Latest news with #StateBudget
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Dead fences and crumbling walls, Kerala's prisons vulnerable to more breaches
The escape of rape and murder convict Govindachamy from the Kannur Central Prison has exposed deep-rooted lapses in Kerala's prison security system, where outdated infrastructure and administrative inertia have long gone unaddressed. The electric fencing at the prison, meant to deter such breakouts, has not been functioning for nearly three years. This is not an isolated lapse. Except for the Viyyur Central Prison and the adjacent High Security Prison, all central prisons in the State suffer from similar vulnerabilities. Sources point to chronic underfunding and poor interdepartmental coordination as key reasons delaying much-needed security upgrades of prison facilities. While electric fencing has been installed around the central prisons, except the Thavanur Central Prison and the High Security Prison, several years ago, the absence of live power supply has rendered these systems ineffective. At the Poojappura Central Prison, the fencing has been inoperative for nearly two years. The issue stems from expired annual maintenance contracts (AMC) and persistent delays by implementing agencies, including the Public Works department, in preparing repair estimates. Even the High Security Prison stares at a similar situation, with its AMC having lapsed. Compounding the problem, the lack of periodic maintenance has also hampered the surveillance infrastructure within prisons, as many CCTV cameras lack technical support. Further exposing prisons to more potential jailbreaks, boundary walls in certain facilities are crumbling, forcing prison superintendents fund makeshift repairs using their own funds. These challenges are particularly acute in ageing institutions built during the British era. The situation has been exacerbated by Kerala's ongoing fiscal crisis. The government had allocated ₹20 crore in the last State Budget for prison upgrades, despite proposals for nearly ₹100 crore being submitted. Half of the allocated amount was later slashed due to budgetary constraints, further straining prison resources. The Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services has now pinned its hopes on the decisions taken at a recent meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that resolved to make electric fences fully operational in all major prisons. The prison authorities have also expedited the ongoing security audit of its correctional facilities. At present, the periodic assessment is complete in 39 prisons, with steps under way to conduct the exercise in the remaining 18. Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Balram Kumar Upadhyay told The Hindu that a number of steps are being planned to enhance security measures. 'Electric fencing will be the top priority for all central prisons. In addition, we will soon install 340 more CCTV cameras across jails to strengthen the existing network of nearly 1,500 cameras,' he says. To improve night-time security, high-mast lighting has already been installed on five major prison complexes. 'We are looking into every aspect (of security vulnerabilities) after the incident. Security measures are being reassessed. We hope to implement the upgraded measures within a couple of months,' he says. Sources indicate that the Home department is also exploring new technologies, including motion-sensing surveillance systems. The possibility of partnering with start-ups to pilot motion sensors is also being explored to detect unauthorised movement and potential breaches.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Governor approves ₹5,000 crore KKRDB action plan for 2025–26
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has approved the ₹5,000-crore action plan for the year 2025–26 prepared by the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB), giving a major boost to development initiatives across the region. Jewargi MLA and KKRDB chairperson Ajay Singh, who released a press note on Thursday, said the approval came in the third week of July after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah submitted the plan for the Governor's assent. 'The early clearance this year will allow the board to begin implementation well on time and take up more development works with added momentum,' he said. The current year's action plan was finalised during the KKRDB board meeting on May 10, 2025, in the presence of elected representatives, including MLAs, MPs, and Ministers. Mr. Singh said the action plan was prepared based on recommendations of the Nanjundappa Committee and in line with the Comprehensive Development Report (CDR) index. The allocation has been planned proportionately to the population and categorised under micro, macro, discretionary grants, and administrative expenses, he added. 'In previous years, there had been delays in approval. For instance, the 2023–24 plan was cleared in December, even though the board met in August and submitted the plan soon after. Despite the delay, the board implemented projects worth ₹2,009 crore across key sectors like education, health and infrastructure by the end of March,' Dr. Singh noted. He said this year's action plan was prepared within the fiscal limits set by the State Budget and duly cleared by the Finance Department. 'We had received permission from the Finance Department to prepare a ₹5,000 crore plan, and it has now been approved by the Governor without delay,' he added. The board had submitted the draft to Raj Bhavan promptly after the Chief Minister's approval, and Dr. Singh personally met the Governor to thank him for the swift response. 'The Governor's timely approval in July itself has given Kalyana Karnataka a new impetus for development. It allows us to begin implementation at the earliest and ensure speedy progress in backward areas,' Dr. Singh said.
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Negeri Sembilan To Request State Funding For Cooperatives In 2026 Budget
MELAKA, July 26 (Bernama) -- A request for funding will be made to the state government for the development of cooperatives in Negeri Sembilan as part of the 2026 Budget, said State Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumerism Action Committee chairman, S. Veerapan He said to date, no funds have been allocated by the state government for cooperative development in Negeri Sembilan. Instead, the funding received has come from the Federal Government through the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) state branch. "This is important because, in Melaka, despite being a smaller state with lower revenue than Negeri Sembilan, the state government allocates funding to SKM Melaka. We intend to follow that example," Veerapan told Bernama. He added that the state government's support is essential to ensure that cooperatives in Negeri Sembilan benefit and strengthen the development of existing cooperatives. Veerapan said this after attending the Business Exploration and Networking Programme (Ekspansi), organised by the Negeri Sembilan government with cooperatives from the state, Sarawak, and Sabah. The event, held in Melaka for National Cooperative Day 2025, was also attended by SKM Negeri Sembilan director, Radiatul Fitri Dollah. Veerapan further said that his team would gather more details from SKM Negeri Sembilan regarding the funding needs for cooperative development in the state. This information will be proposed and discussed during the upcoming 2026 State Budget consultation session, expected to take place in September. As of Dec 31 last year, Negeri Sembilan had 787 registered cooperatives, with nearly 192,000 members. The cooperatives had accumulated shares totaling RM123 million, assets worth RM404 million, and a total revenue of RM187 million Earlier at the event, Veerapan witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Koperasi Gabungan Masjid-Masjid Negeri Melaka (Kogmas), represented by its chairman Zaidan Abd Hadi, and Koperasi Kolej Vokasional (KV) Port Dickson represented by its director Mohammad Shafie Hamir.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Stinky Perth sewage spills prompt calls for better drainage
Recent sewage spills in Spearwood, Beaconsfield and Caversham have raised alarm bells on the state of pipes in inner-city Perth. Burst pipes caused wastewater to encroach on parks, residential homes and into the Swan River. The State Government is responsible for upgrading sewerage, water and main drainage assets. City of Vincent mayor Alison Xamon wants it to work with inner-city local governments on addressing ageing pipes. Water Corporation, plumbers and earthmovers were at Westonia Park in Spearwood after sewerage flooded the park. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian 'We need to ensure essential infrastructure is able to accommodate increased density. 'It was concerning to see the significant health and amenity impacts that these spills had on residents and the Swan River and I am sure the State Government does not want to see a repeat. 'Together with other inner-city councils, we want to work with the State Government to create a forum to co-ordinate key State infrastructure delivery such as water, drainage and sewerage infrastructure works. 'Local government needs to understand the State Government's plan when it comes to infrastructure so we can better prepare for the servicing of our community needs and infrastructure.' There are 8000 drains and 122km of underground pipes in the City of Vincent. Some are more than 120 years old. Ms Xamon said while Vincent had continued to maintain its existing infrastructure, it needed to be upgraded to meet housing and population targets. City of Vincent mayor Alison Xamon. Credit: Iain Gillespie / The West Australian 'The State Government has set an infill target for Vincent of 11,500 dwellings by 2050, in addition to a population growth of an additional 25,000 people,' she said. 'We also continue to approve housing applications and the State-appointed Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel is giving the green light to medium to high-density developments. 'Unfortunately, the current state of pipes and drains does not support the predicted increase in homes and residents across our suburbs. 'The impact of climate change places further pressure on infrastructure to withstand major unprecedented events like we have experienced in recent years. 'So I encourage the State Government to look at redirecting funds earned by agencies such as the Water Corporation into upgrading critical infrastructure to ensure communities are prepared and resilient for years to come.' Water Minister Don Punch said due to significant challenges posed by climate change and rapid population growth, the State Government was ensuring it had 'strong investment' in existing water and wastewater infrastructures, with the addition of $35m in last month's State Budget. A massive sewerage spill affected a number of suburbs in Perth's south. Credit: AAP 'This is in addition to nearly $80m extra over two years allocated under the 2023-24 State Budget for network renewals,' he said. 'This funding supports a rolling program of work to replace or renew ageing water and wastewater infrastructure across Perth, with $39.5m to be spent relining wastewater pipes and $40.4m to replace ageing water mains.' A Water Corporation spokesperson said while isolated issues can occur, it invested significantly in both maintenance and renewal. 'We have an ongoing inspection program that helps us monitor the condition of our network and prioritise work,' the spokesperson said. 'From 2014 to 2024, Water Corporation invested more than $270 million renewing ageing wastewater infrastructure across Perth. 'This year alone, we expect to spend around $100 million on water and wastewater renewals in the metropolitan area — one of our largest ever annual investments. 'Although some sections of our network are older, it is the condition of a pipe, not its age, that best indicates its performance. 'Older pipes can remain in service for decades with appropriate inspection and maintenance, while newer pipes may be susceptible to early failure under certain environmental conditions.' The spokesperson said the Water Corporation worked closely with local governments during the planning and delivery of projects and would continue to collaborate with them to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades and renewals.
West Australian
22-07-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Newdegate's Trey Westlake speaks on Labor's shortfalls on regional issues at 2025 Y WA Youth Parliament
A budding young leader from Newdegate caught the attention of policymakers when his committee's regional recovery bill passed unanimously at the 2025 Y WA Youth Parliament. It was Trey Westlake's second consecutive year in the Youth Parliament. He stepped up as shadow minister for agriculture, food and fisheries as a member for Roe at the Legislative Assembly in Perth, on July 7-10. The 16-year-old introduced the producer resilience and recovery insurance scheme on behalf of his eight regional committee members. It would establish a State-run insurance scheme to cover damage costs caused by natural disasters for primary producers to claim, which was unanimously passed. As a first-time shadow minister, his ministerial speech highlighted that the recent State Budget dedicated no funding, processing infrastructure support, a workforce transition plan or farmer assistance for the live export transitioning, despite the WA Government stating they disapproved of the ban. Trey's private member statement discussed 'the current Government's lack of meaningful investment' in the Roe electorate, underlining poor phone reception, unreliable power and frequent outages, inadequate road quality, education and health care. 'The people of Roe aren't asking for handouts. They are simply asking for respect, investment and support,' he said. Royalties for Regions, which started in late 2008, drove his adjournment debate. The scheme promised that 25 per cent of WA's mining and resource royalties would be reinvested into regional communities, but Trey said in 2017 the fund had been 'dismantled and reallocated'. He said the royalties are now used to fund programs that would have been paid for by consolidated revenue, 'that's not regional investment, that's a government padding its books to claim a $2 billion surplus'. The Year 11 student said he returned to the program because he was determined for policymakers to hear regional people, shedding light on key issues and perspectives. This year's event recorded one of Youth Parliament's highest regional numbers with 12 of the 59 participants aged 15-25 travelling from outside the metropolitan area. Trey also got the opportunity to deliberate central discussion points with MLA Peter Rundle and three training days on April 26, May 24 and June 21 to learn about committee rules, amendments and a general overview. Mr Rundle said that 'we need good young leaders in our society' and it was important to cater for all generations and connect with the new wave of younger voters. 'I'm really lucky to have someone like Trey who is keen and interested and it's great to have him be part of (Youth Parliament),' he said. 'He's got a very good handle on how people in the regions and agricultural industry feel, and living with his family in the bush and having gone to school in the regions, he understands the challenges as well.'
