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Hans India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Adopt waste-to-wealth approach, Haryana Guv tells Urban Local Bodies heads
Chandigarh: Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya on Friday said chairpersons and representatives of the Urban Local Bodies across the country should adopt a waste-to-wealth approach by leveraging advanced technologies in waste management. He said such initiatives would not only provide a fresh impetus to the Swachhata Abhiyan but also significantly enhance the economic resources of the Urban Local Bodies. Governor Dattatraya made these remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies in Manesar in Gurugram. The Governor congratulated the state Vidhan Sabha Speaker and his team for successfully organizing the first-ever national conference for Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies. He said 'it is a matter of pride that representatives from across the country not only participated in in-depth deliberations but also shared best practices related to urban development'. He further said the conference featured meaningful and constructive discussions on several key issues concerning urban governance, which will serve as a valuable guide for future policy-making. The Governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan across the country, which has instilled a sense of awareness and positive thinking about cleanliness among citizens. He urged all representatives to actively involve the community in this campaign through widespread public awareness efforts so that cities can become cleaner and more beautiful. 'The greater the public participation in this mission, the more beautiful and healthier our cities will become,' he said. He especially emphasised the importance of special attention in cleanliness of slum areas. Additionally, the Governor highlighted the need for the rapid digitalisation of Urban Local Bodies to improve efficiency and transparency. He said the government is committed to providing ample employment opportunities for the youth. In this context, he encouraged the Urban Local Bodies to prioritise skill development initiatives in their respective areas to further enhance job prospects for youth. He also stressed the importance of learning from cities that have emerged as role models in various sectors, encouraging others to adopt their best practices and strive to become leaders in their own domains.
News18
23-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
What Is Pandharpur Wari, And Why Did Abu Azmi's Remarks Spark Political Row In Maharashtra?
Last Updated: The Pandharpur Wari is one of Maharashtra's most iconic spiritual journeys, a foot pilgrimage that attracts over a million devotees, known as Warkaris Maharashtra is witnessing an escalating debate over religious expression and public space usage as Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi's remarks on the ongoing Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage ignited a political firestorm. At the heart of the controversy is Azmi's comparison of the state's acceptance of massive Hindu pilgrimages like the Wari with the criticism directed at Muslims offering prayers in public spaces. As political noise brews over Azmi's remarks over Pandharpur Wari, the spotlight has now inadvertently turned to a deeper question: what exactly is this pilgrimage that captures the heart of Maharashtra year after year? The Pandharpur Wari is one of Maharashtra's most iconic spiritual journeys, a foot pilgrimage that attracts over a million devotees, known as Warkaris, who walk for days to reach the temple town of Pandharpur in Solapur district. Dedicated to Lord Vitthal – a form of Lord Krishna – and his consort Rukmini, the pilgrimage culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi, the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight of Ashadh (June–July). This year, the Wari began on June 19 and will conclude on July 6, with the final darshan of the deity. The tradition stretches back over 700 years and is deeply embedded in the Bhakti movement, with roots linked to saints such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Namdev, and Eknath. It is often referred to as the 'Kumbh Mela of Maharashtra" and is considered the spiritual heartbeat of the state. The Wari is not merely a religious procession; it is a profound symbol of Maharashtra's social cohesion. Men and women of all castes and religions walk together in devotional harmony. Warkaris chant bhajans, perform kirtans, and carry the padukas (holy footprints) of revered saints in ornately decorated palkhis (palanquins). They wear Tulsi malas, sport Gopichandan tilaks, and walk barefoot for nearly 250 kilometres. One of the unique highlights of the pilgrimage is the Ringan Sohala, where a sacred horse is released to run in circles, believed to be ridden by the souls of saints like Dnyaneshwar or Tukaram. Devotees cheer with fervour, symbolising divine presence and spiritual ecstasy. Moreover, the Wari has evolved with time. In recent years, it has incorporated modern elements like Swachhata Abhiyan (cleanliness drives) and Cycle Wari (environmental initiatives), promoting hygiene and sustainable pilgrimage practices. In a society often fragmented by caste, class, and religious divides, the Wari presents a counter-narrative of unity and mutual respect. There is no discrimination on the basis of gender or biological processes; women walk with equal pride, and menstruation is not a taboo. Devotees share meals, sorrows, and songs, creating a mobile community bound by shared values. As Maharashtra celebrates this ancient tradition, the political controversy surrounding Azmi's comments serves as a reminder of how easily faith can become a flashpoint in public discourse. But amid the noise, the Wari marches on – undaunted, inclusive, and rooted in devotion. Azmi, the state president of the Samajwadi Party and legislator from Mumbai's Mankhurd–Shivaji Nagar constituency, recently made contentious comments during an interaction with journalists, referring to the massive foot pilgrimage that halts traffic across several districts. 'I was coming from Pune and was told to leave early as the roads will be blocked for wari towards Pandharpur. But we (Muslims) have never complained (about it). Muslims and Hindus walk shoulder to shoulder like brothers. But deliberate attempts are made to create a divide," Azmi, MLA from Mumbai's Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar constituency, reportedly told PTI. Azmi's remarks drew sharp political backlash, especially when he invoked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial position on public prayers. Mosques are sometimes full during prayers so people offer namaz on the roads, which take 5-10 minutes, but the UP CM says those who indulge in such acts will lose their passports and driving licences, Azmi claimed. Muslims have never asked why festivals are celebrated on the roads, he added. Dismissing Azmi's statements as a desperate bid for attention, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, 'Azmi is known to make controversial remarks to get publicity. I don't give any importance to this." Echoing the sentiment, Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske, who is part of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said, 'There is grievance against the Muslim community due to leaders like Abu Azmi. The Pandharpur wari is older than the advent of Islam in India. Even Muslims take part in wari." Mhaske added that the wari by devotees is a very disciplined affair in which participants walk along the side of the road. With inputs from PTI Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : maharashtra Pandharpur Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: June 23, 2025, 15:28 IST News india What Is Pandharpur Wari, And Why Did Abu Azmi's Remarks Spark Political Row In Maharashtra?
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Our resolve to take PM Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission to every street': Uttarakhand CM Dhami announces cleanliness drive
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced an innovative initiative under which, wherever he goes on tour or where he stays overnight, a cleanliness campaign will be run compulsorily adding that the drive will help in spreading the message of "social awarness" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission to every street and village in the state. Chief Minister Dhami has given strict instructions to all municipal bodies and gram panchayats, including the District Magistrates, to take this initiative in mission mode and give priority to cleanliness at the local level. He has also appealed to common citizens, youth, and voluntary organisations to participate enthusiastically in this campaign. The Chief Minister said that it is our resolve to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission to every village and every street. "Wherever I go or stay overnight, a pledge of cleanliness will be taken there. This is not just cleanliness, but a movement of social awareness." In addition, the Chief Minister also made it clear to the District Magistrates that he could suddenly reach any Tehsil Diwas in the state to assess the ground-level functioning of the administration and ensure a quick solution to public problems. This initiative will not only give a new direction to the cleanliness system in Uttarakhand, but it will also play an important role in making the Prime Minister's Swachhata Abhiyan a people's campaign. Meanwhile, in a cabinet meeting chaired by Pushkar Singh Dhami, many important decisions were made, including the approval of an amendment to the departmental structure of the Uttarakhand Biotechnology Council, according to a press statement from the CMO on Wednesday. The Haldwani Headquarters and Dehradun Centre posts will be kept in the integrated cadre. Approval has been given for creating 18 new Geology and Mining Department posts to deal with incidents like land subsidence. It has been decided to issue the final notification of flood plain zoning on both banks of the Asan River (from Bhatta Fall to Asan Barrage) and to include some construction works in the permissible category. UIIDB has been entrusted with monetising the operation of 5 inspection buildings (Ranikhet, Uttarkashi, Duggalbitta, Harshil, and Rishikesh) of the Public Works Department in PPP mode. The formation of the Uttarakhand State Allied and Healthcare Council has been approved under the National Allied and Healthcare Professions Commission Act 2021. The cabinet has decided to operate the fund from the cess on foreign liquor/beer under the Chief Minister's Women and Child Multipurpose Assistance Fund (Corpus Fund). It will be used for assistance in schemes run for women and children, the operation of innovative schemes, and support to orphaned children, destitute people, and old women in disaster.
India Gazette
11-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Our resolve to take PM Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission to every street": Uttarakhand CM Dhami announces cleanliness drive
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 11 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced an innovative initiative under which, wherever he goes on tour or where he stays overnight, a cleanliness campaign will be run compulsorily adding that the drive will help in spreading the message of 'social awarness' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission to every street and village in the state. Chief Minister Dhami has given strict instructions to all municipal bodies and gram panchayats, including the District Magistrates, to take this initiative in mission mode and give priority to cleanliness at the local level. He has also appealed to common citizens, youth, and voluntary organisations to participate enthusiastically in this campaign. The Chief Minister said that it is our resolve to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission to every village and every street. 'Wherever I go or stay overnight, a pledge of cleanliness will be taken there. This is not just cleanliness, but a movement of social awareness.' In addition, the Chief Minister also made it clear to the District Magistrates that he could suddenly reach any Tehsil Diwas in the state to assess the ground-level functioning of the administration and ensure a quick solution to public problems. This initiative will not only give a new direction to the cleanliness system in Uttarakhand, but it will also play an important role in making the Prime Minister's Swachhata Abhiyan a people's campaign. Meanwhile, in a cabinet meeting chaired by Pushkar Singh Dhami, many important decisions were made, including the approval of an amendment to the departmental structure of the Uttarakhand Biotechnology Council, according to a press statement from the CMO on Wednesday. The Haldwani Headquarters and Dehradun Centre posts will be kept in the integrated cadre. Approval has been given for creating 18 new Geology and Mining Department posts to deal with incidents like land subsidence. It has been decided to issue the final notification of flood plain zoning on both banks of the Asan River (from Bhatta Fall to Asan Barrage) and to include some construction works in the permissible category. UIIDB has been entrusted with monetising the operation of 5 inspection buildings (Ranikhet, Uttarkashi, Duggalbitta, Harshil, and Rishikesh) of the Public Works Department in PPP mode. The formation of the Uttarakhand State Allied and Healthcare Council has been approved under the National Allied and Healthcare Professions Commission Act 2021. The cabinet has decided to operate the fund from the cess on foreign liquor/beer under the Chief Minister's Women and Child Multipurpose Assistance Fund (Corpus Fund). It will be used for assistance in schemes run for women and children, the operation of innovative schemes, and support to orphaned children, destitute people, and old women in disaster. (ANI)
India Gazette
07-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami attends 'Pran Pratishtha' at Kalusiddha Temple in Haldwani
ANI 07 Jun 2025, 13:09 GMT+10 Haldwani (Uttarakhand) [India], June 7 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday took part in the three-day Prana Pratishtha ceremony held at the historic Kalu Siddha Temple in Haldwani, according to a CMO statement. On this occasion, he duly worshipped and offered a canopy in the temple and prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the state's people. On this occasion, he also inspected the newly constructed grand temple complex. The Chief Minister said that Kalu Siddha Temple is the main centre of faith for the area's people. He said that the government prioritises forwarding development works while preserving the state's spiritual and cultural heritage. Earlier today, Dhami planted a tree in Pant Park this morning during his stay in Nainital and administered the oath. The Chief Minister also participated in cleaning activities under the Swachhata Abhiyan. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived in Nainital on Friday for a two-day visit. On the first day of his stay, he inspected the beautification and redevelopment works going on at Mallital at a cost of Rs 1,101 crore under the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Yojana. Under this scheme, 12 new shops are being developed, and they were also inaugurated. On this occasion Chief Minister Dhami announced: work will be done to improve the Dhunighat and Ratighat footpath; Shahid Sanjay Bisht Motor Road (Kainchi-Hartapa-Hailimotor Road to Titoli) will be upgraded and improve; sections of State Highway No. 71 (Ramnagar-Bhandarpani-Amgari-Bhaurakot-Betalghat-Bhujan Richi-Billekh) will be strengthened; DSA ground will be developed as a model sports center for national level sports competitions and training; alternative parking will be constructed in Nainital; hockey turf and boxing ring will be built in the flats ground; flats ground will be used only for sports and cultural events, other commercial activities will be prohibited; Nainital bus stand complex will be redeveloped through lightweight structure to increase public transport facility and reduce traffic jam. (ANI)
