panipat, Ambala, and Kurukshetra, and postings as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Hodal, Taoru, and Mewat. Her extensive experience equips her to effectively handle the complexities of district administration in Kaithal.

In her first official address, Preeti emphasized a dedication to citizen-centric governance, urging her team to prioritize responsiveness to public grievances and ensure cleanliness across all office premises. "Our goal should always be to serve with integrity, uphold transparency, and be readily available to address the concerns of the people who come to us seeking support," she shared. She highlighted that maintaining a clean and organized work environment is integral to a professional and welcoming government office. Senior officials, including DMC Sushil Kumar, SDMs Ajay Singh, Krishna Kumar, and Satyawan Singh Mann, along with CTM Gurvinder Singh, were present at the event to extend a warm welcome to the new DC.

Preeti's arrival is expected to strengthen public service delivery in Kaithal, with a clear focus on streamlining administrative processes, enhancing accessibility for the general public, and creating a more efficient response system for grievances. She is keen on implementing solutions for infrastructure improvement, citizen empowerment, and rural development, ensuring that all sectors of society benefit from her administration's initiatives.

Karnal's New Commissioner Dr. Vaishali Sharma Vows to Enhance Civic Infrastructure and Citizen Services

On the same day, Karnal welcomed Dr. Vaishali Sharma, a 2017-batch IAS officer, as the new Commissioner of the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) and District Municipal Commissioner. Dr. Sharma has a strong administrative record, having previously held impactful roles as District Municipal Commissioner and Municipal Corporation Commissioner in Hisar, as well as Additional Deputy Commissioner and District Citizen Resource Information Officer in both Kurukshetra and Karnal. Her experience in municipal management makes her well-suited to address Karnal’s urban development challenges.

Dr. Sharma shared her vision for the city, focusing on significant urban and civic improvements. She listed maintaining city cleanliness, ensuring proper upkeep of parks and public spaces, repairing roads to make them pothole-free, enhancing property tax collection, and overall improvement in the corporation's revenue as her key priorities. “Karnal’s growth depends on strong civic infrastructure and efficient service delivery. My goal is to work toward a clean, safe, and well-managed city where residents experience tangible improvements in their daily lives,” she stated.

Dr. Sharma is also introducing new strategies to enhance KMC’s efficiency in revenue collection, particularly through strengthened property tax systems, and aims to digitize municipal services for better citizen access. The Commissioner has made it clear that her administration will focus on sustainable city management, aiming to build a foundation for Karnal’s future growth by strengthening public amenities and infrastructure.