Project DREAM Transforms Abandoned Buildings Into Digital Libraries In Rural Nagpur In rural Nagpur, a once-neglected landscape of abandoned halls and dilapidated schoolrooms has been reimagined as vibrant centers of learning. The Nagpur Zilla Parishad’s Project DREAM has converted 100 unused structures into digital libraries, blending community input with modern infrastructure to create spaces that reflect the aspirations of local villagers. This initiative, which began with a simple yet innovative approach, has sparked a transformation that extends beyond physical upgrades, reshaping governance and education in the region. The project, an acronym for Dedicated Rooms for Empowerment, Awareness and Motivation, was launched with a unique method: villagers were invited to envision their ideal library. Instead of imposing standardized designs, the Zilla Parishad collected thousands of postcards featuring sketches, written ideas, and aspirations from schoolchildren, women, youth, and sarpanches. These submissions, written in Marathi, Hindi, English, or simple drawings, became the blueprint for each library. “We did not want to impose a design,” said ZP Chief Executive Officer Vinayak Mahamuni. “The idea was simple—ask people what they want, and build exactly that.” Each village’s library was tailored to its specific needs, with residents choosing wall colors, furniture, seating arrangements, the number of computers, and even the atmosphere they wanted the space to evoke. With an investment of approximately ₹8-10 lakh per site, these buildings were transformed into CCTV-enabled learning hubs.#devendra_fadnavis #vinayak_mahamuni #niti_aayog #nagpur_zilla_parishad #belona_sarpanch
ZP Budget Crosses ₹50 Crore Mark For First Time, Solar, AI & Rural Infra In Focus Nagpur: For the first time in its history, the Nagpur Zilla Parishad’s budget has surpassed ₹50 crore, with chief executive officer Vinayak Mahamuni presenting a ₹53.67 crore outlay on Friday. This marks a significant increase from last year’s ₹46.58 crore. A major portion of the budget comes from stamp duty (mudrank), with ₹30 crore allocated to the ZP after statutory reservations. Additional revenue sources from gram panchayats include weekly markets, ponds, and bank interest, pushing the total outlay beyond ₹53 crore. The budget emphasizes solar energy, water supply, and sustainability, with plans to install approximately 1,400 KW of solar systems across 350 gram panchayats out of the total 748. These rural water supply schemes will be solarized to reduce recurring electricity costs, particularly in high-consumption areas like Fetri and Nagardhan, where annual bills often exceed lakhs. The project will fall under the rural water supply department, with ₹6 crore earmarked for this initiative. Water conservation is another priority, alongside routine pipeline repairs. The ZP will implement source-strengthening measures such as recharge pits and rainwater harvesting to ensure long-term sustainability. Defunct reverse osmosis (RO) plants will be revived, as many have remained non-functional due to lack of maintenance. A provision for five-year annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) has been included to address this. In a boost to grassroots governance, ₹3 crore has been allocated to the panchayat department for the first time under the Panchayat Raj Abhiyan.#indian_space_research_organisation #vinayak_mahamuni #nagpur_zilla_parishad #panchayat_raj_abhiyan #divyang_kalyan
Mahalakshmi Saras Expo Drives Over Rs5 Crore in Sales During Opening Week The state-level Mahalakshmi Saras 2026 exhibition, held in Reshimbagh, Nagpur, recorded more than Rs5 crore in sales within its first week of operation, which began on March 11. The event, which showcases products crafted by women self-help groups (SHGs) across Maharashtra, has drawn significant attention from visitors. Zilla parishad chief executive officer Vinayak Mahamuni reported that the exhibition has seen consistent footfall and steady business since its inauguration. Average daily sales have reached approximately Rs50 lakh, with Sunday alone contributing Rs92 lakh, the highest single-day revenue recorded so far. Officials highlighted that food stalls have become the most popular attraction at the expo, with traditional items such as snacks, pickles, spices, and ready-to-eat products receiving the most patronage. The success of the event underscores the growing interest in locally made goods and the role of women-led collectives in driving economic activity. The exhibition’s focus on promoting handmade crafts and regional specialties has not only boosted sales but also provided a platform for artisans to reach a wider audience. The expo’s strong performance reflects the community’s enthusiasm for supporting grassroots initiatives and preserving cultural heritage through commerce. As the event continues, organizers remain optimistic about its potential to foster sustainable livelihoods and strengthen regional economic ties.#nagpur #zilla_parishad #mahalakshmi_saras_2026 #reshimbagh #vinayak_mahamuni
