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Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Khadki, Pune cantonment residents seek clarity on FSI norms ahead of PMC merger
Residents and civic activists from Pune and Khadki cantonment areas have raised concerns over the lack of clarity on Floor Space Index (FSI) norms, following the state government's in-principle approval to merge these areas with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). On Thursday, the Maharashtra government announced plans to merge the Pune and Khadki cantonment boards (PCB and KCB) with the PMC to improve civic services. (HT) On Thursday, the Maharashtra government announced plans to merge the Pune and Khadki cantonment boards (PCB and KCB) with the PMC to improve civic services. Similar mergers or conversions are proposed for four other cantonments across the state. As part of the transition, the two cantonment boards have submitted detailed proposals incorporating feedback from the defence ministry and local military authorities. These proposals stress that the FSI in merged areas should be capped at 1, citing proximity to sensitive defence establishments. Currently, cantonment areas have an FSI of 0.5, whereas PMC zones allow an FSI between 1.1 and 3, depending on location and transferable development rights (TDR). The cantonment boards have made it clear that the merger must not come at the cost of lifting FSI restrictions. 'No excision without FSI restrictions,' their submission states. Naval Kishore Ram, PMC commissioner, acknowledged that FSI is a critical component of urban planning but said no decision was taken during Thursday's meeting. 'Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasised improving services in the cantonment areas, but there was no discussion specifically about FSI. At this stage, we cannot comment further,' he said. On properties under the Old Grant Bungalows (OGB) system, Ram said PMC would study legal and administrative complexities in the coming days. 'I plan to personally visit the cantonment areas. If required, PMC officials will conduct a preliminary survey to assess on-ground challenges,' he added. The merger, he clarified, would happen on an 'as is' basis regarding property assets. A senior official from the Directorate General of Defence Estates confirmed that the boards' proposals, especially those concerning FSI and defence security, have already been sent to the state government and are now awaiting feedback to be forwarded to the defence ministry. Many residents and activists argue that low FSI norms have stifled the growth of cantonment areas. 'We should get the same FSI as PMC areas. Only then can development take place,' said Rajabhau Chavan, a civic activist, who claimed that the Pune Cantonment is lagging at least a decade behind the rest of the city. Local businesses have also welcomed the merger, pointing to years of civic neglect. Lalit Gandhi, a shopkeeper on MG Road, said, 'This merger was long overdue. For ten years, our issues were ignored.' Hozefa Harnesswalla, another shop owner, echoed the sentiment. 'Infrastructure is crumbling—roads have potholes, gardens are unkempt, garbage disposal is poor, and health services are lacking. The merger is essential for real progress,' he said, also demanding action against hawkers encroaching on roads and footpaths. However, not everyone is in favour. Some long-time residents worry about losing the cantonment's distinct character. Retired army officer Ajit Kale said, 'Pune and Khadki cantonments are among the country's oldest garrisons. Their history, architecture, and culture are unique. All of this risks being lost in the merger.' Vinod Mathurawala, former PCB vice-president, emphasized that FSI and property rights remain key issues. 'These questions will shape the future of these heritage zones. All stakeholders now await further direction from the state and central governments,' he said.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Army to fence abandoned defence land in Camp
In response to mounting safety and environmental concerns, military authorities have announced plans to construct a 10-foot-high protective wall around a stretch of neglected defence land opposite the iconic Bishop's School in Pune Camp. Army to fence abandoned defence land in Camp Locals say the plot has become a hotspot for anti-social activities—used for open urination, illegal dumping of garbage, storing scrap, and parking abandoned vehicles. A faded signboard at the site cites a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order prohibiting dumping, but enforcement has been absent. A senior army officer overseeing cantonment defence lands confirmed that fencing work will begin within the next six weeks. 'All necessary steps have been initiated, and a protective wall will be constructed around the entire plot at the earliest,' the official said. Currently, the land is strewn with plastic waste, cement debris, rubble, broken bricks, and old vehicles. Buffaloes are frequently brought in for grazing, and a signal tower within the premises remains unsecured. There are no guards or routine patrols, leaving the area vulnerable to further encroachment. Despite the neglect, environmentalists have noted the presence of exotic bird species, underlining the ecological value of the site. Within the premises also stands the deteriorating remains of an Old Grant Bungalow (OGB)—a colonial-era structure that adds to the historical significance of the land. Cantonment activist Rajabhau Chavan welcomed the move. 'This land must be protected without delay. The construction of a boundary wall is an important first step. The Army should also reclaim all Old Grant Bungalows on cantonment land in the national interest. These structures carry historical value and their sanctity must be preserved,' he said. Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) Chief Executive Officer Subrat Pal confirmed coordination with defence authorities. 'We have been informed that a protective wall has been proposed, and appropriate action is underway,' he said. OGBs in the Pune Cantonment area are colonial-era bungalows originally granted to civilians for residential use under specific conditions. While the Holders of Occupancy (HOR) own the structures, the land remains under the control of the Ministry of Defence. Over time, many of these properties have deteriorated or become entangled in legal disputes and encroachments. A recent investigation by the Directorate of Defence Estates uncovered irregularities in the sale and construction of at least 20 such properties. Four bungalows—collectively valued at around ₹500 crore—have been sealed. Resumption proceedings have been initiated for 16 more properties in Pune and Khadki cantonments over unauthorised transfers and sales. Officials are working with the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) to trace sale and transfer records for 45 OGBs transacted in the past two decades. Authorities are now demanding PAN and other documentation from occupants to build legal cases. Meanwhile, all construction on suspect OGBs has been halted amid fears that approvals were obtained through suppression of facts.
Business Wire
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
AMAC and Old Glory Bank Announce Partnership for America
ELMORE CITY, Okla. & WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Old Glory Bank, America's favorite Freedom Economy bank, has locked arms with the Association of Mature American Citizens ('AMAC') to revive traditional banking values. When AMAC members open a checking or savings account with Old Glory Bank, they'll enjoy privacy and security, and online banking that is easy to use. AMAC serves as the voice of Americans 50 years of age and older by sponsoring initiatives that keep America strong. The partnership between AMAC and Old Glory Bank makes perfect sense. America's wisdom generation deserves a bank with great customer service and easy online banking. Combine that with Old Glory Bank's commitment to traditional American values as well as the financial privacy, security, and liberty of its customers, and you have the perfect pairing. Customer service is a priority at Old Glory Bank. Jennifer Smith, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience, explains, 'When customers call us, they connect with real people in the great state of Oklahoma. They have real conversations with human beings who solve problems. We love our customers and our shared American values. We are there for them when they need us." Since Old Glory Bank began offering online accounts in April 2023, they have added more than 55,000 thousand customers across all 50 states and have grown customer deposits from about $10 million to over $195 million in 24 months. 'Our mission statement is the US Constitution, and we quickly restored banking freedom to all of America,' said Eric Ohlhausen, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer. Old Glory Bank became the community bank for all of America by offering personal accounts, business accounts, Old Glory Pay (OGB's cancel-proof, closed-loop payment solution), debit cards, credit cards, home loans, business loans, free overdraft protection, charitable round-ups, and Old Glory Cash-IN, where customers can easily deposit cash into their OGB account at over 88,000 retail stores. Terms and conditions apply to these products and features. All of AMAC's two million members can easily open an account at Old Glory Bank through the AMAC Member Benefits Portal starting today. Old Glory Bank is offering an exclusive benefit to AMAC members: a Premium Checking account which pays interest, with no minimum balance and the normal $19 monthly service fee waived. Kurt Meyer, Senior VP of Strategic Partnerships & Member Services at AMAC, remarked, 'We're happy to continue AMAC's tradition of providing excellent benefits to our members by giving them an opportunity to bank with a company that upholds American values.' About AMAC AMAC is here to protect and defend the sanctity of our Constitution and fidelity to our Nation's Founders. We are unabashed in our fight to protect freedom of the individual, free speech and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family. Members enjoy unrivaled benefits and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are part of a growing effort to preserve the heritage of this great country. About Old Glory Bank Old Glory Bank is an FDIC-insured bank that offers the best mobile banking solutions for consumers and businesses, from sea to shining sea. Old Glory Bank is committed to protecting the Privacy, Security, and Liberty of all Americans and serving those who feel marginalized for believing in the greatness of our country. Old Glory Bank was co-founded by some of the leading voices representing freedom and patriotism, including former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Ben Carson; Radio and Television Host Larry Elder; country music superstar, TV host, entrepreneur, and songwriter, John Rich; and former two-term Governor of Oklahoma, Mary Fallin-Christensen. Visit We Stand with You. Member FDIC.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AMAC and Old Glory Bank Announce Partnership for America
America's wisdom generation deserves easy online banking with great customer service from a bank that shares their values. ELMORE CITY, Okla. & WASHINGTON, D.C., April 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Old Glory Bank, America's favorite Freedom Economy bank, has locked arms with the Association of Mature American Citizens ("AMAC") to revive traditional banking values. When AMAC members open a checking or savings account with Old Glory Bank, they'll enjoy privacy and security, and online banking that is easy to use. AMAC serves as the voice of Americans 50 years of age and older by sponsoring initiatives that keep America strong. The partnership between AMAC and Old Glory Bank makes perfect sense. America's wisdom generation deserves a bank with great customer service and easy online banking. Combine that with Old Glory Bank's commitment to traditional American values as well as the financial privacy, security, and liberty of its customers, and you have the perfect pairing. Customer service is a priority at Old Glory Bank. Jennifer Smith, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience, explains, "When customers call us, they connect with real people in the great state of Oklahoma. They have real conversations with human beings who solve problems. We love our customers and our shared American values. We are there for them when they need us." Since Old Glory Bank began offering online accounts in April 2023, they have added more than 55,000 thousand customers across all 50 states and have grown customer deposits from about $10 million to over $195 million in 24 months. "Our mission statement is the US Constitution, and we quickly restored banking freedom to all of America," said Eric Ohlhausen, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer. Old Glory Bank became the community bank for all of America by offering personal accounts, business accounts, Old Glory Pay (OGB's cancel-proof, closed-loop payment solution), debit cards, credit cards, home loans, business loans, free overdraft protection, charitable round-ups, and Old Glory Cash-IN, where customers can easily deposit cash into their OGB account at over 88,000 retail stores. Terms and conditions apply to these products and features. All of AMAC's two million members can easily open an account at Old Glory Bank through the AMAC Member Benefits Portal starting today. Old Glory Bank is offering an exclusive benefit to AMAC members: a Premium Checking account which pays interest, with no minimum balance and the normal $19 monthly service fee waived. Kurt Meyer, Senior VP of Strategic Partnerships & Member Services at AMAC, remarked, "We're happy to continue AMAC's tradition of providing excellent benefits to our members by giving them an opportunity to bank with a company that upholds American values." About AMAC AMAC is here to protect and defend the sanctity of our Constitution and fidelity to our Nation's Founders. We are unabashed in our fight to protect freedom of the individual, free speech and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family. Members enjoy unrivaled benefits and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are part of a growing effort to preserve the heritage of this great country. About Old Glory Bank Old Glory Bank is an FDIC-insured bank that offers the best mobile banking solutions for consumers and businesses, from sea to shining sea. Old Glory Bank is committed to protecting the Privacy, Security, and Liberty of all Americans and serving those who feel marginalized for believing in the greatness of our country. Old Glory Bank was co-founded by some of the leading voices representing freedom and patriotism, including former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Ben Carson; Radio and Television Host Larry Elder; country music superstar, TV host, entrepreneur, and songwriter, John Rich; and former two-term Governor of Oklahoma, Mary Fallin-Christensen. Visit We Stand with You. Member FDIC. Follow us on our social media accounts.X: @oldglorybank, Facebook: Old Glory Bank, Instagram: @oldglorybank, Truth: @oldglorybank, Rumble: @oldglorybank, LinkedIn: Old Glory Bank, View source version on Contacts More information about Old Glory Bank is available by contacting media@
Associated Press
29-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Old Glory Bank Announces Digital Assets can now be used to purchase Mini-IPO Shares
Old Glory Bank, America's favorite freedom economy bank, has added digital assets to its INVEST NOW portal as a payment option for its freely tradable shares at This move reflects Old Glory Bank's commitment to making investing more accessible to Americans who believe in PSL – Privacy, Security, Liberty. The addition of a Crypto solution affirms President Trump's support for Digital Assets and assures a bridge between traditional payment methods and the rapidly growing world of digital assets. By enabling cryptocurrency transactions for equity purchases, Old Glory Bank is offering investors a seamless and secure way to diversify their portfolios while leveraging the convenience of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Doge, Litecoin, and more. Key Highlights of Old Glory Bank Mini-IPO: Digital Asset Integration: Investors can now make purchases using major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Doge, Litecoin, and more. Class B Voting Shares: Old Glory Holding Company, the bank holding company of Old Glory Bank, is offering only 5 million freely tradeable Class B Voting Common shares, at $7.00 per share. The minimum investment is $63 (inspired by Deuteronomy 6:3), and there are certain rules on the maximum number of shares you may purchase. Regulatory Compliance: An investment in shares of our Class B common stock offered under Regulation A is subject to significant risks, including the risk of complete loss of your investment. You should only invest as much as you are willing, and can afford, to lose, and only after you have read and understood the offering documents on our page at 'Old Glory Bank has always been at the forefront of financial innovation for the freedom-economy, and today we're taking a significant leap forward by integrating digital assets into our capital-raising process,' said Mike Ring, CEO of Old Glory Bank. 'This initiative not only opens the door to a broader base of investors but also supports President Trump's strengthening American leadership in Digital Financial Technology.' Since Old Glory Bank began offering online accounts in April 2023, they have added tens of thousands of customers across all 50 states and have grown customer deposits from about $10 million to over $175 million in these 21 months. 'Our mission statement is the US Constitution, and we quickly restored banking freedom to all of America,' said Ring. Old Glory Bank became the community bank for all of America by offering personal accounts, business accounts, Old Glory Pay (OGB's cancel-proof, closed loop payment solution), debit cards, credit cards, home loans, business loans, free overdraft protection, charitable round-ups, and Old Glory Cash-IN, where customers can easily deposit cash into their OGB account at over 88,000 retail stores. Terms and conditions apply to these products and features. Investments are not a deposit, are not FDIC-insured, are not guaranteed, are subject to risk, and may lose value. About Old Glory Bank Old Glory Bank is an FDIC-insured bank that offers the best mobile banking solutions for consumers and businesses, from sea to shining sea. Old Glory Bank is committed to protecting the Privacy, Security, and Liberty of all Americans and serving those who feel marginalized for believing in the greatness of our country. Old Glory Bank was co-founded by some of the leading voices representing freedom and patriotism, including former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Ben Carson; Radio and Television Host Larry Elder; country music superstar, TV host, entrepreneur, and songwriter, John Rich; and former two-term Governor of Oklahoma, Mary Fallin-Christensen. Visit We Stand with You. Member FDIC. Follow us on our social media accounts. SOURCE: Old Glory Bank Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 01/29/2025 12:19 PM/DISC: 01/29/2025 12:20 PM
