Latest news with #AshimaMittal
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Time of India
Nashik ZP initiates POSH training in district
Nashik: After multiple complaints of sexual harassment against senior zilla parishad (ZP) officials, the administration has initiated prevention of sexual harassment (POSH) training of employees at the taluka level across Nashik district. Under this, ZP employees will be sensitized and educated about what constitutes sexual harassment, its prevention and reporting procedure within the workplace. The idea is to provide for a better and safer environment. Chief executive officer Ashima Mittal, stated that the training is to ensure women come forward and register complaints. "The POSH Act is very strong and provides opportunities to women to present their cases if they feel they are being harassed and abused at the workplace. Many still don't find the courage to speak up against the injustice, and hence the sensitisation workshops are being conducted across all the offices of the zilla parishad," said the CEO. Three cases were filed in the Nashik ZP where senior officials were accused of sexually harassing their subordinates. Following these accusations, state govt suspended one official and the other two were sent on forced leave. The Vishakha Committee had already initiated an investigation which is now complete. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This New AC Cooler Cools the Room In Seconds Coldeez Cooling Ace Undo "The training will give them the necessary information and also the courage to ensure they or their colleagues are heard and do not face any injustice at the workplace for raising their voice. This is not a crime," the CEO added. There are instances when women have no idea about the POSH Act, or even the Vishakha Committee mandated by state govt, where they are heard with identities concealed. "The men and women both need to understand what the POSH Act means and what is defined as harassment. The Vishakha Committee that receives the complaints has to go through each of the complaints and present the report to the govt. The exercise will help bring out the cases of harassment, if any, to the fore," a senior official said.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
4 ZP students from ‘Super 50' make it to IITs, 1 bags IIIT seat
Nashik: Four students from the Nashik zilla parishad (ZP) schools, who participated in the ZP's "Super 50" programme, have successfully secured admissions into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). All four students received two years of fully sponsored training through this pilot project, which was launched in 2022 by ZP CEO Ashima Mittal. The "Super 50" programme began in the academic year 2022-23. It initially selected 50 meritorious students from scheduled caste (SC) and scheduled tribe (ST) categories who had exclusively attended ZP schools and belonged to economically weaker sections (EWS). One of the students also manged to get into IIIT Nagpur. These students were chosen based on an entrance examination. The programme has since expanded to include 110 students, with 55 receiving coaching for medical entrance exams and the other 55 for engineering entrance exams. Mittal, while talking to TOI, expressed immense pride in the students' achievements. "The success achieved by the students participating in the "Super 50" initiative is a matter of pride for Nashik district. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo The fact that children from rural and tribal areas have secured places in the top educational institutions of the country is a testament to their ability. This is not just a success, but the beginning of social change. We will continue to expand such initiatives and reach more students in the coming days," she said. Vrushali Waghmare from Manmad will pursue electronics and telecommunications from IIT Dhanbad, while Dimple Bagul (Kalwan) has opted for electricals at IIT Kharagpur. Megha Dahale (Trimbakeshwar) has decided to study food engineering at IIT Kharagpur and Akanksha Shejwal (Nihad) will study chemical science at IIT Dhanbad.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Time of India
NCW seeks report on alleged exploitation of women staffers by senior Nashik ZP officer
Nashik: The National Commission for Women (NCW), in a suo motu action, has sought a detailed report regarding allegations of exploitation of female employees by a senior officer in Nashik Zilla Parishad. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now NCW took note of complaints filed with Nashik ZP CEO Ashima Mittal, who had set up a Vishakha Committee to investigate the allegations against the senior officer heading one of the departments. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has directed the principal secretary, rural development department and state Panchayat Raj to take immediate action against the accused, initiate legal proceedings under the POSH Act, and ensure protection for the women. She also asked for an action-taken report within three days, stated a post put out on the official NCW handle on X. ZP CEO Ashima Mittal said, "NCW has sought the report from the state, and Nashik ZP will provide all the details sought by state govt." The ZP CEO received an anonymous complaint stating that 30 women were allegedly physically and mentally harassed by the officer concerned who would keep them waiting for hours together. "We received the complaint and formed the Vishakha Committee in Nashik ZP to start the inquiry into the incident. The committee has a period of 90 days to complete the inquiry and submit its detailed report. We will give time to the women to make their statements, claims and provide evidence as required before the committee, which will look into all aspects before taking any decision. We will take into account the committee's report before initiating any action," the officer said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The officer claimed of receiving a pen drive and a letter indicating the harassment of 30 women in the ZP. The pen drive allegedly contained some material to substantiate the claim, and all this is now being investigated by the Vishakha Committee. The officer concerned has been sent on compulsory leave, the officer added.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Nashik Zilla Parishad promotes menstrual cups for rural women
Nashik: To promote health, ecological sustainability and economic benefits among rural women, Nashik Zilla Parishad has decided to initiate steps to encourage use of menstrual cups . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The plan is to first teach ASHAs and Anganwadi sevikas about the use and benefits of menstrual cups. They will then take it to women in rural areas. Nashik ZP CEO Ashima Mittal said, "The ZP has undertaken an initiative to take help from ASHA workers in understanding the use of menstrual cups— their benefits; and propagate use among the women." "Medical-grade silicon menstrual cups have been in the market for a long time, but women, especially in rural areas, are less aware of those. This is of great benefit to women, especially when compared to cloth or even pads used by them," said Mittal. She said, "Initially, we will, with the help of gynaecological experts, teach our ASHA workers about the safety and importance of menstrual cups, train them in using them so that they are comfortable with the concept. They will be provided with the cups at subsidised rates. They will then take the message to the women." On an average, a woman uses 100 pads per year. The impact on health and nature is incomparable. Considering these, a one-time investment in menstrual cups costing around Rs 500 is very low. It is a win-win situation for women, nature and economy, as a menstrual cup lasts for a longer period of time, the officer said. The officer further stated that once the ASHA workers and Anganwadi sevikas understand the use of the cups, they will then take them to the masses. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "When taking to the masses, the ZP plans to use the funds from CSR, innovative funds, or the district planning committee. We are seeking the help of the govt also in taking the message to the masses. This will be a major tool in the hands of the women to protect themselves against a large number of infections and other ill-health issues," said the officer.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ZP's Sampanna Ghar launched to provide housing to the poor
Nashik: The Nashik Zilla Parishad (ZP) has partnered with private developer institutions to provide guidance to the poor on better design and quality construction for their homes various govt schemes. As many as 19 different institutions and organisations are collaborating with the ZP to help the local governing body on designs and options, ensuring low-cost and eco-friendly housing for the beneficiaries of the housing schemes. "The 'Sampanna Ghar' campaign will contribute to improve the living standards of citizens in rural areas. The needy families will get safe and quality houses through this innovative initiative of the Zilla Parishad," said Nashik ZP chief executive officer (CEO) Ashima Mittal. According to a senior engineer with the ZP, people still opt for traditional clay bricks, even when ecologically and economically better bricks such as ash-based ones, are available in the market. Similarly, the organisations will also provide aid in using modern technology to build stronger homes with scientific designs, considering the availability of space. Engineering and architectural colleges will also contribute designs for better use of space.
