Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Nagpur Metro is bringing sea of constructive changes in the city for the past eighteen months beyond providing a safe, reliable, efficient, affordable, commuter friendly and environmentally sustainable rapid public transport system for the Nagpur Metro Region. Very soon Nagpur Metro will be an integral part of the city. It is heartening to know that Nagpur Metro is interested in promoting sports like running & cycling in Nagpur for a healthy, environment friendly life style in city of Nagpur.

NMRCL has adopted inclusive approach in its project management by holding ‘Metro Samvaad’, a forum for the citizens to speak up their suggestions on developing the Metro. Suggestions and direct communication has been achieved with the citizens through social media as well. It has brought citizens together to participate in the developing project by suggestions on various finer aspects which will directly or indirectly benefit them in years to come. It has been Nagpur Metro’s constant endeavour to give the citizens a feel that the Metro-to-be shall be their own, and they would be proud to say “Maazee Metro“, a sense of ownership.

Nagpur Metro now extends this connectivity by being part of the most happening sport activity in the city, Running and Cycling.

Brijesh Dixit feels that, “Nagpur has the blessing of excellent weather to do outdoor physical activities throughout the year. Such outdoor activities help in keeping good health. Walk-jog-run in the mornings acts as a catalyst in conditioning mind & body throughout the day. This year’s Maazee Metro Nagpur Marathon is categorized in four segments of 4, 6, 10 and 21 kilometers is giving an opportunity to citizens of all the ages to participate in the city’s unique event. It will bring in all the like-minded individuals to go that extra mile to test physical endurance. This year event is very special for the citizens with the arrival of Flying Sikh Milkha Singh who has happily accepted the invitation be the Chief Guest. Nagpur Metro feels proud to be associated with an event of such magnanimity. I therefore appeal to all to be part of this mega Marathon event.”

Maazee Metro Nagpur Marathon 2016 – The Plan

• The MMN Marathon is planned in four categories:
• 4 Kms (Fun Walk-Run),
• 6 Kms (Dream Walk-Run),
• 10 Kms (Endurance Run) and
• 21 Kms (Orange City Run)
• Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis will preside over the Prize Distribution function.
• Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways & Shipping Nitin Gadkari will be the Guest of Honour.
• Minister for Ministry of Energy, New and Renewable Energy Maharashtra Chandrashekhar Bawankule will also grace the occasion with his presence.
• It will be a 2 day event with Day 1 (26/11/2016) as MMN Marathon Expo Day & Day 2(27/11/2016) as the Maazee Metro Nagpur Marathon Race Day.
• 5000+ conditioned Athletes & Runners from all walks of life from across the country will be participating in the Marathon.
• Runners from Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Daman, Kerala, Baroda, and other cities are expected to participate.
• 10,000+ spectators are expected to witness the event.
• Venue for both Expo and Marathon Race: L. I.T. College, Amravati Road, Nagpur.
• Runners from Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Daman, Kerala, Baroda, and other cities are expected to participate.
• 10,000+ spectators are expected to witness the event.
• Venue for both Expo and Marathon Race: L. I.T. College, Amravati Road, Nagpur.

The Marathon is being organized by Adventures And You in association with Orange City Runners Society and Saraswati Vidyalaya Alumni Association. All participants in all race categories will be timed electronically by a RFID Timing chip. The participants will know their race result through an SMS which they will receive on their mobile phones after the race is over. The Timing certificate can be downloaded after 7 days from our website www.timetherace.com.

Cash prizes and other attractive prizes are in store for the winners in various categories. All the participants will be given a Marathon T-shirt, a Finishers Medal and refreshments after the race.

Mitesh Rambhia is the Race Director assisted by Mayank Sharma. Chandrakant Virkhare is the Technical Advisor. President Saraswati Vidyalaya Alumni Association Dr. Anup Marar along with Secretary, Orange City Runners Society Prashant Gurjar are the administrative heads of the Marathon.

Online registrations for all the race categories can be done on www.timetherace.com. Physical registration can be done at the office of The Maazee Metro Nagpur Marathon at First Floor, “Sitaram Smruti”, above John Player Showroom, Near Laxmi Bhavan Square, WHC Road, Dharampeth, Nagpur: 440010 between 10:00am and 6:00pm. For further information kindly call on 7387766662 or 7020448110.

‘Maazee Metro Nagpur Marathon’ to promote the concept of fitness in city

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: After assuming the post of Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani visits Nagpur for the first time. Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was given a warm welcome by the members of Bharatiya Janata Party at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagpur International Airport.

A large number of Bharatiya Janata Party activists and workers were present at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagpur International Airport to receive Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani who had come to the city to participate in the Agro-Vision Agricultural Programme which got underway on Saturday the November 12, 2016. On behalf of the citizens of Nagpur District, Minister for Energy, New and Renewable Energy of Maharashtra and Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule had welcomed Gujarat CM Rupani with a floral bouquet.

After that Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani proceeded to Reshimbagh Ground and inaugurated the Gujarat Stall in the Agro-Vision Agricultural Programme.

Rousing welcome of Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani at Nagpur Airport

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: The entire premises of Vidhan Sabha and the whole of Civil Lines are being spruced up for the 14th Winter Session of Assembly.

The road dividers are painted promptly, soil filled so that the fancy plants could be planted. All the cottages of Ravi Bhavan, all the rooms of MLA Hostel are being painted.

The Main Office of the Ravi Bhavan too is getting a face-lift. New tiles are being affixed in the place of the old ones. Work of setting up pendals and shamiyanas have already started.

The roofs, boards and other infrastructural fitments are being repainted in the Vidhan Sabha premises. The lawns, greenery have already been cleaned and regular watering of the plants have commenced.

The work of construction of cement roads in Civil Lines have gone into war-footing so that they are completed soon.

Vidhan Sabha premises spruced up for the 14th Winter Session of Assembly

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Chaos, confusion and allegation marks the third day of citizens’ endeavour of converting demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1000/- notes.

The announcement by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley that all the banks will work even on weekends was certainly a relief to the citizens. Expecting the bank officials to work like November 10 and November 11, 2016, the citizens started queuing up in front of the banks. However, many banks closed down their shutters and refused to entertain citizens.

When Nagpur Today ventured to find out the situation in different banks, certain bank officials on condition of anonymity said that RBI had sent directions to all banks to work two hours extra on November 10 and November 11, 2016. However, the other days they would have to adhere to their usual timings. For example if a bank starts its operations from 9 am usually then they can close their operations after 5 pm. However, if the bank starts usually at 10 am then they are free to close operations after 6 pm. The officials claimed that they are following the guidelines of the banks. Permitting the customers to keep piling after 3 pm or 4 pm would ensure that the officials would have to keep working till they finish the work of converting demonetized notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000/-. So they closed the shutters of their banks.

This irked many citizens and cases of shouting slogans and ugly noisy scenes were witnessed at many branches. Some branches had done the work of distributing paper tokens to a limited number of customers and entertained only them which again irked others who came later.

To add to the worries of the citizens the cash in many ATMs exhausted within a few hours of being replenished. Since many citizens relied on ATM to acquire cash, the moment the ATMs were replenished, the notes were exhausted though each bank card holders can withdraw only 2000/- from their account. Many who stood in the line claimed that citizens came with the debit cards of their spouses and other family members to withdraw cash.

Chaos, confusion and allegation marks 3rd Day of converting demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1000/- notes

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: In the next three years all the agriculture pumps in the state will run on solar energy. A scheme to save 1000 mega watt energy through solar energy will be placed before the the government in the coming 8 days, informed State energy minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Bawankule was speaking at the inauguration function of a one-day workshop on opportunities on green and solar energy. Those prominently present on the occasion were president of Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGI) Dr Vidya Murkumbi, vice-president & former minister of state for rural development M K Anna Patil, director of Mahavitran Holding Company Vishwas Pathak, director general of Maharashtra Energy Development Agency Nitin Gadre and GM of IFGI Jai Uppal.

Bawankule further said the state has a very good opportunity in the field of green & unconventional engery sector. Till now there was no policy in the field of unconventional energy sector. The government is now deciding policy in this sector. Earlier, unconventional energy was being produced, but no agreements took place in regards to its purchase. The present government decided on PPP model and has entered into agreement to purchase 380 mega watt energy. Electricity is now available at cheaper rates in open market, hence, wind energy is costing high and its sale is affected, Bawankule said.

“The government is planning to run 40 lakh agriculture pumps in the state on solar energy. Similarly, independent feeders will be started for this purpose. One feeder will be set up for 400 agriculture pumps and several investors and companies are coming forward for this initiative. Farmers will get 12 hours electricity supply for their farms and will be able to operate it from their home itself. Similarly, solar smart village will be set up,” Bawankule said.

All agri pumps to run on solar energy in next 3 yrs: Bawankule

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Queues grew longer outside banks and ATMs across the city on a Sunday as cash-starved people scrambled to exchange and withdraw money for the third consecutive day. Minor incidents of violence were reported from several areas as banks struggled to dispense cash. The retail market is badly hit because of the demonitisation of the 500 and 100 currency notes. Even the issuance of the 2000 notes has not enthused the market.

Most of the retailers do small and medium cash transactions through the day. After the decision, the business has come to a stop. The retailers are unable to pay the distributors, the distributors do not have enough small denominations to pay the producers and the consumer does not have enough currency to pay to the retailer. This has affected the chain completely.

The retailers are saying that the businesses simply could not run in the present situation. “Since the business transactions of small traders is not much, the share of digital transactions is not substantial. Almost 70% of our payments come in higher denominations. The government may take a lot of time to replenish banks with new notes. Right now the banks are concentrating only on exchange of old currency. Normal functioning of banks has taken a hit because of the policy changes” said Chandan Goswami, a market analyst while talking to local media. That is why there should be some remedial measures for us. Since the retailer provides the last mile connectivity for all essential goods, it is important that he is allowed to accept old currency. Or else, we stand to lose a lot because of the economic churn,” said a trader.

The trader suggested that the retailers should be exempted from the rule. The government can allow them to take 500 and 1,000 rupee notes if the consumer is ready to fill up a KYC form, exactly the same procedure being followed in the banks.

The demand of the retailers appears valid one since although the government has fixed deadlines for people to exchange old notes, it cannot set any date for attaining normal liquidity in markets because of various constraints. Its ability to replenish banks with new currency notes and ease the withdrawal amounts would be crucial factors in stabilising the distribution markets.

Keeping this in mind, the traders are demanding that the finance minister remove all caps on amounts withdrawn from current and cash credit bank accounts to improve the delayed contract payments that may become a huge problem in days to come.

The first signs of a partial collapse in money economy were seen with associations of small and medium traders in India, giving a distress call to the union government to allow the retail traders to accept 500 and 1,000 notes. Citing that small businesses and retail traders had been badly affected by the Modi government’s decision to withdraw the top two currency denominations, it said that the disruption of money flow had affected supplies of essential commodities. That, in turn, had impacted distributors of fast-moving consumer goods and perishable commodities like vegetables and fruits.

The retailers who are placed at the bottom of the business chain have demanded that the authority be given to them to accept at least one higher denomination note from the consumer if the buyer is ready to provide his her KYC details. This exemption would improve cash flow in the markets and provide immediate relief to a large section of traders.

The market in Itwari, Sitabuldi, Gandhibagh, Sadar, Mahal besides markets all over the city have been deserted ever since the demonetisation decision was announced which has had a direct bearing on the lives of farmers and daily wage labourers.

When a Nagpur Today team visited the commercial markets in the city, the traders complained that the consumer footfall in the markets was very less in comparison to normal days. Traders, particularly the retailers had slack business activities. Salesmen at the retail counters were seen sitting idle. Rural retailers from talukas and other mofusil areas who generally visit the nearby district markets for procurement of goods had to remain at their respective places for want of sufficient funds of acceptable denomination.

Grocery market hit
Demonitisation has greatly affected capital liquidity in the market. The retailers are experiencing the full impact of the decision. Consumers are certainly not visiting markets because of very limited quantity of small denomination currency. The retailers are still waiting for the situation to return to normalcy.

Effect on vegetable market
Agricultural produce market committees and mandis across the city had very less transactions as farmers who had brought their produce for sale in the market had to face a nightmare when they could not get money against his saleable produce.

The market in Itwari, Sitabuldi, Gandhibagh, Sadar, Mahal besides markets all over the city have been deserted ever since the demonetisation decision was announced which has had a direct bearing on the lives of farmers and daily wage labourers.

As Nagpur Scrambles For New Notes, Cash, And Patience, Runs Out

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur.

It was a proud moment for recruits’ parents and instructors of 219 Recruits of the 109th Course as they attained the status of ‘combat soldier’ at an impressive and solemn passing out parade at The Brigade of The Guards Regimental Centre in Kamptee on Saturday. A vibrant and immaculate Ceremonial Parade was presented by these proud young ‘Guardsmen’, who now set forth to serve the nation, ready and well trained for frontline duties. Pride was writ large on their faces as they crossed the symbolic ‘Antim Pagh’ in slow march to the lilting Auld Lang Syne tune of the military band.

Medals were presented to outstanding Guardsmen in various disciplines of training. The coveted Overall Best Recruit Trophy was awarded to Recruit Vishal Kushwaha of Pratap Training Company. Brigadier D V Singh, Commandant, Guards Regimental Centre reviewed the parade.

Wing Commander Samir Gangakhedkar PRO (Def) Nagpur intimated that the Regimental Centre is equipped with state of the art training infrastructure and aids to ensure that the best quality training is imparted to the recruits by the selected instructors of the Regiment. The Regimental Centre grooms, nurtures and transforms young men into disciplined and well trained soldiers prepared to face today’s environmental challenges.

The Regiment has been bestowed with 10 Battle Honours (Post Independence) and has a long list of gallantry awards which include two Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Two Ashok Chakra (AC), Six Mahavir Chakra (MVC), Four Kirti Chakra (KC), 40 Vir Chakra (VrC), 33 Saurya Chakra (SC) and 154 Sena Medal (SM), which is a testimony to the valour and sacrifice of the Guardsmen.

219 recruits cross ‘Antim Pagh’

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur.

Kalmeshwar is a large village just 30 Kms or so from Nagpur. It is a Taluka place with 114 villages around it.When we decided to go there to study the effects of demonetization on rural people, some Nagpurians scoffed at us. “Kalmeshwar is a city almost – not a village. Go to some genuine village” we were told.

But still, what we saw and heard in Kalmeshwar was shocking, astounding … and tragic. It is something that is not being reflected in any national media or TV channels. This is the ‘hidden’ or alternate India, but it is also where majority Indians still live.

Today being Sunday was their weekly market day where vegetables grown in the area are sold in whole sale rates to merchants coming from Nagpur and other taluka places around. Kalmeshwar is known as a main centre for vegetables like Cauliflower ( phoolgobi), tomatoes and green vegetables like fenugreek (methi) and spinach (palak).

The whole sale market is from 6.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. We are 10 minutes late going into Kalmeshwar and locating the market, so we reach at 8.40 a.m. We anticipate that the market time being over the mandi would be ‘khali’ and traders and farmers gone.

But we see stacks of vegetables lying around still and people milling around looking lost and helpless.

Have you ever seen how male worker bees get disturbed and fly around a honey comb when someone burns a fire under it or tries to destroy it by some other means? They are disturbed, disoriented… and angry. Very angry.

That was exactly the mood of the people we met and saw. The first ‘stall’ was that of Vinod Dhote, a whole sale Methi merchant. While he is talking to us he is taking bunches of the unsold methi, dipping it leaves down and roots up in a bucket of water and then arranging them vertically. He is doing it mechanically and fast.

“I have more unsold vegetables today than what I managed to sell today. My sale is down 50%; I am lucky tell me other vegetable merchants, their sales are down to 30 even 25%. The season had opened with very good rates – we got Rs. 40/ per Kg. to begin with. Then it came down to Rs. 30/  – today I didn’t even get Rs. 10 to 15/. And still I have all these unsold stocks.”

What will you do with it now, we ask. Since he has put so much water, it will look fresh for a while, but perish faster.

“I will take it to the daily market in Kalmeshwar… whatever I can sell, I will, rest I will throw. It will anyway rot by the end of the day”

Why have the rates come down so drastically and yet sales reduced?

The answer is simple – the entire cycle has been disturbed and almost destroyed. That too at  time that was peak market period for vegetables in India. As any housewife will tell you, we get the freshest and best vegetables in the winter months of November and December. Rates are neither very cheap nor stiff and they keep coming down by January.

Vegetables like cauliflower, brinjals, tomatoes and green vegetables mature and get ready for plucking and sending to the market. Labour is employed to ‘harvest’ them; transporters employed to take them to the nearest taluka market or Kalamna for those who can afford to come to Nagpur; sold to whole sellers or Adatiyas, he sells to retail vegetable traders who sell to us, the consuming customers. All the dealings are in cash. There is no credit, no ‘udhari’ and no check transactions either. Money changes hands. And there is no money now.

In many places of Vidarbha which are adjoining M.P. labour comes from Balaghat, Chindwara side. They have no valid id for Maharashtra and often no Adhar card as well. They have to be paid in Rs. 100/ or other such denominations which are acceptable.

Then the farmer takes the produce to whole sellers. He also cannot accept 500 or 1000 Rs notes. How many farmers can the whole seller pay in Rs. 100 notes? Naturally the rates come down so he can buy more and farmers do not want to take the produce back so they sell in whatever price they can get. But the final price is so dismal and so non-profitable that he will calculate whether he can afford to pay the labour cost  for  even the ‘tod’ (harvesting ) from his ‘earnings’. Forget recovering his other agri input costs till now or even labour cost paid for 3-4 months. He will be then forced to take the sad decision to let his vegetables- grown so lovingly and painstakingly- rot in the field.

“Our crops are like our children. When we allow them to rot it is like watching our children die since we cannot pay for medicines and cannot keep them alive…” says a farmer with a heavy heart.

The whole seller, though he has got vegetables much cheaper than last week, cannot unload them to buyers from Nagpur and other places because he also will not and cannot accept 500 and 1000 Rupee notes from his buyers.

Further, the retailer from the city says even if he spends his ‘costly chillar’ and buys vegetables who does he sell them to in the city? Where is money with the general public either? And where is the time? They are busy standing in queues either getting their money changed or withdrawing cash or depositing defunct money that cannot be changed. Because it is beyond the limit they can exchange.

So vegetable rates have crashed dramatically. Vegetables that were selling at good prices are all rock bottom.

Methi might have sold at Rs. 10/ per Kg but other vegetables are as follows:

Cauliflower –   Rs. 3/ per Kg
Palak –   Rs. 2 per Kg
Hara Baingan- not even Re 1/

Choulai, another popular green vegetable that was selling at Rs. 15/ per Kg till last week is not at Rs. 3/ even.

‘Adatiya’ Pawar, who is like the king pin of the market, says it is like watching the market place lose vitality and die before my eyes.

“I don’t even know if we will open next Sunday? There might be no sellers left and no vegetables that they can afford to harvest and transport to the market place. The immigrant labour are facing their own problems and going back home…”

He, and others present remember the big promises Fadnavis, Gadkari and other BJP leaders had made before elections. Minimum Support price for Cotton and Soyabean will go up; you will recover cost of inputs plus healthy profit. What are these prices now? Less than what were prevalent before elections they say.

“Still vegetables were one agri produce that gave us hope. That brought us some money. They have destroyed that also!

Why did they have to do this now? Could they have not waited till  June- July when agricultural season is dull and no marriages are happening either.

Another farmer points out that since they are not even ready with the new Rs. 500/ notes and are asking us to wait for another 15 – 20 days, why could they NOT HAVE WAITED FOR THESE  NUMBER OF DAYS TO DO THIS BANNING OF THE MOST PREVALENT CURRENCY? WHY DID THEY BAN 500 NOTES EVEN – THEY SHOULD HAVE JUST BANNED 1000! OUR DIFFICULTIES WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH LESS AND BLACK MARKETEERS WOULD HAVE STILL SUFFERED SINCE THEY MUST BE HOARDING IN LARGEST DENOMINATIONS!

One of the customers listening to this opines and asks – ” are the rich and powerful really suffering at all?”

Villagers allege that prominent politicians of Nagpur/ Vidarbha have been on a spate of buying agricultural land for the past 3 months.

” XXXXXX  has bought up 300 acres, that politician sitting in Delhi has bought 700 acres. They seem to have unloaded all their black money and purchased land. It is we, who own 4 – 5 acres who are suffering.”

While politicians seem to be amassing properties and getting richer, the villager’s normal aspirations for this year are also dashed.

ALL PLANS OF FARMERS DASHED

Arvind is perceived as being one of the most well off farmers in Kalmeshwar. He is a nagar sevak, his wife was V.P. of Gram Panchayat last year. He tills about 70 acres of farm lands.

“I pay minimum 15,000 in wages every month, but my own take home is not even Rs. 2000/! No bank is willing to give me loan for finishing the construction of my house ( it is half built and Arvind is waiting for some money to finish it).

“I have tried banks in Nagpur as well where my first cousin works. He says even he cannot help me since banks view agriculture as non-sustainable business so not credit worthy.

I had decided to complete the house with the money I would earn from my cauliflowers this year. As matters stood till November I thought I would definitely make Rs. one lakh every month so would have  had Rs.2.5 lakhs at least by January end. Now my plans have been trampled upon and all my hopes dashed!”

Arvind rues the larger loss as that of his elder son, who had begun going to the farms to help him, now losing interest in agriculture completely.

“What has ‘doing kheti’ ever brought you Baba?” Asks the lad. “I would rather be a school teacher or even a worker in a factory in Kalmeshwar.

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF A FARMER TODAY?

“It breaks my heart” says a vegetable merchant, ” when farmers beg to me for some more Rs. 100 notes! This government has reduced farmers  to beggars who have to plead and beg to utilize their own money!”

WORKING OF RURAL BANKS

We then went to the nearest nationalized bank to see what was happening there. People, both men and women were standing in line waiting for the bank to open though it was past 10 a.m. As soon as it was 10.30 and the doors were opened ( a little earlier today it seems thanks to our presence!) people rushed in and were being kept in line by police and security guards whose numbers have been increased.

Though the Manager tells us he has everything under control and old or disabled people are being helped out of turn, this contention does not meet the reality check.

We see men and women, young and old, all standing in same queues. People come to just exchange currency are standing in the same line as those come to withdraw cash. It is only in our presence that bank officers ask them to form a third line.

There is a disabled man with crutches sitting  on a bench waiting for his number to come.

This is the third day he has come to the bank.

“Why did you not come and see me, I would have done your work immediately” says the Manager.

“You were not there in the office yesterday or day before when I came” replies the gullible man.

The ATM attached to the bank is closed – it has not opened since the 9th.

“ATMs are not under my control” says the Manager. “An outside agency controls them, I do not know when they will open”.

Regarding the notes he gets for disbursal about 60 to 70% are Rs. 100/ notes, rest are Rs. 2000/ He tries to give a judicious mix of both to customers understanding that no one wants the higher denomination 2000 ka notes.

“They are as bad as the banned 1000 notes” says a villager. “If you purchase something for Rs. 300/ who is going to give you Rs. 1,700 back? Where is that cash with people?”

“Sab note ka sawal hai aur usika problem hai” we are told again and again. And remember – Kalameshwar is a taluka place that is a Feeder for 114 villages around.

Non availability of cash is bringing with it untold horrors. Medicines are not available in medical stores. They refuse to take old money. As do private hospitals.

One elderly woman standing in the line outside the bank shows me the  crepe bandage on her body.

“I am suffering such pain! The Doctor won’t see me anymore and give treatment. My pain killers are over. But I have to come to get money from the bank since my son has to go for work” She breaks into tears as she says this.

(Villagers come from places like Dhapewada, Mohopa, Ghowad and Gowri for the few banks in Kalameshwar. There are very few banks between the 114 villages here.)

Though they are guarded about expressing their feelings openly, there is growing anger and ire against the P.M. Modi personally – since he declared the decision alone.

“He has no wife or children to look after, what will he understand?” says one. “Does he even stay in India long enough to understand what is going on?” Asks another.

They are all acutely aware that right after he took this drastic decision, the P.M. went to Japan.

Farm labour, farmers, agri-produce merchants – were all these people your anti-black money targets Mr. P.M.?

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur.

As promised by Prime Minister Modi in his Goa talk,  there was a high level review which included the Finance Ministry on the position of availability and distribution of all denomination of bank notes.

Chief Secretaries of the States have been requested to identify the rural pockets, if any, where availability of cash has been a problem and provide all support to the Banks and Post Offices in order to ensure the last mile distribution of small denomination of notes is done through mobile banking vans and Banking Correspondents(BCs). As per an on spot survey done by NT in Kalmeshwar, ATMs across the taluka town were closed and banks were the only source of getting cash

Here are other outcome of the review meet

#The issuance of the new Rs. 500/- notes has already commenced – but limited to Delhi, Mumbai and Bhopal at the moment.

#Banks have been advised to increase the Business Correspondents limit to Rs 2500/- for withdrawal from bank accounts. They have also been advised to increase the exchange limit over the counter from the existing Rs 4000/- to Rs 4500/.

#Banks have been advised to increase the Cash Withdrawal limit at ATMs from the existing Rs 2000/- to Rs 2500/- per day in the recalibrated ATMs.

#The weekly limit of Rs.20,000/- for withdrawal from Bank accounts has been increased to Rs.24,000/-. The limit of Rs.10,000/- per day has been removed.

#Banks have been advised to increase the issuance and use of mobile wallets and debit/credit cards as also to provide them to those customers and establishments not having access to these non-cash means of payment

#The last date for submission of the annual life certificate for the government pensioners which is to be submitted in November every year has been extended up to January 15, 2017.

# It has been reported that certain business houses like Hospitals , Caterers , Tent houses etc. are not accepting Cheques/Demand Drafts and online payment transfer from customers.  In such cases customers are advised to  make a complaint to the concerned District Magistrates/District Administration for action against such establishments.

# Government of Assam has arranged a Mobile Banking Vans with support of Banks and State Government Staff at certain Hospitals for carrying out emergency banking transactions. All Banks have now been advised to arrange mobile banking vans to the extent possible at major hospitals to carry out emergency banking transaction for patients.

# Banks have been advised to make arrangements for separate queues for Senior citizens and Divyang persons. Separate queues will also be arranged for exchange of cash to cash and transactions against Bank accounts.

#Government of Arunachal Pradesh has made special arrangements like cash deposits /withdrawal and opening of new bank accounts in the remotely located areas with the help of Banks and State Government staff. State Governments have been requested to facilitate opening of new Bank accounts as a part of financial inclusion programme.

Demonetization – Withdrawal from ATMs , increased exchange limit and other sops offered

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur.

In what could be termed as one of the biggest hauls in Vidarbha after the demonetization of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes, the sleuths of Ambazhari Police Station seized  Notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 worth Rs 1, 87,50,000/- (Rs one crore 87 lakhs and fifty thousand) seized. The seizure of notes and apprehending of accused was conducted at 9 pm on November 13, 2016.

According to police sources, the sleuths of  Detective Branch Squad of Ambazhari Police Station got a secret tip off that some people are trying to dispose off some of the demonetized notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500/- at Hill Top area.

The sleuths followed the lead and have arrested four persons from a vacant flat situated on the first floor Advocate Society, Hill Top, Ramnagar, Nagpur.  On preliminary questioning, the four persons did not give satisfactory answers on the ownership of the demonetized notes and where did they get it etc.

Suspecting something fishy, the cops searched the house and found an air-bag full of demonetized notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500/-.

Till the time of filing the report, the cops were still questioning the accused persons and their identity was not disclosed. The denominations of the notes were

Notes of Rs 1000 = Rs 1 crore 72 lakhs

Notes of Rs 500   = Rs 15 lakhs 50thousand.

The team of Ambazhari Police Station who carried out the search and seizure of demonetized notes included Assistant Police Inspector S S Suroshe, Police Sub Inspector Prashant Patankar, Head Constable Nahat Purushotam, Naik Constable Ramshish Yadav, Naik Yogesh Harne, Police Constable Suresh Telekar,  Police Constable Baljit Thakur. The operation was conducted under the supervision of In-Charge Police Inspector of Ambazhari Police Station Satish Gorade.

Ambazari police seized 1.87 crore from a flat in Hill Top

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Few unidentified youths packed in cars and jeeps went on a rampage on Sunday as they fired gunshots in air, unleashing a wave of threat near Lahoree Bar on West High Court road in Dharampeth. Sources informed that the miscreants had gathered to vent their ire against Lahoree staff with whom they had the spat..The incident occurred close to Coffee House Square at 11.45 pm.

In fact, promp action by Sitabuldi police in deploying its picket in aftermath of a brawl at the upscale Lahoree Bar and Restaurant prevented a certain blood shed. A SoS from Manager of Bar in aftermath of a heated quarrel led to deployment of three to four constables at Lahoree.

And predictably, the youths laced with swords and three Mouser pistols were advancing towards Lahoree Bar when they got confronted by the unarmed constables.

The youth panicked on noticing the cops and they fired three rounds in air and then took to their heels. The youth jumped into waiting four wheelers and fled from the spot in direction of Law College Square. However on ground, panic gripped customers who immediately stepped out of Lahoree Bar.

Investigations later by police revealed that trouble started when a group of youths misbehaved with a couple at cellar of Lahoree Bar having a dance floor.
Drunk youths became rowdy when the couple objected to their comments and indecent acts.

Meanwhile, the bouncers reached the table and evicted them from the bar. Following the action, the youths felt humiliated.

The youths along with the Shekhu gang, the notorious goon who was involved in murder of Hemant Diyewar at Shankar Nagar Square, returned to the spot in three cars — a Skoda car, a Scorpio jeep (7007) and WagonR. They came from Laxmi bhawan Square laced with swords, sophisticated pistols and stopped the cars at Coffee House Square. Around seven to eight youths stepped out and were advancing to Lahoree Bar to take on the bouncers. As they saw cops they came back to their cars and fired three shots in the air.

Later the youths embarked in their vehicles and fled the spot. As the information was given to the Police Control Room, senior police officers including DCP Crime Branch Ranjan Kumar Sharma and DCP Zone-II Rakesh Kalasagar rushed to the spot. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Nilesh Raut, too inspected the crime spot.

Meanwhile the Bar Manager suspected involvement of youths, Pappu Dakhor, Ravish and others, said the police officials.

Raging youths fire gunshots to take on Lahoree Bar bouncers!

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Mahdi Bagh Youth Club (MBYC) on Sunday put Nagpur on the global map by representing the Orange City in the Dance For Kindness 2016.

Hundreds of volunteers performed the dance at Mahdi Bagh Colony to mark the World Kindness Day.

It was a happy coincidence for Nagpur that the dress code for the event was orange.

The main event started with a one minute silence for all the victims of world terror and hatred. This was much appreciated by the worldwide audiences through live streaming on Facebook.

A Freeze Mob wherein every person froze in a position portraying kindness followed. From helping a distressed child to simply giving hugs it showed how each person in their own little way could make the World a better place.

The finale came with the ‘frozen’ young performers exploding to life and dancing their hearts out with the rest of the world.

MBYC Nagpur and Pune participated in the “Dance for Kindness” event along more than 12,000 volunteers in more than 100 cities in over 50 countries. They danced at the same time, on the same song with the same steps.

MBYC President, Moin Malak said, “Kindness is the essence of humanity. We participated in this global movement to promote kindness especially at a time when there is so much hatred across the world. Kindness cuts across all differences. We hope that through this effort, we were able to spread this wonderful message from Nagpur, the heart of India, to the rest of the world.”

DFK is a global movement to celebrate differences and recognize that kindness is the common thread that unites all. This year, thousands of dancers and volunteers danced to spread the message of world peace, love, hope and world unity as a ray of hope with their dance.

Life Vest Inside, an NGO based in New York, in honour of World Kindness Week, globally organizes the initiative and Mahdi Bagh Youth Club (MBYC), an initiative of the Youth of Mahdi Bagh, that carries out philanthropic, sports and cultural activities through its various branches across the world, was honoured to have this wonderful opportunity to conduct the event in Nagpur.

The DFK Nagpur movement was covered live on Facebook.

MBYC puts Nagpur on Global Map of Kindness

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

File Pic

Nagpur: Seven persons have been booked for printing books in the name of Delhi based companies under the jurisdiction of Sitabuldi Police Station. The seven accused include a woman too. It is alleged that these seven accused were illegally printing books in the name of Delhi based publishing houses and selling them in Nagpur after affixing fake holograms.

According to police sources, Sanjeev Kumar Raghav a resident of Swarnajayanti Puram (Ghaziabad) lodged a complaint in Sitabuldi Police Station on November 13, 2016 some unscrupulous accused are selling books printed locally in the name of big Publishing Houses based in Delhi in the second-hand-book stalls near Morris College T-Point and in the foot-path on Temple Bazaar Road near Bombay Medical Stores.

On the basis of the complaint lodged by Sanjeev Kumar Raghav, the cops of Sitabuldi Police Station raided a few road-side vendors and registered cases against seven accused including:

• Nikesh Fulzhale aged 38 years and a resident of Balabhaupeth, Panchpaoli
• Indubai Bindurkar Patil aged 65 years and a resident of Mominpura, Bhankheda
• Murli Balramji Bhoyar aged 45 years and a resident of Vinoba Bhave Nagar, Yashodhara Nagar
• Subhash Dayal Patil aged 38 years and a resident of Bhim Nagar, Ajni
• Harish Paikuji Wahane aged 44 years and a resident of Balabhau Peth, Panchpaoli
• Sumit Anand Thool aged 26 years and a resident of Dr Ambedkar Nagar, Kunjilal Peth, Rameshwari Road and
• Akshay Wahane aged 38 years and a resident of Balabhau Peth, Panchpaoli.

The cops of Sitabuldi Police Station booked these accused under Sections 420, 465, 467,468, 471, 472, 474 and Under Sub-Section 63 of Copyright Act. The cops of Sitabuldi Police Station have also arrested Nikesh, Murli, Subhash, Harish, Sumit and Akshay. However, accused Indubai Bindurkar Patil escaped and is said to be absconding. The cops are on her trail.

Based on investigations, it was revealed that these accused have printed books in the name of Laxmi Publications, New Delhi, S Chand and Company Private Limited, New Delhi, Khanna Publication, New Delhi, Dhanpatrao Publications, New Delhi, Made Easy Publication, New Delhi. These accused had illegally made copies of books printed by these famous Publishing Houses. To make the book look original and genuine, these accused had also affixed holograms of these companies.

Illegal trade of books unearthed: Copyright violation alleged

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: With the demonetizaton of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, poll equations never remained the same, be it assembly polls or local body elections. Nagpur Municipal Corporation would soon see polls happening to elect it new members and the time is ripe for the parties to accelerate their poll campaign.

The ruling BJP in NMC has now focused its attention to drive the voters in its favor and the latest tool to do so turned out to be the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to put off existing Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes. In its renewed poll campaign BJP has reportedly put message across the hoardings in Nagpur. The message written on these hoardings usually catch one’s eyes. Interestingly this tactics has become the hot talking point among the people standing in long queues outside banks, awaiting their turn for the change.

However the big question is will it really change the perspective of voters towards BJP? That remains to be seen once the results of NMC polls will be out.

Cashing in on demonetisation : Will BJP’s move benefit it in NMC polls!

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Some unidentified accused fired in the air over an alleged issue of a girl right in front of Lahoree Deluxe in Dharampeth area on Sunday the November 13, 2016.

According to police sources, some unidentified persons had opened fire in air near Lahoree Bar on West High Court Road on Sunday night the November 13, 2016. The youths had allegedly returned to the bar to take revenge against the Lahoree Bar staff, which triggered sensation in the city. The firing incident occurred close to Coffee House Square at around 11.45pm and the accused youths are learnt to have come on jeeps and cars.

Swift action of Sitabuldi police in deploying some constable in front of the bar cum Restaurant prevented certain bloodshed. The Manager of Lahoree Deluxe had made a call to Sitabuldi Police Station after a heated quarrel which occurred in the bar.

The youths who were said to be armed with swords and Mouser pistols advanced towards Lahoree Bar. However, they were dissuaded when they were confronted by the Police Constables from Sitabuldi Police Station.

on noticing the cops, the youth panicked and had allegedly fired three rounds in air and fled the scene.

Investigations into the firing incident by police brought to fore the chain of events. Trouble started when a group of youths misbehaved with a couple at the cellar of Lahoree Bar having a dance floor. Drunk youths became rowdy and when the couple objected to their comments and indecent acts they picked a fight with the couple.

The bouncers of Lahoree Deluxe had allegedly evicted the rowdy youth who were creating a scene. The youths felt humiliated for being evicted from the bar. In order to avenge their insult, the youths along with the Shekhu gang, the notorious goon who was involved in murder of Hemant Diyewar at Shankar Nagar Square, returned to the spot in three cars — a Skoda car, a Scorpio jeep (7007) and Wagon-R. They came from Laxmibhawan Square laced with swords, mauser pistols. The youth had allegedly stopped the cars at Coffee House Square.

On-lookers claimed that seven to eight youth stepped out and advanced to Lahoree Bar to avenge their insult and attack the bouncers. However, the youth panicked when they saw cops standing in front of the bar. The youth had allegedly returned to their vehicles and fired three shots in the air and fled the spot.

As the information was given to the Police Control Room, senior police officers including DCP Crime Branch Ranjan Kumar Sharma and DCP (Zone-II) Rakesh Kalasagar rushed to the spot. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Nilesh Raut, too inspected the crime spot.

The Bar Manager suspects involvement of youths, Pappu Dakhor, Ravish and others, said the police officials. The Senior Police Officials have activated police machinery and a thorough investigation into the firing incident.

No arrests made yet in the firing incident near Lahoree Deluxe bar and restaurant

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur:  The common man is the real sufferer since he has to face harrowing experiences after the demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.

Nagpur Today conducted a reality check and found that the citizens are facing problems in procuring goods and daily needs for day-to-day requirements. The citizens are finding it difficult in getting change or notes of smaller denominations to procure goods like vegetables, milk, bread, toiletries and other daily needs.

Citizens faced disappointment when they visited ATM counters since they found most of the ATMs bereft of cash for dispensing. Today, most of the banks are closed on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. When people tried their luck at ATM counters, there too they had to face disappointment.

While the Central Government is taking positive steps to uncover black-money and to stop Counterfeit currency, the common man is still facing problems in meeting with day-to-day expenses.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करे

Video: Govt’s promise on ATMs fail, remain closed or cashless in Nagpur

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: A kirtan programme was organised to mark Guru Purab celebrations by Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Kamptee Road, at Kasturchand Park in the city on Monday.

“Guru Purab is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the first Guru of Sikhs, Guru Nanak Sahib,” said Tejinder Singh Renu, a devout Sikh and noted businessman from the city. The day bears a special significance for the Sikh community. However, this Guru Purab is being seen as a rare event, as the moon tonight is the biggest. Sikh community from the city is considering it as a good omen.

President of the Kamptee Gurudwara Committee Joga Singh Virdi, secretary is Prakash Singh Jabbal and some other prominent Sikh personalities from the city were present on this occasion.

Kirtan programme organised to mark Guru Purab

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Even as the government boast of its achievements and lauds it efforts to put Nagpur on global map of development, NCP Member of Legislative Council from NCP Prakash Gajbhiye feels otherwise. Right from the mass exodus of young talent from the city to dubbing ambitious Nagpur Metro Rail project as ‘non-productive’, Gajbhiye spoke at length on various issues while taking the government’s policies head on.

Talking to Nagpur Today, Gajbhiye said the students from Nagpur are fast migrating to other cities and states due to lack of job opportunities in their hometown. If situation doesn’t improve in time, Nagpur would soon become the city of pensioners where the retired people come to settle down.

Metro Rail – a mode of entertainment?

Taking jibe at the ongoing Nagpur Metro Rail Project, Gajbhiye casted aspersions on its usefulness. He opined such a project was not actually required and would eventually turn into mode of entertainment as it is meant only for middle class and upper class people. He feels that poor will not use Metro. “Instead more funds should have been utilized for uplifting slums in the city. He alleged that the masive metro works are leading to accidents which is spelling more trouble in the future.

He opined that a large chunk of city population lives in slums but no permanent resolution has been done in this regard. The slum areas are reeling under scarcity of basic amenities like potable water, electricity and toilets. He said the funds being spent on Metro Rail must have been put to good use for development of slums in order to bring them in the mainstream. At present there are about 10 lakh people in city limits residing in slum areas. These lot of people should be given financial independence so that they can conveniently make their ends meet.

No development, only taxes

Gajbhiye reiterated that no significant development was done in the city since last 10 years. On the contrary new taxes were introduced while multifold hike was done in conventional taxes.

Power tariff on the rise

Lamenting on the irony of Vidarbha in terms of electricity crisis, Gajbhiye said 70% of the electricity produced in Vidarbha is transferred to other states. Despite this, the cost of electricity is much higher in Maharashtra.

Ramai Gharkul Yojana – a distant dream

Gajbhiye said Ramai Gharkul Yojana was started to benefit the poor but the rules are so rigid that it remained far from benefiting the actual needy. Both Congress and BJP have failed to devise effective policies to benefit the poor.

Unauthorized Layouts

Gajbhiye said those residing in unauthorized layouts are made to pay development cess in NIT while the funds deposited are being diverted for the development of Metro Region.

On NCP’s coalition with Congress

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Commenting on the possible tie up between Congress and NCP, he said the coalition is possible depending on the local circumstances.

Nagpur Metro Rail project will merely reduce into mode of entertainment, says Prakash Gajbhiye

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Mumbai/Nagpur: To alleviate the hardship caused to the public on account of the demonetisation exercise, banks will waive levy of ATM charges for all transactions by savings bank customers done at their own banks’ ATMs as well as at other banks’ ATMs, irrespective of the number of transactions during the month, according to the Reserve Bank of India.

This waiver is applicable on transactions (inclusive of both financial and non-financial transactions) done at ATMs from November 10, 2016 till December 30, 2016, subject to review.

This move comes in the backdrop of desperate public queuing up at ATMs, irrespective whether they belong to the bank in which they hold the account or of some other bank, that are open to draw cash for their daily needs after the Government announced scrapping of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes from November 9.

Bankers say less than half of the 2,18,542 ATMs (as on September-end 2016) are currently operational. Many of these machines are undergoing recalibration to dispense the new Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 notes, beside the Rs. 100 notes.

After the demonetisation of the specified bank notes, bank branches and ATMs have seen huge crowds wanting to either exchange the old notes/ withdraw/ deposit cash.

Banks have to offer their savings bank account holders a minimum of five free transactions (including both financial and non-financial) in a month, irrespective of the location of ATMs.

In case of ATMs located in six metro locations — Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, banks have to offer their savings bank account holders a minimum of three free transactions (including both financial and non-financial transactions) in a month.

At other (non-metro) locations, banks have to offer the savings bank account holders a minimum of five free transactions (including both financial and non-financial transactions) in a month at other bank ATMs.

Customers can be charged for transactions at ATMs over and above the mandated number of free transactions. In case a bank decides to levy charges, the customer can be charged a maximum of Rs. 20 per transaction (plus service tax, if any) by his/her bank.

For example, SBI charges Rs. 17 and Rs. 6 for financial transactions and non-financial transactions, respectively for transactions at ATMs over and above the mandated number of free transactions.

NPCI waives switching fee
Meanwhile, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) said it has waived the switching fee for all RuPay Issuing and Acquiring member banks for Point of Sales (PoS) and e-Commerce transactions with effect from November 11, 2016 till December 31, 2016.

The charges before the waive off stood at Rs. 0.60 to card issuing bank (Issuer) and Rs.0.30 to card accepting bank (Acquirer) for PoS / e-commerce transactions.

A. P. Hota, MD & CEO, NPCI said, “… The objective is to support banks in the activation of existing RuPay cards, issuance of new cards to non-card customers and to widen the acceptance points. The government’s move on demonetisation of high denomination currency notes is the trigger point for pressing the fast forward button for digital payments.”

RBI waives all ATM charges till December 30

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Alert for all those commuting to and fro Ajni Square to Somalwada Square! Get ready for the traffic chaos and get set to take the diverted route as the work for the demolition of Chhatrapati Nagar flyover began early morning on Tuesday, November 15, the date which was announced well in advance. The demolition is being done to pave way for the twin flyovers – one catering to metro rail track while the other will accommodate road traffic. The 3-km long flyover will be from Radisson Square to Ajni Square.

Meanwhile, anxious lot rushed towards the structure to catch a glimpse of this mammoth work. Heavy machineries which were moved in to execute the work have been pushed into service at the crack of the dawn.

The demolition work is expected to take around 15 days post which 18 months will be taken to build new double decker flyover.

The traffic coming from Somalwada Square will be diverted towards Khamla while the commuters approaching from Lokmat Square will be turned through Hindustan Colony and then from behind Radisson.

Here goes the hammer… Demolition of Chhatrapati Nagar flyover begins