Latest news with #Lodi
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
SHEC's CIEC Chairman urges universities to enhance internal revenue amid budget constraints
HYDERABAD: Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Chairman of the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee (CIEC) of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) and former Vice-Chancellor of NED University Karachi, has emphasized the need for public sector universities to reduce expenditures and explore internal revenue streams to navigate growing financial challenges. Speaking at a dinner hosted in his honour at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, Dr Lodi pointed out that while the federal government has not increased university budgets over the past eight years, the Sindh government has stepped up with a proposed allocation of Rs42 billion for provincial universities. However, he warned that fiscal challenges are likely to intensify, urging universities to adopt more sustainable financial strategies. 'Increasing student fees is not a viable option for public sector universities, as they are often the only accessible avenue for quality education for students from underprivileged backgrounds,' he said. 'In my new role, I am committed to supporting the enhancement of academic and research standards across institutions, along with addressing structural and operational issues.' Dr Lodi also highlighted the vital role of universities in producing leadership across all sectors and called for efforts that yield long-term, generational benefits for the country. Speaking on the occasion, Meritorious Professor and former Vice Chancellor of SAU, Dr A Q Mughal, praised Dr Lodi's financial reforms at NED University, which have contributed significantly to its current financial stability. He noted that Dr Lodi has been a consistent supporter of universities across Sindh, facilitating improvements and institutional strengthening. SAU Vice Chancellor Dr Altaf Ali Siyal shared that the university is currently grappling with financial constraints. 'A special grant request of Rs670 million has been submitted to the Sindh Government and SHEC to clear outstanding gratuities of retired staff since 2022,' he informed. Dr Siyal acknowledged Dr Lodi's instrumental role in resolving key issues at SAU, including the long-standing delay in promotions of meritorious professors. He expressed hope that university graduates would be able to secure viable market opportunities and emerge as successful entrepreneurs in the evolving job market. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
CBS News
3 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Lodi faces budget deficit as city hears from city manager for first time since claims of misuse of funds
LODI - The City of Lodi is facing a $1.6 million deficit in its upcoming budget. Wednesday was day two of budget presentations by each department. CBS Sacramento has learned that during day one of those budget meetings, in closed session, the city council was notified of an April 12 letter sent by City Manager Scott Carney's attorney, claiming he was a whistleblower and that there could be retaliation. Carney is still the city manager but has been on administrative leave since early April after an employee evaluation, though the exact reason for that leave is not known. Carney made claims that city staff were changing staff reports and were misusing taxpayer dollars and city credit cards. We've reached out to Carney's attorney, but haven't heard back. "Hopefully, people realize this investigation is for us all. It's for me, the people of Lodi, the employees of Lodi," said Bregman. Mayor Bregman is closely watching the investigation into Carney's claims and says more will be revealed at future meetings. In the meantime, the city is attempting to balance its budget. "This is our one opportunity every single year to be able to look at our reality. Do we need more funding for our playgrounds? Do we need more funding for our fire or police?" said Lisa Craig-Hensley. Councilmember Craig-Hensley says the council is focused on public safety and keeping both police and fire's budgets intact. Because of the budget deficit, the city is not adding more police positions and instead is looking to fully staff the department to the 80 uniforms it's allotted. For the fire department, however, the proposed budget is giving them no room for new services. Still, if things continue the way they are now, the city could see a more than $4.2 million dollar deficit over a five-year span. "You get through the mid-year adjustment and make some corrections, but over the long term, the next five years, we will have to look at new revenues or budget savings," Craig-Hensley said. One thing the city says could be a good investment is the Grape Bowl. Already, they are seeing a good turnout for the Women's Rugby League, and soon, they say, they could see cricket coming to town.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Encroached, altered, forgotten: 14th-century Delhi's Gumti tomb set to reclaim its legacy
The Delhi government has commenced conservation of the Lodi-era Gumti tomb of Shaikh Ali, previously occupied by the Defence Colony Welfare Association. NEW DELHI: Delhi govt's archaeology department has initiated conservation work on the historic Gumti tomb of Shaikh Ali, located at the Defence Colony market roundabout. The tomb, constructed during the Lodi period in the late 14th or early 15th century, underwent inappropriate modifications in the 1990s when it was transformed into the office of the Defence Colony Welfare Association (DCWA). Following years of unauthorised occupation, the Supreme Court instructed the Defence Colony Residents' Welfare Association (DCRWA) on Jan 21 to vacate the premises and restore the site. On April 17, the archaeology department wrote to the executive engineer of Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation Ltd to take up the conservation and restoration work of the monument immediately and submit the status report before the next court hearing on May 14. DCRWA was ordered to pay Rs 40 lakh as compensation, which was submitted to the archaeology department on May 7. On May 13, the department also submitted a detailed restoration plan to the court, with the time for completion of the project estimated at six months. The restoration began this month. It involves the removal of modern additions like brick walls, plaster, wooden elements, windows, doors, false ceilings, tiles, toilet facilities, parking shed and pavements to uncover and preserve the tomb's original structure. The project encompasses conservation of the external dome, replacement of damaged lime plaster, restoration of stone brackets, archaeological excavation, plinth protection, chemical preservation, and finally, illumination of the monument and installation of CCTV cameras. Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari was happy. "This landmark judgment sets a powerful precedent; public spaces and heritage sites cannot be held hostage by encroachers," she said. "Protecting a 700-year-old monument also means the restoration of open spaces taken over by parking mafias and neglected, but now returned rightfully to the citizens." A technical expert committee with historian Dr Swapna Liddle in it, formed on March 10, conducted a site inspection on April 24 and provided comprehensive recommendations for the restoration work to prevent it from decay and maintain its originality and presentation. Archaeology department officials reported that on May 12, scaffolding with protective netting was installed, and modern additions concealing the original octagonal structure were carefully removed. Officials noted that after removing the false ceiling, they discovered embedded metal structures previously used for fixtures. Following technical committee guidance, these were carefully removed to preserve the original structure. The exposed internal dome reveals 16 decorated niches with multiple paint layers. Chemical treatment is going on to remove the paint layers and uncover the original colour. Trial excavations have revealed evidence of the existence of the original flooring. Modern additions like DCWA entrance features like signage with sunshade, marble stairs and pathways have been removed. Vegetation removal, chemical treatment of roots and structural strengthening are also being undertaken. The external dome's restoration, including repair of the lotus cresting and plaster work, is under way too. Stone plinth protection will follow the removal of the scaffolding. Delhi govt has proposed declaring the Gumti of Shaikh Ali a protected monument under the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004, which establishes prohibited and regulated spaces in the city.
India Gazette
16-05-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Archaeological Survey of India restores Rajon ki Baoli in Delhi's Mehrauli; monument now open for public
New Delhi [India], May 16 (ANI): In a significant step toward protecting India's cultural and environmental heritage, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund India (WMFI) and the TCS Foundation, has successfully completed the conservation work of Rajon ki Baoli, a 16th- century stepwell, located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, New Delhi. According to an official release from the Ministry of Culture, this project was a part of WMFI's Historic Water Systems of India initiative, funded by the TCS Foundation, aligning with the World Monuments Fund's Climate Heritage Initiative. It highlights the importance of restoring traditional water systems as sustainable solutions for water management in the face of climate change. Under ASI's supervision, the restoration work included cleaning, desilting, structural repair, and water quality improvements, using traditional materials and techniques. The baoli was cleaned, desilted, and connected to proper drainage systems. Fish were introduced to help maintain water quality. Traditional materials like lime plaster and mortar were used to preserve the original character of the structure. The restoration was guided by historical records to retain the site's Lodi-era authenticity. In addition to the restoration, the ASI and its partners engaged local communities to promote awareness of the Baoli's cultural and ecological value. Educational programs and participatory conservation activities were designed to ensure the site's long-term care. Built around 1506 during the Lodi dynasty, Rajon ki Baoli stands as a testament to Lodhi-era architecture and traditional water engineering. This four-tiered stepwell was thoughtfully designed not only to store water but also to offer shade and rest to travellers. Its elegant arched colonnades, ornate stucco medallions with floral and geometric patterns, and finely carved stone elements reflect the artistic sophistication of the time. Spanning across the area of 1,610 square meters, this Baoli descends to a depth of 13.4 meters, with the main tank measuring 23 by 10 meters at its base. Rajon ki Baoli is now open to the public. (ANI)
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
ASI completes conservation work in Lodhi-era stepwell
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund India (WMFI) and the TCS Foundation, has successfully completed the conservation work of 'Rajon ki Baoli', a 16th-century stepwell, located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park in New Delhi. Under ASI's supervision, the restoration work included cleaning, de-silting, structural repair, and water quality improvements, using traditional materials and techniques. Also Read | Battle of ideas over Delhi's ruins 'The 'baoli' (reservoir) was cleaned, de-silted, and connected to proper drainage systems. Fish were introduced to help maintain water quality. Traditional materials like lime plaster and mortar were used to preserve the original character of the structure. The restoration was guided by historical records to retain the site's Lodi-era authenticity', a senior ASI official said. In addition to the restoration, the ASI and its partners engaged local communities to promote awareness of the Baoli's cultural and ecological value. Educational programs and participatory conservation activities were designed to ensure the site's long-term care. Built around 1506 during the Lodi dynasty, Rajon ki Baoli stands as a testament to Lodhi-era architecture and traditional water engineering. This four-tiered stepwell was thoughtfully designed not only to store water but also to offer shade and rest to travellers. Its elegant arched colonnades, ornate stucco medallions with floral and geometric patterns, and finely carved stone elements reflect the artistic sophistication of the time. Spanning an area of 1,610 square meters, this Baoli descends to a depth of 13.4 meters, with the main tank measuring 23 by 10 meters at its base. This project was a part of WMFI's Historic Water Systems of India initiative, funded by the TCS Foundation, aligning with the World Monuments Fund's Climate Heritage Initiative. It highlights the importance of restoring traditional water systems as sustainable solutions for water management in the face of climate change, an official statement by the Union Ministry of Culture said.
