Latest news with #KumarRavi
Time of India
07-08-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Science city likely to be inaugurated by Aug-end: Ravi
Patna: With the completion of the civil work of the state-of-the-art Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Science City, coming up near Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna, and the installation of exhibits underway, its inauguration is expected by the end of Aug, said Kumar Ravi, secretary of the building construction department, after a review on Thursday. Spread over 20.5 acres of land, the two-storey building has five galleries, an auditorium, atrium, a theatre hall and a dormitory among other facilities. Ravi said that the installation of exhibits in two galleries is progressing rapidly. "A total of five galleries are to be constructed — Be a Scientist, Basic Science, Sustainable Planet, Space and Astronomy and Body and Mind. As many as 269 science exhibits based on 26 themes will be installed at these galleries, having a total area of approximately 7,725 square metres. In the first phase, installation of 47 exhibits in the 'Be a Scientist' (12) and 'Basic Science' (37) is being carried out by National Council of Science Museums through Creative Museum Designers. The process of selecting an agency for the installation of exhibits in the other three galleries is underway," the secretary said. 'Be a Scientist' will have exhibits like harmonic strings, 3-D zoetrope, ripple tank and standing waves. 'Basic Science' will have exhibits based on modern topics like the decimal system, binary system, golden ratio, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analysis. The atrium area of the science city is also being developed with a selfie point, digital panels and murals. Necessary facilities such as a cafeteria, vehicle parking, drinking water and restrooms are being completed. Continuous monitoring and site inspections are being conducted to ensure the quality and timeliness of the project, the engineers said. "The construction of a modern auditorium with a capacity of 500 seats and a dormitory for 150 students and 3 teachers in the complex has been completed. Additionally, facilities like a 4-D theatre, pre-functional hall, and multipurpose hall will be available on ground floor," an officials of the building construction department — the nodal agency of the ambitious project — said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Assembly's digital museum to showcase its century-long history, key decisions
Patna: The construction of the Bihar Legislative Assembly's state-of-the-art digital museum on 1.74 acres on its premises began earlier this month, after the project received an administrative clearance with an allocated budget of Rs 48.76 crore. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The G+1 storey structure will serve as a digital repository, featuring displays chronicling details about all CMs, speakers and legislators since the establishment of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Furthermore, the facility will digitally present the century-long history of the legislature and showcase pivotal decisions taken by the assembly, offering visitors a comprehensive view of Bihar's legislative and political legacy. Kumar Ravi, secretary of building construction department — the nodal agency for the project — said that under the guidance of the speaker, they started the construction. "This project is a unique effort to preserve Bihar's rich legislative tradition through modern technology and pass it on to future generations. This museum will not only serve as a digital repository of historical documents but also an inspirational centre for visitors," he said. The digital museum will feature five galleries. A modern auditorium with a capacity of 356 people will be constructed on the ground floor, along with two galleries. The remaining three galleries will be built on first floor. The secretary said additionally, a media gallery with a capacity of 50 people will also be constructed in the digital museum, along with a conference hall with a seating capacity of 50. Shashikant, executive engineer (construction 3, Patna), said the city-based company constructing the facility will have to complete the museum building in 18 months. "The auditorium will have a seating arrangement similar to the house set-up, with a stage in front for the speaker. The interior resembles the assembly's look. The media gallery will be oval-shaped in an open area like the existing one in the assembly on the upper floor," he said. The engineer added: "The design for the exhibits and their number has not been decided yet. But the visitors will get the feel of the functioning of the assembly and its proceedings."
India Today
14-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Why it's the best time to be Pradhan-ji in Bihar
Mukhiya-ji's SUV will soon pull up under a grand portico; within moments, he can post a letter at the on-site post office, visit the bank branch next door, preside over local disputes in the village court, and then drop in at the cooperative milk parlour to savour a lassi or take home a pouch of milk—all without leaving the Panchayat Sarkar Bhawan (PSB).In the OTT era when village Phulera's Panchayat drama has captured the nation's imagination, Bihar is poised to deliver an office where Pradhan-ji—or, more fittingly, Mukhiya-ji—will command a workspace befitting genuine new dawnThis Independence Day, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will inaugurate no fewer than 1,000 PSBs—each endowed with these facilities—that will not merely empower but elevate the experience of mukhiyas as well as those who depend on panchayats for their works in the predominantly rural state. The task of fulfilling Nitish's vision lies with the state's building construction department (BCD), under the stewardship of its secretary Kumar Ravi, an IIT-Kanpur alumnus and 2005 batch IAS officer. In all, 2,602 such edifices, at a cumulative cost of Rs 7,160 crore, are rising across Bihar's plains and flood-prone Terai. These two-storey structures span 7,202 sq ft of the non-flood zones; in places where they can double up as monsoon relief centres, the will cover a total area of 9,528 sq these gleaming buildings, the gram panchayat secretariat will hum with activity. On the ground floor, villagers can queue up at counters dispensing birth certificates and ration cards; a bank branch will nestle alongside the post office while a cooperative milk parlour attests to the region's thriving dairy sector. A panelled courtroom—the Gram Kachahari—will occupy a quiet corner, where the mukhiya will hear disputes under the shade of polished committee meetings will convene in a capacious hall; a welcoming reception room will offer counsel to citizens seeking redress. Tucked at the rear will be modest living quarters for essential staff and computerised desks where welfare applications are to be processed on the spot. And, when the rivers rage, these PSBs will transform seamlessly into emergency shelters, stocked with provisions and designed to keep families safe until the waters man behind the driveSuch logistical complexity demands more than good intentions; it requires technical rigour and administrative finesse. Enter Kumar Ravi, the officer tasked with fulfilling the chief minister's dream. Ravi has marshalled both his engineering acumen and administrative savvy to ensure no detail escapes scrutiny. For instance, every batch of cement is tested for compressive strength; iron rods undergo checks for uniformity. Standardised designs, drafted in consultation with civil engineering experts, have been adapted for local soil profiles and flood dual identity—as an IIT-trained engineer and a seasoned IAS officer—allows him to straddle the technical and managerial domains with equal ease. He has personally overseen the creation of a bespoke digital portal, complemented by a mobile app, through which district engineers upload photographs, material-test certificates and daily progress reports. In weekly review meetings, he quizzes junior engineers and experienced superintending officers alike on milestones and mark-ups, swiftly redressing any delay or deviation from prescribed mukhiya's cloutBeyond the concrete and code, the political resonance of these PSBs is unmistakable. In a state where nearly 90 per cent of inhabitants dwell in rural hamlets, the mukhiya's sway is both palpable and profound. These village heads command the loyalty of dozens of families, shepherd local sentiment and, most critically, gate-keep the distribution of state has long understood that winning over mukhiyas' goodwill can tilt entire electoral constituencies. In June, his government doubled the sanction limit for gram panchayat projects under MGNREGA to Rs 10 lakh, granting village heads greater financial autonomy. Soon after, allowances for mukhiyas, sarpanchs and other panchayati raj functionaries were increased by 50 per cent, supported by an annual Rs 548 crore allocation for fixed monthly honorarium. On June 24, an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh was sanctioned for the families of any elected local representative who dies while in measures create a robust financial and administrative ecosystem—one that incentivises loyalty, spurs productivity and, inevitably, shapes electoral outcomes. In Bihar's intricate tapestry of caste alliances and village loyalties, the mukhiya often serves as the linchpin of rural vote-bank plains as electoral frontiersNowhere is this blend of governance and electoral calculus more vivid than in Bihar's flood-prone districts. Here, PSBs extend over 9,528 sq ft, elevated on reinforced plinths and crowned with water-resistant roofing. When the monsoon surges, these buildings become frontline relief centres, safeguarding lives and delivering essentials. The implicit messaging of governmental concern resonates powerfully in communities battered by the annual of grassroots empowerment hail PSBs as a landmark for local democracy. By co-locating services—from banking and post office to milk cooperatives and village courts—these hubs promise to streamline administration, enhance transparency and dignify the working environment of panchayat staff. The convergence of digital monitoring with on-the-ground accountability could well transform the very notion of panchayat modern patriarchAs the first PSBs fling open their doors on Independence Day, a new chapter will begin in Bihar's villages. No longer confined to makeshift verandah meetings, mukhiyas can preside over modern chambers, wielding tablets instead of tattered ledgers. With sturdy offices, enhanced stipends and broader sanctioning powers, the mukhiya has become a figure of genuine local the months ahead, they will oversee perhaps everything, from sanitation drives and education camps to disaster relief and digital-service rollouts. More importantly, they will, in effect, marshal their augmented influence at the ballot box, carrying the hopes—and the votes—of entire Bihar's evolving electoral theatre, the mukhiya has emerged as both beneficiary and bellwether. Whether one regards the PSB initiative as a triumph of decentralised governance or a shrewd electoral manoeuvre, its impact is undeniable. For the village head whose role was once modest, the advent of a secretariat, enhanced resources and unfettered administrative discretion heralds an era of unprecedented influence. Indeed, there has seldom been a more splendid time to be a mukhiya in to India Today Magazine- Ends
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MoU signed for fire testing and training centre at IIT-P
Patna: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Saturday between the Building Construction Department (BCD) and the Indian Institute of Technology-Patna (IIT-P) for establishing the 'Centre of Excellence for Fire Testing, Training, and Research'. Kumar Ravi, BCD's Secretary, presided over the ceremony. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 17.36 crore. The exchange of MoU took place between chief engineer (design) Reza Waris Warsi and IIT-Patna's director T N Singh. Engineers and other officials from the department were present at the ceremony. The proposed facility will support the selection of modern fire safety equipment for current and future projects of the BCD, evaluate material fire resistance, analyse post-fire structural damage, implement retrofitting solutions, and investigate fire propagation patterns. Addressing the event, Ravi emphasised the importance of this initiative in enhancing fire safety at govt buildings. He noted that the upgraded institute, unique in the North Eastern region, will benefit from IIT's expert guidance for secure building construction. "The Centre of Excellence for Fire Testing, Training, and Research will be situated within IIT Patna's premises, marking it as one of the few such facilities nationwide. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending Local Enterprise Accounting Software [Click Here] Accounting ERP Click Here Undo The department will construct the necessary infrastructure, while IIT Patna has provided the laboratory space without charge," he said. He indicated that the BCD would cover all operational costs, including human resources, training, equipment maintenance, and repairs for the initial five-year period. "IIT Patna will contribute through expertise, faculty support, and technical guidance in research activities," the Secretary added. Officials said the centre will also provide engineer training in fire safety and engineering, rescue protocols, post-fire damage assessment, strengthening techniques, and protective measures during fire incidents. The facility will study fire effects on building structural components, fire spread behaviour in multi-storey buildings, and assess the fire resistance of local construction materials. Patna: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Saturday between the Building Construction Department (BCD) and the Indian Institute of Technology-Patna (IIT-P) for establishing the 'Centre of Excellence for Fire Testing, Training, and Research'. Kumar Ravi, BCD's Secretary, presided over the ceremony. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 17.36 crore. The exchange of MoU took place between chief engineer (design) Reza Waris Warsi and IIT-Patna's director T N Singh. Engineers and other officials from the department were present at the ceremony. The proposed facility will support the selection of modern fire safety equipment for current and future projects of the BCD, evaluate material fire resistance, analyse post-fire structural damage, implement retrofitting solutions, and investigate fire propagation patterns. Addressing the event, Ravi emphasised the importance of this initiative in enhancing fire safety at govt buildings. He noted that the upgraded institute, unique in the North Eastern region, will benefit from IIT's expert guidance for secure building construction. "The Centre of Excellence for Fire Testing, Training, and Research will be situated within IIT Patna's premises, marking it as one of the few such facilities nationwide. The department will construct the necessary infrastructure, while IIT Patna has provided the laboratory space without charge," he said. He indicated that the BCD would cover all operational costs, including human resources, training, equipment maintenance, and repairs for the initial five-year period. "IIT Patna will contribute through expertise, faculty support, and technical guidance in research activities," the Secretary added. Officials said the centre will also provide engineer training in fire safety and engineering, rescue protocols, post-fire damage assessment, strengthening techniques, and protective measures during fire incidents. The facility will study fire effects on building structural components, fire spread behaviour in multi-storey buildings, and assess the fire resistance of local construction materials.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Science city eyes opening of two galleries after installation of exhibits by Aug
Patna: At least two galleries — 'Be a Scientist' and 'Basic Science' — of world-class Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Science City in Patna will soon be opened for visitors — following installation of exhibits by Aug. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Additionally, exhibit installations have been planned for the other three galleries of the science city as well. Kumar Ravi, secretary of building construction department, which is the nodal agency for this ambitious project, reviewed the ongoing work at the facility during a meeting on Tuesday. The meeting included engineers, representatives from National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and members of Creative Museum Designers (CMD). "The goal is to complete the exhibit installation in two galleries by Aug. In the first phase, 47 exhibits are being installed in the 'Be a Scientist' and 'Basic Science' galleries with the help of the NCSM and CMD. Around 94 exhibits will be installed in the second phase. The work is progressing at a fast pace, and we will also begin the installation of exhibits in the other three galleries — 'Sustainable Planet', 'Space and Astronomy' and 'Body and Mind' — soon. The work will proceed simultaneously," Ravi said. During the meeting, there was an in-depth discussion on the design, timeline, quality and challenges related to the exhibits for the three galleries. The secretary gave necessary directives to the NCSM and CMD officials regarding the exhibit installations, emphasising that they should be world-class to offer an inspiring and educational experience for children and visitors. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Instructions were given to commence work on the three galleries promptly and complete it within the stipulated timeframe. The development of the atrium area of the science city was also discussed. Instructions were given to create a selfie point, and install science patterns, exhibits and murals in the atrium. Patna's science city is being developed in memory of former president and scientist Abdul Kalam on around 20.5 acres of land near Moin-ul-Haq Stadium. The project aims to foster interest and awareness of science among students, researchers and the general public. The total area of the five galleries is 7,725 square metres, where 269 exhibits on 26 themes will be installed. The 'Be a Scientist' gallery will feature exhibits based on harmonic strings, 3D zoetrope, ripple tank simulation, interactive floor, standing waves and water waves among others. The 'Basic Science' gallery will include exhibits on the decimal system, binary system, golden ratio, infinity, conics, pixel arts, bots, artificial intelligence, internet, machine learning and data analysis. Additionally, the construction of a modern auditorium with a seating capacity of 500 and dormitory facilities for 150 students and 3 teachers has been completed within the science city premises. A park is also being developed on the premises on a forest theme, featuring indigenous grasses, shrubs and trees. It also includes a wetland that will operate as a passive biotic wastewater treatment system and an ayurvedic medicinal plant section.
