Ajit Pawar reviews Akola development works, stresses proper use of funds
Ajit Pawar
conducted a comprehensive review of development projects in Akola and Washim districts on Wednesday.
Chairing a meeting at the Planning Bhavan, Pawar directed that the District Planning Committee (DPC) funds be fully utilized for quality and necessary works, ensuring all planned projects are completed by February 2026 without any unspent allocations.
Pawar emphasized, "No funds should remain unutilized in the 2025–26 cycle, and quality and deadline compliance must be strictly followed." He was accompanied by state minister for soil and water conservation Indranil Naik, MP Anup Dhotre, MLAs Randhir Savarkar, Amol Mitkari, Vasant Khandelwal, Kiran Sarnayak, Sanjay Khodke, Sajid Pathan, Saibai Dahake, and senior administrative officials including additional collector Pramod Gaikwad, municipal commissioner Sunil Lahane, and SP Archit Chandak.
Pawar warned against misuse of DPC funds for unnecessary purchases, stressing timely and efficient execution. "Any irregularity will invite strict action," he said, adding that innovative schemes must result in impactful projects.
Taking stock of issues farmers face during the kharif season, Pawar issued a stern directive: "Any malpractice involving forced linkage of seeds and fertilizers will lead to FIRs against dealers and companies."
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here]
Esseps
Learn More
Undo
He also encouraged AI adoption in agriculture with support from agricultural universities. Reviewing crop loan disbursement, he urged departments to enhance awareness among farmers and ensure benefit delivery under various schemes.
The deputy CM directed completion of underground drainage works in Akola with long-term planning for the next 25 years of urban growth. He assured additional funds for municipal projects and emphasized linking
PMAY
with the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to benefit maximum families.
Pawar also promised resolution of pending issues related to the medical college and super-speciality hospital in Akola.
Highlighting the transition from the government's 100-day to 150-day program, Pawar urged authorities to expedite implementation of key schemes like PMAY, solar pump distribution, and desiltation of dams and farmlands under 'Galmukt Dharan – Galyukt Shivar'.
Pawar announced a positive move towards completing the Akola airport project.
"We will ensure runway expansion, night landing facility, and resolve technical issues. All efforts will be made to complete the airport," he assured.
Ajit Pawar unveiled an ambitious statewide tree plantation drive with a target of planting 10 crore trees this year, and 25 crore trees from next year onward. Under the CAMPA initiative, Rs3,000 crore has been allocated for large-scale environmental and afforestation works.
Ajit Pawar's review in Akola highlighted an assertive and accountable governance approach, stressing fiscal discipline, environmental sustainability, and farmer welfare, along with clear timelines for infrastructure and public welfare delivery.
Follow more information on
Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here
. Get
real-time live updates
on rescue operations and check
full list of passengers onboard AI 171
.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Move away from US: China exports emerge strong despite Donald Trump's tariff chaos; is the record trade surplus sustainable?
China achieved a historic trade surplus of approximately $586 billion in the first six months of the year. (AI image) China seems to have diversified its export markets away from the US, reporting a record trade surplus despite the global turmoil and uncertainty created by American President Donald Trump's tariff war. China achieved a historic trade surplus of approximately $586 billion in the first six months of the year, with exports to the United States showing signs of stabilisation despite the ongoing tariff situation that has disrupted international trade. June saw exports increase by 5.8% year-on-year, reaching $325 billion, surpassing analysts' expectation. Additionally, imports registered their first positive growth since February, rising by 1.1%, according to statistics released by the General Administration of Customs on Monday. China Finds Other Markets Apart From US Whilst exports to the United States declined by 16.1% compared to the previous year, following May's 34% decrease, Chinese businesses successfully expanded their market presence elsewhere, according to a Bloomberg report. Notably, exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member states demonstrated remarkable growth, increasing by 17% compared to the same period last year. Also Read | India-US trade deal: Indian team reaches Washington DC for fresh round of talks; Donald Trump's tariff deadline nears "China's trade withstood challenges and showed growth in the first half of the year," stated Wang Lingjun, deputy head of the customs agency, during a press briefing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Park Crescent at Alembic City, Vadodara – Luxury Homes from ₹2.20 Cr* Onwards Alembic City West Learn More Undo "But we need to note that unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise globally, and the external environment is becoming more complex, grim and uncertain,' Wang Lingjun said according to the Bloomberg report. The redirection of exports from the US market demonstrates Chinese manufacturing sector's adaptability, providing support to their decelerating domestic economy during a particularly volatile period in global trade. China's Trade Resilience Sustainable? The sustainability of this recent performance remains uncertain, as the Trump administration seeks to restrict the movement of Chinese goods to America through third-party countries. The United States recently introduced new tariffs on its trading partners, set to be implemented from August 1. Additionally, it imposed a 50% tariff on copper imports and indicated plans for additional sector-specific duties. Also Read | Countering China: India eyes Rs 1,345 crore scheme on rare earth magnets; Indian companies express interest "The pick-up in headline export growth mainly reflected the rebound of US-bound exports in June, likely due to the substantial tariff reduction following the US-China trade talks in Geneva in May," Goldman Sachs Group Inc. economists including Andrew Tilton said in a report. "Both export and import growth surprised to the upside." Despite US tariffs on Chinese products decreasing to approximately 55% from a peak of 145% in early April, China faces increasing challenges from America's developing trade policies. A recent accord with Vietnam includes a 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports to the United States and a higher 40% duty on transshipped goods, addressing a strategy Chinese exporters have traditionally used to avoid American tariffs. This measure could reduce demand for Chinese products exported directly to the US and affect components used in supply chains across various countries. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans for an upcoming meeting with his Chinese counterpart to further their ongoing dialogue. The robust trade performance provides a positive signal for the economy, which has been struggling with deflation and a prolonged property sector downturn that has affected consumer spending and asset values. According to a Bloomberg survey, official data releasing on Tuesday is anticipated to reveal a 5.1% year-on-year increase in gross domestic product for the quarter ended June. "It seems the front loading of exports to the US has not ended," said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management. "The strong exports help to partly offset the weak domestic demand and likely keep GDP growth around the government target of 5% in the second quarter." Also Read | India's tough stand against Chinese FDI: Indian electronics component makers eye tie-ups with South Korea, Taiwan firms; significant shift away from China Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
The Hindu
43 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Technology be adopted to evolve businesses: Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan
Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of CII CIES, Co-Founder of Infosys, and Chairman of Axilor Ventures, during an interaction with entrepreneurs here on Monday, advised young entrepreneurs and start-ups to adopt technology to give a boost and evolve in their business. Technology, a disruptor in almost every sector, was also an important driving factor for upgradation, he added. Though it could be a challenge for the start-ups to bring in the money required for the upgradation, it has become an indispensable change that has to be adopted, Mr. Gopalakrishnan stated. 'But the out of box thinking like roping interns and experienced retirees to get the technologies incorporated into the businesses could be considered. Building a network with the colleges can help address the demand,' he suggested. Commenting that the academics and industries have not worked together as an ecosystem, he said that except for hiring students through placements, a dialogue between the two large sectors was missing. He asked the education institutions to adopt the idea of Indian Institute of Technology to allocate vacant space for the industries to set up their units at the institution. By that way, both the students and the company could benefit from each other. 'As close to 25 lakh engineering graduates come out of colleges every year and with the recent dip of employment in Information Technology sector innovative ways are required to fill the gap in education and employment,' he added. The Karnataka government, to upskill both students and teachers to adapt to the changing needs of the market, has planned to conduct a mass workshop to train teachers on Artificial Intelligence (AI), he pointed out. 'Though students are being updated on the latest technologies, teaching faculties, following their employment, stops learning,' Mr. Gopalakrishnan said. Adopting new systems like dedicating a semester to internships for students and allowing a sabbatical for teachers to improve their industrial knowledge could give leverage in the knowledge acquisition and hiring process, he suggested. With rapid intrusion of AI into the sectors, there was a fear afloat that it would replace humans, but the same fear prevailed when computers were first introduced into banking sectors in 1980s, he noted. Rejecting the fears, he said once the sector grows, employment will eventually grow. Speaking on the academic challenges in inculcating business interest in students, he said in Kerala and Gujarat, the State governments have allocated a separate fund to encourage students to develop and start a business as part of their curriculum. It would not only motivate the students but would also help them think of businesses as an alternative option to job seeking, he noted. 'Only by running a business, we can learn about business,' he said. The CII (Madurai zone) had hosted an exclusive interactive session for the Start-ups, MSMEs and incubation centres. CII (Madurai zone) chairman Ashwin Desai and others spoke.
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
India should pursue services-focused trade deal with US: NITI Aaayog
NITI Aayog on Monday suggested that India should follow the model of the India-UK agreement to pursue a services-oriented trade deal with the US, with special focus on information technology, financial services, professional services, and education. The Aayog in its third edition of 'Trade Watch Quarterly' said there will be significant opportunities for India in the US markets both in terms of the number of products and volume of the US market. "Building on the model of the India-UK agreement, India should pursue a services-oriented trade deal with the US, placing strong emphasis on key sectors such as information technology, financial services, professional services, and education," it said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo The government think tank said the agreement should include robust provisions for digital trade, creating a framework for enhanced cross-border service delivery. The Aayog also emphasised that India must advocate for improved visa access for its professionals, particularly under H-1B and L-1 categories. "This should include provisions for intra-corporate transferees and independent service providers, which are crucial for maintaining India's competitive edge in the global services industry," it said. Live Events With growing global demand for Digitally Delivered Services (DDS), the Aayog said India should seek firm market access commitments from the US in high-growth areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, telecom, and design services. "Leveraging India's strengths in these sectors can help increase bilateral trade and innovation-led growth," it said. Observing that regulatory barriers such as inconsistent data compliance and intellectual property concerns hinder Indian service exports, the Aayog said joint efforts between India and the US are needed to simplify licensing procedures and address cross-border data flow issues, enabling smoother market access for Indian firms. The government think tank also said that to expand professional opportunities, India should push for broader Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) that cover a wider range of professions, including engineers, architects, and healthcare workers. "These agreements would streamline certification processes and facilitate the mobility of Indian professionals to the US," it said. According to the Aayog, India should focus on diversifying its trade partners and becoming integral to larger global supply chains and production networks. "Fast-tracking free trade agreements, time-bound negotiation roadmap, is essential," the Aayog said, adding that these agreements should prioritise the reduction of non-tariff barriers and facilitate smoother trade in services, a key strength for India. Simultaneously, the Aayog said deeper trade engagement with countries such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN nations can be highly beneficial, especially in sectors where India's export strengths, such as pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and IT, match their import needs. "Additionally, pivoting towards African markets by developing a structured India-Africa trade corridor focused on pharmaceuticals, education services, IT, and cost-effective machinery will tap into the growing demand and expand India's export footprint into emerging regions," it said. Meanwhile, an Indian commerce ministry team has reached Washington for another round of talks on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), which will begin on Monday. The visit assumes significance as both sides have to iron out issues in sectors like agriculture and automobiles. It is also important as the US has further postponed the imposition of additional tariffs on several countries, including India, until August 1. Earlier this month, the Indian team was in Washington for talks, with negotiations taking place from June 26 to July 2. The team has once again reached the US for negotiations. India has hardened its position on the US demand for duty concessions on agri and dairy products. New Delhi has, so far, has not given any duty concessions to any of its trading partners in a free trade agreement in the dairy sector. India is seeking the removal of this additional tariff (26 per cent). It is also seeking the easing of tariffs on steel and aluminium (50 per cent) and the auto (25 per cent) sectors. Against these, India has reserved its right under the WTO (World Trade Organization) norms to impose retaliatory duties. US President Donald Trump announced heavy tariffs on a number of countries, including India, on April 2. However, it was soon postponed for 90 days until July 9 and later to August 1. The two countries are looking to conclude talks for the first tranche of the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by fall (September-October) this year. Before that, they are looking for an interim trade pact.
