Latest news with #CPWD
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Amid objections, DU approves academic changes; V-C says ready for fourth year
The Executive Council of Delhi University approved several key academic and infrastructural proposals, including some controversial curriculum changes, at a meeting held on Saturday. Among the most debated revisions was the removal of papers on Pakistan, Islam and China from the postgraduate Political Science syllabus — the changes were previously cleared by the Academic Council on June 5 amid internal opposition. The EC also unanimously approved the appointment of Rajni Abbi as Director of the South Campus, with Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh placing the proposal before the Council. The announcement came as DU outlined major preparations for rolling out the fourth year of undergraduate study under NEP 2020. 'Delhi University is fully prepared for the fourth year of undergraduate education under NEP-2020. About 60% of the students are likely to upgrade to the fourth year,' Prof. Singh told the Council. For colleges with faculty shortages, he said, provisions will be made to engage guest faculty and allow regular teachers to take additional classes. 'Only regular faculty will teach the fourth-year students while guest faculty will teach only junior classes,' he added. The Vice-Chancellor also clarified that 'provision will be made for proper payment for teachers as well as non-teaching staff.' The EC also cleared the construction of a hostel for girl students and working women in DU's Dhaka Campus, with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) asked to prepare the plan based on a PAR of Rs 200 crore. 'CPWD has been advised to prepare the building plan in such a way that no tree is harmed,' a statement from the varsity underlined. Plans were also approved for a new academic building, executive hostel, and two hostel expansions in the South Campus, totalling over Rs 66 crore. Additionally, a Cultural Activity Centre will be built near Shankar Lal Hall, with CPWD submitting the concept drawing. The EC noted that 17 infrastructure projects are underway across the university, valued at Rs 1,912.15 crore, with Rs 329 crore already released. Projects include a new computer centre, expansion of science and social sciences buildings, and WUS Health Centre, among others. Forty renovation projects were completed for Rs 13.34 crore. Amid complaints about concrete falling from ceilings and beams at Dhaka Campus hostels, the Engineering Department assigned CPWD to conduct a structural audit. The report cited saline water use and low concrete cover as causes of decay. 'Measures for reconstruction, dismantling, and rebuilding of some buildings' have been recommended. A subcommittee will monitor the phased retrofitting of the Rajiv Gandhi Girls' Hostel, the Undergraduate Hostel, and 70 Type-I flats. The EC also approved installing solar plants on the RESCO model in North and South Campuses, in partnership with PSU SECI under the Ministry of Renewable Energy. The Vice-Chancellor also asked the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Sanjay Rai, to submit a proposal for setting up a Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Udyan and renaming an auditorium after Ambedkar. A committee headed by Abbi will engage with Arun Jaitley's family regarding a proposed sports scholarship in his name.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Delhi govt plans to create its own engineering cadre under PWD
In a major administrative reform, the Delhi government is planning to create its engineering cadre under the Public Works Department (PWD). At present, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) deputes engineers to the PWD to carry out works. Officials said a proposal in this regard has been finalised and will be presented before the Cabinet for approval. Once approved, the PWD will initiate the recruitment and structural realignment process, ensuring that each level — from junior engineer to chief engineer — is staffed by officers exclusively under Delhi PWD's control, the department said in a statement. 'This is a turning point not just for Delhi PWD, but for the entire city. When engineers are accountable only to the people of Delhi, their performance and commitment automatically rise. We are building a stronger, cleaner, and faster Delhi, and we need our own team to do it,' PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said. According to officials, till now, PWD has relied upon engineers, executive engineers, superintending engineers, and junior engineers deputed from the CPWD. But with the creation of an independent PWD cadre, Delhi will finally have its own permanent, dedicated technical workforce — trained, appointed, and promoted under its own rules and oversight. With this, the state government will have full control over its engineers and officials. 'Now, even if the minister or the government wants to take action against any engineer, they cannot do so… They have to seek approval from L-G and CPWD… CPWD then approves and takes further action… Further, in Delhi, engineers are transferred out of Delhi once in three years… Due to this, many projects get delayed, there are cost overruns and mismanagement…,' said a senior official, adding that under the new proposal, transfers will happen within the Capital only. 'By building its own cadre, the PWD will finally overcome these bottlenecks, ensuring smoother, faster implementation of critical infrastructure works… This change will bring the Delhi PWD in line with other modern city infrastructure bodies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Delhi Development Authority, which already have dedicated engineering services,' the statement said. According to officials, this move will provide administrative independence and ensure there are no delays or disruptions due to CPWD deputation. Engineers will stay with long-term projects from start to finish, and cadre engineers will receive targeted training suited to Delhi's needs, the statement said. Officials further said once the proposal is implemented, 'all existing CPWD-deputed officers currently serving in Delhi PWD will be given the option to either return to their parent cadre or permanently join the new Delhi PWD engineering cadre, subject to conditions set by the department and administrative rules'.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Delhi PWD to witness historic reform, dept to create its own engineering cadre
New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): In a historic move that will permanently change the way Delhi's infrastructure is managed and built, the Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi is set to establish its own engineering cadre. This marks the biggest administrative reform in the department's history, ending decades of dependence on borrowed officers from the CPWD (Central Public Works Department). According to an official release, until now, PWD has relied on engineers, executive engineers (EEs), superintending engineers (SEs), and junior engineers (JEs) deputed from CPWD or other central agencies. But with the creation of an independent PWD cadre, Delhi will finally have its own permanent, dedicated technical workforce trained, appointed, and promoted under its own rules and oversight. 'This is a turning point not just for Delhi PWD, but for the entire city. When engineers are accountable only to the people of Delhi, their performance and commitment automatically rise. We are building a stronger, cleaner, and faster Delhi, and we need our own team to do it,' said Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, Delhi's PWD Minister. The proposal for cadre formation has been finalised and will be placed before the Delhi Cabinet in the coming days. Once approved, the PWD will initiate the recruitment and structural realignment process, ensuring that each level, from Junior Engineer to Chief Engineer, is staffed by officers exclusively under Delhi PWD's control. Importantly, all existing CPWD-deputed officers currently serving in Delhi PWD will be given the option to either return to their parent cadre or permanently opt into the new Delhi PWD engineering cadre, subject to conditions set by the department and administrative rules. This reform is expected to increase departmental efficiency, strengthen accountability, and ensure continuity in leadership and project delivery, something often disrupted by transfers and deputations from CPWD. As per the official release, this reform is important because it creates administrative independence; no more delays or disruptions due to CPWD deputation issues. It also creates project continuity; engineers will stay with long-term projects from start to finish. Skill development as cadre engineers will receive targeted training suited to Delhi's needs. Accountability, a self-governed system ensures better performance tracking and discipline and speed & efficiency, decision-making will be faster and more localised For decades, PWD projects in Delhi, ranging from roads and flyovers to hospitals and government buildings, have been implemented by engineers on deputation from CPWD. These officers often face conflicting loyalties, frequent transfers, and limited accountability to the Delhi government, leading to project delays, cost overruns, and mismanagement. By building its own cadre, the PWD will finally overcome these bottlenecks, ensuring smoother, faster implementation of critical infrastructure works. This structural reform is part of a broader effort by the Delhi PWD to modernise operations. Over the past year, the department has launched initiatives focused on, real-time monitoring of road projects, anti-corruption mechanisms through third-party audits, massive pothole repair and flyover completion drives and drainage and flood management upgrades, the official release states. Now, with the formation of a permanent cadre, the department will be even better positioned to carry out these responsibilities. Once implemented, this change will bring Delhi PWD in line with other modern city infrastructure bodies such as MCD, NDMC, and DDA, which already have dedicated engineering services. This is not just a bureaucratic shift, it's a bold signal that Delhi is serious about delivering world-class infrastructure with world-class accountability. (ANI)
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
South Delhi plots up for grabs? DDA to auction prime land in Vasant Kunj
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has initiated a plan to auction 118 residential plots in the upscale Sector D-6 of Vasant Kunj, South Delhi—a move aimed at meeting growing demand for plotted housing in the capital's premier zones. To ensure auction-ready quality, the authority has floated a tender to appoint an agency to execute plot demarcation and comprehensive infrastructure development valued at Rs 7.5 crore. Scope of Infrastructure Development The allottee agency will undertake a full suite of foundational work over 12 months (with an initial 3-month design and approval phase, followed by 9 months of execution), covering: Precise demarcation of all 118 plots Construction of internal roads, stormwater drainage, sewerage systems, water supply networks Footpaths, green belts, and connectivity to existing manholes Clearing and mechanical disposal of debris Strict adherence to CPWD guidelines and National Green Tribunal norms—including tree safety and minimal vegetation loss—will be maintained throughout Parking Enhancements for D6 Mega Housing Beyond plots, the development package also includes a two-level deck parking facility and expanded surface parking to serve the adjacent D6 Mega Housing complex, which comprises roughly 1,904 flats. These measures aim to tackle chronic parking congestion in the area. In the said work, the DDA will also develop surface parking of Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada and Saraswati blocks of Sector D6 Vasant Kunj Mega Housing. Why Vasant Kunj Plots Are a Rare Opportunity Prime location in South Delhi — Vasant Kunj is an affluent, well-developed neighbourhood close to the airport, premium malls, green belts and top schools Availability of freehold plots here is extremely limited, making these a premium offering. The DDA's ₹7.5 crore development plan includes roads, drainage, sewerage, water supply, footpaths, green spaces and a two-level deck parking for 1,904 flats Timeline & Auction Mechanics Following infrastructure completion, the plots will be offered through an e-auction platform. Plot sizes and base pricing have not yet been disclosed; interested buyers are advised to monitor forthcoming DDA notices closely. According to the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT), the entire project is to be completed within 12 months from the date the tender is awarded. "The maximum time allowed for planning and design, including vetting by the competent authority, is three months. The actual execution of work must be completed within nine months from the date of allotment," the tender document states. Financial Considerations for Buyers 1. Auction Price & Budgeting As of now, plot sizes and base prices haven't been disclosed. Keep an eye out for the DDA's e-auction notice—it will outline starting bids and eligibility criteria, often based on past rates in upscale areas like this (expect ₹100K+ per sq ft, though exact figures can vary). 2. Development Cost Recoup Timing The ₹7.5 crore development outlay is borne by DDA, not the buyer—but infrastructure value will reflect in plot premiums. Historically, well-developed plots in premium localities retain value and appreciate steadily. 3. Liquidity & Investment Model Plot auctions can be illiquid initially; resale depends on demand. If you're purchasing to build, factor in construction costs, permits, GST, and time. If it's for resale investment, monitor market trends post-infrastructure completion. 4. Financing & Eligibility Financing through housing loans may not always cover plot purchases—banks often require borrowers to have existing DDA plot eligibility and sometimes impose different LTV ratios. Check with your bank before bidding. 5. Taxes & Holding Costs Budget for stamp duty, registration charges, and annual property tax.
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Work on Samakka Sarakka Tribal Univ picks up pace; Centre sanctions ₹100 cr for current academic year
After a gap of over a decade, works to set up necessary infrastructure for the Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Telangana have picked up pace. The university authorities invited tenders for taking up construction of compound wall spanning 8.07 km covering the 337 acre land of the varsity. Once the tender process is finalised, construction of the compound wall is planned to be completed by February next year. The work is preceded by a topographical survey of the campus with details of geographical contours enabling preparation of a master plan for the varsity that has been sanctioned to Telangana as part of the A.P. Reorganisation Act 2014. The university authorities planned to construct two separate hostel blocks of 500 capacity each for girls and boys, a lecture hall complex (25 lecture halls, two mini conference halls and a larger hall), a 24-room guest house and a sports area. This is in addition to a multi-purpose auditorium. The Central Government sanctioned ₹889 crore for the university appointing the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) as executing agency. 'The Central Government has sanctioned ₹100 crore for the current academic year as against the proposals for ₹200 crore sent with an assurance that the remaining amounts will be released in the due course,' the University vice-chancellor Y.L. Srinivas told The Hindu. The university's building committee met recently to finalise the modalities for appointing an architectural firm to prepare a master plan for the university with different blocks and the process has been initiated in this direction few days ago. 'There is no constraint on funds. But the process that should be followed seeking nod from the CPWD and others are taking lot of time,' Mr. Srinivas said. The university plans to introduce B.E. (computer sciences) with the approval of AICTE from the next academic year while the M.A. education programme, a five year integrated course, had already received permission from the NCTE. This is in addition to applied pharmaceutical sciences and MedTech (in collaboration with IICT and University of Hyderabad and IIT Hyderabad) that will be introduced next academic year. Apart from MA courses, the university is actively working on introduction of MBA integrated programmes in management studies.
