Latest news with #ESD
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
T Wallet hits 16 lakh users, 4 cr transactions
Hyderabad: India's first state-operated digital wallet, T Wallet, has reached a major milestone with 16 lakh registered users and over four crore transactions processed over its eight-year journey since its official launch in 2017. Developed by the electronic service delivery (ESD) division of the IT department, T Wallet was introduced on June 1, 2017, during the post-demonetisation push for digital payments. According to officials, it remains one of the few, if not the only, state-run payment applications in India to have facilitated transactions worth nearly ₹35 crore. "T Wallet enables a wide range of services including real-time IMPS-based bank transfers, utility bill payments, service charges, and merchant transactions," said Ravi Kiran Tirumala, commissioner of ESD. The platform has a strong grassroots presence, being integrated with over 4,500 MeeSeva centres and more than 11,000 fair price shops across Telangana. This extensive network ensures accessibility in rural and remote areas, with services offered through the mobile app, web portal, and assisted service channels for citizens who do not have smartphones. T Wallet's inclusive and scalable model drew international attention when it was showcased during the second G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion meeting in 2023 as an example for the Global South—demonstrating that even economically disadvantaged citizens can meaningfully engage with digital finance.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
ESD rescues 211,354 victims in May
LAHORE: Emergency Services Department rescued 211,354 victims while responding to 210,360 emergencies across Punjab in May 2025. These emergencies includes 140,645 medical emergencies, 39,978 road traffic crashes, 5,526 falls/ slip, 4,746 crime incidents, 4,131 fire incidents, 4,003 delivery cases, 2,389 Occupational Injuries, 1,336 Animal Rescue, 1,038 electric shock, 331 burn cases, 140 drowning incidents, 96 structural collapses and 6,001 miscellaneous operations in Punjab. Expressing serious concern over 39,978 road traffic crashes, 4,131 fire emergencies and 140 drowning emergencies during the May 2025, the Secretary, Emergency Services Department (ESD) Punjab Dr Rizwan Naseer urged all citizens to ensure safety precaution while visiting water recreational sites during Eid vacations. He emphasized the importance of strictly following all safety measures, especially when engaging in swimming or other water activities. He specifically advised people not to enter the water or boat without wearing life jackets and overloading boats to avoid capsizing. As per data, 436 people died in 39,978 Road Traffic Crashes in Punjab during the last month. Out of these traffic crashes, the majority of traffic accidents 7,384 occurred in Lahore in which 38 people died. Similarly, 2,671 RTCs in Faisalabad, 2,527 RTCs in Multan, 2,139 in Gujranwala, 1,491 in Sheikhupura and 1,290 in Bahawalpur while the remaining 22,466 road traffic crashes took place in other districts of Punjab. Similarly, the majority of fire incidents took place in major districts i.e., 602 incidents in Lahore, 300 in Faisalabad, 206 in Gujranwala, 187 in Sialkot, 184 in Sheikhupura and 174 in Rawalpindi. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Third successful round for Thuthukani
Thuthukani, Thungela's Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme, hosted a graduation ceremony for 61 local entrepreneurs from communities surrounding its operations. This marks the third cohort of entrepreneurs to successfully complete the programme since its launch in 2022. Thuthukani is designed to build resilient businesses by offering tailored business skills training, technical enablement, and one-on-one mentorship to entrepreneurs from host communities. The programme is grounded in a detailed gap analysis and enables support in areas such as finance management, marketing, sales, project strategy, leadership, ISO certification, and personal development. The programme is delivered in partnership with business development service provider Raizcorp. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Crown Publications (@crownpublications) Of the 61 entrepreneurs graduating this year, 29 are supplier development beneficiaries – Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) that currently provide goods or services to Thungela, while 32 are enterprise development beneficiaries, comprising SMMEs that are not vendors but have potential for future integration into the mining value chain or in other industries. Notably, 50 of the 61 graduates also achieved technical enablement qualifications with the following accreditations ISO or whichever one, lets share a couple of them, boosting their compliance and competitiveness for procurement opportunities. 'Thuthukani is more than a business development initiative. It is a catalyst for local economic resilience. Each graduate represents a point of impact that causes a ripple effect, creating jobs and opportunities that uplift families and communities. We are proud to support the growth of these entrepreneurs and help them realise their potential – as they contribute to the growth of local economies, said Mpumi Sithole, executive head, corporate affairs at Thungela.' The graduation highlights Thungela's commitment to inclusive socio-economic development and transforming small businesses in in host communities. As the programme grows, its impact continues to spread, with entrepreneurs not only formalising their businesses, but also entering new markets, gaining critical certifications, and becoming active contributors to the regional economy. Julliet Mahlangu a beneficiary of the programme said, 'Before Thuthukani, I lacked the systems and structure to manage and scale my business. The mentorship and technical training helped me implement better financial controls, and I now feel more confident approaching new clients and bidding for contracts.' Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
MeeSeva to expand digital kiosks with new services
HYDERABAD: Telangana's Electronic Services Delivery (ESD) is set to expand its MeeSeva initiative by integrating 11 additional Road Transport Authority (RTA) services into the self-service kiosk at Khairatabad's RTO office. The move aims to streamline vehicle and transport services, building on the success of the MeeSeva Digital Kiosks, which have served thousands since their launch on December 8, 2024. The state is also finalising integration with Protean eGov Technologies Limited to roll out new PAN card services. Citizens will soon be able to apply for physical or e-PAN cards at MeeSeva centres and receive them within days. Additionally, the Licensed Surveyor Training 2025 programme has shortlisted 7,003 candidates for the first spell and 3,028 for the second, with training to begin at district headquarters under the Telangana Academy for Land Information and Management (TALIM). Launched during the Praja Palana Vijayotsavalu, the MeeSeva Digital Kiosks are now operational at five key locations, including the Hyderabad Collectorate and Khairatabad's RTO office. These kiosks offer 10 essential services, including GHMC birth and death certificates, water and electricity bill payments, and the reissuance of community and income certificates. With features such as QR code-based payments, high-resolution scanners and uninterrupted power supply, the kiosks provide contactless, transparent and accessible services, even in remote areas. The initiative, spearheaded by IT Minister D Sridhar Babu, supports the state's e-Governance goals by reducing the need for physical visits to government offices. The kiosks' after-hours functionality and robust software have been praised for improving public engagement and preventing overcharging. As Telangana strengthens its citizen-centric governance, the expansion of MeeSeva services highlights its commitment to technology-driven, inclusive service delivery.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New York announces approval to convert 5 Times Square into mixed-use development
The New York state government has revealed that the Empire State Development (ESD) Board of Directors has voted to approve a significant office-to-housing conversion project at 5 Times Square in New York City. This development will transform underused office space into a mixed-use complex, providing up to 1,250 new homes, including 313 permanently affordable units. The project's approval follows last year's government action to amend 60-year-old state laws, removing the 12 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) cap that had hindered residential development in the city since 1961. The 313 affordable homes are a direct result of the local governor's Affordable Housing from Commercial Conversions Tax Incentive programme ($467m). Since the legislative changes last April, approximately 10,000 new apartments have been completed or started construction through similar conversions in New York City. The governor's financial year 2026 budget further supports housing development, allocating $1bn to facilitate up to 120 million square feet of conversion space and the creation of up to 18,000 new homes. The amendment to the 42nd Street Development Project General Project Plan, approved by the ESD Board, will allow nearly one million square feet of office space at 5 Times Square to be repurposed, while preserving over 37,000ft² of retail space. The new homes will consist of 1,050 studios and 200 one-bedroom units, with all residents having equal access to building amenities. The project aims to address the building's 77% office vacancy rate by creating valuable housing and is anticipated to begin in the third quarter of 2025. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2027. The building's design supports a mixed-use approach, accommodating both residential and commercial uses. The conversion is projected to generate approximately 1,400 construction jobs and 830 permanent jobs, adhering to State MWBE and SDVOB policies with a 30% MWBE participation goal. Located between 41st and 42nd Streets on Seventh Avenue, the project is stated to benefit from transit connections, fostering sustainable urban living. This initiative represents a significant step in addressing New York's housing shortage. The original construction of 5 Times Square was at 33.35 FAR, nearly three times the previous residential cap. The lifting of the FAR cap, combined with the tax incentives, makes it possible to convert high-density office properties into residential spaces, increasing affordable housing in central locations, the government stated. New York governor Kathy Hochul said: 'We took bold action to unlock major office-to-housing conversions in New York City, and transforming 5 Times Square from underused offices into 1,250 new homes - including over 300 permanently affordable apartments - is a prime example of how we're getting it done.' New York City deputy mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión Jr said: '5 Times Square is a game-changer for Times Square and Midtown, paving the way for the future of urban growth. By converting underutilised office space into over a thousand new homes, including hundreds of affordable units, we're reimagining central business districts as vibrant, mixed-use communities that foster both residential life and economic opportunity.' "New York announces approval to convert 5 Times Square into mixed-use development" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
