Latest news with #SPARSH
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Priyank Kharge seeks urgent release of pending MGNREGA funds
Expressing serious concern over the continued delay in the release of funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to Karnataka for 2025-26, State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister (RDPR) Priyank Kharge has written to Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking immediate release of funds. In the letter dated May 23, Mr. Kharge has sought the Union Minister's urgent intervention to immediately release the pending wage, material, and administrative funds for the current fiscal. 'The Karnataka government remains firmly committed to the effective implementation of this vital programme, which plays a crucial role in providing livelihood security to rural households across the State. In compliance with the scheme's requirements, the Rural Development Commissionerate has submitted all necessary utilisation certificates and supporting documents to the Ministry of Rural Development. However, the State is facing severe financial and administrative constraints due to the non-release of funds,' the letter stated. Elaborating on the non-release of funds across the administrative component, Mr. Kharge has said in the letter that salaries for field-level staff and functionaries have remained unpaid since December 2024, leading to significant financial hardship for the personnel. 'This delay is severely affecting the routine operations, supervision, and on-ground implementation of the scheme. Field functionaries have been submitting multiple requests to the headquarters for the immediate release of their pending salaries to cover essential expenses such as their children's school admission fees, rent, and loan EMIs,' the letter stated. On the technical challenges in fund flow, the letter stated that the mandated migration to the Single Nodal Agency system and integration with the SPARSH platform and NREGASoft have created operational bottlenecks. 'These system-level transitions, though well-intended, have led to delays in fund disbursement to the State,' the letter pointed out. Stating that no material funds have been released in the current financial year, he said in the letter: 'This has resulted in pending bills amounting to ₹787.2 crore. Additionally, wage liabilities of around ₹600 crore are outstanding, despite the fact that demands have been raised as per actual work progress.' Officials from the Rural Development Commissionerate have consistently pursued this matter through formal letters, telephone follow-ups, and personal visits to the Union Rural Development Ministry. They have also raised concerns during virtual meetings. 'In light of the above, I urge your urgent intervention for the immediate release of the pending wage, material, and administrative funds. Timely disbursement is essential to ensure the livelihood security of lakhs of rural workers and also maintain the administrative efficacy and trust in this important national programme,' Mr. Kharge's letter added.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MGNREGA workers not paid wages for four months
Koppal: Over 3,000 outsourced workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the state have not received their wages for the past four months, leading to considerable financial workers, who play a crucial role in executing MGNREGA initiatives, enhancing educational facilities, and building rural infrastructure across 31 districts, are facing severe challenges in meeting their daily needs due to the delays in receiving wages. Vasigerappa K from the Koppal District MGNREGA Employees Welfare Development Association highlights that among these workers are ADPC, district IEC coordinator, DMIS, district account manager, DEO at the district level, and technical coordinators at the taluk level. All are struggling to manage their daily emphasises that employees rely on their monthly salaries, particularly those in MGNREGA who must travel frequently for field visits and meetings. The lack of salary for four months is making it increasingly difficult for them to participate in these essential Pawan Kumar Malipatil of the rural development and panchayat raj department stated, "The Union govt has mandated the payment of salaries through a new software module. This has led to several challenges, particularly in adding employees' accounts. We are currently addressing the software issues, and salaries will be disbursed within a few days," he salaries were issued via the MGNREGA REAT (Receipts, Expenditure, Advances, and Transfers) module at administrative costs. Problems arose when the Union govt required salary payments to be processed through the SNA (Single Nodal Account) SPARSH (Samayochit Prannali Integrated Shighra Hastantaran) module as part of the K2 Public Financial Management System software. Technical issues with the software have hindered the proper updating of employee information, causing delays in salary employees have expressed frustration, stating, "The relevant authorities have been taking four months to resolve this issue. As a result, approximately 3,000 MGNREGA employees in the state are currently without their salaries."The situation is worsened by unfulfilled promises. Although the state govt committed in last year's budget to offer health insurance, this benefit has not yet been realised. Employees are now demanding an immediate solution to the software issues impacting salary payments and the rollout of the promised health insurance programme.
Business Standard
30-04-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
A Pujan Ceremony Marks SPARSH Hospitals' Entry into Final Phase of Unveiling New Hennur Facility in Mid-May
PNN Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 30: In a significant step towards the launch of its much-anticipated new facility, SPARSH Hospitals recently held a traditional Pujan ceremony at the upcoming over 300-bedded SPARSH Hospital in Hennur. On this auspicious occasion, Dr. Sharan Shivaraj Patil, Chairman of SPARSH Group, along with his family and key members of the SPARSH leadership team, performed Pujan seeking divine blessings so that they can offer best-in-class services to those in need. The event marked the beginning of the final phase before the hospital becomes fully operational in mid-May. "SPARSH Hennur represents our vision for the future of healthcare--premium infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and a deeply human touch, all under one roof. This hospital stands as a pillar of clinical excellence and plays an important role in shaping and sustaining quality healthcare in the region," Dr. Sharan Shivaraj Patil, Chairman, SPARSH Group of Hospitals, said after performing the Pujan. As one of Bengaluru's fastest-growing healthcare providers, SPARSH Group of Hospitals continues to invest in building a holistic healthcare ecosystem with world-class facilities and technologies, merging clinical expertise with social responsibility. This hospital is not only a pillar of clinical excellence but also a driver of economic opportunity. It generates around 2500 direct and indirect employment opportunities. SPARSH Hennur is all set to become a contributor to the local economy and deliver world-class quality healthcare in the region. SPARSH Hennur is designed and developed to deliver compassionate care with ethical practices. It will offer advanced specialities and high-end diagnostics. The upcoming unit is supported by world-class infrastructure and technologies. The facility's hyperlocal focus will ensure deeper community engagement and more efficient access to expert medical services. As one of Bengaluru's fastest-growing healthcare providers, SPARSH Hospitals continues to invest in building a holistic healthcare ecosystem with world-class facilities and technologies, merging clinical expertise with social responsibility. The Hennur unit is a part of SPARSH's ongoing expansion to bring high-quality, ethical, and patient-centric healthcare to people of Bengaluru and nearby areas. The focus of the Group is also on combining medical expertise with innovation to provide personalized, high-quality care across specialities. Technology-driven healthcare advancements, including real-time robotic assistance and AI diagnostics, ensure personalized, effective treatments. SPARSH Group of Hospitals is revolutionizing healthcare through next-level precision and innovation across specialities. By integrating robotic-assisted surgeries, 3-D printing, and AI-driven diagnostics, SPARSH ensures safer, patient-centric treatments with superior outcomes. SPARSH Hospitals is advancing Organ Transplants, particularly in liver and kidney procedures. Its multidisciplinary teams utilize cutting-edge imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and precision medicine to improve transplant success rates and post-operative recovery. The organization is also committed to equitable healthcare, and it believes that quality healthcare should not be a privilege but a right for all. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge medical advancements and those in need, SPARSH Hospitals ensure a healthier future for our nation. SPARSH Hospitals continues to expand its facilities and introduce groundbreaking technologies, setting new standards in precision-driven, compassionate healthcare. The operationalisation of the upcoming Hennur Unit will manifest the Group's commitment to ensuring a healthier future.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Shipping Ministry hosts workshop on digital transformation to achieve maritime Amrit Kaal vision 2047
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) organised a one-day workshop on IT Procurement and Project Management in New Delhi, aiming to enhance digital efficiency and streamline IT implementation across India's maritime and shipping ecosystem. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack The groundwork before India mounts a strike at Pakistan India considers closing airspace to Pakistani carriers amid rising tensions Cold Start: India's answer to Pakistan's nuclear threats The workshop was virtually inaugurated by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal , who emphasised the transformative role of technology in modernising port operations and enhancing service delivery for stakeholders. TK Ramachandran , Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, addressed the participants and emphasised the importance of innovation, collaboration, and capacity building in accelerating digital transformation within the maritime sector. The event witnessed active participation from senior officials of the Ministry, various ports, and associated organisations. In-depth sessions during the workshop focused on challenges in IT projects, identifying root causes, and exploring actionable solutions to improve project outcomes. Case studies from ongoing Ministry projects were discussed to draw practical insights. Live Events Key highlight of the event was a presentation on the proposed Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE)--envisioned as a dedicated centre for IT project delivery, to be developed with support from CDAC. Live demonstrations were held to showcase innovative digital tools, including SPARSH (Dashboard for Ports) and Counsello, AI-powered platforms developed by startups. Draft IT Procurement Guidelines were also introduced during the session, with participants encouraged to share feedback based on their on-ground experience. The discussions were led by R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (IT), MoPSW, who reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to building resilient and future-ready digital systems. The workshop concluded with closing remarks by the Secretary of MoPSW, emphasising the need for effective project execution and the integration of next-generation technologies, such as AI, ML, and other indigenous software solutions.
India Gazette
29-04-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Shipping Ministry hosts workshop on digital transformation to achieve maritime Amrit Kaal vision 2047
New Delhi [India], April 29 (ANI): The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) organised a one-day workshop on IT Procurement and Project Management in New Delhi, aiming to enhance digital efficiency and streamline IT implementation across India's maritime and shipping ecosystem. The workshop was virtually inaugurated by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, who emphasised the transformative role of technology in modernising port operations and enhancing service delivery for stakeholders. TK Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, addressed the participants and emphasised the importance of innovation, collaboration, and capacity building in accelerating digital transformation within the maritime sector. The event witnessed active participation from senior officials of the Ministry, various ports, and associated organisations. In-depth sessions during the workshop focused on challenges in IT projects, identifying root causes, and exploring actionable solutions to improve project outcomes. Case studies from ongoing Ministry projects were discussed to draw practical insights. Key highlight of the event was a presentation on the proposed Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE)--envisioned as a dedicated centre for IT project delivery, to be developed with support from CDAC. Live demonstrations were held to showcase innovative digital tools, including SPARSH (Dashboard for Ports) and Counsello, AI-powered platforms developed by startups. Draft IT Procurement Guidelines were also introduced during the session, with participants encouraged to share feedback based on their on-ground experience. The discussions were led by R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (IT), MoPSW, who reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to building resilient and future-ready digital systems. The workshop concluded with closing remarks by the Secretary of MoPSW, emphasising the need for effective project execution and the integration of next-generation technologies, such as AI, ML, and other indigenous software solutions. (ANI)
