Latest news with #AshishTiwari
India.com
12-07-2025
- India.com
27 Cops Suspended In UPs Saharanpur For Skipping Kanwar Yatra Duty
In a stern move to enforce discipline during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, as many as 27 police personnel in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur District have been suspended for remaining absent without permission during their deployment for the yatra duty. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ashish Tiwari ordered the suspension with immediate effect, citing serious indiscipline and negligence during a period deemed critical for public safety. "No negligence of any kind will be tolerated in the Kanwar Yatra, and the Saharanpur Police Administration is completely on alert mode regarding this," SSP Tiwari said. The suspended personnel include a Sub-Inspector, 10 Head Constables -- three of whom are women -- and three attendants. The absence of these officials from active duty during the peak of the Yatra season prompted swift administrative action. SSP Tiwari himself has been conducting late-night inspections and patrolling along Kanwar routes to assess on-ground arrangements. He also visited Route No. 02 of the Kanwar Yatra -- from Bhagwanpur to Fatehpur Chhutmalpur Kalsia Behat Mirzapur -- which typically sees fewer Kanwariyas. He issued necessary instructions to the officers on duty and reiterated that any laxity in performing duties would not be spared. Emphasising the importance of maintaining order during the massive religious pilgrimage, the SSP made it clear that dereliction of duty -- especially when police presence is crucial for ensuring public safety -- goes against administrative directives and will face strong disciplinary action. The Kanwar Yatra, a month-long religious pilgrimage during the holy Shravan period, witnesses millions of Shiva devotees, known as Kanwariyas, travelling to sacred sites like Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri, and Sultanganj's Ajgaibinath Temple to collect holy water from the Ganga. To manage the influx and ensure public safety, the Uttar Pradesh Police has ramped up security. As per the guidelines issued by Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Krishna, deployments include 587 gazetted officers, 2,040 Inspectors, 13,520 Sub-Inspectors, 39,965 Head Constables and Constables, 1,486 women Sub-Inspectors, 8,541 women Constables and Head Constables, 50 companies of the Central Police Force and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and 1,424 Home Guards. Special arrangements have also been made for 24/7 patrolling, with UP-112 vehicles actively mobilised. Safety guidelines for the Kanwar Yatra mandate that devotees walk only on the left side of highways and that food and rest camps be established at least 20 feet away from the roads. Authorities have warned against overspeeding and reckless driving and have rolled out enhanced safety measures, especially for women Kanwariyas. Swift action is promised in case of any complaints of indecent behaviour. In addition to safeguarding public health and ensuring fairness, food quality inspections are underway. Hotels and dhabas along the route are being monitored in coordination with the Food Department, and the mandatory display of food item rates is being enforced to prevent overcharging.
Hans India
12-07-2025
- Hans India
27 cops suspended in UP's Saharanpur for skipping Kanwar Yatra duty
In a stern move to enforce discipline during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, as many as 27 police personnel in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur District have been suspended for remaining absent without permission during their deployment for the yatra duty. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ashish Tiwari ordered the suspension with immediate effect, citing serious indiscipline and negligence during a period deemed critical for public safety. "No negligence of any kind will be tolerated in the Kanwar Yatra, and the Saharanpur Police Administration is completely on alert mode regarding this," SSP Tiwari said. The suspended personnel include a Sub-Inspector, 10 Head Constables -- three of whom are women -- and three attendants. The absence of these officials from active duty during the peak of the Yatra season prompted swift administrative action. SSP Tiwari himself has been conducting late-night inspections and patrolling along Kanwar routes to assess on-ground arrangements. He also visited Route No. 02 of the Kanwar Yatra -- from Bhagwanpur to Fatehpur Chhutmalpur Kalsia Behat Mirzapur -- which typically sees fewer Kanwariyas. He issued necessary instructions to the officers on duty and reiterated that any laxity in performing duties would not be spared. Emphasising the importance of maintaining order during the massive religious pilgrimage, the SSP made it clear that dereliction of duty -- especially when police presence is crucial for ensuring public safety -- goes against administrative directives and will face strong disciplinary action. The Kanwar Yatra, a month-long religious pilgrimage during the holy Shravan period, witnesses millions of Shiva devotees, known as Kanwariyas, travelling to sacred sites like Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri, and Sultanganj's Ajgaibinath Temple to collect holy water from the Ganga. To manage the influx and ensure public safety, the Uttar Pradesh Police has ramped up security. As per the guidelines issued by Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Krishna, deployments include 587 gazetted officers, 2,040 Inspectors, 13,520 Sub-Inspectors, 39,965 Head Constables and Constables, 1,486 women Sub-Inspectors, 8,541 women Constables and Head Constables, 50 companies of the Central Police Force and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and 1,424 Home Guards. Special arrangements have also been made for 24/7 patrolling, with UP-112 vehicles actively mobilised. Safety guidelines for the Kanwar Yatra mandate that devotees walk only on the left side of highways and that food and rest camps be established at least 20 feet away from the roads. Authorities have warned against overspeeding and reckless driving and have rolled out enhanced safety measures, especially for women Kanwariyas. Swift action is promised in case of any complaints of indecent behaviour. In addition, to safeguarding public health and ensuring fairness, food quality inspections are underway. Hotels and dhabas along the route are being monitored in coordination with the Food Department, and the mandatory display of food item rates is being enforced to prevent overcharging.
Fashion Value Chain
18-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
The Great Indian Wallet 2025 by Home Credit India Unveils a Resilient, Digitally Driven Lower Middle Class with High Aspirations for the Future
73% are confident of achieving financial goals in 5 years 65% believe affordable credit speeds up financial aspirations 63% of consumers believe that digital tools have made it easier to pursue their financial goals 57% of the respondents reported an increase in income this year 50% of respondents reported savings this year, down from 60% in 2024 12% of the respondents are borrowing to cover basic needs Education spending saw a 34% rise in the wallet share Among male consumers, 29% consider affordable credit crucial for achieving their financial aspirations Local travel has emerged as a key lifestyle upgrade, with 31% of consumers now exploring nearby destinations at least once a month 26% of Gen Z respondents place greater emphasis on improved job opportunities to achieve their aspirations faster Home Credit India, a leading consumer finance company, today unveiled the findings of the third edition of its landmark report 'The Great Indian Wallet 2025. This year's study highlights a transformative shift in how lower middle-class Indians approach financial well-being. With the theme 'Mapping India's Aspirations: The Dreams in Every Wallet', the study representing two-third of the country showcases a picture of a resilient, optimistic, and increasingly digital demographic that is not just surviving, but thriving to meet their aspirations. The Great Indian Wallet 2025 by Home Credit India The study offers a window into consumers financial lives across the nation, leveraging insights drawn from the Financial Well-Being Index alongside detailed data on income, expenses, wallet share, aspirations, and discretionary spending. According to the study, the financial pulse of the country remains strong, with consumers demonstrating pragmatic planning and an increasingly aspirational outlook as they adapt to rising costs. This spirit is especially evident in their focus on crucial areas like education, job opportunities, and the desire for affordable credit. 'When we initiated The Great Indian Wallet Study in 2023, we sought to understand the financial pulse of India. What we discovered was a nation of quiet revolutionaries – millions of households transforming constraints into steppingstones, challenges into opportunities,' said Ashish Tiwari, Chief Marketing Officer, Home Credit India. 'This years findings reveal something extraordinary: despite economic headwinds, Indias lower middle class is more optimistic, more digital, and more determined than ever before. Their financial discipline, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to the next generation's prosperity inspire us to innovate and be true partners in making their #ZindagiHit.' Gauging India's Financial Pulse The report unveils a robust spirit of optimism among Indias lower middle class. Home Credit Indias proprietary Financial Well-Being Index (FWBI) reveals a generally positive consumer outlook, with the Future Expectations Index remaining high at 59 in 2025, reflecting robust confidence in future financial improvement. This optimism is supported by 57% of respondents reporting an increase in income (up from 52% last year) and gradual improvements in savings. Overall, 73% of consumers express confidence in achieving their financial goals within the next five years, with 76% hopeful that their financial situation will improve in the coming years, showcasing resilience despite a slight dip in overall optimism compared to last year. The Balancing Act – Income, Expenses and the Indian Wallet As per the study, 57% of the respondents reported an increase in income (up from 52% last year). Reflecting a delicate financial balance, the average monthly income for the lower middle class is Rs. 33,000 against essential expenses of Rs. 20,000, underscoring the need for accessing credit solutions. While financial responsibility is increasingly shared – with male contributions to household expenses rising to 74%, and Gen Z (61%) and Millennials (73%) increasing their household contributions – rising living costs are undeniably reshaping their ability to save. Despite a strong desire to save, only 50% of respondents reported saving this year (down from 60% in 2024), with 12% borrowing just to cover basic needs, indicating financial pressure to run the household. The consumers from most of the metropolitan cities continue to earn more (Rs. 36,000) but also bear higher costs (Rs. 23,000), while Tier-2 residents report the lower incomes (Rs. 30,000) and expenses (Rs. 17,000), underscoring regional disparities. Wallet Priorities: Grocery Leads, Education Rises Fast Beneath pragmatism, dreams are actively reshaping spending patterns. While groceries remain a dominant expense, consuming 29% of monthly budgets (a 12% surge), education spending has emerged as a soaring priority, rising by 34% over the past year to account for 19% of the monthly wallet share. This reflects a powerful commitment to investing in the next generations progress, with 40% of respondents actively contributing to their childrens education with Gen X, allocating 22% of their monthly spending. Shifting Habits and Discretionary Spending Trends India's lower-middle class is undergoing a subtle yet significant transformation in its spending behaviour, signaling a shift from impulsive materialism to more mindful, aspiration-driven consumption. Local travel has emerged as a key lifestyle upgrade, with 31% of consumers now exploring nearby destinations at least once a month, a trend led by Gen Z contributing 44% to the share of travelers across different generations. Fashion remains popular, with 39% still shopping for clothes and accessories: however, this reflects a notable 20-point decline from previous levels, indicating a move towards more considered, need-based purchases. Emerging categories like fitness (7%) and OTT subscriptions (6%) still occupy niche segments, signifying a deeper cultural shift, where goals are defined less by visible status and more by personal enrichment and practical comfort. The Shifting landscape of Savings Despite a strong desire to save, rising living costs are forcing many consumers to reprioritize their finances. Only 50% of respondents reported saving this year, down from 60% in 2024. Liquidity remains key, with 38% preferring to save in cash, while formal options like bank accounts (24%), LIC (8%), property (7%), and gold (4%) see lower adoption. Alarmingly, 12% are resorting to borrowing simply to cover basic needs, pointing to a fragile financial state and an urgent need for accessible, affordable and responsible credit solutions. Digital Tools Emerge as Critical Enablers of Financial Progress The digital revolution is a powerful ally in their financial journey. According to the findings, 63% of consumers believe digital tools have made it easier to pursue their financial goals, with the strongest confidence coming from Tier-1 cities like Jaipur (86%), Pune, and Kolkata (80%). While physical stores remain dominant for product purchases like apparel and home appliances, online channels are rapidly gaining traction in financial transactions. Online retail payments now account for 51% of transactions (up from 42% in 2024), and significantly, the preference for online loan applications is nearing parity with offline at 50%, demonstrating growing trust in digital lenders. Online booking for transport and food ordering also shows steady growth, marking a broader digital embrace. In the realm of digital transactions, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) continues to anchor India's digital financial evolution, with around 80% of consumers now relying on the platform for everyday transactions, as compared to 72% in 2024. Adoption is highest among men, Gen Z, and metro dwellers-especially in Hyderabad (93%) and Kolkata (87%). However, nearly half say they might stop using UPI if fees are introduced, underlining the importance of keeping digital tools affordable to maintain financial inclusion. Surge of Online Financial Frauds As digital adoption deepens, the lower middle class faces increasing vulnerabilities to online financial frauds. A significant 74% reported awareness of such frauds, yet concerningly, 28% admit to sharing confidential financial information with friends or family, and 25% store it on their smartphones. Alarmingly, 20% have already fallen victim to online financial fraud, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced digital literacy and secure practices to protect consumers in the evolving digital landscape. Dreams in Every Wallet: Mapping Indias Aspirations for a Brighter Future Despite economic constraints, Indias lower middle class harbors strong aspirations, primarily for entrepreneurship and homeownership in both short and long terms, alongside securing childrens education. Notably, 28% believe affordable credit is the most critical enabler in achieving their goals, with 65% feeling it will help them faster. While anxieties persist, especially concerning affording education (18%) and insufficient emergency savings (15%), a substantial 58% express a desire for financial advice. Women strongly correlate improved employment options with financial progress, emphasizing a growing demand for gender-sensitive economic policy. A Call to Action for Inclusive Growth The Great Indian Wallet 2025 surveyed consumers aged 18-55 years, across 17 diverse cities, from metros to smaller towns, offering key insights into their financial behaviors, aspirations, and digital adoption. The findings paint a picture of a dynamic segment that, despite facing pressures, remains optimistic and resilient. Their collective aspirations are a powerful engine for national progress. By fostering an environment that provides tailored financial solutions, robust digital education, and equitable opportunities, we can empower these millions to not just dream, but to truly fulfill their financial aspirations, contributing significantly to a more inclusive and prosperous India. About Home Credit India Home Credit India Finance Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of TVS Holdings Ltd. is a leading consumer finance company committed to driving credit penetration and financial inclusion across India. Home Credit India offers a diversified range of innovative products, supported by a superior customer experience, and continues to expand its pan-India presence. With a focus on providing simple, trustworthy, transparent, tech-driven accessible financial solutions, Home Credit India has been part of financial journey for over 1.8 Crore customers through a robust network of approximately 53,000 points-of-sale (PoS) spread across 625 cities nationwide. For more information, visit
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
17-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Rising incomes boost hopes of India's lower middle class, survey finds
India's lower middle class households are confident about achieving their key financial goals within the next five years, according to the third edition of Home Credit India's survey, The Great Indian Wallet 2025. Nearly 73 per cent of the respondents showed optimism in the company's Financial Well-Being Index. The 'future expectations' score of this index remains strong at 59, which, according to the lender, indicates that rising prices have not shaken consumers' long-term confidence. People are feeling more positive, thanks in part to rising household incomes. This year, 57 per cent of respondents said their household earned more, up from 52 per cent in 2024. 'When we started 'The Great Indian Wallet Study' in 2023, we sought to understand the financial pulse of India. What we discovered was a nation of quiet revolutionaries — millions of households transforming constraints into stepping stones, challenges into opportunities,' said Ashish Tiwari, chief marketing officer, Home Credit India. 'This year's findings reveal something extraordinary: despite economic headwinds, India's lower middle class is more optimistic, more digital, and more determined than ever before,' he said. 'The Great Indian Wallet 2025' surveyed 3,000 consumers aged 18 to 55 across 17 locations — Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Pune and nine Tier-II cities — between February and April 2025. Quotas ensured representation of lower middle class households (monthly income ₹25,000 ₹45,000), covering roughly two thirds of the national population by income bands. Balancing income, expenses remains a tightrope On average, families in the segment earn about ₹33,000 a month and spend ₹20,000 on essentials. Yet saving is proving harder: only half of the respondents managed to put money aside, down from 60 per cent last year. Signs of stress include the 12 per cent who reported borrowing simply to meet basic needs. But regional disparities persist. Metropolitan residents enjoy higher pay packets (₹36,000) but shoulder bigger bills (₹23,000), while Tier-II households make do with ₹30,000 in income and ₹17,000 in expenses. Meanwhile, financial responsibility within families is broadening, with men now contributing 74 per cent of household outlays and GenZ members chipping in 61 per cent. Groceries still rule, education surges Groceries remain the single largest budget item, swallowing 29 per cent of monthly outgo — 12 percentage points more than a year ago. But education is the fastest rising priority: spending on schooling jumped 34 per cent and now claims 19 per cent of the wallet, underlining parents' determination to secure a better future for their children. GenX respondents devote the most to education, at 22 per cent of their monthly spending. Aspirations reshape discretionary spends Lifestyle choices are shifting from conspicuous consumption to value driven experiences. Local travel is the new indulgence, with 31 per cent of households taking short trips at least once a month — GenZ accounts for nearly half of these jaunts. Fashion purchases remain common (39 per cent), but that share has fallen 20 percentage points, suggesting a swing to need based buying. Emerging categories such as fitness memberships (7 per cent) and over the top (OTT) content subscriptions (6 per cent) hint at a broader quest for personal enrichment. Digital leap — and digital risks Digital tools are also becoming indispensable. Around 63 per cent of respondents say apps and online platforms make it easier to chase financial goals. Online retail now handles 51 per cent of purchases, up nine points in a year, and digital loan applications are neck and neck with offline channels at 50 per cent. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) remains the gateway to this ecosystem, used by four in five consumers. Although many people are aware of online financial frauds, a significant number still store sensitive information on their phones. And some have already faced financial losses. These findings highlight the urgent need for better digital literacy and safer financial habits. Affordable credit fuels rising aspirations Entrepreneurship, home ownership and children's education top the aspiration chart. More than a quarter of respondents (28 per cent) view affordable credit as the crucial enabler, and two thirds believe it will speed up their journey. Anxiety remains around rising education costs (18 per cent) and inadequate emergency savings (15 per cent), and 58 per cent actively seek financial advice — especially women, who link better job prospects to family prosperity.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Despite tight budgets, Indians spending more on education
Indian households are rewriting their budgets, and the story they tell is one of sacrifice, aspiration, and adaptation. The most striking shift is a four-percentage-point jump in the share of income spent on children's education. According to The Great Indian Wallet Study 2025, families—especially those in the lower middle class—are reshaping their spending in response to economic pressures and evolving priorities. The surge in spending on education despite tight budgets, is described in the report as 'a profound declaration of belief in the future.' The reshuffling of household priorities has come at a cost. While spending on medical needs has edged up by a modest one percentage point, essential categories such as transport and utilities have been squeezed. Commute-related expenses, although up 17% in absolute terms, now occupy a four-percentage-point smaller share of the household budget—suggesting that rising prices have not prevented consumers from cutting back elsewhere. Spending on cooking gas and utilities has fallen even more sharply, by nine and five percentage points respectively. This is no accident. The report describes these shifts as a 'strategic adaptation'—a conscious effort by families to 'spend smarter' rather than simply earn more. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo It reflects a larger behavioural pivot: households are not merely reacting to inflation, but recalibrating priorities in pursuit of long-term goals. Among lower-middle-class Indians, nearly half of all income still disappears into just two needs—food and rent—but the rest is now being stretched with increasing precision and intent. Discretionary spending, too, reveals a generational divide and changing preferences. Local travel (31%) and eating out (30%) now dominate non-essential expenditures, particularly among Gen Z consumers who place a premium on experiences and social connection. In contrast, purchases of fashion and electronics have fallen by 20% and 6% respectively—not necessarily due to frugality, but a 're-prioritisation' toward mindful living and comfort at home. "This year's findings reveal something extraordinary: despite economic headwinds, India's lower middle class is more optimistic, more digital, and more determined than ever before,' said . Ashish Tiwari, Chief Marketing Officer, Home Credit India which has brought out this report. A majority of Indian consumers remain optimistic about their financial future, with 73% confident of meeting their goals within five years and 65% crediting affordable loans for accelerating aspirations. Digital tools are aiding this journey, say 63% of respondents, even as only half reported saving this year—down from 60% in 2024—and 12% are now borrowing to cover basic needs. Income gains were reported by 57%, while education spending surged 34% in wallet share. Lifestyle choices are evolving too: 31% now prioritise local travel, and 26% of Gen Z view better job opportunities as key to financial progress All of this, the report argues, highlights the complexity of India's consumer economy. Far from uniform belt-tightening, the new spending patterns point to 'a nuanced, empathetic understanding' of what families truly value. Dreams are being kept alive not through extravagance, but by relentless, everyday recalibration. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
