Latest news with #Rs3.5
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Rs7.5b agri budget neglects research, seed development
With the demands of farmers concerning seed development and research remaining unheard, the Sindh government has proposed expenditure of over Rs7.535 billion on agriculture, in addition to another sum of Rs3.5 billion under the head of foreign project assistance (FPA), in fiscal 2025-26. More than Rs3.3 billion have been earmarked for water courses related projects as less than eight per cent of the provincial budget is going to be spent on research and below one per cent on the seed development. The farmers' training will also see a minuscule funding of Rs87 million as challenges ranging from efficient water use to climate resistant farming lay ahead. The Sindh Agriculture, Supply and Prices Department is distributing its development budget in its nine sub-sectors. The wing responsible for overseeing the supply of commodities, regulating prices, checking weights and taking measurements will also get a paltry amount of Rs69.28 million to procure mobile testing unit for inspection. "With water being scarce and Pakistan being one of the least efficient users of water in agriculture, there is no attention to correcting that or investing in high efficiency systems like drip," commented Syed Mahmood Nawaz Shah, the acting President of Sindh Abadgar Board. He also pointed out that the availability of certified seed in the market is around 45 per cent but the provincial government remains indifferent to the situation. "Again, there is no way forward or a strategy." The Rs150 million seed development programme will get only a small sum of Rs50 million in the upcoming financial year. The programme is also supposed to conduct capacity development of the agriculturists. The Rs7.535 billion outlay consists of allocations of Rs six billion for 35 ongoing schemes and Rs1.5 billion for eight new and unapproved projects. Research The government plans to spend Rs89.7 million on bio saline agriculture research and development phase-II; Rs100 million on upgrade of horticulture research centre in Mirpurkhas; Rs125 million on rice research in Larkana; and Rs62.5 million on varietal development of wheat through speed breeding. The two unapproved schemes include bio saline, rehabilitation and resilient initiative and climate resilient crops seed research with the allocations of Rs50 million and Rs25 million, respectively. Meanwhile, after the water management projects, the agriculture mechanisation sector receives the largest funds from the provincial government with Rs2.166 billion being pledged for the next fiscal. Eight ongoing and one new schemes of the Agriculture Extension wing will receive Rs1.042 billion from the Sindh government besides a hefty injection of Rs3.5 billion under the FPA. The sector's Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) project, whose total cost surpasses Rs142.28 billion, funded primarily from the credit received from the World Bank with the Sindh government's contribution of only Rs23 billion, will get Rs200 million in 2025-26. Likewise, the Rs3.4 billion project to transform the Indus basin with climate resilient agriculture and water management will be provided Rs316 million by the government in the upcoming financial year. The government plans to spend Rs198.5 million to establish a new fruit and vegetable market in Mehar taluka of Dadu district but the project is still categorised as unapproved. The supply of laser levelling equipment on rental basis to farmers will be apportioned Rs220.7 million with the project's total outlay being at Rs300 million. The government is also assisting the date farmers to set up date processing, packaging and pasting plant at the cost of Rs628 million. Rs254 million, or half of the sanctioned funds, will be released next year.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Meat market gets a facelift
It seems that the Centre has beef with Karachi, for literally chopping its development funds on the block. Mayor Murtaza Wahab, addressing the inaugural of the renovated meat market at the city's iconic Empress Market, minced no words in criticizing the rulers in the federal capital lack of funding for the economic hub of the country considered a cash cow by all. "The meat market has been provided a clean and hygienic environment," Wahab announced, standing before rows of freshly refurbished stalls now gleaming under new lighting. On the occasion, Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, Municipal Commissioner Syed Afzal Zaidi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the City Council Dil Muhammad, and other notable figures were also present. The mayor noted that the market, once dead meat in terms of infrastructure, now boasts 29 modern stalls, promising improved livelihoods for those in the meat and potatoes of daily commerce. A new parking facility catering to 400 cars and 150 motorcycles, he said, would finally carve out space in the historically congested area. The mayor stated that after renovating the vacant part of Empress Market, the remaining section will also be restored and beautified, including the iconic clock, which will be fixed. Further, Wahab stated that when the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) took control of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) two years ago, it decided not to complain about lack of authority and used whatever resources it had for the city's improvement, and to resolve the citizens' problems. He noted that Frere Hall, Khaliq Dina Hall, and Denso Hall have been restored and reopened to the public, and that six more KMC markets will be renovated this year. Meanwhile, Wahab stated that Rs40 billion had been requested from the federal government for the K-IV water supply project. However, he asserted that only Rs3.5 billion have been allocated in the budget for it. Further, the mayor said that Rs100 billion had been demanded from the federal government for Karachi, but not a single rupee has been given to KMC, although the city contributes significantly to the country's revenue.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Time of India
Metro staff return lost valuables worth 4.5 lakh to their owners
Nagpur: Two recent incidents on the Nagpur Metro have earned praise for the staff's honesty and swift action, as they returned lost valuables worth Rs4.5 lakh to their rightful owners. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The first incident took place at Cotton Market Metro Station, where passenger Rohit Malani left his bag at the ticket counter. Security guard Rohan noticed the unattended bag and immediately alerted the station control room. The bag contained property worth Rs3.5 lakh. A phone number on the bag allowed the team to contact Malani. He returned, verified ownership, and received the bag intact. Just days earlier, a purse was found on a train arriving at Prajapati Nagar Station. It contained gold jewellery worth Rs 1 lakh, Rs 4,000 in cash. The owner, Bina Tembhare, forgot it while getting off the train. Metro staff found identification documents inside the purse and used them to reach her. After verifying the details, they returned the purse.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
State to remove ineligible beneficiaries from Ladki Bahin scheme: CM
1 2 3 Pune: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said state govt will remove all undue beneficiaries of the Mukhaymantri Majhi Ladaki Bahin Yojana. Fadnavis was speaking to reporters after a book release event hosted at the Bal Gandharva auditorium on Friday. According to the CM, the state has initiated cross-verification of the scheme beneficiaries as some individuals have taken advantage of the programme despite not being eligible for the dole. Earlier in the day, the state women and child development department had found that at least 2,200 state govt women employees took the financial aid provided by the scheme even when they were not entitled to it. The total misuse of govt funds is estimated at around Rs3.5 crore. In a post on X, state women and child development minister Aditi Tatkare had said, "After scrutinising nearly 2 lakh applications, 2,289 government employees were found to be the beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana. After realising this, such beneficiaries are being not given the benefit of the scheme." Tatkare also said the government is committed to giving the benefit of the said scheme to all the eligible beneficiaries only and it will continue to scrutinise the applications for this. When asked by reporters about the brouhaha, Fadnavis refuted, "We are periodically reviewing beneficiaries. If anyone is found to have taken undue benefit of this scheme, they are being removed from the list. The assessment is not finished yet. The details will be shared once the inquiry is complete." Ahead of the Nov 2024 state assembly polls, the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra had launched the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in Aug last year, under which eligible women in the age group of 21-65 years are entitled to a monthly amount of Rs 1,500. Government employees are, however, not eligible for the scheme. Mahayuti leaders have attributed the resounding success of the ruling alliance in the assembly polls to the Ladki Bahin scheme, but admitted that it has put severe strain on the state exchequer. At Friday's event in Pune, Fadnavis released the book 'Khajinyachi Shodhyatra', a book on Indian history written by history scholar Prashant Pol. At the event, Fadnavis remarked that the Indian civilisation has remained intact for centuries. "It is older and more developed than other Western civilisations," he said, adding, "However, some people, including invaders like the British, tried to rewrite history and undermine the rich culture and contribution of Indians. The influence of Indian culture and knowledge is seen in many parts of the world. But in our country, criticising Indian traditions has become a way to prove progressiveness for some so-called seculars." According to Fadnavis, some people have tried to promote a narrative against 'sanatan dharma'. At another event in the city on the same day, Fadnavis also felicitated youngsters who have done noteworthy work in social, sports, and other fields. The youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had organised the programme to mark the tricentenary birth celebrations of Ahilyabai Holkar. At this occasion, Fadnavis said, "Holkar ensured that the rule of law existed. She introduced a legal system that delivered justice without any fear or favour. The court system was percolated to the village level under her guidance." Pune: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said state govt will remove all undue beneficiaries of the Mukhaymantri Majhi Ladaki Bahin Yojana. Fadnavis was speaking to reporters after a book release event hosted at the Bal Gandharva auditorium on Friday. According to the CM, the state has initiated cross-verification of the scheme beneficiaries as some individuals have taken advantage of the programme despite not being eligible for the dole. Earlier in the day, the state women and child development department had found that at least 2,200 state govt women employees took the financial aid provided by the scheme even when they were not entitled to it. The total misuse of govt funds is estimated at around Rs3.5 crore. In a post on X, state women and child development minister Aditi Tatkare had said, "After scrutinising nearly 2 lakh applications, 2,289 government employees were found to be the beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana. After realising this, such beneficiaries are being not given the benefit of the scheme." Tatkare also said the government is committed to giving the benefit of the said scheme to all the eligible beneficiaries only and it will continue to scrutinise the applications for this. When asked by reporters about the brouhaha, Fadnavis refuted, "We are periodically reviewing beneficiaries. If anyone is found to have taken undue benefit of this scheme, they are being removed from the list. The assessment is not finished yet. The details will be shared once the inquiry is complete." Ahead of the Nov 2024 state assembly polls, the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra had launched the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in Aug last year, under which eligible women in the age group of 21-65 years are entitled to a monthly amount of Rs 1,500. Government employees are, however, not eligible for the scheme. Mahayuti leaders have attributed the resounding success of the ruling alliance in the assembly polls to the Ladki Bahin scheme, but admitted that it has put severe strain on the state exchequer. At Friday's event in Pune, Fadnavis released the book 'Khajinyachi Shodhyatra', a book on Indian history written by history scholar Prashant Pol. At the event, Fadnavis remarked that the Indian civilisation has remained intact for centuries. "It is older and more developed than other Western civilisations," he said, adding, "However, some people, including invaders like the British, tried to rewrite history and undermine the rich culture and contribution of Indians. The influence of Indian culture and knowledge is seen in many parts of the world. But in our country, criticising Indian traditions has become a way to prove progressiveness for some so-called seculars." According to Fadnavis, some people have tried to promote a narrative against 'sanatan dharma'. At another event in the city on the same day, Fadnavis also felicitated youngsters who have done noteworthy work in social, sports, and other fields. The youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had organised the programme to mark the tricentenary birth celebrations of Ahilyabai Holkar. At this occasion, Fadnavis said, "Holkar ensured that the rule of law existed. She introduced a legal system that delivered justice without any fear or favour. The court system was percolated to the village level under her guidance."
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Time of India
Deolapar cops rescue 7 calves from Honda City car
Nagpur: In a swift and effective operation, Deolapar police rescued seven cattle being transported illegally and seized a vehicle used in the crime. The incident unfolded during a routine roadblock set up by the police near the Old Deolapar police station as part of a crackdown on illegal activities. A speeding four-wheeler approached the checkpoint. When officers signalled the vehicle to stop, the driver ignored instructions, fled the scene, and abandoned the vehicle near the Chorbahuli bridge. Upon inspection, police discovered seven cattle crammed into the car. The accused had removed the back seat of the vehicle to make space, forcing the animals into inhumane conditions — their horns and legs bound tightly with ropes, with no access to food or water. Authorities immediately seized the vehicle, valued at Rs3.5 lakh, along with the cattle worth an estimated Rs1 lakh. The total value of the seizure stands at Rs4.5 lakh. The rescued cattle were promptly shifted to the Gau-Vigyan Anusandan Kendra at Deolapar for care and nourishment. A case was registered under relevant sections for cruelty to animals and illegal transport. The Deolapar police are working to identify and apprehend the absconding accused. This operation highlights the department's continued commitment to curbing illegal animal trade and ensuring animal welfare in the region.
