Centre defends ‘selfie points’ for promotion of its schemes
The Hindu
Centre defends decision to install "selfie points" to familiarise public with government schemes and policies; HC to hear case on Jan 30.
The Centre on January 5 defended before the Delhi High Court its decision to install “selfie points” in public places for promotion of its defence policy initiatives, saying it helps familiarise the public about government schemes and policies.
“We are familiarising public with the government’s schemes and policies. Engagement in selfie system is a gift of technology and let’s make use of it. The physical construct of selfie points enables people to engage effectively, thereby having a greater impact,” Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma told the court.
The Centre made the submissions before the court which was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition against the use of public servants and defence personnel for promotion of government schemes and policies.
The petitioners, former bureaucrat E.A.S. Sarma and former IIM Ahmedabad Dean, Jagdeep S Chhokar, in their plea challenged communications issued by the Controller General of Defence Accounts on October 9, 2023 and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on October 17, 2023 to publicise the government’s development activities.
The Controller General of Defence Accounts had asked various departments such as the DRDO, Sainik School, NCC to develop ‘selfie-points’ at prominent locations on the themes of their achievements.
The DoPT, in its communication, had decided to deploy public servants as special officers for showcasing the achievements of the last nine years of the Government of India in “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” to be organised across the country from November 20, 2023 to January 25, 2024.
ASG Mr. Sharma told the court the “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” was aimed at ensuring “last-mile” outreach of all government welfare schemes.
‘Dilruba’ movie review: Dilruba, a romance-action drama with a promising premise, struggles with cliches, subplots, and lack of focus
In pictures | India celebrates Holi
Here are key figures from the Tamil Nadu 2025-26 budget
In 2009, Sathya of Bhadravathi and Srinivas of Hennur in Bengaluru challenged the list of office-bearers before the registrar of co-operative societies. As the registrar felt that the matter could be resolved in court, Gurumurthy moved the court in 2012.
With Bengaluru’s population expected to reach 18 million this year, builders are making the most of the state government’s revised permissible floor area ratio that allows them to construct additional floors
Explore the history and present of Bengaluru's Majestic area, set for redevelopment under Project Majestic in 2025.
Sanjay Raut criticizes BJP, claims farmers' suicides in Maharashtra are due to government, not Aurangzeb, sparking political controversy.
Chennai will get its sixth reservoir along East Coast Road (ECR) and Rajiv Gandhi Salai in Chengalpattu district with a capacity to store nearly 1.7 thousand million cubic feet to cater to the city growing needs.
Karnataka establishes dog squads to combat narcotics in prisons due to increased cases of drug use.
Puducherry Congress chief criticizes AINRC-BJP government for issuing new liquor permits, advocates government control of manufacturing and distribution network.
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister presents MTFP with borrowing and repayment plans, highlighting state's economic growth and investments.
Former higher education minister C. N. Ashwath Narayana, who wanted to initiate a debate on the government’s move on closure of universities, and said closure of universities would lead to denial of opportunities for students to undertake higher studies.
Watch ‘Mayabazar’, ‘Aditya 369’, ‘Kshana Kshanam’ and other Telugu films at Red Lorry Film Festival in Hyderabad