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The Hindu
19 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Chennai Corporation ropes in farm-hands for cleaning the city as workers continue protest
Chennai Corporation has roped in additional workers for launching a mass cleaning drive in Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zones owing to the protest by workers. Many farm hands from areas such as Vandavasi have started cleaning the streets. 'We have deployed 1000 additional workers to strengthen the mass cleaning drive. More workers will start cleaning the streets shortly,' said an official. GCC has started a mass cleaning drive in various streets where garbage has accumulated owing to the protests. Chennai Corporation officials said more workers from the city will be deployed to clean the streets. However, the protesting workers alleged that the private contractor of the GCC has roped in farm hands from areas such as Vandavasi to clean the streets as the protest is under way. 'Over 100 farm hands from Vandavasi have started visiting the city to clean the streets every day in the morning, and returning home after 2 p.m. They get Rs.700 as wages per day. They used to get Rs.250 per day in their village for agricultural labour,' said the worker. Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam founder visited the workers and expressed solidarity with them. Chennai Corporation in a press release on Tuesday urged the workers to resume work, pointing to the benefits and job security under the new private company. The workers who join the company will be eligible for PF, ESI, bonus, festival advance, financial assistance for marriage and education and insurance cover. The workers will get a financial assistance of Rs. 20000 for marriage, education advance of Rs.12000 and other financial assistance. The workers are eligible for 12 days casual leave, 12 days earned leave, double wages for national holidays. The workers will get safety gear and assistance under the welfare board. GCC will ensure 100% job security and welfare for all the workers who join the private company, the release said.
Economic Times
23 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Railways' earnings showed 25.51-pc increase in 2022-23 over previous financial year: CAG
The Indian Railways earned Rs 2,39,982.56 crore from passenger and freight operations in the financial year 2022-23, reflecting a 25.51-per cent rise over the previous year, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) said in its report tabled in both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday."This report provides an analytical review of the finances and accounts of the Indian Railways (IR) and is based on the audited accounts for the year ended March 2023," a press note from the CAG said. According to the report, in 2022-23, the total expenditure of the Ministry of Railways (MoR) was Rs 4,41,642.66 crore, which was 11.34 per cent more than 2021-22. The report said this total expenditure comprised Rs 2,03,983.08 crore (7.21 per cent more than the previous year) of capital expenditure and Rs 2,37,659.58 crore (15.15 per cent more than the previous year) of revenue expenditure. The ministry incurred around 72.22 per cent of the total working expenses on staff cost, pension payments and lease-hire charges on rolling stock, the press note said. Highlighting the Gross Traffic receipts (total earnings from passenger and freight services), the CAG said in 2022-23, it was Rs 2,39,982.56, reflecting a 25.51-per cent increase over the previous year (2021-22)."The increase in total receipts was mainly on account of an increase in passenger earnings, other coaching earnings and freight earnings. Transportation of coal constituted 50.42 per cent of freight earnings," the report said."There was a net surplus of Rs 2,517.38 crore in 2022-23 as compared to a net deficit of Rs 15,024.58 crore during the previous year. The Operating Ratio (OR) was 98.1 per cent in 2022-23 against 107.39 per cent in 2021-22. Indian Railways generated a net surplus during 2022-23 as compared to a net deficit in 2021-22," it CAG has observed that though there was a decrease in the loss on operation of passenger and other coaching services as compared to the previous year, the loss of Rs 5,257.07 crore in passenger operations was left uncovered during 2022-23."The profit from freight traffic was utilised to cross-subsidise the loss on operation of passenger and other coaching services," it said."Unsanctioned expenditure of Rs 6,483.71 crore, involving 1,932 cases, was incurred by MoR, which was 1.05 per cent of total expenditure during the year 2022-23," it about the financial performance of the public sector enterprises of the Indian Railways, the report said the investment of equity and loans in Railway Public Sector Enterprises as on March 2023 was Rs 5,38,869.02 crore, which comprised a paid-up capital of Rs 61,351.33 crore and long-term loans of Rs 4,77,517.69 crore."The Government of India contributed Rs 49,027.29 crore (79.91 per cent) in the paid-up share capital of Railway Public Sector Enterprises. The remaining paid-up share capital of Rs 12,324.04 crore was contributed by financial institutions (5.05 per cent), central government companies (5.03 per cent) and state government/state government companies (10.01 per cent)," the press note said."The net profit of the Railway Public Sector Enterprises had shown an increasing trend and had increased from Rs 6,146.29 crore in 2018-19 to Rs 12,056.61 crore in 2022-23," it audit found that of the total 45 Railway Public Sector Enterprises, 33 earned a profit (of Rs 12,145.97 crore) during 2022-23, which included 12 railway companies, 10 subsidiaries, five joint ventures (JVs) and six special purpose vehicles (SPVs)."Out of 33 profit-earning Railway Public Sector Enterprises, only seven Railway Public Sector Enterprises (six railway companies, one subsidiary) had declared a dividend as stipulated in DIPAM instructions of May 2016, which provided that every CPSE would pay a minimum dividend of 30 per cent of profit after tax or 5 per cent of net worth, whichever is higher," the press note CAG also reviewed budgetary and accounting controls in the accounts department of the North Western Railway, South East Central Railway and South Western Railway, and said the electrical department of construction organisation of the NWR raised a demand for Rs 5 crore for the Revised Estimates of 2022-23 against the Ratlam-Dungarpur via Banswara New Line Project frozen in September 2019 -- the demand that was cleared by the accounts department of the NWR as well as the Railway Board and funds were allotted to a frozen project."Up to March 2023, North Western Railway (NWR) and South Western Railway (SWR) incurred expenditure of Rs 3,142.49 crore against four works completed but not closed. The expenditure exceeded the revised sanctioned estimate by Rs 743.7 crore (31 per cent)," the press note said. "In NWR, the productivity tests of seven projects completed during the period 2011-12 to 2016-17, which were due between 2020-21 and 2022-23, had not been conducted as on date of audit (July 2023). Thus, the achievement against anticipated earnings/savings in working expenses when the proposals for the projects were embarked upon, could not be assessed," it added.
India Today
29 minutes ago
- India Today
10 budget cars under Rs 10 lakh in India
10 budget cars under Rs 10 lakh in India The Dzire combines fuel efficiency with a spacious cabin. It offers a peppy 1.2L petrol engine, smooth AMT or manual gearbox options, and Maruti's proven reliability. Price starts at Rs 6.84 lakh (ex-showroom). Maruti Suzuki Dzire The Fronx is a stylish crossover based on the Baleno, bringing SUV-inspired looks, a premium interior, and turbo-petrol performance at an affordable price point. Range starts at Rs 7.59 lakh (ex-showroom). Maruti Suzuki Fronx If you need a budget-friendly 7-seater, the Ertiga is hard to beat. It offers practicality, CNG options, and a comfortable ride. Price starts at Rs 9.12 lakh (ex-showroom). Maruti Suzuki Ertiga The Venue blends modern styling, a feature-rich cabin, and multiple engine options. Even its base and mid trims pack plenty of equipment for city and highway use. Price starts at Rs 7.94 lakh (ex-showroom). Hyundai Venue Hyundai's micro SUV is loaded with features like a sunroof and advanced safety tech, making it one of the most value-packed small SUVs in the market. Range starts at Rs 6.21 lakh (ex-showroom). Hyundai Exter A practical hatchback with premium touches, the Grand i10 Nios is known for its smooth ride, refined engines, and Hyundai's feature-rich approach. Price starts at Rs 5.98 lakh (ex-showroom). Hyundai Grand i10 Nios The Punch stands out with its SUV-like stance, high ground clearance, and 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, making it a strong choice for urban and semi-urban driving. Range starts at Rs 6.20 lakh (ex-showroom). Tata Punch India's best-selling SUV also has lower variants priced under Rs 10 lakh, offering robust build quality, turbo-petrol/diesel options, and strong safety credentials. Range starts at Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom). Tata Nexon Kia's newest compact SUV enters the budget segment with sharp styling, connected tech, and multiple powertrain choices, offering a premium feel without a premium price. Price starts at Rs 9.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Kia Syros The latest evolution of the XUV300, the 3XO offers a striking design, advanced safety features, and multiple powertrain choices. Price starts at Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Mahindra XUV 3XO
