Saturday, December 27, 2025

India to get its new Vice President soon, EC to initiate process

By
Vibha Sharma
-

Sources say by accepting an Opposition-sponsored notice to remove a judge after a massive cash recovery from his home, Jagdeep Dhankhar in a way scuttled the BJP-led Centre’s plan to target corruption in the judiciary, thus leading to his shocking resignation on Monday

India will be getting its new Vice President “soon,” sources in know of developments said, adding that the Election Commission (EC) will initiate the process to elect the next person who to succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar who resigned from the post on Monday

However, there is no official word yet, either on when the process will officially begin or who will be the ruling BJP-led NDA candidate, according to the Constitution says in case a vice president dies in office or resigns or is removed, the poll to elect the next person to the office should be held “as soon as possible”

Intrigue

Intrigue surrounding Dhankar, who resigned citing health grounds, continues

Sources say by accepting an Opposition-sponsored notice to remove a judge after a massive cash recovery from his home, Dhankhar in a way scuttled the BJP-led Centre’s plan to target corruption in the judiciary, thus leading to his shocking resignation on Monday

Congress’ decision to move the motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma in the Rajya Sabha was set rolling on July 15 at its Parliamentary strategy meeting, where the grand old party took a call that the government should not be allowed to walk away with the credit of uncovering the alleged corruption in the judiciary.

In fact, the Vice-President’s Office on July 15 posted a 44-second video of Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge paying Dhankhar a visit at the V-P Enclave. And just a day before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Dhankhar also met Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal at his residence and posted pictures of this meeting.

Kejriwal is not even an MP.

The process

The Home Ministry on Tuesday officially notified Dhankhar’s resignation, thereby bringing in the motion to hold the election for his successor.

The next vice president will get a full five-year term in office, according to constitutional provisions.

According to Article 68(2) of the Constitution, “an election to fill a vacancy in the office of the Vice-President occurring by reason of his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise shall be held as soon as possible”.

“The person elected to fill the vacancy shall, subject to the provisions of Article 67, be entitled to hold office for the full term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office,” it also adds.

From the day the notification is issued, “calling the electoral college to vote” and till the day of the poll, a period of 30 days is stipulated. The person has to be the citizen of India, should have completed 35 years of age and qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha. A person is not eligible if he holds any office of profit under the government of India or a state government or any subordinate local authority. 

Who will be the next Vice President, buzz is on

By
Vibha Sharma
-

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation as Vice President of India late Monday night created a rare mid-term vacancy for the key Constitutional post, setting in motion the political process to elect his successor. Dhankar is the third Vice President in India’s history to resign before completing his term after VV Giri and R Venkataraman. However, Giri and Venkataraman had stepped down to contest presidential elections.

Since the Vice President is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh will take over that part of his duties—running the House. His name is also one of the many doing the rounds for the second top Constitutional post of the country. What also goes in his favour is the fact the Janata Dal (United) MP is seen as a trusted ally of the BJP-led NDA government and comes from poll-bound Bihar, an added advantage for him

The buzz also is that the BJP may choose a state governor on the lines of Dhankhar who also served as West Bengal governor before becoming Vice President or perhaps a senior Union minister with parliamentary experience. A top BJP organisational leader is not being ruled out, according to reports. The name of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is also doing the rounds

Many believe that current Bihar governor Arif Mohammad Khan fits the bill perfectly given his political experience and background.  A member of the BJP, he previously served as Governor of Kerala from 2022 to 2025 and as a Union minister who held several portfolios. Last two Vice Presidents—Dhankhar and his predecessor M Venkaiah Naidu—were both seasoned BJP leaders.

However, there is also no hurry to fill the post. In the case of the President, the Constitution requires that a vacancy be filled within six months. However, for the Vice President there is said to be no such fixed deadline, the election should be held “as soon as possible” under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.

Dhankhar assumed office in August 2022 and was scheduled to serve until 2027. The new Vice President will serve a full five-year term from the date of assuming office. 

Delhi Govt launches draft industrial policy

By
Priyanka Tanwer
-
Representative Image

The Delhi government has released an industrial draft policy to make Delhi a business hub and said that Rs 400 crore venture capital fund will be established for Industries.

The government also said that fixed capital of Rs 50 crore will be reimbursed for businesses in the Frontier tech sectors.

“Rs 400 crore venture capital fund will be established for Industries and 50 per cent fixed capital investment (including land) will be reimbursed over a period of five years for businesses in the Frontier tech sectors up to a maximum limit of Rs 50 cr per project,” the draft stated.

In addition, there shall be additional 6 per cent interest subsidy per annum for businesses. Reimbursement of 100 per cent NET SGST will be provided to business in the Frontier Technology Services sector for five years.

“Exemption of 50 per cent on wheeling charges and transmission charges, on inter-state purchase of power shall be provided for the period of five years from the date of commissioning of the project,” it read.

In Research and Development (R&D) sector, government of India in 2025 budget has allocated Rs 20,000 cr for private sector driven R&D and innovation.

“It is expected that Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST)India, will bring out a scheme for the same. Initiatives will be undertaken to expand reach within academic and R&D institutions in Delhi to leverage research expertise to address challenges of business and in public domain by providing support of up to Rs 10 lakhs in R&D and Innovation in focus sectors in this policy,” it added.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD) is the largest city in the country in terms of area, spread across approximately 1,486.5 sq. km. The Per Capita Income of Delhi at current prices reached INR 4.61 Lakh in 2023-24 compared to 3.89 Lakh in 2021-22 compared to INR 3.31 Lakh in 2020-21.

In order to boost the hospitality sector, the government said that hotels and serviced apartments may be permitted as part of commercial centres in Industrial zones. Facilities will be allowed to be developed by conversion of plots with access from 30 m wide road in industrial zones in an attempt to reduce congestion and walk to work methodology.

“Make Delhi a restaurant and bistro-friendly city with streamlined compliance and regulatory burden, and a reasonable alcohol policy,” it said. “The government is committed to building Delhi as a leading business destination worldwide while acknowledging the UT’s inherent strengths and practical challenges. The emphasis remains constant on creating a progressive business culture that prioritizes knowledge & an economy with focus on research and innovation based frontier technologies,” the draft said.

President accepts Dhankar’s resignation, PM wishes him good health

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as the Vice President of India. Following the President’s approval, the Ministry of Home Affairs officially notified his resignation from the post.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Dhankhar good health.

The Prime Minister posted on X: “Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.”

After VP resigns, Constitutional process set in motion

By
Priyanka Tanwer
-

The Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar has dropped a bombshell on Monday night, abruptly announcing his official resignation from office, submitting his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu.

The resignation comes nearly three years into his term, which began in August 2022.

As per Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution, the Vice President may resign by addressing a letter to the President. With this resignation now accepted, the office of the Vice President stands vacant.

The Vice President also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Until a new Vice President is elected, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh, will preside over its sessions.

The Constitution mandates that a new Vice President must be elected within six months of the vacancy. The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the schedule for the Vice Presidential election soon.

According to Article 66 of the Constitution, the Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament through a secret ballot using the single transferable vote system.

While the official resignation letter cited “healthcare reasons,” there are reports of internal tensions and speculation over the resignation.  

According to the sources, a phone call from the Centre snowballed into a face-off, leaving the Vice President with little choice. The sources have also indicated that Jagdeep Dhankhar’s regisnation, ostensibly on health grounds, may have saved him from the disgrace of a government-backed no-confidence motion.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “it is as shocking as it is inexplicable. He has given health reason for doing so. Those should be respected but it is also a fact that there are far deeper reasons for his resignation.”

TMC MP Keerti Azad said, “His tenure as Vice President or Lt. Governor had been very controversial.”

Meanwhile, the government released a brief statement thanking Dhankhar for his service and maintaining that the party would support the constitutional process for a successor.

Jagdeep Dhankhar, a former Governor of West Bengal and a veteran lawyer and politician, was elected Vice President in August 2022. Known for his assertive style in the Rajya Sabha, his tenure often saw tension between the Chair and the Opposition benches.

In Congress, Jagdeep Dhankar finds an unlikely supporter

By
Vibha Sharma
-

Congress praises Dhankar, BJP reminds it of impeachment; Nadda, Rijiju skipped Dhankar meeting, claims Congress, Nadda says VP office was informed

agdeep Dhankhar who Sunday night resigned from the post of Vice President of India and the Rajya Sabha Chairman surprisingly found an unlikely supporter in  Congress—the party which last December led an impeachment move against him describing him as a “spokesman” of the BJP-led government

Interestingly, soon after Congress chief whip in the Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh and Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi questioned Dhankhar’s resignation and the “unexplained absence” of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Rajya Sabha leader of the House J P Nadda at the House Business Advisory Committee meeting chaired by Dhankhar on Monday, they were reminded of the impeachment move against him.

BJP’s Nishikant Dubey recalled how the opposition, led by Congress, had given a notice to impeach Dhankhar on December 10, 2024. “The opposition is playing the role Kader Khan played in films…at least respect someone’s health condition,” he said

In December, a fractured Opposition united to submit a notice to move a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar, accusing him of bias in conducting House proceedings. It was the first such notice against a Rajya Sabha Chairman.

On Tuesday, suspecting “far deeper reasons” for Dhankhar’s resignation “than meet the eye”, the Congress leader said Dhankhar chaired the BAC meeting of the Rajya Sabha at 12.30 pm on Monday which was attended by most members, including Nadda Rijiju. After some discussion, the BAC decided to meet again at 4:30 PM.

“At 4:30 pm, the BAC reassembled under the chairmanship of Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. It waited for Mr Nadda and Mr Rijiju to arrive. They never came. Jagdeep Dhankhar was not personally informed that the two senior Ministers were not attending. Rightly he took umbrage and rescheduled the BAC for today at 1 PM,” Ramesh claimed on X to suggest that “something very serious” happened yesterday between 1 PM and 4:30 PM to account for their deliberate absence from the second BAC yesterday, he said.

“…. there are far deeper reasons for his resignation,” Ramesh claimed.

While always lauding post-2014 India, he spoke fearlessly for the welfare of farmers, forcefully against what he called ‘ahankar (arrogance)’ in public life, and strongly on judicial accountability and restraint, Ramesh said. “Jagdeep Dhankar’s resignation speaks highly of him. It also speaks poorly of those who had got him elected as Vice President in the first instance,” he added.

Ramesh had defended the move to impeach Dhankhar saying that he had “reduced the prestige of the position he occupies to that of a spokesman for the government of the day”.

Nadda says VP office was informed

Nadda said the Vice President’s office was informed that he and Rijiju would not attend a BAC meeting convened by Dhankhar last evening, shortly before he resigned from the post.

Responding on queries regarding Ramesh’s observations regarding the thier absence at the BAC, Nadda told media persons that “the Vice President’s office was intimated about our inability to attend the meeting”.

He was speaking to reporters after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with senior ministers, including Nadda, Rijiju, Home Minister Amit Shah, EAM  S Jaishankar, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Law Minister Arjun Ram. 

J&K sees over 7.6 crore tourists since 2020: Centre

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Srinagar – More than 7.6 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir since 2020, the Centre informed the Lok Sabha on Monday. The figure includes over 7.65 crore domestic tourists and 1.47 lakh foreign visitors, according to data shared by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Responding to a question, the minister said that between 2020 and 2024, a total of 7,66,85,482 tourists visited the Union Territory. This includes 76,537,741 Indian tourists and 147,741 foreign nationals.

The numbers show a sharp rise in tourist arrivals year after year. In 2020, the region saw 25.19 lakh domestic and 5,317 foreign tourists. In 2021, domestic arrivals surged to 1.13 crore, while foreign arrivals dropped to 1,650. The upward trend continued in subsequent years:

  • 2022: 1.84 crore domestic, 19,985 foreign
  • 2023: 2.06 crore domestic, 55,337 foreign
  • 2024: 2.35 crore domestic, 65,452 foreign

On tourism infrastructure, Shekhawat said six projects worth Rs 519.58 crore were sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2016–17. These projects—spanning areas such as Jammu, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Leh, and Kargil—have been completed.

Key developments include tourist circuits, reconstruction of flood-damaged assets under the PM Development Package, and new facilities at sites like Mantalai, Anantnag, Zanskar Padum, and Ranjit Sagar Dam.

However, the ministry clarified that no formal study has yet been undertaken to assess how much direct or indirect employment has been generated by the tourism boom in recent years.

Why did Dhankar resign—more than what meets the eye

By
Vibha Sharma
-

Various theories are doing the rounds, including on his successor 

File Photo

Why did Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankar resign will be the most asked question of the day.

Taking the whole country by surprise, Dhankhar, also the Rajya Sabha Chairperson, late Monday night officially resigned from his post with immediate effect, citing health reasons. Dhankar said he was stepping down with immediate effect “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice”. The resignation, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, was tendered under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution.

Earlier this month, the 74-year-old said that he would retire at the “right time”, subject to “divine interventions” and according to the Opposition Congress there is more to his resignation than meets the eye. The fact is nothing moves in the ruling BJP or the government it runs without the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his second-in-command, Home Minister Amit Shah. Even while holding the second most important Constitutional post in the country, his support for PM Modi and BJP was evident, including inside the Rajya Sabha.

Now various theories are doing the rounds, one of which, of course, is the reason Dhankar himself cited in his resignation—health.

Health  

There is no denying the 74-year-old had not been keeping well. He was admitted to AIIMS for “cardiac-related ailments” a few weeks back. Reportedly, he had also fainted at an event in Uttarakhand in June 2025.

Dhankar had undergone angioplasty and appeared frail, though he was active in Parliament.

However, if health was the reason, why did he not resign before the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Political reasons

For the most part of the first day of the session Dhankar was there on his chair, negotiating the Rajya Sabha through fiery exchanges between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led Opposition on various issues

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, on Monday cornered the government over claims by US President Donald Trump of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He also pointed out that terrorists responsible for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 have not been caught or neutralised. Demanding answers, Kharge said “Pahalgam terror attack happened on April 22 and none of the terrorists have been caught or killed”

“We need to know what happened…There was intelligence failure, the (J&K) L-G has said (that), we have not said,” he said.

Amid disruptions from the Opposition while he was speaking, Leader of the House and Union Minister JP Nadda said nothing will go on record except what he was saying.

By rule, the call is taken by the Speaker in Lok Sabha and Chairperson in Rajya Sabha.

Now the buzz is that Home Minister Amit Shah was very upset over Trump and Pahalgam terrorists being placed on record by Kharge on the very first day. “In the evening, meetings were held in the PM and the HM offices in the Parliament and the resignation followed,” sources say.  

Apparently, Dhankar also held a meeting with Opposition leaders around 6 PM on Monday. 

Bihar ‘putr’ angle    

The second theory is regarding the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

According to sources the BJP needs a ‘Bihar putr’ to win the state and among the names being considered is Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh, who has held the post since 2020 and is known to have the government’s confidence. According to rules “during the period of such vacancy,” the function is carried out by the deputy chairperson or any other Rajya Sabha member authorised by the President of India.

Whether Harivansh, who has held the post since 2020, will be given the job or the BJP has some fresh face in mind, perhaps Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, remains to be seen as the buzz is that it could also be a “Muslim”.  

Judiciary

Dhankar has been taking on the judiciary, saying that judges in the country have no accountability and the law of the land does not apply to them.

An outspoken leader, his tenure in the second highest office of India was marked by regular run-ins with the Opposition and strong comments on the judiciary over the issue of separation of powers.

The resignation announcement came just hours after Dhankhar addressed the Rajya Sabha and raised several serious issues, including the impeachment motion against high court judge Yashwant Varma and an incident involving unclaimed cash found under a seat in the House. ENDS

Vice President Dhankar resigns, citing health reasons 

By
Vibha Sharma
-

Taking the entire country by surprise, Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday officially resigned from his post with immediate effect, citing health reasons and the need to follow medical advice. The resignation, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, was tendered under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution.

In the letter to the President, Dhankhar (74) expressed gratitude for her “unwavering support” and the “soothing, wonderful working relationship” they shared during his tenure. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers, calling their support “invaluable.”

“I have learned much during my time in office,” he said, adding that the warmth and affection shown by Members of Parliament would remain embedded in his memory.

Describing his tenure as a period of insight and privilege, Dhankhar said it had been satisfying to witness and take part in India’s economic progress. “Serving in this transformative era of our nation’s history has been a true honor,” he said.

Stating that he was filled with pride in “Bharat’s global rise.” Dhankar expressed confidence in the country’s future.

Dhankhar assumed office in August 2022, his tenure would have ended in 2027.

As Vice President, Dhankhar also served as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

On Monday, while the Upper House was in session, there was no indication of his impending resignation.

From a left-of-centre Janata Dal activist to a centrist Congressman to right-wing Hindutva supporter, Dhankhar is also the first person holding a top constitutional post to face Opposition no-confidence motion against him. On December 10, the opposition INDIA bloc moved a notice to remove Dhankhar from office. The notice said that Dhankhar had been unfair and partisan in his conduct, and has not acted in accordance with the demands of his constitutional position.

Born on May 18, 1951, in Jhunjhunu district’s Kithana village, Dhankhar has had a long journey, from Rajasthan’s Bar Council to the VPI office. It remains to be seen who will succeed him. Meanwhile, till that happens he is expected to continue serving in the position.

Sources said he is unlikely to attend the Parliament session on Tuesday.

Earlier today, Dhankar drew MPs’ attention to a notice of motion he had received seeking the constitution of a statutory committee for the removal of High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma and explained the procedure for setting up such a committee.

In fact, a PIB release posted at 3.53 PM stated that he would be visiting Rajasthan on July 23 and interact with newly elected committee members of Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (CREDAI) Rajasthan at Jaipur.

Massive drop in enrolment in government schools

By
Vibha Sharma
-

Why parents are preferring private schools over government schools

A steep drop in enrolment in government schools has been noticed across States and UTs in 2024-25. Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha by TMC’ Saugata Roy and Congress’ Kishori Lal on whether a “massive drop in enrolment” has been noticed in Government schools in the country, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan provided a data which indicated the same

According to the data provided by the Education Ministry, enrollment in 2023-24 was 127490199 in comparison to 143240480 in 2021-22 and 136204917 in 2022-23.

The drop in enrolment has been noticed across the board, including in Kerala.

Education, Pradhan explained, is in the concurrent list of the Constitution and majority of schools are under the domain of respective State and UT Governments. He also talked of various Centrally sponsored schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Yojna and financial assistance to the States and UTs for various activities to reduce dropout and increase enrolment in Government schools. Financial assistances provided to States/UTs for the year 2024-25 central release under Samagra Shiksha is Rs 3445820.90 lakhs, Pradhan said

Notably the Education Ministry has already flagged the disturbing trend, students opting for private schools over government-run institutions,  and asked states concerned for remedial action plans.

Reports on a meeting held in April to discuss performance, plan and budget under the PM-POSHAN scheme show that student enrolment dipped in 23 states of which at least eight witnessed declines exceeding 100,000. They include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and West Bengal.  Similar patterns were observed in UTs Delhi, Ladakh, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu

Reasons
There are many reasons for this shift

Education experts say parents are preferring quality over costs, a reason why they are moving children from government institutions to private schools despite heavy fees. The growing popularity of private schools highlights aspirations with families, even from low-income groups, opting for private schools, which they believe offer better English instruction, discipline and prepare a child better for the future.

Officials from the Education Minister call the trend “disturbing,” especially in light of the significant financial investment made in government schools. For example efforts on the PM-POSHAN to provide nutritional support programmes for children in pre-primary to Class 8 in government and government-aided schools. However, enrollment shifts are occurring despite expenditure on schemes like Samagra Shiksha and PM POSHAN, they say. 

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