Mumbai, Aug 31: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said that denotified and nomadic communities do not need sympathy but their constitutional rights, dignity and justice.

He asserted that the state government is committed to ensuring these communities lead a stable, worry‑free life. He announced that a nationwide movement will be launched by uniting 52 nomadic and denotified tribes.

Speaking at the Shiv Sena Nomadic and Denotified Tribes (DNT) Rights, Justice, and Development Convention 2026, DCM Shinde recalled the historic background of the observance, pointing out that the British regime had unjustly branded these working‑class communities as “born criminals” under the Criminal Tribes Act.

“On August 31, 1952, the community was finally freed from this stigma. Hence, this day marks a historic milestone of freedom, self‑respect and struggle,” he said, adding that the demand was not for favour but for fundamental rights and dignity.

Acknowledging persistent administrative challenges faced by the community regarding basic documentation, such as caste certificates, voter IDs, ration cards and official identity proofs, as well as access to housing, healthcare, education and employment, Shinde pledged the government’s full support to resolve these issues.

He emphasised that the identity of denotified tribes must evolve beyond struggle into fields of education, entrepreneurship, leadership and overall progress, expressing his vision to see youth from these backgrounds become doctors, lawyers, engineers and business leaders.

Highlighting key government initiatives tailored for the youth, Shinde mentioned free competitive exam coaching, educational scholarships, health insurance, financial assistance for self‑employment, skill development programmes and startup support.

He further committed to enhancing the capacity and schemes under the Vasantrao Naik Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes Development Corporation.

To celebrate and preserve the traditional art, handicrafts and cultural heritage of nomadic tribes, Shinde announced that the state will host a large‑scale cultural conclave to provide artists with a prominent platform and financial encouragement. He also lauded the community’s historical contributions to the rural economy.

Invoking B.R. Ambedkar’s message, “Educate, Agitate, Organise”, Shinde urged the 52 communities to maintain unified strength.

“Individual fingers point in different directions, but when clenched into a fist, they create formidable strength,” he said.

Encouraging the youth to become “change‑makers,” Shinde stressed that the goal of the convention was not merely a show of strength but to bring about tangible transformation on the ground.

Reaffirming the continuation of welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, he assured that the development of farmers, workers and underprivileged sections remains the government’s utmost priority.

“Eknath Shinde stands by his word,” he concluded, assuring the gathering of his unwavering support in their battle for rights, respect and advancement.

Gandhinagar, Aug 31: Gujarat has extended its ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine for another year, with the renewed prohibition coming into effect from September 13, 2026, and remaining in force until September 12, 2027.

The Commissioner of Food Safety issued the notification on August 31, citing public health concerns and representations received from various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

The ban has been enforced in Gujarat since 2012 and will continue to cover such products irrespective of the name under which they are marketed.

The order also covers ingredients that are sold separately but are intended to be mixed together to prepare gutkha or pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine as the final product.

Authorities have warned that strict legal action will be taken against those found violating the prohibition.

According to the notification, research conducted by Tata Memorial Hospital, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and ‘HAMER’ has indicated that consumption of gutkha and pan masala is carcinogenic and substantially increases the risk of oral cancer.

The notification also refers to findings from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), according to which 35 per cent of adults in India consume tobacco, while 21 per cent were found to use smokeless tobacco.

The state government said the decision to extend the prohibition was taken in view of the need to protect citizens’ health and following representations from NGOs.

The renewed order will, therefore, continue the restrictions that Gujarat has maintained for more than a decade.

The ban specifically targets gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine, as well as separately sold components intended to circumvent the prohibition by being combined later.

Enforcement agencies have been directed to take action against manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of products covered by the notification.

The extension means the existing prohibition will remain in effect without a break, from September 13 this year through September 12, 2027.

Patna, Aug 31: A Dial 112 emergency vehicle driver was accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and hitting a cyclist and a motorcycle in Muzaffarpur’s Ramdayalu area on Monday.

The incident, which falls under the jurisdiction of Sadar Police Station, triggered anger among local residents.

Police subsequently took the driver, identified as Santosh Kumar, into custody.

According to police, the detained driver underwent a medical examination, which confirmed alcohol consumption.

Further legal action is being taken in the matter. Meanwhile, the injured cyclist has submitted an application at Sadar Police Station seeking registration of an FIR.

According to preliminary information, Santosh Kumar was driving the Dial 112 vehicle through the Ramdayalu area when it allegedly first struck a cyclist.

The cyclist, Shatrughan Rai, a resident of Baramatpur under the Sadar police station area, sustained serious injuries, including injuries to both legs. The vehicle subsequently collided with a motorcycle.

The motorcyclist, identified as Manish Kumar of Chak Chameli village under the Hajipur Sadar police station area of Vaishali district, escaped with minor injuries, but his motorcycle was badly damaged.

The incident led to a gathering of local residents, who raised an alarm and confronted the driver over allegations of drunk driving.

Locals informed the police, following which a Sadar Police team reached the spot and took Santosh Kumar into custody. Manish Kumar said he was travelling from his home in Hajipur to Muzaffarpur when he witnessed the Dial 112 vehicle hit the cyclist.

He said the emergency vehicle then struck his motorcycle with considerable force, causing extensive damage. Manish further alleged that when he and others confronted the driver following the accident, the driver used abusive language.

The situation was subsequently brought under control after police reached the spot and took the driver to the police station.

Muzaffarpur SSP Kantesh Kumar Mishra said the incident had come to the police’s notice and that the accused driver was being questioned.

He said further action would be taken in accordance with the law after completion of the investigation and that steps would be taken to seek judicial custody of the accused.