#state_government

Metro Use, Energy Saving In NMC’s Austerity Measures The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has initiated a series of austerity measures in response to state government directives aimed at reducing costs and promoting sustainability. These measures, aligned with 19 special guidelines issued by the state, include mandatory use of public transport for civic employees, restrictions on vehicle convoys, and a shift toward energy-efficient practices. Deputy Commissioner Nirbhay Jain emphasized that all departments must strictly adhere to the guidelines, which are part of broader efforts to address financial constraints amid a global crisis linked to rising tensions in West Asia. Key provisions of the austerity plan mandate that civic officials and staff use metro, buses, or other public transport at least once a week. A designated day for this requirement is yet to be announced. Additionally, vehicle convoys during official visits will be reduced, with a focus on carpooling among employees. The state government has also encouraged the use of electric vehicles hired from external agencies to cut fuel consumption and support environmental goals. Early signs of compliance are evident, as inspection visits have shown a noticeable decline in the number of vehicles accompanying officials. The state government has further directed civic bodies to suspend the appointment of consultants for both small and large projects for the next six months. This decision follows years of significant spending by the NMC on consultant fees for various municipal works. To further curb expenses, the NMC is instructed to avoid the use of flex boards, banners, and decorative lighting, except for essential communication purposes.#state_government #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #deputy_commissioner_nirbhay_jain #public_transport_day

TMC moves SC to scrap EC order excluding State staff from vote counting supervisor duty The high court also said while dismissing the petition, “It is the prerogative of the office of the Election Commission of India to appoint the counting supervisor and counting assistant either from the state government or the central government. This court does not find any illegality for appointing counting supervisor and counting assistant from the central government / central PSU employee instead of state government employee.” #Election_Commission #state_government #central_government #TMC_moves #counting_supervisor #counting_assistant #order_excluding #supervisor_duty #excluding_State #State_staff

Nagpur Municipal Corporation Faces Rs2,000 Crore Property Tax Dues Crisis Nagpur’s Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is grappling with a staggering Rs1,919 crore in unpaid property taxes, a sum that constitutes nearly one-third of the civic body’s proposed Rs5,857 crore budget for 2026-27. The arrears, which span over 4.54 lakh properties, highlight a systemic failure in revenue recovery, with many defaults dating back decades. The unpaid taxes include Rs1,227 crore owed by properties that have not paid taxes for 11 to 25 years, Rs473 crore from those in arrears for 6-10 years, and Rs169 crore from defaults spanning 2-5 years. Recent defaulters, those owing taxes for less than a year, account for only Rs29 crore, underscoring the disproportionate impact of long-standing arrears. The data reveals a stark imbalance in the distribution of unpaid dues. Open plots alone contribute Rs414 crore to the arrears, followed by “No GIS” properties at Rs352 crore, residential properties at Rs341 crore, and disputed properties at Rs313 crore. State government-owned properties owe Rs227 crore, raising questions about accountability within public institutions. Commercial and mixed-use properties also add to the burden, with non-residential properties owing Rs103 crore and mixed-use buildings and towers collectively accounting for over Rs150 crore. A slab-wise analysis further exposes the inefficiencies in enforcement. Over 3.21 lakh properties, primarily in the lowest tax bracket (below Rs25,000), collectively owe Rs256 crore. However, just 1,583 properties, each owing more than Rs5 lakh, account for Rs833 crore—a massive portion of the total arrears. The NMC’s property tax department also identified 28,398 properties that have never paid taxes, with outstanding dues totaling Rs259.48 crore.#nagpur #state_government #property_tax #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc

Central and State Governments Take Action to Remove Ineligible Individuals from Ration Cards The central and state governments are implementing measures to identify and remove ineligible individuals from ration cards. Following concerns about fraudulent activities in previously issued ration cards, authorities have compiled a list of suspected ineligible beneficiaries. This list has been shared with revenue and public supply department officials in the district, who are conducting field-level investigations to verify the authenticity of the cards. As of now, approximately 30% of the verification process has been completed, with officials compiling reports for higher authorities. Once the process is finalized, the identified ineligible ration cards will be removed. The verification process involves checking for multiple factors, including individuals who have not used their ration cards for six months, those holding more than one card, minors as cardholders, cards linked to fake Aadhaar numbers, and cards issued to deceased individuals who have not been removed from the system. These criteria have led to the inclusion of thousands of cards in the suspect list. In Jagityyala district, a total of 3,52,072 ration cards are currently in circulation, with 10,27,397 beneficiaries. Among these, 3,37,376 are Food Security Cards (FSC) with 9,91,888 beneficiaries, 14,572 are AFSC cards with 35,367 beneficiaries, and 124 are AP cards with 142 beneficiaries. Officials are collaborating with civil supply and revenue departments to review these cards and identify ineligible beneficiaries. The suspect list includes approximately 9,277 ration cards across the district, with around 30,000 beneficiaries flagged for further scrutiny.#state_government #central_government #jagityyala_district #civil_supply_department #revenue_department

MLA fined Rs 5k for carrying phone during Tadoba safari A state legislator was recently penalized with a fine of Rs 5,000 for violating regulations by using a mobile phone during a wildlife safari at Tadoba National Park in Nagpur. The incident, which occurred during an official visit to the protected area, sparked discussions about the enforcement of rules designed to preserve the natural habitat and ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife. The fine was imposed by park authorities, who emphasized that the use of electronic devices in such environments is strictly prohibited to prevent disturbances to the ecosystem and to maintain the integrity of the safari experience. The legislator, whose name was not disclosed in the initial report, was reportedly caught using their phone while on a guided tour of the park. Tadoba, known for its diverse flora and fauna, is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Park officials stated that the penalty serves as a deterrent against similar violations, which could potentially harm the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The incident highlights the challenges of enforcing regulations in remote areas where human activity can have significant environmental impacts. The fine was part of a broader initiative by the state government to enhance conservation efforts and promote responsible tourism. Officials have reiterated that strict adherence to park rules is essential to protect endangered species and maintain the pristine condition of the park. The case also underscores the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate visitors about the rules and the potential consequences of non-compliance. In addition to the fine, the incident has prompted calls for stricter monitoring of tourist activities in protected areas.#nagpur #state_government #mla #tadoba_national_park #conservation_groups

Rate Freeze To Cushion Realty Sector Amid Uncertainty: Builders Nagpur: The state government’s decision to keep ready reckoner rates unchanged has been welcomed by real estate builders as a measure to stabilize the sector amid economic uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions. Builders argue that the freeze will provide relief to developers and buyers, preventing a potential slowdown in property transactions. The decision comes despite a noticeable rise in property prices during the previous financial year, according to industry sources. Ready reckoner rates, which are revised annually based on market price trends, serve as a benchmark for calculating liabilities such as stamp duty, capital gains tax, and property taxes. These rates are determined by analyzing registered sale deeds, stamp duty collections, and inputs from town planning offices, which are then forwarded to the revenue department. The rates are typically updated at the start of each financial year after a comprehensive review of market data. This year’s review revealed a marked increase in property prices, with some areas in Nagpur witnessing a rise of 5% to over 10%. However, the final decision to maintain the rates unchanged was made by the state government, which cited the need to cushion the real estate sector from further volatility. Last year, the state had increased ready reckoner rates by 5.85%, but there had been no changes since 2022-23. BJP Maharashtra spokesperson and chartered accountant Samir Bakre noted that the decision may not significantly impact the state’s revenue but emphasized its importance in maintaining market sentiment during uncertain times. “The move comes as a relief for the sector, especially with the ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting investor confidence,” Bakre said.#nagpur #state_government #real_estate_builders #bjp_maharashtra #creda_i

EWS candidates to get reservation for first time in UP-TET 2026 The Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UP-TET) 2026 will introduce reservation benefits for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) candidates for the first time, according to recent updates. This change aims to provide opportunities to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who do not fall under existing reservation categories. Under the revised guidelines, unreserved candidates must achieve a minimum of 60% marks in the exam to qualify for the eligibility certificate. This threshold corresponds to a score of 90 out of the total 150 marks. The decision to include EWS candidates in the reservation framework reflects efforts to address educational inequities and expand access to teaching positions. The policy shift is expected to impact the eligibility criteria for the test, which is a key gateway for aspiring teachers in the state. Officials have emphasized that the new rules are designed to ensure merit-based selection while also promoting inclusivity. The UP-TET, conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department, is a mandatory examination for candidates seeking admission to teaching posts in government schools. The introduction of EWS reservation marks a significant step in the state's education policy, aligning with broader initiatives to support marginalized communities. However, the updated guidelines have also sparked discussions about the balance between merit and equity in the recruitment process. The revised eligibility criteria will apply to all candidates appearing for the UP-TET 2026 examination. The test is scheduled to be held in the coming months, with results expected to be announced shortly after.#state_government #uttar_pradesh_teacher_eligibility_test #economically_weaker_sections #uttar_pradesh_basic_education_department #teaching_positions

Hotels may shut if LPG supply not resumed: Bengaluru Hotels Association The Bengaluru Hotels Association has issued a warning that restaurants across the city could face closures if the supply of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders is not resumed. The association highlighted the critical role of the hospitality sector in providing essential services, particularly for vulnerable groups such as students, senior citizens, and others reliant on hotels for daily meals. Association president P.C. Rao stated that the supply of commercial gas cylinders to hotels had been halted since Monday, March 9, 2026, which could lead to severe operational disruptions. The disruption in LPG supply has raised concerns about the sustainability of the hotel industry, which is considered a vital part of Bengaluru’s economy. Rao emphasized that the sector’s reliance on LPG for cooking and heating has made it particularly vulnerable to supply chain issues. The association’s warning comes amid ongoing tensions in the global energy market, exacerbated by the West Asia conflict, which has disrupted the flow of commercial LPG to the region. Meanwhile, the state government has expressed frustration over the recent increase in LPG cylinder prices. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the central government for the price hike, arguing that it was not justified given the current economic climate. The CM’s comments reflect growing pressure on policymakers to address the rising costs of essential commodities, which have been a source of public discontent. The situation has sparked discussions about the broader implications of energy supply disruptions on local businesses.#state_government #bengaluru_hotels_association #p_c_rao #siddaramaiah #west_asia_conflict

Charter plane vanishes from radar after takeoff from Ranchi, authorities brief state government #Ranchi #Charter_plane #state_government #plane_vanishes #Charter