Farmer Registration Scheme Gets Strong Response; Farmers Attend in Groups, Ministry Expresses Hope The Kerala government's agricultural registration scheme has received a robust response from farmers, with large groups participating in workshops and registration drives. The initiative, aimed at providing subsidies and technical support, has been well-received, with farmers expressing optimism about its potential to boost productivity. The scheme, launched by the Department of Agriculture, involves farmers registering their land to access government subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, and soil testing. Over 10,000 farmers have already registered, with many attending workshops to learn about the process. Officials noted that the high turnout reflects farmers' eagerness to adopt modern agricultural practices and benefit from government support. A key component of the program is soil testing, which helps farmers determine the optimal fertilizer mix for their crops. Under the scheme, farmers can submit soil samples to government labs, where results are provided within a month. Based on these findings, farmers receive tailored recommendations for fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring efficient resource use and higher yields. The government has also introduced subsidies for essential inputs. Farmers who use subsidized fertilizers and seeds can claim rebates, with the cost of fertilizers reduced by up to 30% under the scheme. Additionally, the program includes a subsidy for purchasing quality seeds and planting materials, which are critical for improving crop output. Officials emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize agriculture in Kerala.#kerala_government #palakkad #ngo #department_of_agriculture #cooperatives
NGO abuse: CCTV clips of year to be scrutinised Police in Nagpur have announced plans to recover and analyze CCTV footage spanning a year from the office of Riyaz Fazil Qazi, the president of an NGO accused of sexual harassment, religious coercion, and defamation. The investigation, which includes a recent search of the premises, aims to gather evidence to corroborate allegations against Qazi and his sister organizations, which provide education to underprivileged children. The footage, covering July 2025 onwards, is expected to play a critical role in establishing a behavioral pattern linked to the accusations. Qazi, 48, was arrested late Saturday and remains in police custody until April 23. At least four women employees, including the 23-year-old HR and administration head, have accused him of summoning them to his cabin, disabling CCTV cameras, and making physical advances. The complainants also allege that Qazi coerced female staff to adopt Islamic practices such as offering namaz and observing roza, threatening them with adverse consequences if they refused. A survivor and her sister told police they resigned due to the hostile work environment and accused Qazi of operating a fake Instagram account to stalk and defame women staff. Senior police officials emphasized that the one-year CCTV footage, along with call records, digital evidence, and witness statements collected during the raid, will be vital in compiling a comprehensive case. Investigators face challenges in counseling survivors, many of whom are traumatized and hesitant to provide detailed accounts. To address this, police have deployed female officers to build trust and ensure confidentiality. The NGO, which claims to work for underprivileged children, has been operational for nearly 16 years.#nagpur #cctv #riyaz_fazil_qazi #ngo #maharashtra_anti_terrorism_squad
An NGO in Nagpur Faces Allegations of Sexual Abuse, Cyberstalking, and Religious Coercion A prominent NGO in northwest Nagpur is under intense scrutiny after its president, Riyaz Fazil Qazi, was arrested on allegations of sexual abuse, religious coercion, defamation, and cyberstalking. The police arrested Qazi following an FIR filed by a 23-year-old woman who worked as the administration and HR head at the organization since September 2023. The complaint, registered at Mankapur police station on Saturday night, alleges that Qazi subjected her to repeated harassment, including unconsented physical contact and attempts to monitor her movements through a fake Instagram account. The case has triggered a broader investigation by intelligence agencies, including the state Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), which is examining the NGO’s financial records, background, and potential ties beyond its stated social welfare activities. The FIR details multiple incidents of workplace harassment. According to the complainant, Qazi allegedly hugged and kissed her without consent during a birthday celebration at the office on July 18, 2024. She claimed she did not object at the time due to fears of losing her job. The complaint also mentions repeated attempts to embrace her, including an incident where he reportedly disabled the CCTV camera before trying to touch her. The woman further alleged that Qazi gathered personal information about her through colleagues and used a fake Instagram account to track the movements of female staff and volunteers. The allegations extend to religious coercion. The complainant’s elder sister, who joined the NGO as an assistant project manager in November 2025, is said to have been pressured to follow specific religious practices during field visits.#nagpur #mankapur_police_station #riyaz_fazil_qazi #ngo #anti_terrorist_squad
'Hugged, kissed HR head': Nagpur NGO chief accused of sex abuse, religious coercion of several young women An NGO in Nagpur has come under scrutiny after a woman working as its administration and HR head filed a complaint against its president, Riyaz Fazil Qazi, for alleged sexual abuse, religious coercion, defamation, and cyberstalking. The case, which was registered at Mankapur police station on Saturday, led to Qazi’s immediate arrest. Police invoked multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including provisions related to assault, defamation, and cyberstalking, as part of the investigation. The complainant, a 23-year-old woman employed at the NGO since September 2023, alleged that Qazi harassed her on her birthday in July 2024. According to the FIR, after office celebrations around 1pm, Qazi allegedly called her to his cabin, hugged her against her will, and kissed her forehead, remarking, “I don’t want to leave you today.” She claimed she could not protest due to fear of losing her job. The survivor further stated that Qazi made repeated attempts to embrace her, including an incident where he allegedly disabled the CCTV camera before trying to hug her. She also accused him of touching her when she was alone and gathering information about her from others. Qazi is further alleged to have created a fake Instagram account combining parts of his and her names to monitor the movements of female staff and volunteers. The complainant’s elder sister, who joined the NGO as an assistant project manager in November 2025, was coerced into reciting prayers of a specific religion for safe travel during field visits, wearing full-body clothing, and offering prayers. The sister reportedly quit within two months after being subjected to these demands.#nagpur #mankapur_police_station #bharatiya_nyaya_sanhita #riyaz_fazil_qazi #ngo
