Latest news with #PrakashAbitkar
NDTV
26-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Prada Kolhapuri Chappals Row: "GI Tag Infringement Case Against Brand Won't Hold," Says Lawyer
Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has come under fire in India after featuring leather flat sandals, priced at approximately Rs 1.2 lakh, that closely resemble traditional Kolhapuri chappals. The sandals were recently showcased at Prada's Milan runway show. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) The product's resemblance to the iconic Indian footwear has raised questions over cultural appropriation and intellectual property rights, particularly as Kolhapuri chappals received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019, recognising their cultural and regional significance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) According to senior lawyer Ameet Naik, a GI infringement case may not be sustainable. "Prada has taken a view that these are flat sandals and that there is no misrepresentation. A passing off action could be explored, but may not be a strong case of infringement. Prada could have avoided controversy by clearly acknowledging the Indian inspiration behind the design," he said. The issue has prompted reactions from various government officials and industry bodies. A senior official at the Leather Industries Corporation, said Prada had not contacted the corporation and said that a detailed inquiry would be conducted, with necessary action to follow. Prakash Abitkar, Guardian Minister of Kolhapur, however, said, "the global display of Kolhapuri-style leatherwork could benefit local artisans." He added that the state is launching a cluster scheme to promote the leather industry in the region. Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Social Justice, Maharashtra, said the matter is not limited to chappals but includes bags and other leather accessories. She said, "the government is working to uplift traditional cobblers through skill development and financial assistance, and that international visibility could lead to better prices for their work." Kolhapuri chappals, known for their handcrafted leather design, are traditionally made by artisan communities in Maharashtra and have been in use since at least the 12th century. While no legal action has been initiated yet, the matter has sparked a national conversation around the recognition and protection of traditional Indian designs in global markets.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kolhapur district planning body okays 67cr to revamp zilla parishad schools
Kolhapur: The district planning and development (DPDC) council meeting of Kolhapur approved Rs67 crore for the first phase of revamping Zilla Parishad (ZP) schools under a special programme. The meeting of DPDC, the apex body for planning and spending of the funds for works, was held on Monday under the chair of district guardian minister Prakash Abitkar. For the development works proposed in 2024-25, the approval to spend nearly Rs 700 crore was given by the body, and works to be taken through the Rs 764 crore outlay for 2025-24 were discussed in the meeting. Abitkar said, "Most of the schools are as old as 80 years, and some are even 100 years old. ZP's programme is the first of its kind in the state. The ZP is going to make some funds available, and the funds will be raised through corporate social responsibility as well. Once the revamping of the ZP schools is done through this programme, a similar school development model will be implemented across the state." "A special programme has been undertaken by Kolhapur ZP-Samruddh and Adarsh schools for revamping 357 ZP-run schools from the district. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40세 미만이라면 이 매혹적인 게임을 하지 마세요 경복의 바다 게임 플레이 Undo The programme will be implemented in the next five years. For the first phase of work, we have approved Rs 67 crore. Along with the schools, we are going to strengthen the health infrastructure, for which Rs 32 crore have been allocated from DPDC," said Abitkar. The members of the DPDC suggested allocating land to grow cattle feed crops so that there is no shortage of fodder during the monsoon. Member of Parliament Dhairyasheel Mane suggested managing the discharge from the dams effectively when filled to 70% of the total capacity to avoid floods in the district.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Health dept directs PMC to test water samples as precautionary measure to prevent communicable diseases
The public health department has asked Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to start testing drinking water samples from its high-risk areas to prevent communicable disease outbreaks during the monsoon. The orders were given by health minister Prakash Abitkar during the meeting held on June 12. Following this, the civic health department on June 16 wrote to its civic water supply department requesting to send drinking water samples from high-risk areas for testing. During the meeting, Abitdar emphasised the importance of early testing of water quality, especially in vulnerable zones, to ensure that citizens receive safe drinking water. Besides, reports indicating whether the water is potable or non-potable should be immediately shared with the health department. As per civic officials, the directions have been issued in the wake of the recent outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the city. PMC had reported 141 confirmed cases and nine suspected deaths linked to the outbreak, which was officially declared over on April 2 this year. However, sporadic GBS cases still have been reported in the city, similar to past trends, said the officials. Furthermore, the health minister has also directed that officials and staff responsible for water purification should undergo refresher training to ensure that all systems and safety procedures are in place and followed effectively. Dr Nina Borade, health chief of PMC, said that, post the GBS outbreak was declared over, the city has still reported sporadic cases. Such cases are known to be reported throughout the year. 'We have also started to collect the details regarding the GBS cases reported in the city after the outbreak was declared over,' she said. A senior official from the PMC water department, on anonymity, said, 'The letter has been received and the work to collect water samples from the high-risk area has been started. The report regarding the same will be sent to the health department. However, PMC regularly conducts testing of drinking water sources.'
Indian Express
14-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar reviews preparedness ahead of Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Friday conducted a review of the preparedness ahead of the annual Pandharpur Wari — a centuries-old pilgrimage that sees lakhs of devotees, known as warkaris, walking from Dehu and Alandi in Pune to Pandharpur in Solapur. This year, the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi will begin its journey from Dehu on June 18, Wednesday, followed by the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi from Alandi on June 19, Thursday. The spiritual procession is dedicated to Lord Vitthal and will conclude in Pandharpur on Ashadi Ekadashi, which falls on July 6. The pilgrimage spans around 20 days and covers nearly 250 km, with daily halts in towns and villages along the route. Throughout the journey, warkaris chant devotional songs and hymns. In view of the large gatherings anticipated and the surge in COVID-19 cases, state health officials have intensified preparedness measures. While most recent COVID-19 cases have been mild, authorities have advised individuals with co-morbidities to wear masks and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage. State officials said there will be small dispensaries (Aapla Dawakhana) every 5 km along the route and 331 ambulances that will be on call 24×7 (dial 108 or 102), besides identifying 45 intensive care units in case of emergencies. Around 1,300 healthcare personnel will also be deputed for the purpose, including 138 specialists and 149 medical officers. Around 437 nurses will provide care as part of the measures. 'There are cases of dysentery, diarrhoea, fever, and even heart-related issues, so we must remain extremely vigilant,' said a senior health official. Officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also emphasised that ensuring safe and hygienic conditions is a priority. 'There are numerous food stalls and hotels along the route serving devotees. It is crucial that the food provided is unadulterated,' they said.
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Maharashtra to implement ‘No shortage, no wastage' policy for blood management
To ensure that every patient in Maharashtra receives blood on time and to avoid both shortages and wastage, the state government will soon introduce 'No shortage, no wastage' policy, said public health minister, Prakash Abitkar. He directed public health officials to prepare the policy and present it immediately during a review meeting of the state blood transfusion council, held at Arogya Bhavan in Mumbai on Friday. The meeting was attended by health commissioner, Amgothu Sri Ranga Naik; director of health services, Dr Nitin Ambadekar; Dr Vijay Khandewad, deputy secretary Bendre, assistant director of the state blood transfusion council, Dr Purushottam Puri and other senior officials. 'During occasions like Independence Day, Republic Day, or birthdays of political leaders, many social and charitable organisations organise blood donation camps. However, in such times, if there is no immediate need for the collected blood, there is a risk of blood being wasted. On the other hand, during summer months and festive seasons, the number of blood donation camps often decreases, leading to blood shortages. To address this imbalance, the new policy will help regulate and plan blood collection and usage more efficiently,' said Abitkar. He also instructed officials to prepare new guidelines for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOC) to organisations looking to set up blood banks in the state.
