Latest news with #Punekar
India.com
04-07-2025
- India.com
Traveling Pune Is Expensive? Not If You Know These Secret Budget Tips
Pune, popularly referred to as the Oxford of The East, is a place where history and a modern youthful scene exist in harmony. If you are a student, history lover, or just wish to visit a vibrant city on a budget, Pune has it all. One does not need to sacrifice experiences just to stay within a budget. Here, simultaneously, smart decisions still mean broadening your horizons. Here are some budget friendly Pune travel tips. Plan Your Transport Smartly With some planning, you can significantly cut back on your travel expenses while in Pune. The city has a comprehensive and cost effective system of public transportation, including bus and shared auto-rickshaws. Getting around is as easy as using PMPML and Uber. If you want to see multiple sights in one day, renting a shared bike or scooter is recommended. Additionally, Pune's smaller size is perfect for two-wheeled modes of transportation. PMPML buses operate on set schedules and cover almost every area of the city. Shared autos have fixed routes and operate at a lower price than private autos. Bike rentals start from 300 Rs. and discounts are available by some companies for long time rentals. Choose Budget-Friendly Stays Accommodation in Pune is easy on the budget. The city has an ample selection of hostels, guest houses, Airbnb's, and other budget friendly stays. While certain places like Koregaon Park and Baner tend to be on the pricier side, Swargate, Shivajinagar or Kothrud have more economical options that are not very far from the main attractions. Pune has backpacker hostels available for as cheap as ₹500 per night. Budget hotels and guesthouses cater to the affordable crowd with prices ranging from ₹800-₹1500. For added savings, look for accommodations that provide free breakfast. Enjoy Street Food and Local Delicacies You don't have to go to high-end places to get a sense of Punekar hospitality. Pune is a foodie's utopia and an endless supply of street food wait for you at JM Road, Camp and FC Road. Some amazing foods you can get include vada pav, misal pav, and Mastani which is a rich milkshake served by small food stalls. Mastani has many local outlets with prices starting at ₹50. Most vendors charge around ₹10 to ₹20 for vada pav. Misal pav is another staple with an average price of ₹40 to ₹60. Visit Free or Low-Cost Attractions You should not miss out on these inexpensive embraceable features of Pune that should definitely be a necessity on your itinerary. The landmarks Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, and sinhagad Fort cost a mere few bucks for maintenance which seem worth every penny as they are steeped in breathtaking history. On the other hand, Pashan Lake and Vetal Tekdi are completely free making them affordable for nature lovers. Do take the time to enjoy the unique cultural programs and celebrations in Pune which do not require tickets. Entry fee for Shaniwar Wada: ₹5 (Indians), ₹125 (foreigners). Entry fee for Aga Khan Palace: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners). Many parks and trekking spots like Taljai Hills are free to visit. Shop Smart at Local Markets Pune's bustling markets are perfect for budget-friendly shopping. Whether you're looking for clothes, accessories, or souvenirs, places like Tulsi Baug, Laxmi Road, and Hong Kong Lane offer great deals. Bargaining is a must to get the best prices. Cotton kurtas and sarees start at ₹200 in Laxmi Road. Trendy accessories and bags can be found for as low as ₹50 at Hong Kong Lane. Local handmade items and trinkets make for affordable souvenirs. Make Use of Discounts and Offers Make sure you get the student rates, group discounts, or off-season promotional prices. A lot of cafés and museums such as the Pune cafes will readily give student ID holders a discount. In addition, there are platforms such as BookMyShow, Nearbuy, and Groupon that give deals on food and different events or activities in the city. You can purchase tickets to museums at half the normal cost! Cashback and coupon deals are often available for dining and entertainment. Some hostels and hotels offer discounts for group bookings or extended stays. Explore Pune by Walking or Cycling For those economical to walk, and cycle, this is one the great ways to get to know the city of Pune as these methods to reserve fuel at the same time provide a great experience. Baner and Koregaon Park are very friendly for walking as their streets are lined with trees and there are many quaint cafes. You can hire bicycles at cheap rates to roam around the city. Taking the bus from PMPML to Lonavala costs around ₹150 for one person. Access to the Bhaja Caves and Karla Caves is only ₹50. You will encounter many hidden gems such as book shops and bakeries when you try walking the city. Opt for Affordable Day Trips It is easy to organize day trips from Pune for a low cost because there are so many places to visit. Template, Lonavala, Khandala, and Lavasa are easily reachable too. Use public transport like shared cabs or buses and rent bikes to minimize spending. It is more economical to bring your own snacks and water too. A PMPML bus ride to Lonavala costs about ₹150 per person. Entry to Bhaja Caves and Karla Caves is just ₹50. Group bookings for bike rentals can save you additional costs. Final Thoughts One does not have to sacrifice memories in order to travel economically. For those who have tight budgets, Pune's culture and rich history ensures that there are diverse opportunities for you. With these tips, one is able to freely navigate the city without overspending. So make sure to choose your itinerary prudently and you will be able to have a fulfilling trip to Pune.
Indian Express
18-06-2025
- Indian Express
In 2012 case: Why HC ordered fresh probe into ‘shocking' New Year's Eve party at children's home
The Bombay High Court on Monday ordered a probe into an alleged party hosted on New Year's Eve in 2012 at a home for children with special needs in suburban Mankhurd in Mumbai. The court said that it cannot keep the issue pending for a decade and expressed displeasure and surprise over no action taken despite earlier inquiry. The judges remarked that the authorities should be 'ashamed of their officers.' The incident The HC disposed of the PIL filed in 2014 by activist Sangeeta Punekar, citing news reports of an alleged party hosted by donors at the home for children with special needs, and raised concerns over the 'shocking state of affairs'. The Mankhurd institution is run by the Children's Aid Society, a 100 percent aided NGO As per Punekar, on December 31, 2012, a New Year's Eve entertainment programme for mentally deficient children (MDC) was organised in the Agarwal Hall, situated in the boy's section of the Mankhurd shelter home. Some bar dancers were allegedly invited for the programme and 25 girls with special needs were brought to the said hall without seeking permission of concerned authorities. She added that champagne was popped, cash was showered on bar dancers till early morning hours, and that alcohol was served at the party. The PIL claimed the Trombay Police gave clean chit to organisers and the entire incident was hushed up, with no action had been taken against the perpetrators, prompting her to file PIL. Moreover, as per the news report of March, 2014, two girl inmates were allegedly sexually assaulted by the peon at a shelter in Mankhurd. Petitioner's contentions The complaints were lodged by the MDC home authorities regarding the party and a probe was conducted by a panel comprising the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Chairman, Divisional Deputy Commissioner-Konkan, and an officer of the Women and Child Development Department. However, despite the inquiry, no action was taken against the persons concerned, the petitioner argued. Punekar, in her PIL sought criminal action in the form of FIR against the then Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Home and action against all offenders/officials under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Indian Penal Code (IPC). The PIL also sought proper safety measures for girls with special needs in the said home. It sought appointment of a Judicial officer to conduct impartial enquiry in the matter and for strict supervision of appointment, working and sittings of CWCs and MDC homes. Moreover, Punekar sought that the control of shelter homes be handed over to the Social Justice and Empowerment department. Hearings over a decade In August 2014, during one of the initial hearings, the High Court noted that if the allegations in the complaint are true, it clearly disclosed commission of an offence. The HC had referred to an earlier incident wherein the owner of the same MDC home was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment and one person was awarded death penalty for abusing and murdering the children in the home and wondered how such incidents including the party continue at the home. It had then directed the Mumbai Police crime branch to probe the matter and register FIR if cognisable offences are disclosed and had also said the witnesses be protected. In the same month, the Court was informed that the concerned Superintendent of the MDC home was no longer on the post. The HC had also ordered suspension of its CEO. In March 2015, the High Court had observed that a preliminary inquiry had been carried out by then Deputy Police Commissioner (DCP) Rashmi Karandikar after recording statements of the children and no FIR had been registered in the party incident. Thereafter, the plea was heard from time to time along with a batch of other pleas and the court had passed orders seeking corrective measures from authorities. The HC had expanded the scope of the matter for administration of all MDC homes in the states. In January and February 2018, the HC questioned the state government over lack of attendants, safety measures at MDC homes, budgetary allocations, whether surprise checks were being conducted, quality of food and basic facilities provided to children and installation of CCTV cameras. It had orally remarked the Children had been 'left for God's mercy.' The state government, in January, this year, responding to another PIL, had told HC that allegations of mental and physical abuse of children at the NGO-run Mankhurd home were false. In April, the HC had questioned why all 94 MDC homes in Maharashtra were not perational. June 16 decision: HC emphasis on need for fresh probe On Monday, disposing of Punekar's PIL, a bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe noted that despite a three-member panel having conducted an enquiry with regard to the party incident, no action was taken against delinquent officials. The HC expressed 'surprise' and said 'no useful purpose will be served in keeping the petition pending.' The bench, while ordering a fresh probe, remarked that the plea could not be kept pending for 10 years and 'effect of the incident cannot be diluted and the authorities cannot be protecting wrong doers.' What next? The Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities will initiate a probe into the alleged party incident within six weeks and forward the findings to the Maharashtra government. The concerned department of the government will be required to take 'suitable action' against errant persons within three months. The court has also kept pending other pleas on the issue of MDC homes, which will be heard in due course
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Musician Vineet Singh Hukmani on being a new Punekar, making a song on the city: I love Pune, it's my home
I shifted to Pune 10 months ago. However, since I would visit the city so often for work, it always felt home,' says singer Vineet Singh Hukmani, who is now a proud Punekar. As someone who was a Delhiite, why did he choose Pune as his new residence? 'The city is just the right size, hence everything creative related to music, art, new cuisine, etc. is very reachable. It has a great buzzing mix of cosmopolitan and traditional culture. People here balance these facets without effort. Also, quick connectivity to Mumbai and Dubai, where I do most of my production work is a bonus,' says the musician, who has expressed his love for Pune through a new single, titled My New Home Pune. He adds, 'It was a spontaneous creation of gratitude for the warm welcome that I have received from the wonderful people in Pune. Home is where the heart is, where the song in your heart comes out freely and where the people around you understand and appreciate that sentiment. The song is about that warmth and affection for this new chapter of my life. I love Pune, my home.' Since it's his first year in the city, it also marks his first Maharashtra monsoon. Is he excited? 'Pune is so green and has excellent air quality around this time of the year. There is no better time to write music than when you see raindrops trickling down your window. Also, I plan go on a road trip soon,' says Vineet. Ask him about the music scene of Pune and if he has noticed any stark difference between Delhi and Pune in terms of music sensibilities, and Vineet says: 'Pune allows me to be more global in my approach and yet the local sentiment does not take away from that. Delhi has a strong Punjabi music culture and a lot of Sufi too and while that is good, it can be too dominating, for me, sometimes, since I am not known for being a 'Punjabi' singer. Pune, on the other hand, accepts the 'English/Hindi' singer-songwriter in me more easily. I also find Pune open to more global genres and after this song about Pune, I am embarking on a swing jazz album and a reggae album. Both these creations have been easier for me as this city has a certain chill vibe about it.' But does he miss Delhi at all? 'Well, sometimes I do miss the food but my new friends in Pune are ensuring I am well fed. When you leave a city, you carry the good memories of that in your heart and that helps you become more confident in the new place you need to settle in. Life is about experiences and the north has given me a lot for which I am grateful,' he ends.
