Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar directs effective implementation of ‘Manhole to Machinehole' scheme
Under the scheme, drains, sewer lines, and septic tanks will be cleaned using mechanised equipment. The scheme includes procurement of cleaning machinery, modern vehicles, and emergency response sanitation units.
Ajit Pawar, who chaired the meeting to discuss the issues concerning sanitation workers, said the scheme is being implemented by the urban development department with an approved funding of Rs 504 crore.
He said that an additional 100 crore was sanctioned in the Monsoon Session of 2024–25 and disbursed to the department by March 31, 2025.
Procurement of robotic units, cleaning equipment, and emergency vehicles has also begun. He directed that maintenance of these vehicles for three years and training of sanitation workers for operating them must be ensured by the respective agency.
The meeting on Wednesday came days after Ajit Pawar had told the state assembly during the monsoon session that the government will implement a time bound programme to completely stop the manual scavenging and cleaning drains and severe lines across Maharashtra by replacing it by machines.
He had also assured the House that the government will make available necessary funds.
'Under the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Shram Safalya Awas Yojana, dwelling units are provided free of cost and on ownership basis to the eligible heirs of conservancy workers post their retirement or in the event of death while in service. At present, the benefit is extended only to sanitation workers who have completed 25 years or more of service,' said Ajit Pawar.
He directed the Urban Development Department to prepare a proposal to reduce this service requirement from 25 years to 20 years and present it before the Cabinet.
"The state government resolution issued based on the recommendations of the Lad-Page Committee must be implemented by all municipal corporations and councils at the earliest. Failure to comply will attract strict action," he warned.
He further instructed that every municipal corporation and council must submit a detailed report to the Urban Development Department regarding the number of sanitation workers currently employed in their jurisdiction.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
15 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Opposition ups ante on SIR, government says will be forced to push bills
NEW DELHI: As the stalemate over Bihar SIR continues to paralyse Parliament proceedings, the government on Monday said that it will be forced to press for the passage of crucial bills if the Opposition parties don't budge from their adamant position. The Speaker cited the precedent of former speaker Balram Jakhar, who turned down a demand for a discussion in the House on the Election Commission's functioning, given that the poll panel is conceived as an independent entity. Despite the opposition suggesting that if the government is unwilling to discuss SIR, discussions can be had on electoral reforms, voter deletion etc, the government refused to concede to the demand. Later, speaking to reporters, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju insisted that the government wants a thorough discussion in Parliament over its bills but will be compelled to push for their passage from Tuesday in 'national interest' as the proposed legislations are important for governance. Hitting out at the opposition parties, he said that they had agreed to a two-day discussion over the National Sports Governance Bill and National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, both of which were scheduled to be taken up together for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Monday, but they disrupted proceedings. The minister, however, made it clear that a debate on SIR cannot take place in Parliament as the exercise is part of the Election Commission's administrative action and functioning. Parliament can discuss electoral reforms but not the EC's functioning, he said, adding that the poll watchdog has carried out SIR earlier as well. Speaking to this paper, Congress chief whip Manickam Tagore said that the government has shut doors for the opposition on the issue. He asserted that the Law Minister and Parliamentary Affairs Minister must answer why the government is blocking discussion on SIR, an issue directly linked to millions of Indian citizens' right to pointed out that Parliament has always exercised oversight on Constitutional Bodies. He said that Parliament has debated issues such as electoral bonds, voter ID–Aadhaar Linking, appointment of Election Commissioners, Model Code of Conduct, role of CAG after the 2G report, Conduct of UPSC exams and Reports of NHRC, but no Speaker stopped that.
Hans India
15 minutes ago
- Hans India
Venkatesh Naidu in spotlight as cash bundle videos go viral
Tirupati: Cherukuru Venkatesh Naidu, already known to the public as a key figure in the ongoing liquor scam probe, is once again in the spotlight after fresh videos and photographs surfaced on Sunday, revealing details of his luxurious lifestyle. Venkatesh, named as Accused No 34 (A-34) in the case, was earlier seen in a now-viral video counting currency bundles reportedly worth Rs 35 crore, suspected to be part of the liquor scam proceeds. The cash was seen stacked in large bundles, including Rs 2,000 denomination notes, and was discovered during the Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry. In the latest development, visuals have emerged showing Venkatesh Naidu travelling in a private jet, mingling with film actors, and moving around in high-end cars. One video shows him arriving at an airport in a luxury vehicle and walking straight onto the runway to board a private aircraft. Upon landing, he was seen getting into a car fitted with a red beacon, which is typically reserved for VIP protocol, hinting at the level of influence and access he enjoyed. The videos have since gone viral on social media, with the public reacting sharply, asking, 'Is this how they enjoyed the liquor money looted from the people?' Earlier, SIT had uncovered a video during the investigation showing Naidu managing a cash stash at a safe house, allegedly acting as the in-charge of the location where the scam money was stored. In the video, he was seen counting the bundles and preparing them for distribution. The latest leak of his videos and photos further illustrates the extravagant lifestyle funded through alleged illegal proceeds. Surprisingly, it was learnt that the video was found in Venkatesh's mobile phone itself. SIT sources confirmed that Venkatesh Naidu is a close aide of YSRCP senior leader and former Chandragiri MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy. The two are believed to share an inseparable political association. During the 2024 general elections, Chevireddy contested from the Ongole Lok Sabha constituency as YSRCP candidate, and Venkatesh Naidu filed a nomination as an independent from the same seat. Though his nomination was later rejected it was widely felt that he filed it as a dummy for Chevireddy. SIT has noted that Chevireddy remained in constant contact with Naidu throughout the process and was actively involved in directing the movement and delivery of scam-related funds. Investigators have concluded that Naidu played a crucial role in ensuring that the money was transported and handed over as per Chevireddy's instructions. Venkatesh was said to have born in Nandyal and educated in Hyderabad, while his background has drawn renewed attention. Despite his apparent access to vast sums of money, Naidu in his 2024 election affidavit declared an annual income of only Rs 4.95 lakh for the financial year 2022–23. He reported assets worth Rs 10.70 lakh, including bank balances and cash, and claimed he owned no immovable property. The sharp contrast between his declared financial status and the opulence seen in the videos has sparked widespread outrage online. The revelations have intensified public scrutiny of the liquor scam and its political connections, as well as raised further questions about how such levels of luxury and access were possible for someone with officially modest means. The SIT continues to examine the deeper network behind the scandal.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Centre keen on building Amaravati: Madhav
Narasaraopet: BJP state president PVN Madhav said the Central government is extending all kinds of support and cooperation for the development of state capital Amaravati. Addressing the media here on Monday, he said highway construction works are progressing in every district of the state. Approximately 4,400 kilometres of highways have already been completed. He said 27 highway roads worth Rs 5,600 crore have been inaugurated. He reminded that an amount of Rs 3,000 crore has been sanctioned by the Central government for the Outer Ring Road related works. He further said that the Central government has extended support to Narasaraopet in various ways and added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP needs to be strengthened in the Narasaraopet constituency. He said Narasaraopet is a key agricultural region in Andhra Pradesh. He said efforts are being made to strengthen the right canal of Nagarjuna Sagar, which will help increase the flow of water significantly. He said on the occasion of Independence Day, Tiranga rallies will be organised in every constituency and every house will be encouraged to hoist the national flag. Earlier, he consoled the workers who were injured in a quarry accident at Ballikurava and undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Narasaraopet. He expressed confidence that the coalition government will extend the support and cooperation to the families of six workers who died and also to those who were injured in the accident.
