Author: Neel Achary

Sri C. Anjaneya Reddy Delivers 6th Prof. S. Venugopal Rao Memorial Oration at ASCI

Sri C. Anjaneya Reddy, IPS (Retd) delivers the Prof. S. Venugopal Rao Memorial 6th Oration “Revisiting the Criminal Justice System at Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad

Hyderabad, September 25, 2025: The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad, hosted the Prof. S. Venugopal Rao Memorial 6th Oration today at its Bella Vista Campus, Raj Bhavan Road, Hyderabad. The annual lecture, endowed by the Prof. S. Venugopala Rao Memorial Charitable Trust, featured a keynote address by Sri C. Anjaneya Reddy, IPS (Retd), former Head of AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) and Founder Director of the AP State Police Academy, on the theme “Revisiting the Criminal Justice System.”

The programme opened with a welcome address by Dr. N. Ramesh Kumar, IAS (Retd), Director General, ASCI, followed by the inaugural address from Shri K. Padmanabhaiah, IAS (Retd), Chairman, ASCI.

Key Highlights of the Oration by Shri Anjaneya Reddy

• Sri Anjaneya Reddy emphasized the four pillars of the criminal justice system—the police, prosecutors, judiciary, and correctional administration—pointing out that correctional administration remains the most neglected dimension.
• He traced the historical backdrop of India’s criminal laws, originating in the colonial era, and highlighted the urgency of revising them significantly after independence.
• The oration examined recent reforms in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including modernization of offenses, introduction of community service as punishment, and enhanced use of technology in evidence collection and investigations.
• While commending the progressive changes, he criticized the persistence of outdated colonial features, such as the irrational classification of cognizable and non-cognizable offenses, and noted the lack of authority for investigators to secure witness signatures—resulting in frequent retractions.
• He stressed the importance of victim compensation and witness protection schemes, urging state governments to establish well-funded, practical mechanisms in collaboration with legal services authorities.
• Drawing attention to the backlog of cases, he pointed out that nearly 359 million criminal cases remain pending across Indian courts.
• He underlined that a responsive criminal justice system needs accountability, transparency, and innovations to regain the trust of citizens.

Programme Conclusion

The session concluded with a memento presentation to Sri C. Anjaneya Reddy by Shri Padmanabhaiah, Chairman, ASCI, followed by a vote of thanks from representatives of the Prof. S. Venugopal Rao Memorial Charitable Trust. Participants hailed the oration as a timely reflection on long-overdue reforms in India’s justice system.

Festive season to add up to 2 Lakh jobs; Tier-2 cities surge as Q-Commerce drives gig role growth

INDIA, 25th Sept 2025: India’s festive economy has traditionally been a major driver of consumer spending, and 2025 is marking a structural transformation in how seasonal demand is shaping employment models. The festival season, starting earlier this year, is expected to generate up to 2 lakh jobs across key sectors like retail, e-commerce, logistics, and consumer services.

Hiring during the festive period is up significantly compared to last year. Quick commerce and third-party logistics are leading the surge, supported by investments in supply chain and last-mile delivery. Of the projected new jobs, 70% are expected to be gig roles, while 30% are permanent, suggesting a blended workforce model.

This reflects a broader workforce transformation—not just a seasonal spike.

Several large Q-commerce and e-commerce players are projected to retain 26% of this expanded workforce beyond the festive window.

This marks a shift from prior years, when most gig roles were phased out post-season.

The gig workforce is now seen as a strategic asset in India’s evolving employment landscape.

Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are becoming active growth hubs. Locations like Bhubaneswar, Kochi, Indore, Surat, and Nagpur are expected to see strong increases in hiring.

These cities are emerging as micro-fulfilment hubs for retail and e-commerce.

Last year, Tier 2 cities accounted for nearly half of all gig hiring, and that share is expected to grow in FY26.

Another defining shift is greater gender diversity in the festive workforce. The gig economy—especially in customer service, delivery, grooming, and food—is seeing a notable rise in female participation.

More women are joining gig roles due to flexible hours, digital onboarding, and hyperlocal opportunities.

Hiring is moving toward greater gender parity, especially in urban and semi-urban clusters.

Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services, notes:

“Over 35% of businesses are now rethinking festive hiring as part of their long-term talent strategy.”

Companies are:

• Investing in pre-festive skilling

• Revisiting diversity goals

• Using seasonal demand as a testbed for agile workforce models

“Real growth is shifting to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—where talent is available, costs are lower, and attrition is minimal.”

Looking Ahead: From Seasonal to Sustainable

As this momentum continues, the priority must be:

• Investing in tech-led skilling

• Extending workforce protections to gig roles

• Ensuring seasonal work leads to long-term inclusion

The celebration may be seasonal, but its impact on employment is now year-round.

Industry & Policy Leaders Converge at FICCI’s 15th India Climate Policy & Business Conclave

Hyderabad, 25th September 2025: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), under the aegis of its Centre for Sustainability Leadership, successfully organized the 15th India Climate Policy and Business Conclave focused on climate policy and carbon market space. The conclave was organized in partnership with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India and Ministry of Environment, Japan.

The conclave brought together policymakers, business leaders, experts, and international stakeholders to deliberate on aligning climate policy with India’s net zero and growth priorities.

The Conclave provided a high-level platform to discuss pressing issues such as carbon markets, climate finance clean energy transition, climate technology, and pathways for low-carbon industrial growth. It featured keynote addresses by senior government leaders, panel discussions with global climate experts, and insights from industry captains committed to advancing India’s climate ambitions.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr Rambabu Paravastu, Co-Chair of the FICCI Environment & Climate Change Committee, providing a comprehensive context for the conclave. He began by acknowledging India’s historical leadership in climate action, specifically highlighting the country’s role in the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), where it was a leader in project activation. Dr. Paravastu commended Japan’s leadership in the intervening years between the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement by pioneering the JCM, a mechanism that foresaw and was designed for Article 6. He expressed gratitude for Japan’s persistence, which has now paved the way for India to sign similar bilateral agreements with other countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Sweden. 

He stressed that while India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are ambitious and must be met independently, mechanisms like Article 6 are crucial for bridging the viability gap for high-cost projects, attracting foreign investment and technology. 

Mr. Kohei Kiname, Principal Manager for JCM projects and International Market Mechanism, Global Environmental Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan delivered a theme address and presentation on the Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM). He began by highlighting a key question: whether economic growth and climate action can be pursued simultaneously. He emphasized that climate change presents a significant opportunity for new business and investment and acknowledged JCM is a carbon market tool under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, where Japan collaborates with partner countries on decarbonization projects. These projects involve investment, technology transfer, and capacity building, and generate credits that can be used to achieve each country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

Mr. Meela Jayadev, Co-Chairman of FICCI’s Telangana State Council, praised the state’s leadership in environmental action through pioneering programs in afforestation, renewable energy, and sustainable water management. Mr. Jayadev emphasized on the conclave’s critical role in aligning business innovation with policy frameworks to drive sustainable growth and position India as a climate leader. He concluded by urging participants to engage with open minds and bold ideas to collectively build a resilient and sustainable future for India.

Eminent voices at the Conclave include Mr. Ashok Lavasa, Former Secretary, MoEFCC, delivering the Keynote Address and Shri Navin Mittal, IAS, Principal Secretary – Energy Department, Government of Telangana, presenting the Valedictory Address. The event will feature an impressive roster of industry leaders and experts, including Mr Kazuhisa Koakutsu, the Director of the Paris Agreement Article 6 Implementation Partnership Centre; Mr Umamaheswaran Krishnan, Article 6 & Carbon Pricing Specialist, RCC Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, UNFCCC;  and representatives from Mahindra Group, Aditya Birla Group, Deloitte, Nature Conservancy India, Hindalco, and the International Finance Corporation, among others.

The conclave highlighted:

• India’s roadmap under the Paris Agreement and Net Zero commitments.
• Opportunities in Article 6 mechanisms and international carbon markets.
• Role of finance and investment in accelerating clean energy and climate innovation.
• Business perspectives on climate resilience, sustainable supply chains, and technology adoption.

Beth Ann Lang to Moderate Key Session at Missouri Legislators Retreat

Child Care Aware of Missouri’s Deputy CEO selected to guide discussion on the long-term benefits of early learning investments.

(St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 25, 2025) Beth Ann Lang, Deputy CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO), has been selected to serve as moderator for “The Economics of Early Learning” at the 2025 Missouri Legislators Retreat conducted by The Hunt Institute. Lang’s session will focus on the economic impact of investing in early learning, including the potential effects on future societal costs and the long-term benefits for individuals and the state.

The retreat will be held October 14-15 in Columbia, Missouri and is hosted by co-chairs Senator Brian Williams, Representative Brad Christ, and Representative Kathy Steinhoff. The two-day event includes members of the Missouri General Assembly from both sides of the aisle, offering them the opportunity to explore carefully researched education policy issues outside of the constraints of the legislative process.

Established in 2001, The Hunt Institute honors the legacy of James B. Hunt, Jr., former governor of North Carolina and a lifelong champion of education. The nonprofit institute brings together people and resources to inspire and inform elected officials and policymakers about key issues in education, resulting in visionary leaders who are prepared to take strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success.

“Beth Ann’s selection as moderator for such an important conversation is a reflection of her expertise and commitment to advancing early learning infrastructure in Missouri,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of CCAMO. “We are incredibly proud of her leadership and her ability to represent our state in discussions that will shape the future of education, as well as opportunities, for children, families, child care providers, and employers across Missouri.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

FTCCI and IGnITE Host Industry, ITI Meet to Strengthen Skill Ecosystem

Hyderabad, September 25, 2025: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in collaboration with the Indo-German Initiative for Technical Education (IGnITE), hosted an Industry–ITI Meet at Surana Auditorium on Wednesday to foster stronger partnerships between industries and government ITIs.

The event brought together over 20 industries and ITIs to enhance industry-driven skill development and promote workforce readiness.

The meet was graced by Shri Krishna Kumar Maheshwari, Sr. Vice President, FTCCI; Shri Raja Mahender Reddy, President, FETSIA; Shri Digvijay Rajput, Director, Centum Foundation, and Shri Hameed Khan, Assistant. Director, DET. Principals from Government ITIs at Sanathnagar, Patancheru, Vikarabad, Mallepally, and VN Colony also participated.

Shri Hameed Khan Applauded IGnITE’s Role in ITI Transformation. He emphasised the transformation of ITIs through IGnITE, calling it a key driver in strengthening the ITI–industry ecosystem. He shared that over 1,134 trainees have benefitted from On-the-Job Training (OJT) under the German Dual VET model through IGnITE.

He reaffirmed the Department of Employment and Training’s (DET) commitment to expanding the program across all 63 Government ITIs in Telangana, under the guidance of Principal Secretary Shri Dana Kishore. He also urged industries to support curriculum development, OJT, and trainee exchanges. Referring to a recent safety-related incident at Sigachi, he underlined the urgent need for safety kits and insurance coverage for trainees.

Shri Krishna Kumar Maheshwari stressed the importance of aligning the ITI curriculum with industry skill needs, soft skills, and workplace readiness, reaffirming the value of the German Dual VET model.

Shri Digvijay Rajput highlighted the structured nature of IGnITE, calling for greater industry participation and mandatory PPE kits and insurance for ITI trainees during OJT.

Shri Raja Mahender Reddy, President of FETSIA, hailed IGnITE as a vital initiative for industry exposure of ITI students and reiterated FETSIA’s commitment to strengthening industry–institution collaboration to build a future-ready workforce.