Auto Unions Demand Immediate Action on LPG Crisis as Maharashtra Faces Supply Shortages Nagpur: A delegation representing the Autorickshaw Association United Federation of Maharashtra and the Nagpur District Auto Driver Owners Federation met with collector Kumar Ashirwad to address the ongoing LPG shortage, which has disrupted autorickshaw operations across the state. Led by state executive president Charandas Wankhede, the delegation submitted a memorandum to the chief minister, urging urgent measures to restore regular LPG supply at government rates. The union emphasized that millions of autorickshaws in Maharashtra rely on LPG, making it a vital and affordable mode of public transport while also serving as the primary livelihood for thousands of drivers. The delegation accused the government of systemic irregularities in LPG distribution, including the shutdown of gas pumps, restricted access to supply, and inflated pricing. These practices were described as violations of the Essential Commodities Act, Legal Metrology Act, and Consumer Protection Act. The union demanded strict enforcement against hoarding, black marketing, and overpricing, along with regular inspections by authorities to ensure compliance. Among their key demands, the union sought a dedicated LPG quota for autorickshaws to guarantee uninterrupted services. They also called for monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 to drivers who have been forced to halt operations due to fuel scarcity, through the Dharmveer Anand Dighe Autorickshaw Drivers Welfare Board. The union warned of potential escalation, stating it would organize peaceful protests across the state if immediate action was not taken. They cautioned that any resulting law and order issues would be the administration’s responsibility.#kumar_ashirwad #nagpur_district_auto_driver_owners_federation #charandas_wankhede
Ashirwad Takes Charge as Collector, Focuses on Administrative Review and Priorities Nagpur: IAS officer Kumar Ashirwad assumed his role as Nagpur district collector on Monday, succeeding Vipin Itankar. His first official actions included convening a meeting with department heads to evaluate ongoing schemes, administrative functions, and key initiatives. Ashirwad also conducted a tour of the district collectorate, visiting various departments to engage directly with officials and staff. This hands-on approach aimed to understand internal workflows and ensure seamless governance. A key focus of his initial tenure was preparing for the upcoming visit of President Droupadi Murmu, scheduled for April 15 and 16. The President is set to attend programs at the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT) and AIIMS in Nagpur. Ashirwad assessed security, logistical arrangements, and inter-departmental coordination, issuing clear directives to ensure the event’s success. Outlining his immediate priorities, Ashirwad emphasized the next three to four weeks would be dedicated to gaining a comprehensive understanding of Nagpur’s administrative structure. He plans to meet elected representatives, industrial stakeholders, and social organizations to align his initiatives with local needs. This strategy reflects his commitment to fostering collaboration between the administration and community leaders. Ashirwad, an IIT Kharagpur graduate in civil engineering, was born in 1988 in Jharkhand and joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 2016 as part of the Maharashtra cadre. His career has spanned multiple administrative roles, including assistant collector, collector, and CEO of Zilla Parishad. His leadership in Gadchiroli as ZP CEO was marked by innovative programs in education and child nutrition.#droupadi_murmu #nagpur_district #kumar_ashirwad #national_academy_of_direct_taxes #aiims_nagpur
Ashirwad Appointed Nagpur Collector, Vasumana Pant Takes Charge in Chandrapur Nagpur: Kumar Ashirwad, a 2016 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been appointed as the new Nagpur district collector as part of a statewide reshuffle of IAS officers. Currently serving as Solapur collector, Ashirwad is expected to assume his new role in Nagpur on Saturday. A graduate of IIT Kharagpur in civil engineering, Ashirwad, born on March 10, 1988, has previously held positions as assistant collector, assistant secretary, and a stint in Gadchiroli. Speaking to The Times of India, Ashirwad emphasized the administrative importance of Nagpur, stating that his initial focus will be on understanding local challenges and reviewing ongoing development projects. "The first two to three months will involve extensive interactions and knowledge gathering," he said, highlighting the need for careful coordination and governance in the region. Ashirwad’s appointment marks a significant shift in the administrative structure of Maharashtra. Vipin Itankar, who had been serving as additional collector of Nagpur, will now take on his primary role as commissioner of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and additional charge as commissioner of the Maharashtra Agricultural Cooperative Development Corporation (MADC) and the Maharashtra Industrial and Investment Corporation (MIL). This transition underscores the state government’s efforts to streamline responsibilities and ensure efficient governance. The reshuffle also includes several other key appointments across the state. Satyam Gandhi has been named CEO of the Amravati Zilla Parishad, while Varsha Ladda will assume the role of Amravati Municipal Corporation commissioner.#vasumana_pant #kumar_ashirwad #nagpur_collector #chandrapur_collector #maharashtra_state_seeds_corporation
