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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
L-G gives nod to initiate action against PWD ex-engineer over irregularities in construction of classrooms in Delhi
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved a proposal from the Directorate of Vigilance to start disciplinary proceedings against a former executive engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) over alleged irregularities and fund mismanagement in the construction of 226 classrooms under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. According to a statement shared by the L-G house on Thursday, the engineer has been transferred out of Delhi and is currently posted with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) in Amritsar, Punjab. This decision follows alleged irregularities identified in the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, a Centre-sponsored initiative aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure in Delhi, which was allocated Rs 38.37 crore for the construction of 226 classrooms across various schools, said officials. 'The situation escalated when a public interest litigation titled Social Jurist, a Civil Rights Group v/s GNCTD and Ors. was filed in the Delhi High Court on June 11, 2019, seeking a directive for the government to hand over possession of six newly constructed school buildings…,' an official added. After the PIL was filed, officials said, the then Chief Secretary probed the matter, during which significant 'irregularities in construction practices and fund management' were uncovered. A committee was also constituted in this matter last year in March to examine the matter. 'The committee's findings, reported last year in May, revealed several lapses on the part of the PWD, including the diversion of funds intended for the construction of 20 classrooms at Trinagar School to Rani Bagh School and the construction of a multi purpose hall without obtaining the necessary approvals. Furthermore, the PWD failed to promptly address site issues, making decisions that lacked proper authority and oversight,' said officials. 'The misconduct in question dates back to 2019, but the case against another officer is considered time-barred due to his retirement from government service. The DOV's proposal has received endorsement from both the Principal Secretary (Vigilance) and the Chief Secretary,' the official added.
News18
13-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Mobile Rescue Teams To Uplift Maharashtra's Street Children: Statewide Rollout Under Mission Vatsalya
Last Updated: The initiative focuses on reaching out to homeless children, orphans, those with single parents, or those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds living on the streets The Maharashtra women and child development department has expanded its 'mobile rescue teams" initiative across the state, aiming to integrate street children into mainstream society and education. Launched in 2022-23 as a pilot project under the Centre-sponsored Mission Vatsalya scheme, the initiative was first implemented in six major municipal areas: Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Mumbai Suburban. Following its success, the state cabinet has approved its expansion to all 29 municipal corporation areas of Maharashtra. The initiative focuses on reaching out to homeless children, orphans, those with single parents, or those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds living on the streets. Women and child development minister Aditi Tatkare, announcing the state cabinet decision on May 13, 2025, stated that denying these children their fundamental rights to education and healthcare constitutes social injustice. 'The mobile rescue team scheme is more than a welfare initiative; it is a movement for social change. Every smile we restore to a child's face is a measure of this scheme's success," she said. The mobile units provide on-site medical aid, counselling, Aadhaar registration, and facilitate enrolment into anganwadis or residential schools. Children without family support are placed in child-care institutions, ensuring their immediate safety and long-term rehabilitation. The pilot phase yielded positive results, reaching 3,813 street children with services such as health screenings, nutritional assistance, and educational access. With the recent cabinet approval, Rs 8.06 crore will be allocated to deploy 31 mobile vans across 29 cities. The department is also contemplating future expansion into smaller towns, religious pilgrimage sites, and temple precincts, where many street children are often found. In collaboration with local NGOs, the initiative also offers de-addiction support, addresses malnutrition, and provides professional therapy for adolescents, ensuring a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. By providing access to education, healthcare, and emotional support, the mobile rescue teams aim to transform the lives of vulnerable children. The scheme not only caters to their immediate needs but also encourages reintegration into families or institutional support systems, highlighting the government's commitment to inclusive and child-centric development. First Published: May 13, 2025, 20:38 IST
New Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Opposition parties making fun of fine rice scheme: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar
SIDDIPET: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Wednesday said that the opposition parties were trying to make fun of the fine rice distribution scheme. Speaking to the media after having lunch at the residence of T Chandraiah, a superfine rice scheme beneficiary, in Koheda mandal headquarters, the minister wondered why it is not being implemented in other states if it is the Centre-sponsored scheme as being claimed by some leaders. Stating that Telangana is the only state that is implementing this initiative, he urged the Centre to ensure see that this scheme is introduced in all other states. 'The government launched this scheme on Ugadi to ensure that every citizen gets to consume fine rice. We had lunch at the house of Chandraiah and it was fine,' he said. 'Mallavva asked for Indiramma house and we will sanction the house to them. We are implementing several schemes, including new ration cards, Indiramma houses, free travel on buses for women and quality food for students, for the benefit of people,' he added. Siddipet Collector Manu Chowdary and other officials were present on the occasion.
