logo
Soon, a J'khand Bhavan in Puri

Soon, a J'khand Bhavan in Puri

Time of India12-05-2025

Ranchi: Jharkhand govt will build a
guest house in Puri
in Odisha to extend accommodation facilities for visitors from the state. The new facility will come up over a 35-decimal plot at Balukhand, near Konark Wildlife Sanctuary and eight kilometres from Jagannath Temple, officials here said.The state Building Construction Department (BCD) has floated an e-tender to appoint a consultancy firm for the preparing a detailed project report (DPR) and project management consultancy (PMC) firm for the project.
A BCD notice states that bids can submitted online until May 26.A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for May 19, where consultancy firms will present their concept proposals and architectural drawings. "We are expecting reputed firms to showcase their designs and execution plans. One firm will be selected based on their presentation and technical expertise," said Manoj Kumar, executive engineer of the BCD.Kumar said the firm will be required to prepare the DRP within a month as the department aims to begin construction later this year. "Once the DPR is ready, construction will start without delay," he said.However, it has not yet been decided whether the upcoming guesthouse will be reserved for govt dignitaries only or made accessible to the public. "That decision is still under discussion and will be taken at a later stage," Kumar said.Apart from this upcoming project, Jharkhand already has two guesthouses in New Delhi. The one at Vasant Vihar, built nearly a decade ago, is expected to be opened to the public soon. Chief minister Hemant Soren inaugurated a swanky new Jharkhand Bhawan in New Delhi's Bangla Sahib Road in September last year. That apart, plans are afoot to set up another Jharkhand Bhawan in Mumbai.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Mumbai: Dharavi slum redevelopment plan get CM Devendra Fadnavis' approval; check salient features
Mumbai: Dharavi slum redevelopment plan get CM Devendra Fadnavis' approval; check salient features

India Gazette

time37 minutes ago

  • India Gazette

Mumbai: Dharavi slum redevelopment plan get CM Devendra Fadnavis' approval; check salient features

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 30 (ANI): The ambitious Dharavi Redevelopment Project, a unique slum rehabilitation project that aims to provide housing for all, received approval from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis this Wednesday. The proposed master plan is an attempt to build on the existing characteristics of Dharavi and create a world-class district for Dharavikars and reimagine a new heart for Mumbai. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is a unique opportunity to transform the lives and 'live-work' conditions of Dharavikars aiming for a higher quality of life with great infrastructure and public amenities. As per the Dharavi Master Plan, it is being built on the foundation of three guiding principles: driving economic change through redevelopment, building resilient ecology and infrastructure, and fostering an equitable Dharavi. It will have an interconnected network of green and public spaces, ranging from large city parks to smaller community playgrounds, ensuring every resident can access vibrant, walkable open areas. This network shall strengthen ecological resilience and enhance Dharavi's quality of life every day. A large active public open space is being planned in the centre of Dharavi, which will not only serve the recreation needs of the residents but also of Mumbai city at large. This space will be a place where Dharavi and Mumbai residents can come together for celebrations and festivals. Dharavi shall be transformed into a highly transit-oriented development with seamless multi-modal connectivity, including a new metro corridor through its core. Bus feeder systems, dedicated infrastructure for non-motorised transport, and a fine-grain street network shall enhance last-mile connectivity and promote walkability across all neighbourhoods. At the heart of Dharavi, a Multi-Modal Transit Hub (MMTH) is planned around the fact that it would have the first-ever facility where inter-city, intra-city, suburban, metro, high-speed, and Airport express trains could be accessed, as well as city buses and other city transport, all at one location. This integrated hub shall connect Metro, rail, buses, feeder services, and non-motorised transport infrastructure, enabling efficient transfers across all modes in north-south-east-west directions. Those in transit can come to Dharavi, check in their bags, for flights later in the day, either from Mumbai or Navi Mumbai, and spend the day at various facilities at the MMTH. The MMTH, through underground elevators, escalators, and subways, shall provide 24x7 retail facilities, restaurants, cafes, and shopping, office and Hotel spaces, and Connectivity to Central Avenue. The Dharavi project will also have accessible social amenities. A clear hierarchy of social infrastructure shall be embedded within walkable neighbourhood nodes, ensuring every resident is within easy reach of schools, healthcare, and community facilities. These nodes shall also include open spaces and transit access, fulfilling the city's diverse needs. Residents can reach their nearest amenities within 5 to 15 minutes on foot. A state-of-the-art hospital network will be set up in Dharavi and other MMR locations along with polyclinics, first-aid centres and diagnostic facilities across Dharavi. This will eventually bolster the medical infrastructure in central Mumbai. The proposed waterfront development and Dharavi promenade - a linear open space is planned to make the river's edge accessible. The promenade shall be a place for people to come and enjoy the walks along the Mithi River and engage visually with the mangrove forest to the north. It will serve as a hangout space for young and old alike and encouraging people to come together, interact and socialise. This will potentially be the longest waterfront in the city after the Queen's Necklace (Marine Drive). The proposed road network includes widening of existing Development Plan (DP) roads and new networks of approximately 21Km road length. The proposed road network has varying right-of-way (ROW) widths of 9m, 12m, 15m, 18m, 21m, 24m, 27m, and 36m, each serving a specific purpose. A dense road network inside Dharavi will ensure that residents can commute using arterial routes without having to come on the main road. It ensures a well-connected network that links different neighbourhoods, promoting a balanced and inclusive transportation system. Dharavi's streets will be wide and interlinked every 125 metres. Besides everything, for the communities of different faiths, iconic religious complexes, which shall be of world-class standards, are being envisaged so that all the inhabitants of Dharavi will have access to a state-of-the-art religious complex catering to all faiths/religions near their place of living. (ANI)

MSMEs demand supportive compliance frameworks as QCO burden mounts
MSMEs demand supportive compliance frameworks as QCO burden mounts

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

MSMEs demand supportive compliance frameworks as QCO burden mounts

New Delhi: As concerns mount regarding the enforcement of mandatory quality control orders (QCOs), small businesses in the country have asserted that compliance frameworks should be designed to support MSMEs rather than stifle their growth while recognising the importance of standardisation for global competitiveness. The India SME Forum organised a high-level dialogue this week under the theme 'Bharat Quality Mission: Enabling MSME s for Global Competitiveness'. The event brought together MSME stakeholders, industry associations, and policymakers to collectively advocate for reforms in the QCO implementation process. Vinod Kumar , President of the India SME Forum, stressed the need for a more balanced and inclusive regulatory approach. He emphasised that nearly 97 per cent of India's enterprises are micro and small businesses, which are disproportionately affected by the current QCO regime. 'We have reached a point where domestic manufacturers, especially MSMEs, are under intense regulatory scrutiny for components and inputs, while finished goods continue to enter India with minimal checks at ports,' he said, noting that this asymmetry creates a serious disadvantage for local producers. Kumar pointed out that the abrupt QCO imposition on raw materials and components has disrupted supply chains, increased production costs, and reduced access to essential inputs across sectors like electronics, food processing, and textiles. 'Our entrepreneurs want to comply and produce high-quality goods. But without adequate testing infrastructure or access to global-standard labs, compliance becomes both expensive and time-consuming,' he said. In some cases, an MSME in Pune is required to send samples to Bhopal just to test electrical components—such a gap hinders business and growth, he explained. Notably, the Indian government is implementing quality control orders (QCOs) across various industries to enhance product quality and safety. Currently, the government of India does not have a single, unified timeline for enforcing QCOs across all industries. Instead, each QCO is issued by the relevant ministry or regulator for specific products or sectors, and the enforcement date is explicitly stated in each order. For example, the QCO for certain electrical appliances has been extended to March 19, 2026, with further extensions for small and micro enterprises. In the chemicals sector, deadlines have also been adjusted through amendments, sometimes providing up to a six-month extension. Other products, like hinges, have specific implementation dates listed in their respective QCO. ISF President, in his address, also flagged disparities between online and offline sellers, noting that e-commerce sellers often face stricter compliance requirements, while offline sellers can bypass scrutiny. Additionally, widespread lack of awareness and the proliferation of fraudulent certification agents further complicate compliance for honest businesses. 'There are cases where MSMEs have been duped by consultants issuing fake certifications that hold no legal value. A robust mechanism is needed to verify certifications and prevent misuse,' Kumar said. He called for a phased roll-out of QCOs, especially for micro-enterprises and existing inventories, as well as exemptions and financial support for the smallest firms. Aligning Indian standards with globally accepted certifications, he said, would streamline exports and reduce redundant testing. 'Compliance should not be a barrier to growth. If an MSME holds a CE mark or equivalent global certification, that should be sufficient. We shouldn't need duplicative and costly processes to meet India-specific requirements,' he added. Citing the Prime Minister's vision of 'Zero Defect, Zero Effect', Kumar emphasised the need for inclusive and pragmatic policymaking that empowers MSMEs rather than constraining them. 'We need a national quality ecosystem that's collaborative, bringing together policymakers, certification bodies, marketplaces, and MSMEs. Our goal is to build a framework that enables, not penalises,' he said. To that end, the India SME Forum plans to run nationwide outreach programmes and certification camps to help 1.2 to 1.5 million MSMEs obtain quality certifications by the end of the year. Government's perspective Keynote speaker Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, emphasised the need for a proper understanding of the intent behind QCOs and urged MSMEs to view them constructively. 'There is a need to correctly interpret the purpose of QCOs. Whatever fears MSMEs have must be addressed. Businesses must adapt logically and progressively, and where the government's support is needed to change processes, that will be provided,' she said. Khare also underlined that India's strict stance against substandard imports is attracting capital, technology, and jobs, making it essential for MSMEs to align with quality norms. To support this transition, she said the government is investing Rs 78 crore through BIS to expand testing infrastructure nationwide. 'QCOs are not just regulatory tools; they are enablers of export growth and manufacturing excellence,' she added. Khare highlighted the importance of roadmaps for each sector covered under QCOs and urged industry players to keep the relevant authorities informed of their implementation challenges. Industry wide concerns Saurabh Arora, President of the state branch of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association, flagged regulatory overlaps affecting the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. He noted that while the Drugs and Cosmetics Act already mandates robust standards, particularly through the Indian Pharmacopoeia, recent QCOs have created confusion and imposed dual compliance requirements. 'Ingredients regulated under stricter pharmacopoeial standards are now also subject to BIS QCOs with more lenient norms, creating unnecessary complications,' Arora said. A pharmacopoeia is an official, legally binding book that sets standards for the quality, identity, purity, and strength of medicines, including active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, and finished pharmaceutical products. Suggesting a solution, Arora called for clearer exemptions for pharma-grade inputs and the creation of category-specific standards for cosmetics. 'Testing a face serum under lotion standards leads to inaccurate results. The government must develop vertical product standards or ensure appropriate horizontal benchmarks,' he said. He further urged recognition of existing pharma-grade standards under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to avoid dual compliance and called for greater coordination between BIS and sector regulators. 'Compliance must be meaningful. It should support industry growth while maintaining quality and safety,' he stressed. Jaideep N Malaviya, Founder-Secretary General of the Solar Thermal Federation of India, lauded the QCOs introduced for solar water heating systems on April 14, but flagged major implementation issues. He said regional BIS offices remain unaware of updated product structures and testing guidelines. 'There's a disconnect between policy-level updates and on-ground implementation. Portals reflect outdated information, leading to confusion during testing,' he highlighted. Malaviya urged BIS to adopt a supportive approach during the transition period and avoid penalising companies trying to comply. 'Despite QCOs being in effect, most consumers are unaware of the new standards. This information vacuum is exploited by fly-by-night operators selling substandard products,' he said. One of the key sessions featured Ramaswami Lakshman, Director of Emerging Markets, FBA at Amazon. He said digitisation has the power to level the playing field for MSMEs. We are committed to helping Indian sellers, especially from tier II and III cities—navigate compliance, improve quality, and reach customers domestically and globally. Over 12 million MSMEs have already been digitised through our initiatives,' he said, adding programmes, such as the Bharat Quality Mission, are essential for shaping policy frameworks that unlock the potential of small businesses. The event concluded with the submission of a detailed policy recommendation dossier to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs , Ministry of MSME , Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The key proposals included a phased implementation of QCOs, improved access to testing infrastructure, harmonisation with global certification norms and financial and capacity-building support for small businesses.

Ather Energy appoints Anjani Kumar as Chief Digital & Information Officer
Ather Energy appoints Anjani Kumar as Chief Digital & Information Officer

Time of India

time5 hours ago

  • Time of India

Ather Energy appoints Anjani Kumar as Chief Digital & Information Officer

Ather Energy , an Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has appointed Anjani Kumar as its Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO) to spearhead its digital strategy and strengthen its technological infrastructure across various operations. Kumar, with over two decades of experience, will oversee digital platforms, IT infrastructure, and data capabilities to ensure technology remains central to Ather's growth as the company expands its product line and integrates software solutions. Anjani Kumar's role as CDIO will be pivotal in shaping Ather Energy's digital strategy. He will be responsible for strengthening the company's technology backbone, stated the company. Previous stints Kumar brings a wealth of experience to Ather Energy. His 24 years in the industry include driving digital transformation and IT innovation across diverse sectors. These sectors include automotive, technology, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and BFSI. He has held senior leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies. These include IBM, Nissan, Cognizant, Strides Pharma, and Tata AIG. In his new capacity, Anjani will lead the development of digital platforms and products. He will also oversee the strengthening of IT infrastructure, with a focus on cybersecurity. Enhancing the company's data-driven capabilities will also be a key priority. His responsibilities will extend to overseeing teams across WebTech, IT & Security, MES, Business Intelligence, and Digital Engineering. Swapnil Jain , Executive Director and CTO of Ather Energy, said "Ather has been digital-first and data-driven from day one, with a strong focus on systems from products to manufacturing to sales. Bringing all digital functions under a single leadership role helps build a unified digital thread across the organisation. Anjani's deep cross-industry experience will play a key role in simplifying and strengthening our complex digital infrastructure. We are very focused on building a stronger tech-led advantage for Ather's future.' Educational background Anjani Kumar's educational background includes a Post Graduate degree in Marketing & Management from Kelley School of Business, Indiana University (USA). He also holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Rourkela. Anjani Kumar, said "By bringing in my multi-domain digital experience and combining it with Ather's commitment to first-principles thinking and deep engineering ethos, we will drive significant and transformative advancements. I'm excited to contribute to Ather's journey.' Kumar is a recognized industry leader. He has received several prestigious leadership awards. These include 'Digital Leader of the Year,' 'India's Top CIO,' 'Tech Icon,' and 'Digital Insurance Icon.' He frequently serves as a jury member and mentor for startup ecosystems.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store