#the_times_of_india

NMC Begins Repairing Pratap Nagar Roads After TOI Highlights Potholes A couple of weeks after The Times of India (TOI) highlighted the poor condition of internal roads and lanes in Pratap Nagar, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has begun repairing several stretches of the area. This initiative has brought relief to residents who had been struggling with potholes and uneven surfaces. The work was initiated following intervention by local corporator Nidhi Telgote, who is also the chairperson of the NMC’s Road Committee. Residents reported that the internal roads in Pratap Nagar had deteriorated significantly over time, with the bitumen surface wearing off and creating hazardous potholes. Many described the situation as a recurring issue, where temporary fixes were applied only to damaged sections, leading to the same problems resurfacing after a short period. “Whenever the roads develop potholes, patchwork is carried out. After a few days, the same problem returns. Entire stretches need resurfacing,” said resident Kirti Thakre. Sources indicated that the repair work had been delayed due to continuous rainfall, which made bitumen laying difficult. The NMC’s patchwork operations had also been affected as the road department was not functioning at full capacity. With the recent dry spell providing suitable conditions for road work, the civic machinery has resumed patching and bitumen-laying activities in the area. Local residents welcomed the intervention, expressing relief that the roads were finally being addressed. “The patchwork will certainly make travelling easier, and we are happy that the roads are being finally repaired,” said resident Ankush Chowdhary. However, many residents emphasized that temporary fixes were insufficient.#the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #pratap_nagar #nidhi_telgote #nmc_road_committee

Fewer Students Attend Schools in Nagpur After Bomb Threat Emails A day after bomb threat emails circulated across Nagpur, schools in the city reported a noticeable drop in student attendance on Wednesday. The emails, which warned of potential attacks occurring “anywhere and at any time” until August 31, sparked widespread anxiety among parents, leading many to keep their children at home. Despite police conducting extensive searches and finding no explosives, the lingering fear of violence has created a climate of caution. The threat emails, which targeted multiple schools, prompted immediate action from authorities. Police teams searched school premises and surrounding areas but failed to locate any hazardous materials. However, the warnings have left parents deeply concerned about their children’s safety. At CPS Wardhaman Nagar, attendance was drastically reduced, with only five to six students present in each class. A student from the school told The Times of India that parents were “extremely sceptical” about sending their children to school, reflecting the widespread unease. Similar trends were observed at other institutions. At CPS International, Class 12 students showed particularly low turnout, with only two students reportedly attending classes. An eighth-grade student from a school in Besa noted that attendance was slightly below normal, though the overall mood on campus remained calm. A teacher from the same school, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that nine students were absent and described heightened security measures. The school had restricted vehicle entry, intensified bag checks, and increased surveillance to ensure safety. School administrators have taken steps to reassure parents and students.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #besa #cps_wardhaman_nagar #cps_international

Youth Shot Dead Over Farm Road Dispute in Akola Village A violent incident in Nimbi Malokar village, located approximately 10 kilometers from Akola city, resulted in the death of a youth following a dispute over access to a farm road. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when Amol Gajanan Malokar, the victim, was allegedly shot by an unknown assailant while working in agricultural fields. Preliminary reports indicate that six rounds were fired at the victim, with three bullet wounds found on his back and below the ear. Amol succumbed to his injuries on the spot, according to police. Authorities confirmed that the alleged shooter fled the scene immediately after the attack. In response, the police have formed four teams to track down the suspect and gather evidence. The victim’s family claims that one of their relatives was involved in the shooting, citing a long-standing dispute over the use of the farm road. However, the exact circumstances of the incident remain under investigation. Akola Superintendent of Police Archit Chandak informed The Times of India that police teams arrived at the scene promptly after receiving the report. A forensic team was deployed to collect physical and ballistic evidence, including bullet marks, cartridges, and other relevant items. The investigation aims to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the shooting. The incident has caused widespread panic in the village and surrounding areas. Balapur police are currently registering a murder case and are working to identify the firearm used in the attack. Determining the exact number of shots fired and the weapon’s type remains a priority for the investigation.#the_times_of_india #archit_chandak #amol_gajanan_malokar #nimbi_malokar_village #akola_city

From Streets To Flyovers, City’s Roads Crumble After July Rains Nagpur: Barely weeks after the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) claimed to have repaired hundreds of potholes across the city, many of those restored stretches have already deteriorated, with potholes reappearing and exposing what motorists describe as poor-quality restoration work. A preliminary survey by the NMC across its 10 zones identified 1,282 potholes covering 12,398.20 square meters of damaged road surface, highlighting the rapid deterioration of tar roads following persistent July rainfall. The civic survey revealed that Dharampeth zone reported the highest number of potholes at 353, followed by Hanuman Nagar (280), Nehru Nagar (147), Laxmi Nagar (138), Ashi Nagar (125), Mangalwari (119), Dhantoli (67), Gandhibagh (28), Satranjipura (16), and Lakadganj (15). According to the NMC’s Hotmix Plant Department, 698 potholes were repaired between July 1 and July 28 across various zones. A senior official stated, “Between July 1 and July 28, the department repaired 698 potholes across the city.” Records show the maximum repairs were carried out in Nehru Nagar zone (163), followed by Mangalwari (144), Dharampeth (107), Hanuman Nagar (78), Dhantoli (70), Ashi Nagar (52), Satranjipura (26), Gandhibagh (16), and Lakadganj (13). However, field visits by The Times of India (TOI) found that several of these repaired roads have developed potholes again, raising questions about the quality and durability of the restoration work. For example, the stretch from CK Nayudu Square near the old VCA Stadium to Futala Lake, which was recently repaired by the Hotmix Plant Department, has developed multiple potholes. Loose gravel scattered across the carriageway has become a hazard for two-wheeler riders.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #hotmix_plant_department

Island Work At Agrasen Square Brings Back Traffic Chaos After Months of Relief After months of temporary relief, Agrasen Square in Nagpur has once again become a major traffic bottleneck as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) resumed work on the central island for the Kamal Chowk–Reshimbagh flyover project. The resumption of construction has narrowed the carriageway, while damaged road surfaces have further slowed traffic. Inadequate traffic management has exacerbated the situation, with long queues returning and undoing the improvements seen after the temporary removal of the Maharaja Agrasen statue and the central roundabout. The statue, which had been relocated to Agrasen Bhavan in May 2023 to facilitate the flyover construction, was initially seen as a temporary measure. Its removal had freed up significant road space, leading to better traffic flow during the project. However, this relief proved short-lived. NHAI sources confirmed that the statue’s relocation was always intended to be temporary. Efforts were made to persuade stakeholders to move the statue to another nearby location or a suitable site, but these proposals did not materialize. A visit by The Times of India reporter found traffic moving at a crawl through the junction as motorists navigated the narrowed carriageway. The worst delays were observed on the right turn, where vehicles had to maneuver around the barricaded island before proceeding. Impatient drivers were frequently seen jumping traffic signals, blocking vehicles from other directions and worsening congestion. Illegal parking around the square has further reduced available road space, compounding the problem.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #national_highways_authority_of_india #agrasen_square #kamal_chowk_reshimbagh_flyover

Crores Spent On Desilting Nullahs Go Down Drain, City Sinks Every Monsoon Every year before the monsoon season, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) undertakes a large-scale desilting and river-cleaning initiative, promising to improve stormwater flow and reduce flooding. However, for the fourth consecutive year, the city faced severe inundation after heavy rainfall, raising questions about the effectiveness of these efforts. The recurring floods have brought scrutiny to the NMC’s workshop department, which oversees mechanised river rejuvenation projects. According to RTI documents accessed by The Times of India, the workshop department spent 9.82 crore rupees between 2022 and 2026 on river rejuvenation. Of this, 8.19 crore was allocated for hiring heavy machinery, while 1.63 crore was spent on fuel for NMC-owned long-boom excavators. The budget for river cleaning has steadily increased over the years, rising from 99 lakh in 2022-23 to 8 crore in 2025-26. For 2026-27, the civic body has allocated 9 crore, with 4.96 crore earmarked for cleaning the Nag, Pili, and Pora rivers. The July 28 cloudburst-like rainfall exacerbated the city’s vulnerability, submerging hundreds of homes, turning roads into streams, and submerging vehicles. Thousands of schoolchildren had to be rescued as low-lying areas remained underwater despite the annual pre-monsoon desilting drive. RTI replies to activist Abhay Kolarkar revealed that mechanised river-cleaning costs surged, with machine hiring expenses jumping from 2.89 crore in 2024 to 5.30 crore in 2025. Contracts were awarded to firms such as Markstate Pvt Ltd, Vikas Bhasin, M M Engineering Works, and Manwar Construction. Fuel costs for NMC-owned machinery totaled 1.#the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #abhay_kolarkar #markstate_pvt_ltd #vikas_bhasin

After TOI Report, Itankar & Dani Review Pratap Nagar Road Project Nagpur: A few days after a report by The Times of India highlighted the prolonged delay in the road concretisation project in Pratap Nagar, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) took decisive action on Saturday. Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar and Standing Committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare visited the site to assess the progress of the long-pending work and directed officials and the contractor to expedite its completion. The road, a key arterial stretch connecting Pratap Nagar to Orange City Street, has remained under construction for nearly two years, causing daily traffic snarls, dust pollution, and significant inconvenience to commuters, residents, and businesses. The incomplete stretch has become a major bottleneck, particularly during peak hours, drawing repeated complaints from locals. During the inspection, the civic chief reviewed the status of the ongoing work with engineers and the contractor. Sources indicated that the contractor was reprimanded for the prolonged delay and instructed to accelerate execution to ensure the project is completed as soon as possible. Officials assured residents that smooth traffic movement would be restored without further unnecessary delays. Dani-Wakhare emphasized that the project had been stalled due to pending clearances from the World Bank. “Residents of Pratap Nagar have faced severe inconvenience because the road project has remained incomplete for a long time. Keeping citizens’ concerns in mind, I held discussions on-site with the municipal commissioner, concerned officials, and the contractor. I have directed them to immediately resolve the hurdles and accelerate the pace of work,” she stated.#the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #vipin_itankar #shivani_dani_wakhare #pratap_nagar

Women-Only Metro Coaches Face Enforcement Challenges in Nagpur Nagpur: MahaMetro’s initiative to introduce women-only coaches under the “Nari Shakti” program, aimed at ensuring safer travel for female commuters, is encountering significant challenges as male passengers frequently disregard the rules. Despite clear signage designating specific carriages for women, reports indicate that the policy is being flouted at multiple metro stations, raising concerns about its effectiveness. A recent investigation by The Times of India revealed that male passengers are often seen occupying the reserved compartments, with commuters expressing frustration over the lack of enforcement. Women travelers, in particular, have voiced discomfort, citing safety concerns and a reluctance to confront offenders. “It is extremely annoying and uncomfortable. There are almost always a few men in the reserved coach, but we generally avoid objecting because we do not want any trouble,” said an anonymous female commuter. Some women also noted that the presence of men accompanying female passengers exacerbates the awkwardness of the situation. Enforcement of the rule appears inconsistent, with security personnel focusing primarily on the Sitabuldi interchange station. Commuters reported that once trains depart Sitabuldi, men frequently enter the women-only coaches without facing consequences. A 17-year-old passenger highlighted the issue, stating, “We often see men entering the coach within a few stations after Sitabuldi, and there is nobody to stop them.” The absence of penalties for violations has reportedly encouraged further disregard for the policy. A security guard stationed at Sitabuldi acknowledged the problem, noting that an average of five male passengers are found in women-only coaches during each service.#the_times_of_india #mahaMetro #nari_shakti #sitabuldi_interchange #mahaMetro_official

Women-Only Metro Coaches Face Enforcement Challenges as Men Disregard Rules Nagpur: MahaMetro’s initiative to create “Nari Shakti” women-only coaches, designed to ensure a safer and more comfortable travel environment for female commuters, is encountering significant challenges as male passengers frequently ignore the rules. Despite clear signage at stations and on trains designating one coach for women, men are regularly seen entering and occupying these compartments, according to reports. A recent investigation by The Times of India revealed that complaints from women commuters are valid, with multiple instances of men being observed in the reserved coaches at various Metro stations. Female passengers have expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement, with many admitting they avoid confronting male passengers due to safety concerns and a desire to avoid conflict. “It is extremely annoying and uncomfortable. There are almost always a few men in the reserved coach, but we generally avoid objecting because we do not want any trouble,” said an anonymous woman commuter. Some women also noted that the presence of men accompanying female passengers exacerbates the awkwardness of the situation. Enforcement of the rules remains inconsistent across Metro stations. Commuters reported that checks are primarily conducted at the Sitabuldi interchange, while other stations lack adequate monitoring. A 17-year-old commuter highlighted the issue, stating, “We often see men entering the coach within a few stations after Sitabuldi, and there is nobody to stop them.” The absence of penalties for rule violations has further discouraged compliance, with some passengers suggesting that the lack of consequences encourages continued disregard for the policy.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #mahaMetro #nari_shakti #sitabuldi_interchange

Rain Puts Brakes On City’s Mega Infra Projects Nagpur’s ambitious infrastructure projects have faced significant setbacks due to relentless rainfall, with several key developments grinding to a halt. The city’s construction teams are struggling to meet tight deadlines as monsoon conditions disrupt critical phases of work. Officials warn that prolonged rain could force delays in multiple projects, particularly those scheduled for completion before the monsoon season ends. The Indora-Dighori flyover project, a Rs998-crore initiative aimed at easing traffic congestion, is among the most affected. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is working on two flyovers—one connecting Kamal Chowk to Reshimbagh Square and the other linking Bhande Plot Square to Dighori Naka. However, continuous rain has severely impacted the construction of the reinforced earth (RE) retaining wall near Daga Hospital. A senior NHAI official told The Times of India that the project, already racing against a tight August deadline, faces hurdles due to the weather. While non-weather-dependent tasks continue, the rain has created significant obstacles. The RBI Square–Automotive Square road concretisation project, valued at Rs150 crore, has also come to a standstill. Engineers stated that fresh concrete cannot be laid during continuous rain, forcing the contractor to suspend operations. A Public Works Department (PWD) official noted that work has been halted for two days, with concreting efforts impossible under the current conditions. The official added that pothole repairs are now planned for nighttime to minimize water exposure in the concrete mix. Labourers have also raised concerns about working in heavy rain, further complicating operations.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #public_works_department #national_highways_authority_of_india #indoradighori_flyover

NU Result Delay Leaves PG Aspirants in Limbo Nagpur University’s (NU) prolonged delay in releasing results for summer examinations has thrown postgraduate aspirants into uncertainty, disrupting their admission processes across multiple institutions. Students who had already begun the application cycle for postgraduate programs now face a precarious situation as the university’s failure to issue final results has rendered their admission prospects unstable. One such case involves a final-year BSc student from a Gondia college affiliated with NU. She traveled nearly 400 kilometers to the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, to secure admission to an MSc Zoology program. However, her application was initially rejected because NU had not yet released her sixth-semester marksheet, despite the exams concluding on June 11. The student, who spoke to The Times of India (TOI), described her frustration as she attempted to resolve the issue. She contacted NU’s exam section officials, prompting IGNTU to communicate with NU’s authorities for clarification. While NU provided the requested information, her admission remains unresolved. “I traveled nearly 400 kilometers to secure admission, but IGNTU officials refused to consider my application because my sixth-semester results are yet to be declared by NU,” she said, her voice breaking. “I was under the impression that I would get a provisional seat. However, IGNTU insisted on the original marksheet. I cleared my previous semesters, but now my admission is at risk for no fault of mine.” Another affected student is a BTech graduate whose NU winter exam results have not been released, hindering his chances of securing admission at another institution.#the_times_of_india #nagpur_university #gondia #indira_gandhi_national_tribal_university #amarkantak

Mumbai Rerun? Survey Flagged 1,383 Perilous Manholes 4 Months Ago, NMC Slept On Files A recent incident in Mumbai, where a man died after falling into an open manhole during heavy rain, has reignited concerns about neglected civic infrastructure in Nagpur. Documents obtained by The Times of India reveal that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) was aware of a critical safety hazard four months prior, with a citywide survey identifying 1,383 manholes requiring immediate attention. Despite this, the corporation has failed to address the issue, leaving residents vulnerable as monsoon season approaches. The survey, commissioned by the NMC through a private agency at a cost of 24 lakh rupees, assessed the condition of 18,654 manholes across the city. The report, submitted to all 10 municipal zones before the monsoon, found that 16,683 manholes were in satisfactory condition. However, 1,971 required repairs, with 1,383 classified as needing urgent action and 588 deemed mildly damaged. The findings were a clear warning, yet the NMC has not disclosed how many of these manholes have been repaired, raising alarms about commuter safety. A ground survey conducted by The Times of India uncovered several unsafe manhole covers still left unattended. In Panchsheel Nagar, a cover partially collapsed into the chamber, leaving the remaining half tilted dangerously. Similar hazards were reported on Kalyaneshwar Mandir Road, Mangalwari (Mahal), Padole Square, Tekdi Road, North Ambazari Road, Orange City Street, and Rajiv Nagar (Wardha Road). Many of these areas have drainage lines beneath footpaths, where missing or broken covers pose a risk to pedestrians, especially at night. Waterlogged roads during rains further obscure these dangers.#mumbai #the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #panchsheel_nagar #kalyaneshwar_mandir_road

Rs 20 Crore Firefighting Platform Remains Grounded for Eight Months Nagpur’s municipal corporation (NMC) has been unable to deploy its newly procured 20-crore, 70-metre hydraulic firefighting platform for the past eight months due to unresolved registration issues with the Union ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH). The vehicle, designed to tackle fires in the city’s rapidly growing high-rises, remains stuck in a bureaucratic limbo despite completing technical trials. The platform, imported directly from Finland, was purchased in November 2025 after the NMC spent 15.10 crore on procurement and an additional 4.72 crore on customs duties. Nagpur city RTO official Kiran Bidkar confirmed to The Times of India that the vehicle cannot be registered until MoRTH approves its model, as it is not listed on the national homologation portal. “Such imported vehicles require a special process,” Bidkar said. “We conducted the inspection, prepared the report, and sent it to MoRTH in New Delhi around two to three months ago, but the proposal is still pending.” Bidkar emphasized that the RTO had guided NMC officials through the registration procedure from the start and offered all possible assistance. “They should have discussed the process with the RTO before importing the vehicle to avoid such issues,” he added. The delay has left Nagpur without its most advanced firefighting equipment, despite a surge in high-rise buildings over recent years. The platform was specifically acquired to address the city’s inability to reach buildings exceeding 70 metres, a capability lacking in the existing fleet. Technical trials have been completed, but without registration, the vehicle cannot be deployed on city roads.#the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #kiran_bidkar #union_ministry_of_road_transport_and_highways #nmc_fire_department

Residents Oppose Proposed Liquor Unit in Beltarodi, Demand Reconsideration Residents of Beltarodi have raised strong objections to a proposed country liquor manufacturing unit planned for their locality, citing concerns over public safety, community disruption, and the impact on nearby educational and religious institutions. The residents approached the office of the guardian minister and Kamptee MLA Chandrashekhar Bawankule, as well as other officials, to register their grievances. In a memorandum submitted at Bawankule's office, they requested complete details and official documents regarding the project, emphasizing their unified stance against the establishment of such a facility in a predominantly residential area. The community highlighted that the locality is home to hundreds of families, including young children, women, and senior citizens. They argued that the proximity of a liquor unit to residential societies would negatively affect the neighborhood's character and compromise public safety. Residents warned that the presence of a liquor facility could attract antisocial elements and encourage illegal activities in the vicinity. They also pointed out that several educational and religious institutions are located near the proposed site, further intensifying their concerns. Priya Manpiya, a resident, informed The Times of India that the community learned about the proposed liquor unit after observing construction activity in their area. Officials from the minister's office directed them to approach the collector, with plans to meet him on Monday to urge immediate action. The memorandum further noted fears that the facility could lead to altercations and other nuisances, particularly during evening and night hours.#the_times_of_india #chandrashekhar_bawankule #beltarodi #priya_manpiya #besa_pipla_nagar_panchyat

Nagpur University's Decline Sparks Alumni Appeal for Revival Former Maharashtra higher and technical education minister Anees Ahmed has raised urgent concerns over the deteriorating standards at Nagpur University (NU), calling on its esteemed alumni to intervene and restore the institution's former glory. During a visit to The Times of India office, Ahmed criticized the university's administrative failures, including delayed results, marksheet errors, and the outsourcing of its examination services to Hyderabad-based COEMPT under a Rs 5-crore contract. He argued that these issues have driven students to migrate to universities in Mumbai and Pune, exacerbating a brain drain from Vidarbha. Ahmed highlighted the university's historical significance, noting that it has produced notable figures such as former President Mohammad Hidayatullah, Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, and multiple Chief Justices of India. "It's unfortunate that an institution of such stature is witnessing a decline in academic standards and administrative efficiency," he said. He accused the Central and Maharashtra governments of failing to allocate sufficient funds for modern infrastructure, skilled manpower, and advanced courses to retain talent in the region. The former minister also addressed the university's placement challenges, alleging that top employers prefer graduates from Mumbai and Pune institutions. He cited the NEET paper leak scandal and the CBSE OSM row as precedents for systemic failures, questioning how NU could award a contract to COEMPT—a company previously banned by Telangana authorities for its "history of blunders.#nitin_gadkari #the_times_of_india #nagpur_university #coempt #anees_ahmed

Nagpur Boy Aditya Somani Achieves Perfect Score in MHT-CET Nagpur student Aditya Somani has made headlines by securing a perfect 100% score in the Maharashtra Technical Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET), a feat that underscores his dedication and academic prowess. Speaking to The Times of India, Aditya shared insights into his preparation strategy, which involved balancing multiple competitive exams including NEET, JEE Main, and MHT-CET. He emphasized his enjoyment of the rigorous process, describing competitive exams as a "fun" challenge rather than a source of pressure. This mindset, he explained, has been instrumental in maintaining his focus and motivation throughout his academic journey. Aditya’s academic success is deeply rooted in his family’s educational background. Both his parents are doctors, creating an environment that prioritizes academic excellence at home. His elder brother, who previously secured the AIR 1 rank in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), further reinforces the family’s legacy of academic achievement. Aditya, however, has set his sights on a different goal: admission to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He described his preparation as a combination of self-study, coaching guidance, and extensive practice with test papers, which he believes are critical for success in competitive exams. The student’s daily routine is highly disciplined, with nearly 12 hours dedicated to studies. He attributed his achievements to consistent practice, structured study habits, and a proactive approach to learning. Reflecting on his NEET attempt, Aditya mentioned that his first attempt went well and expressed confidence in improving further during the re-exam.#all_india_institute_of_medical_sciences #the_times_of_india #aditya_somani #maharashtra_technical_common_entrance_test #common_law_admission_test

Students Struggle with Extreme Heat as Exam Centers Lack Coolers in Nagpur Nagpur, a city grappling with scorching temperatures exceeding 44°C, has become a focal point of concern as students endure unbearable conditions during examinations. On Monday, students appearing for tests organized by Nagpur University and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) reported that many exam centers failed to provide essential relief measures such as coolers and sufficient drinking water. The lack of basic amenities forced students to endure sweltering environments inside examination halls, with some struggling to maintain focus and performance during afternoon sessions. Despite directives issued by the district collector last week, which mandated educational institutions to ensure cooling arrangements and safe drinking water for examinees, particularly during peak heat hours, many centers remained unprepared. Nagpur University had specifically instructed exam centers to install coolers and supply water for students in the 2.30pm-5.30pm shift, when temperatures are at their highest. However, a visit by The Times of India (TOI) to major centers in areas like Civil Lines, Kamptee Road, and Katol Road revealed widespread non-compliance. Many institutions had not arranged coolers or proper ventilation, leaving students visibly distressed. Invigilators, too, faced challenges, with some stepping out of halls periodically to escape the oppressive heat. The physical toll of the situation was evident as well. An LLB student suffered from dehydration during the exam and required immediate assistance after center staff rushed to provide glucose and emergency care. The student later recovered and continued the examination.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #nagpur_university #civil_lines #institute_of_chartered_accountants_of_india

New ‘Addition’ To Mistakes In NU Report Card Nagpur University faced widespread criticism after errors in the Winter 2025 examination results sparked confusion and frustration among students. The university, which had previously blamed affiliated college clerks for incorrect entries, was itself found to have made glaring calculation mistakes in the marksheets issued for results announced on May 10. These errors affected first, third, and fifth-semester marksheets of both regular and backlog students, with hundreds reporting discrepancies in the “maximum marks” column. In several cases, the total marks listed as 150 were inconsistent with the combined theory and practical marks, which totaled only 120 according to the marks scheme. Many students were incorrectly marked as “failed,” leading to panic and confusion as they awaited admissions and further academic processes. The errors extended beyond the marking scheme. Students highlighted major mistakes in the marks awarded column, such as a final tally of 16 theory marks and 8 internal marks being recorded as 76 instead of 24. These inconsistencies raised concerns about the accuracy of the results and the reliability of the grading process. The delay in announcing the results—three to four months past the 45-day deadline—had already caused significant distress among students, who spent time seeking corrections amid the Summer exam period. After The Times of India raised questions about the errors, the university’s exam section began uploading revised results for affected students by the evening. Despite these revisions, some issues persisted.#the_times_of_india #nagpur_university #deputy_registrar_motiram_tadas #winter_2025_examination #result_scrutiny_committee

Despite SC Ban, 546 Sanitary Workers Continue Manual Scavenging in Nagpur Sanitary worker Suresh Wankhede, who descended into a manhole to clear a blockage in Nagpur on April 21, is not an isolated case. He is among 546 workers routinely exposed to hazardous conditions to maintain the city’s sewer network. The practice persists despite a Supreme Court directive that strictly prohibits manual entry into sewers without safety measures. Gaps in infrastructure, limited mechanisation, and a civic system reliant on human labor have perpetuated the issue. Recent incidents reported by The Times of India have highlighted this contradiction, with officials admitting that many manholes cannot be cleaned mechanically and workers entering without safety gear. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has deployed 546 sanitary workers across its zones to address sewer blockages, particularly in areas beyond the reach of machines. Each zone employs around 50 workers tasked with clearing blocked lines in narrow lanes, encroached conservancy paths, and densely populated neighborhoods. While mechanisation is often touted as a solution, its implementation remains limited. The NMC currently operates 15 suction-cum-jetting machines: 7 hired on rent by the solid waste management department, 8 funded by the state government, and 5 managed by the corporation’s workshop department (down from 9 after older units were scrapped). Even where machines exist, their effectiveness is constrained. Only a few small-capacity vehicles can navigate inner lanes, and these fail in extremely narrow stretches between houses. In such cases, pipes are extended up to 40 feet—beyond which manual intervention becomes unavoidable.#the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #mayor_neeta_thakre #sanitary_worker_suresh_wankhede #shivaji_nagar_incident

CBSE’s Second Board Exam Poses Challenges for Vidarbha Students Amid Extreme Heat As the CBSE’s second board examination for Class 10 students begins on May 15, with exams scheduled from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, Vidarbha students face an added challenge of enduring scorching temperatures that often exceed 45 degrees Celsius during the peak summer months. While the exams are optional for students, teachers and school staff must still report for duty regardless of the number of participants. The timing has raised concerns, particularly in rural areas where power outages frequently disrupt classrooms, leaving students without functioning fans. Students who spoke to The Times of India under the condition of anonymity highlighted the physical toll of the heat. Many reported that extreme temperatures impair their ability to write clearly, cause discomfort, and, in some cases, have led to fainting during past exams. One student criticized the timing as unfair, arguing that conducting exams during a heatwave adds unnecessary physical stress to an already demanding academic period. The short gap between the March main exams and the May papers also disrupts study routines and vacation plans, exacerbating the pressure on students. Parents emphasized the need for schools to provide adequate facilities to ensure student safety. They called for uninterrupted electricity, backup generators or inverters, sufficient drinking water, proper ventilation, and trained medical personnel on standby. While some parents acknowledged the importance of building resilience in students, they stressed that schools must prioritize creating a safe environment.#class_10_students #cbse #the_times_of_india #vidarbha #mathematics_standard