Latest news with #ChandrashekharBawankule
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bawankule warns against lapses in Koradi textile project
Nagpur: Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday issued a stern warning over irregularities in the Koradi textile unit established under the Maharashtra Women's Economic Development Corporation, stating that any negligence in the project's execution would not be tolerated. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The project aims to empower local women through self-help groups (SHGs) by providing employment opportunities in textile production. Bawankule chaired a review meeting at Vidhan Bhavan in the presence of women and child development minister Aditi Tatkare. He expressed dissatisfaction over the poor supply of machinery by an Ichalkaranji-based company. "Despite good progress in the initial phase, the project stalled due to substandard machines. FIRs should be filed against the company," Bawankule directed. He added that while the government is open to allocating additional funds if needed, it will not tolerate inefficiency going forward. Meanwhile, Tatkare announced a conditional 3-month extension for Social Buffet, the firm managing the project. "This is the last chance. Any further lapses will result in complete termination of their involvement," she warned. Officials were directed to ensure that the project is streamlined to deliver its intended benefits to SHG women. Bawankule emphasized that the unit must operate with transparency, accountability, and timely delivery of resources. The Koradi textile project is seen as a crucial step toward rural women's economic empowerment, and both ministers signaled the government's firm resolve to ensure its success.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Govt to Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining in Wardha River
Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has pledged strict action against illegal sand mining along the Wardha River. Speaking during the monsoon session of the state legislature on Tuesday, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule assured that officials showing laxity in curbing illegal excavation would face immediate suspension. To ensure accountability, drone surveys have been ordered to monitor sand mining sites. Bawankule said the state introduced a new sand policy on April 1, abolishing the earlier depot system and replacing it with an auction-based model, which has already begun generating healthy revenue. The policy also provides for the free allocation of five brass of sand for housing projects through tehsildars, while private construction projects will receive sand on a royalty basis. To further curb illegal sand extraction, the government has approved a crusher policy, allowing up to 50 crusher units per district to supply artificial sand. This move is expected to reduce dependence on natural sand by 90%. The transport department will also enforce strict penalties on vehicles involved in the illegal transportation of sand, with suspensions ranging from 15 days for a first offence to permanent bans for repeat violations. "These measures aim to ensure sustainable sand mining practices while meeting local construction needs through a regulated supply system," said Bawankule. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
State launches drone surveys to curb illegal mining, boost revenue
Nagpur: In a major tech-driven reform to curb illegal mining and boost state revenue, the Maharashtra govt on Saturday launched a pilot project in Pune district to conduct drone-based surveys of mining sites using advanced LiDAR technology. The initiative aims to bring accuracy and transparency in measuring minor minerals like murum, sand, and stone extracted across the state. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who reviewed the project with district officials, said the system will ensure digital mapping, prevent revenue loss, and aid in environmental monitoring. "Mining data on paper often differs from ground reality. Accurate drone mapping will plug this gap and control unauthorised excavation," he told TOI. The LiDAR-based drones will measure excavation volumes with high precision and prepare geo-referenced maps of both active and closed quarries. These will be digitally recorded and serve as base data for future surveys. The system will also enable the govt to develop a web-based interface for real-time inspection and virtual monitoring of all mining sites. The Pune pilot will cover 97 identified quarries. Based on its success, the project will be expanded across other districts in phases. "Districts across the state are witnessing large-scale mineral excavation. This initiative will help maintain environmental balance and increase govt revenue through accurate, tech-based monitoring," said Bawankule in a statement.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
No homes on zudpi jungles will be demolished: Minister
Nagpur: No houses built on shrubland forest (zudpi jungle) areas — already taxed by local bodies and civic authorities — will be demolished as it is a matter of "life and dignity" for nearly two lakh families, particularly across Vidarbha, said Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Chairing a high-level meeting at Mantralaya to address the long standing issue, Bawankule warned senior officials from revenue and forest departments that delays in regularising such homes will not be tolerated. "People have been living on these lands for decades. Gram panchayats and competent authorities have recognised their occupation, taxes have been collected, and names of such residents are recorded in 8A registers. Yet, they've been denied ownership. This is injustice," he said. Bawankule directed the officers to complete regularisation process and issue land titles to all eligible households within three months. "Draft a village-wise, survey-number-wise detailed plan. Visit the sites and submit a physical verification report. If re-surveying is required, do it. Not a single home will be razed. Every family must get its rightful ownership," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cuối cùng, chơi miễn phí game chiến thuật hay nhất 2025! Sea of Conquest Phát ngay Undo The Supreme Court, in its May 22, 2025 ruling, had declared around 86,000 hectares zudpi jungle lands across Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli districts as forest under its 1996 judgment. However, it also acknowledged the presence of long-standing human settlements and allowed their protection, provided a diversion proposal is submitted within three months. Bawankule enquired about the progress on this front and sought immediate response from officials. Additional chief secretary (Forests) Milind Mhaiskar, principal chief conservator of forests Shomita Biswas, Nagpur divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari, and other senior officials participated in the meeting, with several joining via videoconferencing. Due to lack of land titles, many families residing on these shrubland tracts are deprived of basic rights and benefits, including under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Bawankule said the state may consider offering alternative land, if required, but reiterated his position: "We will protect every home and ensure justice is delivered." He has asked for a detailed report within two days to accelerate the legalisation process and prevent further delays in welfare and development projects.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bill to target Naxal activity diluted, to be tabled in House
Mumbai: Maharashtra legislature's joint select committee has approved a diluted draft of a bill aimed at targeting Naxalism in urban centres, keeping the focus on 'left wing extremist organisations' rather than provisions to book specific individuals. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024, in its current form, has dropped references to 'urban naxals' and instead proposed an advisory board to oversee police probes and action to counter the influence of Naxalism. Officials said the bill will be introduced in the assembly by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the monsoon session next week and is likely to be cleared. The state legislature had in Dec 2024 referred it to an all-party joint select committee panel for review. Officials said objectives and some provisions of the bill have been diluted after more than 1,200 suggestions/objections were received. "The joint select committee had members from all parties," said BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who headed the panel. "The bill will protect youth in the state from going into naxalism." The draft now provides for an advisory board headed by a retired high court judge and with a district judge and a government pleader on it to approve action or investigations by police. Under the provisions, the organisations being probed will also be given a chance to be heard by the board. The investigation will have to be led by an assistant commissioner of police in urban areas and deputy superintendent of police in rural areas instead of the earlier provision for a police sub-inspector. "So political parties or individuals won't be targeted by this bill," Bawankule said.
