Latest news with #HousingandUrbanDevelopment
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt aims for 'dust-free Lahore'
As Lahore continues to struggle with a deteriorating air quality, the Punjab government has launched an initiative aimed at transforming the metropolis into Pakistan's first 'dust-free city'. The plan comes at a time when the city's air pollution remains a significant public health concern. On Wednesday, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 149, classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," with PM2.5 concentration reaching 55 micrograms per cubic metre, far exceeding safe limits. The worsening pollution levels, attributed to a mix of construction activity, vehicular emissions, industrial output, and seasonal factors, have prompted the authorities to act. Punjab Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Noorul Amin Mengal visited the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) headquarters to review ongoing and upcoming urban development projects. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq briefed him on environmental reforms being integrated into project planning and execution. One of the key steps announced was the tightening of construction-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) to reduce airborne dust and pollution generated from infrastructure work. A uniform development standard will be introduced across all government departments to improve sustainability, visual coherence, and regulatory enforcement in urban planning. The meeting participants were told that the government also intends to legislate design guidelines for commercial property facades in a bid to reduce visual pollution and restore architectural harmony in the city. In a parallel development, a wrap-up meeting was held with the World Bank's Implementation Mission for the Punjab Clean Air Programme, which was led by Transport Task Team Leader Shyam Srinivasan.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Andrew Cuomo's comeback? Meet the former NY gov vying to become NYC's next mayor
The Brief Andrew Cuomo was first elected governor of New York in 2010. Cuomo has focused his mayoral campaign on what he describes as "a city in crisis." "It's a very simple question I think for voters this year: who can manage the city?" NEW YORK CITY - Democratic candidate and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is running to be the city's next mayor, aiming to succeed incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who's running for re-election as an Independent. MORE: Meet the candidates running for NYC mayor: List Cuomo has focused his mayoral campaign on what he describes as "a city in crisis." Dig deeper Cuomo's political career began in the early 1980s, when he managed his father's gubernatorial campaign. He later held several roles in public service, including as chair of the New York City Homeless Commission and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under former President Bill Clinton. In 2006, he was elected New York Attorney General, and in 2010, he won the governorship, serving three terms before stepping down. Cuomo's resignation in 2021 followed multiple investigations, primarily related to sexual harassment allegations, including inappropriate comments and groping. A report found he harassed 11 women, many of whom were current or former employees. MORE: Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo testifies before congress on COVID-19 nursing home response In one accusation, Lindsey Boylan, a former aide, accused Cuomo of years of harassment, including forcing a kiss and pressuring her to play strip poker. He "deeply, deeply" apologized to the "11 women who I truly offended." But he continued to deny the most serious allegations outlined in the report and again blamed the allegations as misunderstandings attributed to "generational and cultural differences." In addition to sexual misconduct allegations, Cuomo faced criticism over his handling of COVID-19. His administration was scrutinized for its management of death data in nursing homes. Andrew, a Queens native, is one of five children from a prominent New York Italian political family. His father, Mario, was the 52nd governor of New York, having also served as lieutenant governor of New York from 1979 to 1982 and the Secretary of State of New York from 1975 to 1978. His mother, Matilda, was an American advocate for women and children. His brother, Chris, is a former CNN journalist and current NewsNation anchor. Andrew's elder sister, Margaret, is a noted radiologist. Andrew has three daughters with his ex-wife, Kerry Kennedy, the seventh child of Robert F. Kennedy. Together, they have twins, Cara and Mariah, and Michaela. The couple separated in 2003 and divorced in 2005. Cuomo began dating TV chef Sandra Lee in 2005 until their breakup in 2019. Although they never married, Lee played the role of New York's first lady, frequently appearing beside Cuomo at official functions while largely staying out of state politics. Local perspective Cuomo argues that the city feels unsafe and out of control because of poor leadership, and he believes his experience makes him the right person to fix these problems and bring the city back on track. "It's a very simple question I think for voters this year: who can manage the city?" Cuomo said in an appearance on Good Day New York. "What has happened to New York City? We've had two past mayors, with all due respect, who didn't know how to manage the city." According to his campaign website, Cuomo "has the leadership skills and experience to make government work for the people of New York City." The former governor plans to increase the supply of affordable housing, increase the size of the NYPD and expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services. "This is a management job," Cuomo said. "You've got to be able to get things done. I have a plan, I have a plan, I have a plan, everybody has a plan. Question is, can you get it done? And they know I get things done. I ran the state of New York." For a closer look at Cuomo's stance on all issues, click HERE.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Bill Clinton endorses former top aide Cuomo for NYC mayor
Ex-President Bill Clinton on Sunday endorsed his former Housing secretary Andrew Cuomo in the Big Apple's mayoral primary, describing the city as in 'crisis'' and his pal as a 'competent leader.' In a robocall released by Cuomo's campaign, the Democratic former commander in chief urged New Yorkers to back the ex-governor in the Tuesday's Dem showdown. 3 Former President Bill Clinton formally endorsed his previous HUD secretary, Andrew Cuomo, for New York City mayor in a robocall to voters. Paul Martinka Advertisement 'The election will decide the next mayor of New York, and I urge you to vote for Andrew Cuomo,' Clinton said in the recorded message. 'As president, I chose Andrew to be my secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and he never let me down.' Clinton, 78 — who lives in tony Chappaqua in Westchester County — noted that Cuomo worked in his presidential administration on such issues as affordable housing and helping to stave off hate, including 'discrimination, including against the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and antisemitism,' he said. The ex-president said Cuomo can fix what he called a city in 'crisis. Advertisement 'New York City is facing major challenges. There is a desperate need for affordable housing, homelessness is at a crisis level, and public safety must be restored,' Clinton said. 'It is imperative that New York chooses a mayor who has the ability, talent, and experience to do the job. 'He's a fighter who knows how to make government work, and at a time when our basic rights are under assault, I know he'll stand up and protect the people of this city,' he said of Cuomo, adding his Dem buddy has the ability to raise the 'progressive standard.' 3 Clinton expressed his confidence that Cuomo could lead a city in 'crisis.' Matthew McDermott Advertisement Cuomo, 67, responded to the endorsement with gratitude. 'I am honored to have the support of President Bill Clinton — a personal mentor, friend, and hero. His administration was one of the most accomplished in modern political history,' Cuomo said in the message. Cuomo, who resigned in disgrace as governor in 2021 amid a slew of sexual-harassment allegations, is aiming for a political resurrection in his mayoral comeback bid. Cuomo has vehemently any accusation of wrongdoing. Clinton similarly had a presidency rocked by scandal. Advertisement His Oval Office affair with then-22-year-old intern Monica Lewinsky led him to be impeached by the House for perjury and obstruction of justice — though he was acquitted by the Senate and never resigned. 3 The two Democrats have had political careers rocked by scandal. Richard Harbus Clinton's endorsement of Cuomo comes just two days before the city's Tuesday primary. Democratic kingmaker and 84-year-old South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn endorsed Cuomo on Friday — as surging socialist contender Zohran Mamdani's campaign garnered a mix of fresh condemnation and support. In the city's ranked-choice voting contest, Cuomo currently prevails 55% to 45% against Mamdani in a potential seventh round, according to a recent Marist College Institute for Public Opinion survey. The poll indicated a big drop from a Marist poll conducted in May, when Cuomo led Mamdani 60% to 40% after all the other candidates were eliminated and second preference votes transferred to the two finalists.
The Hindu
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Karnataka hikes housing scheme quota for minorities from 10% to 15%
The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday (June 19, 2025) approved a proposal to increase the reservation from 10% to 15% for minorities under various State government housing schemes. Briefing the Cabinet decisions after the meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil said the move was based on the disproportionately high number of houseless individuals among minority communities in both urban and rural areas. Muslims form the bulk of the minority population in Karnataka. Norm in Centre The Law Minister pointed out that the Centre had issued guidelines and it had already provides 15% allocation for minorities, and Karnataka was following it. Minority communities have long been requesting the hike in quota in the housing schemes, he added. The decision will apply to all housing schemes implemented by different departments, including Housing and Urban Development, across the State. While the opposition BJP criticised it as 'appeasement politics', Mr. Patil said the decision showed the government's commitment to equitable housing. ''Housing for All' is the key slogan of the Congress government, and we are committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to a home,' he said. Many houseless individuals belong to downtrodden communities and minorities, and the decision to increase the quota reflects this ground reality, he said. 'The government is firm in its stand that all houseless individuals, regardless of their community, should be provided with housing,' Mr. Patil said. Defending the decision, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said, 'There is a large urban population, and many minorities and poor people are part of it.' In contracts Thursday's decision was followed by the government's proposal to extend quota benefits for Muslims in contract allocations, indicating a bigger push for minorities in welfare initiatives. The State legislature passed the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed to provide a 4% quota for Muslims in government contracts of under ₹2 crore. The BJP legislators was strongly opposed the Bill. After returning it twice, the Governor has forwarded the Bill for President's assent.
Hans India
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Over 73K youth employed in 369 days: CM
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday said his government has facilitated employment for 73,346 youths in just 369 days since taking office. Speaking at 'Nijukti Mela' (employment fair), where appointment letters were distributed to 964 newly recruited youths, mostly junior engineers, Majhi said, 'Our government is only one year and four days old. In this short span, we have appointed 73,346 youths — 28,346 in government departments and 45,000 in the private sector.' Underlining the importance of government jobs, Majhi said he and his ministers failed to bag government jobs and therefore opted for other professions like politics. However, the newly recruited youths are lucky to get absorbed in the government sector, he said. 'People have an obsession with government jobs. This is clearly shown in the Hindi film 'Nayak', where the heroine's father refuses to marry her off to a journalist and insists on a government servant. That reflects how highly people value government service,' Majhi told the gathering. Majhi said, 'Only 2 per cent of Odisha's population are in government jobs. That's why we are actively creating jobs in the private sector.' He said the State has finalised investments worth Rs 13 lakh crore, expected to generate 12.90 lakh private-sector jobs. 'Once these industries are set up, large number of jobs will be created for our youth,' he emphasised. Calling youths the 'pilots of Odisha's development chariot,' Majhi said, 'We are committed to channelling the energy, potential, and enthusiasm of the youth for the State's development and social welfare.' Of the 964 recruits, 907 are junior engineers who, he said, 'will contribute significantly to infrastructure and growth.' He expressed the hope that the newly recruited youths would work with honesty and dedication. 'Always remember, your actions and decisions at the government level must reflect public interest. You are servants of the people,' he said. Majhi said the government plans to recruit 1.5 lakh youths in the State service over the next five years. 'Around 65,000 posts will be filled in the first two years. Till date, 28,346 government posts have been filled,' he said, adding that the age limit for government jobs has been raised from 32 years to 42 years. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister K C Patra, Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Housing and Urban Development Minister K C Mahapatra and Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Nayak were also present on the occasion.
