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New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
IISER scholar's rural library bridging access gaps to educational resources
BHUBANESWAR: When Biswajit Panda observed the gaping holes in access to quality books and educational resources at Badabarchikayan, his native village under Bonth block of Bhadrak district, he knew he had to do something about it. A PhD scholar in biological sciences at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Berhampur, Biswajit says it was this gap that pushed him to come up with a rural library so that people of his village could benefit from it. And, Vanipeeth Library came into being. The facility has now been temporarily set up in a 150 sq ft room, which is occasionally used by a local self-help group to hold meetings. The initiative, as he said, stemmed from the fact that people in villages often lack proper libraries or bookstores. 'Aspiring candidates preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC, PSC and NDA, also struggle to get the necessary study materials, which are often expensive,' he added. The idea took roots in October 2023, when Biswajit was inspired by the work of Uma Mahadevan, additional chief secretary and development commissioner of Karnataka, who has been instrumental in promoting rural libraries across that state. Deeply motivated by her efforts, Biswajit began researching how to replicate the initiative in his own village. He explored government provisions for land and funding. After facing initial delays due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct during early 2024 and his PhD works, Biswajit resumed his efforts in November. He approached Badabarchikayan sarpanch Pushpanjali Swain, who encouraged him to present the proposal during the Gram Sabha held in January 2024. The community responded positively, and the idea gained official momentum.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Time of India
Noida reclaims Rs 400cr land from squatters in Makanpur Khadar
Noida: In a crackdown on land encroachments, the district administration has reclaimed 2,240 bigha of Gram Sabha land in Makanpur Khadar village, located in the Dankaur area. The recovered land, valued at approximately Rs 400 crore, was under illegal possession for several years, officials said. Additional district magistrate (judicial) Bhairpal Singh said the administration acted on a tip-off indicating that land mafia were unlawfully occupying and selling off the property. "A week ago, a revenue team led by Survey Lekhpals Bir Bahadur and Shri Krishna conducted a survey and confirmed the illegal occupation. While no construction was underway, several individuals were fraudulently selling parts of the land at inflated prices," he said. With police support and cooperation from villagers, officials launched an operation on Friday to clear the encroachment. Boundary markers and signage identifying the reclaimed area as Gram Sabha land have since been installed. "We have issued strict warnings to encroachers that any future attempt to reoccupy this land will invite legal action," Singh said. The reclaimed land, situated near the Yamuna Expressway and close to the upcoming Noida International Airport, holds strategic potential. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트 29만원 이벤트 임플란트 더 알아보기 Undo Officials said it may be used for public infrastructure projects in the future, such as a civil aviation training institute. The land will now be managed by an institution, and any revenue generated from it will be deposited in the government treasury as per directives from the district magistrate. Officials are in the process of identifying those involved in the illegal occupation and have assured action will be taken.
NDTV
16-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
"We Knew It Would Collapse": Pune Bridge A Tragedy In The Making
Mumbai: The scenic village of Kundmala in Maval, Pune turned into a site of shock and mourning after a 30-year-old footbridge - built only for pedestrians - collapsed last week under the weight of thousands of tourists and half a dozen bikes that crowded onto it. Locals say they always knew the bridge would collapse one day. Ganesh, who lived in the village all his life, voiced what many others confirmed: "We knew the bridge was going to fall - 100 per cent. So many people came here, but no one heard us." The bridge, originally built only for local commuting, had become an unofficial tourist hotspot, especially on weekends. As Lonavala remained overcrowded, Kundamala saw an influx of 2,000 to 4,000 visitors every Saturday and Sunday. "Yesterday alone, 4,000 to 5,000 people came. Nearly 70-80 people were standing on the same metal part when it gave way," said Srushti Beghade, a graduate who depended on the now-collapsed bridge to travel to classes and work. A Lifeline Lost, A Village Cut Off The 470-meter structure - of which 200 meters was iron-connected at least six to seven villages. Its fall has disrupted daily life. "This was the only road we had. Now, even for emergencies or delivering milk, we'll have to travel 15-20 km more," said Ganesh. Students, workers, and elderly residents alike now face an arduous detour. "For a place we used to reach in minutes, now we need to travel 35-40 km," said another local. Repeated Warnings, Delayed Action The bridge was reportedly sanctioned for reconstruction last year, but bureaucratic delays and political apathy stalled the project. "The work order was issued on June 10 - a full year after it was cleared," said a local representative. A member of the Gram Sabha added that a land dispute between two families further delayed proceedings. More obstacles emerged when another government body objected to the new bridge being placed near their perimeter wall, forcing its realignment. That change pushed the cost above the Rs 8 crore initially sanctioned. Since the project came under the Public Works Department and not the local Gram Panchayat, the village body had limited control over the process. A BJP leader, on condition of anonymity, blamed the delay partially on back-to-back elections in 2024. "If the people had taken it more seriously, maybe something could've moved faster," the leader said. Government Knew, But Acted Too Late Documents accessed by NDTV reveal that the government was aware of the condition of the bridge and even moved to act. On July 4, 2024, officials informed the local representative that they would proceed as per his directions. A formal order followed the same day, and by July 11, the BJP's former district president Ravindra Bhegade was informed via letter that the work had been approved. Rs 8 crore was sanctioned for the project, and PWD officials carried out a site inspection and prepared a design. Tenders were floated on October 15 - coincidentally, the same day the Model Code of Conduct came into effect. However, since the tendering process had already begun, the MCC didn't apply retroactively. Though the elections concluded on November 23 and a new government took office in December, it wasn't until June 10, 2025, that the work order was finally issued. Notably, the date on the work order appears to have been handwritten by PWD officials - raising questions about potential backdating or procedural lapses. Safety Ignored, Tourists Unchecked Despite the danger, tourists, meanwhile, continued to gather on the fragile bridge - many clicking selfies and crowding the narrow space. "Every year, 20-25 deaths happened due to selfies," Ganesh said. "We save 15-20 people every day. When we tell them to be careful, they get angry. They say it is not our place." Sagar, another resident, said, "They come here in thousands. On weekends, we couldn't even see the other side of the bridge because it was packed. It was always the same issue." Police sources said a fight between two bikers on the bridge had attracted a crowd moments before the collapse, adding excessive weight to an already overstressed section. Police Presence Questioned Just a week before the incident, senior police inspector Rayannavar from Talegaon Dabhade station had claimed, "These are some of the measures and restrictions we have implemented - maintaining police presence on Saturdays, Sundays, and other days; setting up checkpoints a short distance from Kundmala to restrict entry of vehicles other than those belonging to villagers; disallowing hawkers' zones; arranging for a fire brigade vehicle for emergencies; taking support from wildlife protection organizations engaged in social work; imposing time restrictions for tourists; and installing caution boards." He confirmed to NDTV that four police marshalls were present at the site when the bridge collapsed and one of them even got stuck in the incident. "If you can find 100 people who say police weren't there, I can find 100 others, who say they were present." But the locals still hold that they did not spot effective police presence on the day of the collapse. "I called the police at 2 pm. The crowd was too much. I told them to send marshals - they didn't come. If they had, this may not have happened," said Ganesh. Sarpanch Shrikant Shinde echoed similar frustration. "The tourists don't listen to the locals. We told them it was unsafe. Even the police can't control them easily. But if the authorities had stayed on site longer, they could've stopped this." A Rescue Not Backed By The State Sagar credited the Rotary Club Pimpri Elite for providing the safety gear that made rescues possible. "They gave us life jackets, ropes - not the government. Without that, 20-25 more people would've died. The chain-link fencing they installed for Rs 1 lakh saved many lives," he said. Ravindra Beghade confirmed that before official forces arrived, locals had already saved 35 people. "The police try, but the crowds don't listen - they even fight with us," he said. a
Time of India
16-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Digital revolution in remote tribal village: Maharashtra's Rohini becomes model gram panchayat
By Anjali Ojha Dhule: In the quiet, remote tribal-majority village of Rohini, tucked away at the foothills of Satpura in Maharashtra's Dhule district, the rugged terrain stood as a barrier to basic services, but a silent digital revolution is transforming lives and bridging the gap. "Using technology here for us was not an option, it was an opportunity," Chief Executive Officer of the Jila Parishad, Dhule, Vishal Narwade, said. Mobile internet and e-governance applications have made essential services such as healthcare, education and finance increasingly accessible to residents while also empowering them through digital democracy at the grassroots level. The gram panchayat was recently awarded the gold medal in a first-of-its-kind award for 'Grassroots level initiatives for deepening service delivery at gram panchayats or equivalent traditional local bodies' for its exemplary digital initiatives. With the population scattered in hamlets, access to services was always a challenge. The gram panchayat is now using information and communication technology not just to provide amenities and disseminate information but to also enable the locals to join Gram Sabha meetings virtually. Narwade said while only 45% of the local tribals are literate according to the last census figures, digital literacy is at 100%. "We informed the locals, held meetings of the Gram Sabha, made the locals aware, and convinced them that digital technology can help as they are struggling for physical connectivity. "Education, health, Anganwadi - technology is being used everywhere to ensure delivery," Narwade told PTI. "Any model will be successful only with local participation. We used government platforms and we developed a website through which one can access all services sitting at home," he said. Narwade said a website was developed for the panchayat by a local youth, who has also taken the responsibility to maintain it. "You will see a smartphone in everyone's hand. They already knew how to use smartphones, we just trained them how to use government and panchayat websites and apps to make their lives easier," he said. "We ensured that they don't need to come physically to the Gram Panchayat for small things - like if they need any certificate - birth, death, or marriage certificate, they can get it online," he said. Besides the local panchayat's website, government websites like the Meri Panchayat app, and digital platforms like e-Gram Swaraj, and Panchayat Nirnay App are among those being used. Narwade said when the Gram Sabha meeting is called, those who cannot join the meeting physically can join it online, ensuring more people's participation in decision-making. The journey was not easy though. In this remote area with hilly terrain, the internet was not always available. The gram panchayat has seven hamlets with scattered population of 7200. Deputy Sarpanch of the village Vasant Pawda said local demand for better internet connectivity grew louder, with some even suggesting boycott of elections at one point. They reached out to telecom companies, and the government departments, eventually leading to telecom infrastructure seeing improvement. Mobile phones are also being used to enable access to telemedicine facilities for locals. "The population here is scattered and doctors can't go there every time. So the health workers here, ASHA and ANMs, visit local homes and they connect them to doctors," said Dr Rashtrapal Ahire, Medical Officer, PHC, Rohini. If locals have an issue with mobile connectivity, the volunteers use their own mobile phones to connect them to the doctors, and also provide them medicines, he said. Tele-medicine facilities are also available for cattle, who are tagged and their information digitised in a database making it easier to track the animal for vaccination and monitoring. The village Anganwadi is also leveraging on government's platforms like the Poshan Tracker app, and a dashboard at the Anganwadi centre helps in monitoring progress. Vasant Pawda, deputy sarpanch of the village, said they aim to become a global model for digital democracy at the grassroots level. He said they aim to have a Single Digital Window for the village for all programmes and digital inclusion of every citizen. "With scattered population, remote villages, and migrant worker population, access to services was an issue, which could be resolved due to internet. Now we aim to have one window through which all services and information can be accessed," Pawda said. Rohini is a gram panchayat under Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, (PESA) with over 80% tribal population. It is located at the foothills of Satpura Hills at the interstate border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, around 85 km away from the district headquarters. PTI>
The Print
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Goa govt holds camps to fast-track forest rights claims of tribals
A government spokesman said 1,635 claimants participated in camps across six talukas and received assistance in filing and processing their claims. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently announced that all pending cases under the Act would be disposed of by December 19. The day is celebrated to mark Goa's Liberation from 450-year-long Portuguese colonial rule. Panaji, Jun 15 (PTI) The Goa government on Sunday organised camps across six talukas to assist tribal and forest-dwelling communities in resolving long-pending claims under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. 'The presence of local tribal leaders, village-level forest rights committees, Gram Sabha members, and other key stakeholders ensured the initiative was both grassroots-driven and outcomes-focused,' the spokesman said. The camps were conducted in Sattari, Ponda, Dharbandora, Sanguem, Canacona, and Quepem talukas, he said. The initiative was jointly conducted by the district administration, tribal welfare and forest departments, with full administrative coordination from deputy collectors and sub-divisional officers, the official said. The chief minister, in a statement, emphasised the state government's commitment to implementing PM Modi's vision with full responsibility and speed. He said the camps demonstrate the power of coordinated governance and the importance of reaching every citizen in need. These efforts are part of a broader mission led by PM Modi's government to strengthen tribal rights, protect forest-dwelling communities, and ensure that development is inclusive, transparent, and time-bound, Sawant added. PTI RPS ARU This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
