Latest news with #DistrictPanchayat
The Hindu
7 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
School Cafe project gains ground in schools in Kerala's Kannur with low-cost meals and study support
The Kudumbashree-run Scoofe (School Cafe) project, which serves affordable meals and offers study support to school students is gaining rapid popularity across Kannur district of Kerala. Following the success of the first Scoofe at Kannadiparmba Government Higher Secondary School, the initiative is being expanded to all schools in Kannur. Launched by the Kudumbashree District Mission and the District Panchayat, Scoofes provide meals, snacks, beverages, books and study materials within the school premises. The initiative, which began with 25 schools in 2022-23 using ₹36.5 lakh, expanded to 30 more schools in 2023-24 with an allocation of ₹40 lakh. For the years 2024-25 and 2025-26, ₹20 lakh and ₹10 lakh respectively have been earmaked for further expansion. Currently, 62 schools host Scoofes, including Aralam High school, under the Tribal Special project. Operating from 9.30 a.m to 5p.m, Scoofes serve lunch dishes such meals biryani, kuzhimanthi and chapathi and snacks such as tea, coffee and lime juice during breaks. The initiative aims to keep students within campus grounds, thereby minimising their exposure to external influences, including the drug mafia. Each Scoofe is managed by two women's neighbourhood groups, providing both employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Their ability to offer hygienic and tasty food at low cost has drawn not just students and teachers, but also locals. Encouraged by the district's success, the Kudumbashree State Mission is now planning to scale up the project across Kerala under the banner 'Ma Care'.
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Panic in Muzaffarnagar: Factory gas leak triggers chaos among Kanwariyas, locals
A major gas leak from a fertiliser factory in Muzaffarnagar on Saturday caused widespread panic, forcing Kanwariyas and local residents to flee the area in fear. The incident occurred around 12:30 PM at the Ankur Fertilizer Factory located in the densely populated Nagar Kotwali area. Protest erupts after toxic fumes spread; residents demand immediate closure of the fertilizer factory, citing repeated leaks and health hazards (HT Photo) Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of kanwariyas resting by the roadside near the factory were hit by a strong foul odour, accompanied by a burning sensation in the eyes and difficulty in breathing. The scene quickly turned chaotic as pilgrims scrambled to escape the area. The fumes spread rapidly, sparking alarm in nearby neighbourhoods. Concerned residents poured out of their houses, while many gathered outside the factory demanding immediate action. Adding to the panic were several police personnel stationed at a nearby outpost who also fled the scene, reportedly affected by the fumes. Angered by the incident, villagers and Kanwariyas staged a protest outside the factory. Many accused the administration of negligence and called for the plant's permanent shutdown. 'This factory operates right in the middle of residential areas. It is a constant threat to our lives and must be shut down,' said local resident Manvendra Singh. He claimed that a similar incident had occurred on May 11, during which several women working at the factory lost consciousness due to a gas leak. 'Are we waiting for another Bhopal disaster to act?' he questioned. Despite the chaos, officials from the pollution control department claimed that no leak had been confirmed in the initial inspection and assured that a thorough investigation of the factory would be conducted. Factory owner Sagar Vats denied any gas leak from the plant, calling the villagers' reaction an overreaction. 'There has been no leak. Our plant has the approval of 15 departments and has been running for 40 years,' he said. Vats added that he would call a specialised technical agency to re-examine the facility for any potential safety lapses. District Panchayat member Amarkant Malik supported the protesters, stating that this was not an isolated event. 'I live near the factory. The gas leak forced me to evacuate my family immediately. There are many residential colonies around this factory. People here are suffering from cancer and other serious diseases. Even the water has become undrinkable,' he said. As news of the protest spread, police and administrative officials rushed to the scene to control the situation. They managed to pacify the crowd, but tensions remained high as residents continued to demand the immediate closure of the factory. SP City Satyanarayan Prajapat said, 'The gas leak is being investigated by the pollution control department. The factory has been shut down. Law and order situation has been normalised'.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Massive plantation drive organised in Varanasi under plantation mega campaign 2025
VARANASI: A massive plantation drive was organised in Varanasi as part of the Plantation Mega Campaign 2025 on Wednesday. Varanasi district was assigned a target of planting 1,831,300 saplings under this campaign, while a target was set to plant 370 crore saplings across the state. UP minister Ravindra Jaiswal, District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya, and MLC Dharmendra Singh inaugurated the event by planting sacred Triveni trees (Peepal, Banyan, Neem) at the STP Ramna premises. Following this, all public representatives, officials, and school children planted trees. On this occasion, District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar said that over 18 lakh saplings are being planted in the district under the tree plantation campaign. According to statistics, the forest cover in Uttar Pradesh is about 25%, while it should be 33%. He emphasised the responsibility to keep the planted saplings alive and the need to enhance green cover. School children were also given saplings to plant at their homes, schools, etc. , and take care of them. The goal of the tree plantation campaign is to promote environmental conservation through extensive planting. District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya highlighted the annual increase in temperature and urged planting trees to combat the heat, providing ample oxygen and reducing temperatures. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Solar-Hammer: Das kostet eine Solaranlage mit Speicher 2025 Solaranlagen Vergleich Undo Planting fruit-bearing and shade-giving trees also offers benefits like fruits and wood. Minister Ravindra Jaiswal said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the mortality rate was lowest in villages due to a better environment. The tree plantation campaign "A Tree in Mother's Name" is being conducted at the call of the Prime Minister. Just as a mother gives life and cares for her children, trees provide oxygen and, like a mother, offer care through oxygen, fruits, wood, and shade. Arjun trees are also being planted for use in Banarasi paan and silk saree production. Trees like Peepal, Banyan, Pakar, and Neem, which play a special role in environmental conservation, are being planted. He stressed the responsibility of protecting all planted trees and the significance of trees from birth to death, making it our duty to protect them. The students and teachers at Shastrarth College planted saplings on the campus while reciting Vedic hymns. The event was attended by former Principal Ganesh Dutt Shastri, Principal Pawan Kumar Shukla, and others.
New Indian Express
03-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Praveshanotsavam marks a new era in education sector: Minister G R Anil
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has marched ahead of other states in the education sector and the 'Praveshanotsavam' programme to welcome newcomers to schools marks a new era, Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil has said. The minister was inaugurating the district-level 'Praveshanotsavam' programme at Kavalayoor Government Higher Secondary School near here on Monday. The Minister said the Praveshanotsavam is being conducted in a grand manner these days and the newcomers enjoy every moment of the event. The government has made huge progress in terms of providing breakfast and noon meals to children, revised textbooks and improving the infrastructure facilities in schools. 'The improvement in school infrastructure is huge. Besides, the first two weeks after school reopening is set apart to familiarise children with various socially relevant topics. The state is poised to eradicate acute poverty which would herald a transformation in its social sphere,' Anil said. The minister also inaugurated the renovated building at the school which was constructed at a cost of Rs 1.48 crore of which Rs 1.3 crore was from KIIFB fund and Rs 18 lakh from the MLA's local development fund. District Panchayat president D Suresh Kumar, District Panchayat vice-president Shailaja Beegum, Manamboor grama panchayat president S Nahas, district panchayat health and education standing committee chairperson V R Salooja, cine artist Akhil Kavalayoor and school authorities were present. Attingal MLA O S Ambika who presided over the programme said schools in the state have been raised to international standards through the General Education Rejuvenation Mission. The changes the government brought in the school education sector have been timely, she pointed out.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
District-Level school reopening festival in Thrissur today
After the summer break, schools are all set to welcome students back with vibrant festivities as part of the Praveshanolsavam (School Reopening Festival). Marking the beginning of the 2025–26 academic year, the district-level celebration will take place at GVHSS Puthur on Monday. The event will be formally inaugurated at 10 a.m. by Revenue Minister K. Rajan. District Panchayat president V.S. Prince will preside over the function. District Collector Arjun Pandyan, vice-president of the District Panchayat Latha Chandran, Education Standing Committee chairperson Raheem Veetiparambil and others will attend as special guests. The event will also see participation from elected representatives, teachers, officials, and students.
