DPC proposals urgently enacted ahead of elections, Rs 21 bn approved

08 Jan 2024 CW Team

In anticipation of the upcoming elections this year, Deputy Chief Minister and District Guardian Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed that all proposals put forth by the District Planning Committee (DPC) must be executed prior to the enforcement of the model code of conduct.

During a meeting, the DPC approved a budget of Rs 6687.2 million for the fiscal year 2024-25. An additional fund of Rs 14.31 billion was also requested, bringing the total district demand to Rs 21 billion.

The draft plan for 2024-25, encompassing general, scheduled caste sub-plan, and tribal component programs, received approval. Following the endorsement of the additional demand, the draft plan will be presented at the state-level meeting before receiving final approval.

Fadnavis highlighted plans to increase the financial limit by revising criteria for rural gymnasiums. Meanwhile, MLA Nitin Raut raised concerns about the use of substandard materials in sports infrastructure projects.

The earlier allocation of Rs 250 million for the construction of a mall for self-help groups at Badkas Chowk was reduced to Rs 120 million. MLC Pravin Datke expressed dismay over the prolonged stall of the project, which has persisted for over a decade.

In a separate initiative, Fadnavis handed over five fire tenders and eleven SUVs to municipal councils in Mauda, Parseoni, Hingna, Wanadongri, Kanhan-Pimpri, and rural police. These acquisitions were made possible through DPC funds.

Technology

29 Jul 2026

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..