Latest news with #DPL
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Delhi's public libraries struggling with neglect and lack of funds
Over 30-odd public libraries in the national capital present a grim picture -- of neglect, poor infrastructure and limited financial resources. The Hindu visited several public libraries, including the MCD-run Hardayal Library and Delhi Public Library run by the Central government, to get an idea of what ails these institutions which once served as the centres of knowledge and recreation for the masses. Tucked inside the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi is the Daryaganj branch of Hardayal Library. Completely empty, dimly lit and poorly ventilated, its bookshelves are lined with very few old, donated books. 'I've been here for 22 years. We used to get 18 newspapers and several magazines... once upon a time, there was no space to enter, people had to wait in queues outside. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, everything has changed.... we have not even received our salaries for three years now,' said Junaid, the manager. Set up in 1916, the Chandi Chowk branch serves as the head office for all the Hardayal libraries. With nearly 150 visitors daily, it survives on an annual membership fee of ₹1,200 and an occasional CSR funding from corporations like the Powergrid Corporation of India and BSES. Clearly, this is not enough to revive the libraries. Lack of funding leads to several related issues – staff salaries remain unpaid and basic security is missing. Last year, the electricity connection was cut for weeks over unpaid bills, said some staff members. 'There is a police station next to the library, but four air conditioners were still stolen one night,' said Naveen Panwar, the acting librarian of the branch. 'We don't have funds for a night guard currently. ' he added. The condition of Delhi Public Libraries (DPL) is no different. DPL, Vinoba Puri, has two computers and air conditioning systems, but they are not working properly due to extreme heat and no maintenance. 'We have submitted multiple requests for maintenance, but since there is no District Magistrate or chairperson currently in charge of its administration, approvals are taking time,' a staffer said on condition of anonymity. At another branch in Andrews Ganj, the 57-year-old librarian manages the entire library alone. 'It is okay for now, children come sometimes, and the salary comes in too,' he said. Most DPL sub-branches, which see around 40 to 50 students daily, visiting mainly for self-study and to use the reading rooms, are facing severe staff shortages and poor working conditions. At times, only one person is handling all the operations. The paucity of funds also leads to less resources for creating awareness about the libraries and their reach. Some students The Hindu talked to said they didn't even know that these libraries existed. A 26-year-old UPSC aspirant at a Delhi Public Library said, 'I came to know about DPL when I searched on the Internet. There were no private libraries near my home, otherwise I would have gone to those.' He, however, is satisfied with the atmosphere and resources available here. 'With not much hustle and bustle, it is a perfect place for someone to sit and study,' he said. He also hoped that the administration would stock up on reading material for the readers who cannot afford to buy expensive books or visit private libraries. Written by Trisha Sood Trisha Verma
Hans India
6 days ago
- Hans India
Search ops held in Allagadda, Illicit liquor and vehicles seized
Allagadda: In a coordinated effort to curb anti-social and illegal activities, police conducted extensive Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) across multiple areas under the Allagadda Sub-Division in the early hours of Sunday. The operations were conducted under the orders of Nandyal District Superintendent of Police Adhiraj Singh Rana, and led by Allagadda DSP Pramod. Teams comprising officers and personnel from three police stations carried out the searches with the aim of strengthening law and order and preventing criminal activities. During the raid, Koilakuntla Police Station – Kampamal (Faction-Affected Village, police seized 30 bottles of DPL liquor from unauthorized belt shops. In Rudravaram Police Station – Peddakambaluru Village, cops seized a total of 9 motorcycles without valid documents. In Kolimiguntla Police Station – Thummalapenta Village, police confiscated 11 motorcycles lacking proper registration or documentation. Additionally, the police conducted surprise inspections at the residences of known rowdy-sheeters, suspects, and individuals with criminal records in all three villages. DSP Pramod stated that such operations are crucial to safeguarding public peace and ensuring criminal elements do not disrupt community life. He warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found disturbing law and order. Later, police organised community awareness meetings in the villages where the searches were conducted. Officers sensitized residents about various crimes, especially cybercrime, road safety, and offenses against women and children, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement. The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities without hesitation.
News18
6 days ago
- Sport
- News18
DDCA Planning To Increase Number Of Teams In 2nd Edition Of Delhi Premier League
'We are thinking of increasing facilities in DPL… there are talks of increasing the teams as well (from six to eight)," Sharma told PTI Videos, highlighting DDCA's plan to expand the tournament. 'The new DPL season will begin in the first or second week of August," he added. Sharma mentioned that DDCA was pleased that many players who participated in the DPL last year had gone on to play in the Indian Premier League this year. 'A total of 14 cricketers (who competed in) DPL played in the IPL… players like Digvesh Rathi, Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya, among others," he said, adding that there were plans to give a boost to women's cricket as well. DDCA recently launched a women's T20 tournament in which 41 affiliated clubs are participating. Sharma said DDCA plans to add two more women's teams by next year. 'Our apex council is giving special focus to women's cricket. If any (affiliated) club fields its women's team, it will be given Rs one lakh as subsidy and if they build their ground, then they will be give Rs 2.5 lakhs." Sharma noted that the Arun Jaitley Stadium had undergone significant renovations and changes, resulting in improved facilities for players and spectators. 'We got a bad name sometimes when lights went off or the pitch wasn't in good condition. So, we renovated the stadium to provide better facilities. It was a proud moment for our apex council when we were given the 'Best Pitch Award in IPL', which is a big achievement," he added. With the BCCI shifting the venue for the three-match women's ODI series between India and Australia in September-October from Chennai to Delhi and Mullanpur, Sharma said DDCA was committed to providing the best facilities for the players. The matches were moved to Delhi and Mullanpur as the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is undergoing a revamp of the outfield and pitches. 'We will provide the best facilities (for the women's ODI here). We will have a lot of facilities to generate spectator interest. We have a good curator staff and everything is ready for Australia series," said Sharma. The DDCA is also planning to send players for umpiring courses to further nurture cricketing talent. 'We want to send a few players from DDCA for umpiring courses." he said. (With inputs from PTI)
India Gazette
6 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Surinder describes Delhi's best pitch award in IPL 2025
New Delhi [India], June 15 (ANI): Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Director Shyam Sunder Sharma lavished praise on the impact Delhi Premier League (DPL) has made and outlined steps being taken to promote women's cricket and its growth. According to Sharma, 14 players earned a spot in the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and turned into prospects for the Indian team. 'The first season of DPL went very well. Everyone praised DPL. Fourteen youngsters went into IPL because of it. Everyone is saying that Priyansh Arya, Ayush Badoni and Digvesh Rathi are being seen as future prospects for India. This is because of DPL and this tournament was the brainchild of our president, Rohan Jaitley,' he told ANI. Sharma also revealed that subsidy is being offered to the clubs under DDCA to promote women's cricket and added, 'We have a special focus on women's cricket. There has been an addition to our subsidiary; whichever club plays a women's team will be given a subsidiary of Rs 1 lakh.' Former India cricketer Surinder Khanna hailed the DDCA for being awarded the Best Pitch and Ground Award of the Season in IPL 2025 and described the milestone as 'special.' Surinder credited the DDCA management and the ground in-charge, Ankit, for providing top-class wickets, especially in Delhi's scorching heat, which offered enjoyable conditions for both sides. 'I think Rohan Jaitley, his team and Ankit, the ground in-charge, who made pitches and gave top-class wickets. When the BCCI gives you an award, your batteries recharge. Earlier, these awards were handed to two or three centres, but this time, they were awarded to Delhi, which is special. I know it is not easy to provide quality wickets where both teams enjoy it. I am very happy, and I hope they continue to do it in the future,' Surinder told ANI. Last year, the DDCA launched the inaugural edition of the Delhi Premier League (DPL). This year, Women's DPL is set to arrive, which would be a 'great platform' for the rising talent to climb the ladder of success and earn a spot in the India Women's team, according to Surinder. 'Our young girls have great talent, and they could be selected for the WPL and the Indian women's team. It is a great platform. You are being watched by so many people all around the world, and so many franchises can pick you,' he added. (ANI)
Mint
6 days ago
- Sport
- Mint
Surinder describes Delhis best pitch award in IPL 2025 'special', DDCA Director reveals steps taken to promote womens cricket
New Delhi [India], June 15 (ANI): Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Director Shyam Sunder Sharma lavished praise on the impact Delhi Premier League (DPL) has made and outlined steps being taken to promote women's cricket and its growth. According to Sharma, 14 players earned a spot in the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and turned into prospects for the Indian team. "The first season of DPL went very well. Everyone praised DPL. Fourteen youngsters went into IPL because of it. Everyone is saying that Priyansh Arya, Ayush Badoni and Digvesh Rathi are being seen as future prospects for India. This is because of DPL and this tournament was the brainchild of our president, Rohan Jaitley," he told ANI. Sharma also revealed that subsidy is being offered to the clubs under DDCA to promote women's cricket and added, "We have a special focus on women's cricket. There has been an addition to our subsidiary; whichever club plays a women's team will be given a subsidiary of ₹ 1 lakh." Former India cricketer Surinder Khanna hailed the DDCA for being awarded the Best Pitch and Ground Award of the Season in IPL 2025 and described the milestone as "special." Surinder credited the DDCA management and the ground in-charge, Ankit, for providing top-class wickets, especially in Delhi's scorching heat, which offered enjoyable conditions for both sides. "I think Rohan Jaitley, his team and Ankit, the ground in-charge, who made pitches and gave top-class wickets. When the BCCI gives you an award, your batteries recharge. Earlier, these awards were handed to two or three centres, but this time, they were awarded to Delhi, which is special. I know it is not easy to provide quality wickets where both teams enjoy it. I am very happy, and I hope they continue to do it in the future," Surinder told ANI. Last year, the DDCA launched the inaugural edition of the Delhi Premier League (DPL). This year, Women's DPL is set to arrive, which would be a "great platform" for the rising talent to climb the ladder of success and earn a spot in the India Women's team, according to Surinder. "Our young girls have great talent, and they could be selected for the WPL and the Indian women's team. It is a great platform. You are being watched by so many people all around the world, and so many franchises can pick you," he added. (ANI)
