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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Rs50cr cleared for Nagpur weavers' dues, years after closure
Nagpur: In a major relief for over a thousand workers of the defunct Nagpur Weavers' Cooperative, the state cabinet has approved a proposal to allocate Rs50 crore from the proceeds of the organisation's land sale towards payment of solatium to its employees. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The cooperative, which employed more than 1,100 workers before it shut down, left many in financial distress. The 20-acre land owned by the cooperative, located off Umred Road, was sold to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) for Rs177 crore. The sale was executed after securing consent from 685 of the 1,100-odd workers, with the primary aim of settling pending dues. Of the total Rs62 crore owed to the workers, only Rs10 crore was disbursed in March 2019, according to Central Nagpur MLA Pravin Datke, who raised the issue in the state assembly. A decision to clear the remaining dues was taken in July 2024, during the tenure of as deputy chief minister. However, the move was stalled due to the enforcement of the election code of conduct. The cabinet finally cleared the Rs50 crore proposal on Tuesday. Datke, who has long advocated for the workers' cause, said the demand was to clear all dues pending till March 2008. Despite meetings by the textile department in March 2008 and again in 2016, necessary approvals could not be obtained from the finance department at the time.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Vidarbha becoming cancer capital, warns Datke
Nagpur: Raising alarm over the rising cancer cases in Vidarbha, BJP MLA Pravin Datke told the state assembly on Thursday that the region is fast becoming Maharashtra's "cancer capital" and called for immediate state-level intervention to improve awareness, and affordability, accessibility of cancer vaccines as well as diagnostic services. "Vidarbha is becoming the cancer capital. This isn't just a health crisis, it's a wake-up call," Datke said during a legislative discussion, urging the govt to subsidise cervical and breast cancer vaccines and promote early diagnosis through govt hospitals. Datke recalled the first community-driven initiative led by Nagpur-based corporator Rupa Rai under the CSR wing of Ankur Seeds and Birla Foundation. With support from Union minister Nitin Gadkari and CM Devendra Fadnavis, vaccines were made available to over 20,000 girls in Nagpur. "The vaccine initially cost a fortune, but thanks to Adar Poonawalla's contribution of 1.25 lakh doses to the state, it's now available at Rs945," he noted. The Nagpur Central MLA stressed that most citizens remain unaware or hesitant to take the vaccine due to myths and lack of outreach. "Cervical cancer is caused by a virus (HPV), and breast cancer is increasingly linked to genetics, hormonal treatment, and lifestyle changes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now We must launch an aggressive awareness campaign. Citizens should not fear cancer, they should fear ignorance," he said. Datke demanded that the state provide cervical and breast cancer vaccines under the MLA fund and recommended setting up a dedicated women's cancer hospital in Nagpur. He also asked the govt to make positron emission tomography (PET) scans — the essential first step in cancer detection — available free of cost at all govt hospitals. "The test alone costs Rs25,000, which makes early detection unaffordable for most," he added. He also appealed for municipal corporations and councils to reserve budgetary provisions specifically for cancer treatment, particularly for women. "Even though the govt has sanctioned Rs72 crore for a cancer hospital, only Rs15 crore was disbursed over the last three years," he said. Responding to the concerns, state health minister Prakash Abitkar acknowledged the urgency. "Awareness is critical. Many patients panic upon hearing the word 'cancer', when in reality, early detection improves outcomes significantly. We have already launched a strong campaign and are working on extending PET scan services under tertiary care," he assured. Abitkar also promised to discuss the proposal to allow vaccine procurement through MLA funds with deputy CM and finance minister Ajit Pawar. "We are committed to improving access and will pursue all necessary projects for Nagpur," he said.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Datke demands urgent drain cleaning in Central Nagpur
Nagpur: Central Nagpur MLA Pravin Datke on Tuesday criticised the civic administration for its failure to complete desilting of key drains ahead of monsoon. The BJP leader, accompanied by former corporators and party functionaries, reviewed flood-mitigation efforts in a high-level meeting with Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari and civic officials at Nagpur Municipal Corporation's headquarters in Civil Lines. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Datke directed NMC to prioritise cleaning operations in areas like Hatti Nala, Rahatekarwadi Nala, Jamdar School vicinity, Lendi Talao stretch, and the drain near Raman Science Centre. "Water stagnation and garbage blockages in these drains have become a recurring nightmare for citizens. Immediate action must be taken before heavy rains arrive," he told officials, warning of public backlash if negligence continues. The meeting also exposed broader civic failures. BJP city president and former Mayor Dayashankar Tiwari criticised the administration for disbanding a zonal desilting team that earlier handled stormwater drains in narrow Central Nagpur lanes. "Now a centralised team is overburdened, and our zones are neglected," he said. Tiwari also criticised the delay in procuring a Rs1.5 crore 'octopus' sewer machine sanctioned during his tenure, lamenting that NMC continues to rent equipment instead. "Public suffering has peaked, and there's no grievance redressal in the absence of elected corporators," said Datke. "For three years, civic basics are being ignored. If issues aren't resolved within a month, we will take to the streets," he warned.
