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Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Vidarbha becoming cancer capital, warns Datke
Nagpur: Raising alarm over the rising cancer cases in Vidarbha, BJP MLA Pravin Datke told the state assembly on Thursday that the region is fast becoming Maharashtra's "cancer capital" and called for immediate state-level intervention to improve awareness, and affordability, accessibility of cancer vaccines as well as diagnostic services. "Vidarbha is becoming the cancer capital. This isn't just a health crisis, it's a wake-up call," Datke said during a legislative discussion, urging the govt to subsidise cervical and breast cancer vaccines and promote early diagnosis through govt hospitals. Datke recalled the first community-driven initiative led by Nagpur-based corporator Rupa Rai under the CSR wing of Ankur Seeds and Birla Foundation. With support from Union minister Nitin Gadkari and CM Devendra Fadnavis, vaccines were made available to over 20,000 girls in Nagpur. "The vaccine initially cost a fortune, but thanks to Adar Poonawalla's contribution of 1.25 lakh doses to the state, it's now available at Rs945," he noted. The Nagpur Central MLA stressed that most citizens remain unaware or hesitant to take the vaccine due to myths and lack of outreach. "Cervical cancer is caused by a virus (HPV), and breast cancer is increasingly linked to genetics, hormonal treatment, and lifestyle changes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now We must launch an aggressive awareness campaign. Citizens should not fear cancer, they should fear ignorance," he said. Datke demanded that the state provide cervical and breast cancer vaccines under the MLA fund and recommended setting up a dedicated women's cancer hospital in Nagpur. He also asked the govt to make positron emission tomography (PET) scans — the essential first step in cancer detection — available free of cost at all govt hospitals. "The test alone costs Rs25,000, which makes early detection unaffordable for most," he added. He also appealed for municipal corporations and councils to reserve budgetary provisions specifically for cancer treatment, particularly for women. "Even though the govt has sanctioned Rs72 crore for a cancer hospital, only Rs15 crore was disbursed over the last three years," he said. Responding to the concerns, state health minister Prakash Abitkar acknowledged the urgency. "Awareness is critical. Many patients panic upon hearing the word 'cancer', when in reality, early detection improves outcomes significantly. We have already launched a strong campaign and are working on extending PET scan services under tertiary care," he assured. Abitkar also promised to discuss the proposal to allow vaccine procurement through MLA funds with deputy CM and finance minister Ajit Pawar. "We are committed to improving access and will pursue all necessary projects for Nagpur," he said.
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PTI opposes sugar import move
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday strongly criticised the government's move to import 500,000 metric tons of sugar, calling it a 'deliberate, well-orchestrated conspiracy benefiting the sugar mafia and political elites'. A PTI spokesman accused the government of orchestrating the current sugar crisis to enable profiteering by powerful businessmen while ordinary citizens suffer. The government's earlier authorisation to export 765,000 metric tons of sugar, despite claims domestic supply would remain stable, has resulted in severe shortages and price hikes from Rs140 to over Rs200 per kilogramme. Sugar imports, exports: 'Govt's handling inflicts billions of rupees in losses' He condemned the government's decision to import sugar duty and tax-free, estimating the cost to the national treasury at Rs72 billion, while the sugar mafia had already gained 92 billion rupees. The PTI claimed that approximately 2.6 million metric tons of sugar are already stockpiled domestically, making imports unnecessary. He claimed that the Finance Ministry opposed the import decision, which was made without the finance minister's consent, raising questions about who controls economic decisions. PTI called for a judicial inquiry into the scandal, demanding transparency on profiteers, investigations into hoarding, affordable sugar supplies, and accountability for those responsible. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Coffers empty, NMC seeks Rs412cr from govt as basic services affected
Nagpur: With the monsoon session of state legislature underway in Mumbai, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has submitted a supplementary demand of Rs411.86 crore, desperately hoping for a financial lifeline to keep critical civic works afloat. Of the total demand, Rs339.86 crore is earmarked for strengthening basic amenities like roads, drainage, and healthcare, while Rs72 crore is sought for flood rehabilitation works. "Contractors have already started submitting bills, expecting the civic body to reimburse them for the work done," confirmed a senior NMC official. In its latest plea to the state govt, the civic body flagged that payments have not kept pace with the progress of key infrastructure projects — cement concrete roads, hospital upgrades, e-libraries, and drainage systems — many of which are either complete or nearing completion. This isn't the first time NMC has knocked the state's doors. Previously, it sought Rs491.90 crore in pending funds for development works. In 2023, the state approved Rs708.09 crore, but only Rs296.11 crore was released so far — including a fresh tranche of Rs27.89 crore confirmed by the district collectorate last week. "The govt's selective and piecemeal release of funds is paralyzing our operations. Projects have stalled and contractors are getting anxious," said an NMC official. Among the worst-hit are the reconstruction works of retaining walls along the Nag, Pili, and Pora rivers — damaged during the 2023 flash floods. Though the state approved Rs204 crore for the flood mitigation project, most of the funds have not been released, forcing contractors to slow down or abandon the work, according to zone-level officials. Already, the civic body is facing public wrath over either incomplete or slow progress of civic infra works.
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
High hopes on shaky ground
Listen to article Punjab's Rs5.35 trillion budget for FY26 boldly prioritises development over austerity, with no new taxes and a record 47% surge in the Annual Development Programme to Rs1.24 trillion. But beneath the ambitious veneer lie formidable execution risks and structural tensions. The budget's core is inclusive development, with a 21% increase in the education spending to Rs812 billion, and a 17% raise in healthcare spending, including Rs72 billion of the total Rs630 million health budget going to the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research. Wages and pensions are also up by 10% and 5%, respectively, and the minimum wage has been set at Rs40,000. Roads and other infrastructure -— always a PML-N priority — will also get significant funding. But while these numbers may suggest a keen desire to invest in the province, funding sources are, at best, unreliable. Much like Sindh, the Punjab budget is dependent on timely transfers from the federal government. Unlike Sindh, the Punjab government is claiming a Rs740 billion surplus, equivalent to almost 14% of the total budget, and well in line with the IMF's expectations. Even if there is a significant revenue shortfall, the projected surplus could easily absorb it. Still, surplus or not, potentially delayed federal transfers and the consistently underwhelming performance of the Punjab Revenue Authority may create unnecessary headaches in the coming fiscal year. The PTI-led opposition has also questioned the opacity of the revenue projection required to post a surplus and highlighted the need for monitoring of the planned expenditure. Other experts have also noted that both agriculture and the environment are underfunded. The budget, as presented, could lay the groundwork for notable long-term growth and social gains, but its reliance on expanding the tax net without shifting any burden onto the poor is not going to inspire confidence in too many people.
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Budget FY2025-26: Punjab govt presents Rs5.3trn ‘tax-free' budget
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman on Monday presented the provincial budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the assembly session. A week after the federal government announced its budget, the provincial government proposed its Rs5.335 trillion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Out of the total budget outlay, Rs2.706 trillion has been allocated for non-development expenditure, including pensions and salaries. 'The non-development expenditure has increased by 6%,' he said. The provincial government has budgeted Rs590 billion under current capital expenditure. As the provincial minister presented the budget, the opposition lawmakers of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) protested. He started the budget speech by mentioning the measures taken by the incumbent provincial government. 'I would like to congratulate the political and military leadership for safeguarding national interests during the recent tensions with India,' the minister said. 'We have completed 6,104 projects during the ongoing fiscal year,' he informed. He shared that the government is establishing the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore for Rs72 billion. Record development budget The provincial government allocated Rs1.24 trillion for development in FY26, an increase of 47% as compared to Rs842 billion allocated in FY25. 'This budget marks a strategic shift in Punjab's history,' said the minister. 'This is the highest ever development budget in the province's history.' For the province of Punjab, federal transfers have been estimated at Rs 4,062.2 billion under FDP for the upcoming fiscal year. Meanwhile, the provincial government has set a target of Rs828.1 billion for its own-source revenues in FY26. Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) targeted to collect Rs340 billion in FY26. Provincial surplus The Punjab government has allocated Rs740 billion under the estimated provincial surplus (EPS) for FY26, amid an understanding reached between the federal government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 'It is pertinent to mention that the achievement of this provincial surplus is directly related to FBR's revenue target,' said the minister. The provincial government has allocated Rs494 billion for the social sector, which accounts for 40% of the development budget. Salaries and pensions Provincial government employees to receive a 10% salary increase. Meanwhile, the provincial government increased pensions by 5% for FY26. Education The provincial government has allocated Rs148 billion for education under the development package for FY26. Whereas, Rs661 billion was budgeted for the non-development expenditure of the education sector. Laptop scheme Under the Chief Minister's Laptop Scheme, Rs15.1 billion has been earmarked to distribute laptops to 112,000 students in FY26. The provincial government has budgeted Rs40 billion for the upliftment of government schools. Moreover, the Merit Scholarship Programme will receive Rs15 billion to provide educational opportunities to deserving students. For special education, the province has allocated Rs5 billion for FY26. Moreover, Rs25 billion has been earmarked for higher education in FY26. Health Health budget for the province has been raised to Rs630.5 billion for FY26. 'Similar to last fiscal, the health sector remains pivotal for the provincial government,' the minister said. The province has allocated Rs181 billion under the development budget for the health sector, an increase of 131% as compared to the last fiscal. Whereas, Rs450 billion has been earmarked under non-development expenditure for FY26. The minister shared that the provincial government has earmarked Rs109 billion for the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Medical District in Lahore. He shared that Rs79.5 billion has been allocated for free medicines disbursement in government hospitals. Budget FY2024-25: Punjab govt presents Rs5.4 trillion 'tax-free' budget The Punjab government has allocated Rs411.1 billion for local bodies. Whereas, Rs150 billion and Rs20 billion will be provided as special grants for waste management and municipal corporations. Social security package The provincial government has proposed to allocate Rs70 billion under a social security package. Agriculture The provincial government has allocated Rs123 billion for the development expenditure of the agriculture, livestock and irrigation sector. Whereas, Rs56.2 billion has been budgeted for non-development expenditure. The Punjab government has allocated Rs335.5 billion for the construction sector. Earlier, Business Recorder, citing its sources, informed that the upcoming provincial budget will be tax-free, and no new taxes will be introduced. Estimated at over Rs1,200 billion, the new fiscal plan is expected to feature a record-breaking development outlay, emphasising health, education, infrastructure, and tourism. As per the report, the new budget will include over 850 development schemes, and the key projects include the expansion of Nawaz Sharif Medical City in Lahore, where new hospitals will be constructed under a public-private partnership model. The government also plans to roll out extensive sanitation and clean drinking water initiatives throughout Punjab. Infrastructure development remains a central priority.
