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Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Union Jal Shakti minister pushes to conserve rivers
Lucknow: Union Jal Shakti minister CR Patil participated in a ' World Environment Day ' programme at Bulandshahr on Thursday, where he planted a sapling and released fish fingerlings into the Ganga. Remarking that in Indian culture, every river is revered as a mother, Patil said that conserving rivers was not just a responsibility but an act of devotion. He identified plastic pollution in rivers as one of the biggest challenges of the present times and highlighted the importance of eliminating the use of plastic. "Until we realise that the Ganga is not just a river but a life-giving force, our conservation efforts will remain incomplete," he said. Patil highlighted the role of the Namami Gange programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and spoke about how the sewage treatment plants (STPs) installed across the Ganga basin worked to stop untreated water from entering the river. Patil interacted with 200 'Ganga praharis' and praised them for not only cleaning the river themselves but also stopping others from polluting it. He also visited the Ganga Aqua Life Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Narora, a centre working on the conservation of Gangetic dolphins, freshwater turtles and other aquatic species. He released fish fingerlings into the Ganga at Narora Ghat, a step seen as crucial for restoring the aquatic food chain. A specially designed mobile bus operated by the National Book Trust (NBT) was also launched at the event. The bus will travel to rural and semi-urban areas to promote environmental awareness through literature, storytelling and interactive learning.
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
New rule could disrupt in-house quota admissions for Class 11 students
A new state government rule could disrupt in-house quota admissions for class 11 students in several junior colleges in Pune. The revised guideline—introduced ahead of the statewide online admission process starting May 26—states that in-house quota seats will be available only if the school and junior college operated by the same management are located on the same campus. This marks a significant departure from previous practice, wherein colleges were allowed to reserve in-house seats even if they and the schools run by the same management were located on different campuses, often a few kilometres apart. The change is likely to impact several prominent institutions in Pune that run their schools and junior colleges on different campuses. On the sidelines of a children's book fair in Pune jointly organised by the National Book Trust, Pune Book Festival, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Samvaad Pune, Maharashtra school education minister Dada Bhuse said, 'This initiative is meant for the benefit of students. If school or college managements have any concerns, we are open to listening to them and will consider their views.' Explaining the rationale behind the change, Bhuse said that the revamped online admission system will ensure that students are admitted strictly on merit. 'In the past, there were cases where students with good marks could not secure seats in reputed colleges. With the new system, meritorious students will now get fair opportunities,' he said. The minister acknowledged technical issues in the application portal, particularly regarding the ₹100 fee payment but said that those glitches have been resolved. 'I personally monitored the updates. From tomorrow, the entire process will run smoothly without any glitches,' he said. The state had previously implemented the online Class 11 admission system in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Amravati. This year, it is being extended across Maharashtra. Admitting that rural students face hurdles such as poor connectivity and lack of smartphones, Bhuse maintained that the government was committed to long-term reforms. 'Whatever positive outcomes emerge from this system, we will share the same with you. The aim is to benefit students in the long run,' he said. Bhuse also said that the Maharashtra government has submitted a proposal to the union education minister three weeks ago, urging three changes: the inclusion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's history in the national school curriculum, recognition of Marathi as a classical language, and mandatory Marathi teaching in non-Marathi medium schools. 'The CBSE's recent decision to make Marathi compulsory in its schools is a direct outcome of these efforts,' he said.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Decision to make Hindi compulsory from Std I stayed: Dada Bhuse
1 2 3 Pune: School education minister Dada Bhuse on Sunday said the decision to make Hindi compulsory as a third language from Standard I had been stayed and students would be educated according to the existing system. After visiting the Pune Children's Book Fair organised by the National Book Trust, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pune Book Festival Samvad at the Ganesh Kala Krida Manch on Sunday, Bhuse told reporters, "We have received various suggestions from educationists, experts and others regarding this subject and a decision would be taken after considering them." About the confusion surrounding scholarship exams currently held in Standard V and VIII, Bhuse said studies were under way to check if these should be for Standard IV and VII. "A committee of experts has been appointed for this. A final decision has not been taken yet," he said. Regarding confusions over the new in-house quota rule for the First Year Junior College (FYJC) admission, Bhuse said if the management of the institutions had an issue, they could send their suggestions to the education department. "A decision would be taken after scrutinising everything," he said. The online centralised FYJC admission process across the state is set to begin on May 26. The new in-house quota rule states that even if a junior college and some schools belong to the same management and the same city, only students from schools within the premises of the junior college will be eligible for the in-house quota. It states students of schools outside the premises of a junior college will not be eligible for the in-house quota even if their management is the same.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Cultural affairs dept to participate in Pune children's book fair next year
Pune: The department of cultural affairs will organise cultural programmes as part of the Pune Children's Book Fair, recognising the positive influence such events have on young minds, said Ashish Shelar on Saturday. Speaking during his visit at the Pune Children's Book Fair 2025, organised by the National Book Trust, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pune Book Festival Samvad, at the Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, the cultural affairs minister emphasised the need for such initiatives in an era dominated by artificial intelligence, OTT platforms, and the internet. 'To keep children's sensitivity alive, nurture good values, and develop their talents, such programmes are essential. The cultural department will become an official partner in the initiative. It will be promoted as a model of value-based child development in the state,' he said. Praising the organisers, Shelar said, 'In today's time, when the family system is weakening, such initiatives help society face challenges. Without real intelligence, artificial intelligence is not enough for progress. The children's book fair has the power to nurture such real intelligence in children. When you see books, games, cultural exchange, and history brought together in one place for children, you understand the importance of the initiative. Against today's backdrop, this entire atmosphere feels almost unbelievable.' Additional municipal commissioner Prithviraj BP said, 'As PMC marks its 75th year, several cultural programmes are being held. Given the response to the children's book fair received in its very first year, the civic body will continue supporting it annually. The civic body has already provided land for the National Book Trust, and efforts are underway to make Pune the book capital.' In his welcome address, Rajesh Pande, the festival's chief organiser, said, 'Over 25,000 children visited the fair in just two and a half days.' Earlier, Shelar visited various stalls at the exhibition and even picked up a 'Viti-Dandu' (traditional Indian stick game) and played with kids. He released several children's books on the occasion.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Digi libraries in 400 villages of Prayagraj to enhance learning experience of kids
Prayagraj: The state govt will establish digital libraries in 400 villages across Prayagraj with an aim to provide modern educational resources for children and teenagers. According to official sources, these digital libraries will be set up primarily in panchayat bhawans. In cases where panchayat bhawans are unsuitable, alternative buildings will be identified. The libraries will be equipped with desktop computers and LED screens with integrated cameras, allowing students to view books and study materials on large screens. In addition, the buildings will be made Wi-Fi enabled to ensure seamless digital access. The library will consist of books from both national and local sources. The National Book Trust will supply 50% of the books while the remaining will be sourced from local publishers. The libraries will also be furnished with desks, chairs and storage cabinets to create a conducive learning environment. To oversee the implementation and operation of these digital libraries, a committee has been formed. The district magistrate will serve as the chairperson while the district panchayati raj officer (DPRO) will ex officio acting as the member secretary. In some cases, minor repairs or construction may be needed to make the panchayat buildings suitable for the libraries. These expenses will be covered by the panchayat fund. Preparations are already underway, including the finalisation of the list of villages where the libraries will be established.
