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Rehabilitated beggars craft eco-friendly Ganesha idols

Rehabilitated beggars craft eco-friendly Ganesha idols

Time of Indiaa day ago
Indore: Around 25 beggars, who once completely relied on begging as a livelihood, are now skilled in 19 vocational courses, including Ganesh idol making, to earn with dignity. These individuals, who were rescued from begging in Indore—some grappling with addiction, past criminal involvement, and mental health issues—are now diligently crafting beautiful Ganesha idols.
Two months before Ganesh Utsav, these rehabilitated individuals created over 7,000 Ganesha statues, marking a profound step in their journey towards self-sufficiency. These eco-friendly idols are meticulously prepared at the 'Pravesh' institution in Pardeshipura, using cow dung sourced from local gaushalas (cow shelters). The idols, available in various sizes, are notably lightweight and intricately beautiful.
"So far, we received orders to deliver 5,200 Ganesh idols," NGO head Rupali Jain said.
Over the past few years, more than 5,000 beggars were rescued. Of these, over 2,000 were from outside Indore and were sent back to their native places after being rescued from temples, roads, intersections, and fairgrounds. Approximately 480 individuals from the Pardhi and Nath communities were also sent back home. A total of 2,520 beggars were brought to rehabilitation centres.
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Some of these individuals received treatment at mental hospitals and are now being taught life skills and proper etiquette to integrate them back into mainstream society. They are also being encouraged to participate in activities such as bhajans, yoga, education, and vocational training. "These inmates are being provided training in 19 vocational courses," she said.
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Defunct state women commission a concern in J'khand: Union min
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Time of India

time30 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Defunct state women commission a concern in J'khand: Union min

M inistry of women and child development minister and Koderma MP Annapurna Devi talks to Kritika Tiwary on her agenda and ongoing efforts to uplift women and children nationwide. Excerpts: How many women and child development projects are currently active in Jharkhand? At present, there are over 37,815 anganwadi centres in the state. Of them, more than 16,700 centres have been approved under the Saksham Anganwadi initiative, which includes facilities like clean drinking water with RO systems, LED lights, Poshan Vatika (nutrition gardens), and water harvesting structures. These upgrades aim to provide a healthier environment to children and mothers. How effective is the women and child related schemes in the state? Twenty four districts have active 'One Stop Centres', and approval has been granted for 11 more in large or underserved districts. These centres support women in distress. Women can call the 181 Women Helpline. Upon receiving the call, the team tracks the location and immediately dispatches support. We also have counsellors and legal aid (DLSA) tied up with every centre. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Every district has a dedicated women empowerment hub. Are there specific projects for children in need of protection? Yes, there are over 50 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) in the state that cater to both CNCP (children in need of care and protection) and CCL (children in conflict with law). Separate facilities exist for boys and girls, and we also coordinate with Childline 1098. What financial schemes are provided under the PMMVY in state? Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, the state has provided benefits to approximately 9.3 lakh women. For the first child, mothers receive Rs 5,000, and for the second child (if a girl), they receive Rs 6,000. In the last financial year alone, Rs 421 crore was disbursed directly to beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can now self-register digitally for schemes. Are any new infrastructure projects sanctioned recently? Seven new working women hostels have been sanctioned in Jharkhand. We've also approved Palna-cum-creche facilities at anganwadi centres. Has the Centre assessed Jharkhand's performance? Yes. Performance varies across schemes. States like Haryana (Palna), Tamil Nadu (hostels), and Gujarat (nutrition) are doing well in respective areas. In Jharkhand, despite progress, the absence of a state women's commission for the past 6 years is a concern.

On paper and ground, the smartness is poles apart
On paper and ground, the smartness is poles apart

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

On paper and ground, the smartness is poles apart

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3 yrs on, residents await retaining wall along Bindal river
3 yrs on, residents await retaining wall along Bindal river

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

3 yrs on, residents await retaining wall along Bindal river

1 2 Dehradun: Nearly three years after residents demanded a proper retaining wall along the Bindal river, the project remains pending, leaving several localities vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon season. Legal proceedings related to Bindal have been pending in the district court since 2022. Shiva Verma, an advocate from the area, said accumulated garbage and the lack of safety walls choke the drains, frequently inundating the low-lying areas of the river. "In past hearings, the irrigation department claimed it requires Rs 3 lakh for constructing the retaining wall, but lacks the necessary funds. Years have passed, yet there's no permanent solution to problems affecting thousands of residents on a regular basis," he said. On Friday, local residents and officials from both the irrigation department and Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) conducted a joint inspection at the Kanwali Road bridge. "The problems are recurring, and the intensity worsens every year. Earlier, garbage blockages were a major issue, but the corporation is doing a better job now. However, a concrete retaining wall is the urgent need. The existing structure is of poor quality and heavy rains often wash away the embankments. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Even electricity poles on the riverbed are eroding and are a threat to the public," said area councillor Vishal Kumar. He also said that during monsoon, water level in the river is so high that the bridges along Bindal are overrun with water. "There is a need for increasing their height and width. Localities like Kanwali Road and further downstream like Govindgarh face the brunt of flooding," said Kumar. Meanwhile Verma said that Friday's inspection revealed damages to several sections of the existing safety wall, as well as to a gate meant to block garbage from entering the river. "Waste is being pushed to the sides. It needs to be removed completely. The sides have to be cleared to identify more weak points for urgent repairs. Another monsoon is passing by. We need authorities to act soon," he said, adding that the evidence collected will be presented in court during the next hearing scheduled for July 22. Avnish Bhatnagar, assistant engineer of the irrigation department, told TOI that any damages revealed during the inspection will be addressed on priority. "We keep carrying out routine repairs on the existing retaining wall. Garbage gates were also installed some time ago," he said. Sources also said that the request for a budget to build a retaining wall has already been presented to the govt and is pending approval.

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