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TheHitavada

CityLine SATURDAY, March 28, 2020

■
EXCLUSIVE
FOR THE
READERS IN
NAGPUR

FIRST
COLUMN
Nagpur fights
C O R O N AV I R U S
◆ No of suspects in the
day -- 50
◆ Total no of suspects so
far -- 534
◆ Persons admitted -- 23
(11 in GMCH, and 12
in IGGMCH)
◆ Total number of persons
admitted so far -- 324
◆ Samples tested on date
-- 49
◆ Total number of sam-
ples tested so far -- 324
◆ COVID-19 positive cas-
es at present -- 09
◆ Total number of persons
home-quarantined
-- 901
◆ No of persons home-
quarantined for 14
days -- 49
◆ No of passengers
screened at airport on
date -- Nil
◆ Total no of passengers
screened at airport so
far -- 1,123
◆ Passengers quarantined
on date -- 1
(Chinese citizen)
◆ Passengers sent to
IGGMCH for admission
-- Nil
◆ Passengers sent to
GMCH for admission
-- Nil
◆ Persons sent home from
isolation on date -- 17
◆ Persons in isolation ward
-- 122
(Data as on March 27)
Auction of
properties
seized by NMC
cancelled
■ Staff Reporter
NAGPUR Municipal
Corporation (NMC)
Dharampeth Zone has can-
celled the proposed auction
of properties seized for
defaulting on payment of
property tax. The Zone No 2
had impounded properties
in Ward no. 68 and 73 cov-
ering areas of Mouza
Kachimet and Mouza
Hazaripahad and notified
March 28, 2020, for public
auction for citizens.
However due to outbreak of
coronavrius pandemic the
auction stands postponed,
informs a release of NMC.
The civic body lagging in
recovery of property tax
resorted to seizure of prop-
erties of defaulters so that
people would pay the
arrears. Even when that
(Contd on page 2)
Central India’s
Oldest &
Largest Circulated
English Daily
Four more test positive for COVID-19
Social distancing norm went for a toss once again in the city on Friday, when residents from the nearby areas and slums formed a dense
long queue to avail of foodgrains being distributed as a good gesture. Finally, cops had to intervene and MLC Prakash Gajbhiye had to
order stopping the distribution of foodgrains. The incident showed how a well-intentioned move without proper precaution could result in a
potential health risk.
■ Out of 18 samples
examined on Friday 17
test negative and one
is awaited
■ Principal Correspondent
FOUR relatives of the person,
residing in Khamla who had test-
ed positive on Thursday, have
also tested positive for coron-
avirus infection. This has taken
the total number of positive cas-
es in the city to nine. Thankfully,
with earlier four cases testing neg-
Child-friendly IIMA, UNICEF
revive hopes of Nagpur Childline
■ By Ajay Mardikar
WITH the initiative of Indian
Institute of Management
Ahmedabad (IIMA) and
UNICEF, the city will be
equipped with tools and tech-
niques to create it as Child-
Friendly City.
The information posted by
UNICEF and IIMA, the discus-
sion about making Nagpur a
Child-Friendly City, long back
is likely to be revived. The dis-
cussion was held a few years
back following commendable
performance of Childline 1098.
With the dedicated workers
with the helpline for the child
in difficult situation Childline
is still considered to be one of
the best helplines in the city.
The Childline unit at Nagpur
Railway Station is considered
to be one of the best units and
has been helping children, who
left their homes for various rea-
sons or have been misguided
by anti-social elements.
The Knowledge Management
ative, the number of positive cas-
es as of now in the Nagpur city is
back to five.
For ten
days till
Thursday
there was
not a single
positive
case in the
city allow-
ing people
to hope of a
decline in infection. But the case
of the person from Khamla who
neither has a history of travelling
Dr John Archana
Menachery Pali-Basu
and Innovation for Change
(KMIC), a repository of infor-
mation on governance focuses
on developing Child-Friendly
City, goes live with a dedicated
website by IIMA. The
Ahmedabad Municipal
Corporation will be able to use
the website for implementa-
tion of the project.
KMIC has developed a hand-
book and training booklet for
counsellors, mapped out loca-
tions and quality of amenities
for each ward, social protec-
tion schemes for children liv-
ing in Ahmedabad city and also
documented expenditure pat-
tern for counsellors’ discre-
tionary budgets.
abroad, nor has he got in touch
with anybody who has travelled
abroad, hints at it being a likely
case of
community
spread,
according
to officials
and this
may lead to
some more
positive cas-
es in
Nagpur.
After the Khamla resident who
travelled to Delhi tested positive,
Social Policy expert from
UNICEF, Rakesh Jain has stat-
ed that the initiative aims at
generating knowledge that can
act as an input to the policy
processes and be instrumental
in advancing the rights and
well-being of children.
The Childline Nodal Agency
at Matru Sewa Sangh (MSS)
Institute of Social Work, Nagpur,
has association of several social
organisations. The institute also
had a project of working with
children from slums and
having indulged in anti-social
activities. The results were
encouraging. It was noticed
that for want of proper educa-
tion and agencies for engaging
these children in positive
approach to the life, the chil-
dren fell prey to anti-social ele-
ments in their localities.
However, intervention of
counsellors from the institute
helped them in developing pos-
itive thinking, improved their
attendance in schools. Many of
(Contd on page 2)
(Pic by Anil Futane)
authorities swung into action.
His close relatives were brought
to hospital. Their throat swab
samples were examined. The
sample of his mother, wife, son
and brother had come positive.
The sample of daughter, howev-
er, tested negative.
This Khamla resident runs a
shoe shop in Khamla. His ser-
vant residing in Jaripatka volun-
tarily approached Indira Gandhi
Government Medical College and
Hospital (IGGMCH) to get him-
self tested. He was admitted and
(Contd on page 2)
Goods transporters get relief as Rlys
waives 100 pc Demurrage charges
■ Staff Reporter
IN A big relief to goods trans-
porters in country, Railway Board
has invoked clause of Force
Majeure for granting 100 per cent
relief in Demurrage and Wharfage
charges till lockdown period.
Extending the relaxation till April
14, a letter issued by Shilpi
Bishnoi, Director, Traffic
Commercial (Rates), Railway
Rly relaxes BA test for goods
train crew in light of COVID-19
■ By Sagar Mohod
RAILWAY Board empowered the
Zones to suspended breath
analyser (BA) test in a bid to
assuage feelings of Running Staff
who were in heightened tension
since outbreak of COVID-19. As
such, Divisional Railway Manager
(DRM), Central Railway, Nagpur
Division, Somesh Kumar averred
with contention of National
Railway Mazdoor Union (NRMU)
3 held for spreading rumours
■ Staff Reporter
THREE persons were arrested
by a joint team of Sadar police
and Cyber Cell for creating fake
audio clip stating 59 positive
cases of coronavirus existing in
the city. One of the accused had
created the clip only to panic
his wife and sisters-in-law so that
they would not travel out from
their homes, said police.
The accused have been iden-
tified as Jai alias Monu
Omprakash Gupta (37), a res-
ident of IF 3, Amar Vihar Society,
NMC launches COVID-19
app for medical advice, help
■ Staff Reporter
NAGPUR Municipal
Corporation (NMC) has
unveiled COVID-19 app for the
Nagpurians so that if needed
medical advice and help can
be provided in time of need.
The app is brainchild of
Municipal Commissioner
Tukaram Mundhe and it went
live from Friday onwards and
it was widely shared on social
media platform. The app is
developed with help of HLL
Life Care Governmnent of
Board, said from earlier 50
per cent concession now no
charges will be levied. The circu-
lar by Commercial Directorate
notes that since country is
passing through extraordinary
event, the outbreak of coron-
avirus is considered as a case of
natural calamity.
As per rules in case of natural
calamity, Force Majeure can be
invoked and the period for same
and directed officers to cease
breath analyser tests till condition
on coronavirus front improves.
Prior to that Railway Board took
cognisance of letters from Zones
E XCLUSIVE
seeking clarification as Running
Staff was continuously pressing
for waiver of BA test and mark-
ing attendance on bio-metric
machines. Since waiving off BA
Kamptee Road, Kapil Nagar;
Amit Shivpal Pardhi (38), a res-
ident of 44 (c), Misal Layout,
Jaripatka and Divyanshu
Ramvilas Mishra (33), a resident
of Plot No 87, First Floor, Suyog
Nagr, Ajni.
The audio clip went viral on
almost all groups of WhatsApp
in city which created panic
among the citizens and spread
distrust about the administra-
tion, said Joint Commissioner
of Police (Joint CP) Ravindra
Kadam.
(Contd on page 2)
India.
As per NMC communication,
citizens who have symptoms
of fever, dry cough and diffi-
culty in breathing should click
on the shared link and feed the
information in the app.
Mundhe said that citizens
should answer the questions
framed in the app and then
click on submit button. After
submission of health details
same would be analysed by
Doctors of NMC and they
would get back to citizens and
(Contd on page 2)
is now also extended till mid-
April as till then entire country is
supposed to remain under lock-
down as per directives of Central
Government. The circular also
refers to directions from Ministry
of Finance dated March 19, 2020,
inter alia citing “A Force Majeure
(FM) means extraordinary events
or circumstances beyond human
control such as an event
(Contd on page 2)
test involves policy decision,
Zones expected Board to issue
pan-India guidelines. However
now typical of Board’s function-
ing it lobbed the ball back to
Zones and asked them to take
decisions at their level while lay-
ing down comprehensive guide-
lines on how to go about it.
DRM was already been in touch
with Central Railway bosses as he
was not empowered to decide on
(Contd on page 2)

VNIT team develops novel device to ease glaucoma screening

■ Principal Correspondent screening in medical camps. onds to detect the level of IOP. This makes Dhakate, who provided critical inputs
FOR SUBSCRIPTION Considering all these aspects a novel it very easy for trained health workers for the project. Dr Dhakate said “About
Contact Your Hawker Or Call ABOUT 120 lakh Indians are affected by device developed by a team of to screen a large number of people. 50 patients were screened with the new
9028379622 Glaucoma, with 10% of them perma- researchers from Visvesvaraya National The technology is based on the work device as well as a standard tonometer
(6Am to 10Am) nently losing their vision. It is caused by Institute of Technology (VNIT) Nagpur of Dr Mahesh Mawale, who worked available in the hospital. Both devices
high Intra-ocular Pressure promises to on it as part of his PhD thesis at could identify four patients who were
0712-6636231 (IOP), which progressively BETiC laboratory of VNIT found to have the glaucoma condition.
(10.30 Am to 5.30 Pm.)
damages the optic nerve within a Nagpur. “We have used They found the new device more com-
few years. This can be prevent- a novel approach com- fortable.”
ed by suitable care and treat- bining two different Dr Mahesh was felicitated by the State
WEATHER ment, if the condition is diag- principles – appla- Health Minister for this invention and
nosed early enough. nation and received the Dr Albert Schweitzer
TEMPERATURE MAX. MIN. Current instrument to meas- indentation, for International Health Award for con-
ure IOP use a probe or air-puff detecting the lev- tributing to rural health. The project also
Celsius 37.0 20.8 that touches the cornea. Hence els of intraocular received the BIRAC Biotechnology
Dep from normal -1.2 -0.7 anaesthetic drops are need- pressure. The goal Ignition Grant of Rs 50 lakh to com-
Fahrenheit 89.8 66.0 ed, and patients have to is to screen many mercialise the technology. A start-up
keep their eyes open patients especially company called OKO ICARE Solutions
Relative humidity 75% 39% during the process, g r e a t l y from rural areas has been incubated by BETiC-VNIT
Sunset on Saturday 1827 hrs which is uncomfort- reduce the skill where glaucoma aware- researchers Neha Lande, Ashwini and
Sunrise on Sunday 0612 hrs able. Further, these level, time and cost involved ness is poor. Such patients Nitesh. Their portable non-invasive and
instruments are expen- in glaucoma screening. Unlike can be referred to ophthal- Kuthe, who guided Mahesh. easy-to-use digital device promises to
Air Quality Index 70 (1800 hrs) sive, require a high level of expertise and conventional instrument, the device is mologists for confirmation and treat- Clinical feedback was obtained from reduce the cost of glaucoma screening
take up to half an hour per patient. This portable and non-invasive. It is placed ment, thereby avoiding progressive loss ophthalmologists at Government to a fraction of the current costs, and
makes them unsuitable for large scale on the eye-lids and takes only a few sec- of vision,” shared Prof Abhaykumar Hospital of Bhandara Dr Ravishankar make it widely accessible.
2 CityLine TheHitavada
NAGPUR n Saturday n March 28 n 2020

FROM THE FRONT PAGE MLSA prescribes procedure for release

Four more test positive
for COVID-19
his sample is being examined.
At the VRDL laboratory in
IGGMCH, on Friday reports of
18 samples were awaited out of
which 17 came negative but
technicians in the laboratory
are doing thorough testing of
the one residing Jaripatka and
working in the shop of the
Khamla shop-owner.
Meanwhile, administration
continued the search for his
close contacts and about 80
close contacts have been iden-
tified. Now, the authority are
looking for each and every per-
son that had come in contact
with the person.
Around 3 to 5 km area around
his home in Khamla has been
NMC launches COVID-19 app
for medical advice, help
advise further course of action.
The COVID-19 link can be down-
loaded https:// drive.google/
com/file/d/1abB97jEnkrzvlzcO
Yeebr_wcQ8tT_sJ/view?usp=dri-
vesdk. Mundhe also said that
the link would also be uploaded
on Google playstore within 72
hours so that citizens can
download the same in easy
way. He also warned that only
those citizens who have symp-
toms of fever, dry cough and
breathing problems should use
the App so that same is not
clogged and civic doctors are
not unnecessarily engaged in
non serious work.
The country today is facing
Child-friendly IIMA, UNICEF...
these children acted as
informed to the counsellors
brought under containment.
Since the area is dense, the
staff of Health Department
of NMC is visiting every
home in that area and enquir-
ing about the symptoms like
fever, cold and cough. If any-
body finds the symptoms, he
or she would be taken to
Government hospital. Such per-
sons would be admitted and
their throat swab samples, too,
would be examined.
Till now administration has
done survey of 70,000 houses
in Khamla alone in two days.
The administration has to check
every such person in the area
who has come in contact with
high-risk people.
calamity not seen in past cen-
tury and under stewardship of
Municipal Commissioner
Tukaram Mundhe, NMC is rac-
ing ahead of times and rolling
out one welfare measure after
another. It was first to order
door to door survey after four
patients tested positive for
COVID-19 ensuring that citi-
zens are assured that civic body
is pro-active.
Thereafter it tied-up with
chemist and grocery shops
owner associations to ensure
that their establishments
remains open 24 hours to facil-
itate hassle-free situation for
citizens under lockdown.
ipal corporation.
The initiative by IIM-A is con-
of 11,000 undertrial prisoners, convicts
■ Undertrial prisoners and even
convicts facing upto seven
years imprisonment to get
benefit of the decision to
release them on interim bail
■ No relief to economic
offenders, and those booked
under MPDA, MPIDA,
MCOCA, UAPA, NDPS Act
■ Staff Reporter
ANIL Deshmukh, Home Minister of
Maharashtra, on Friday announced release
of 11,000 undertrial prisoners and con-
victs lodged in prisons across Maharashtra.
He announced the decision following
receipt of a special committee report con-
stituted in the backdrop of Supreme Court
order for decongesting of prisons during
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Maharashtra Legal Services Authority
(MLSA) has prescribed elaborate proce-
dure for release of these prisoners.
The special committee headed by sen-
ior High Court judge Justice Amjad Syed
has recommended to grant interim bail
to undertrial prisoners booked or charged
for offences for which maximum punish-
ment is 7 years or less. The interim bail is
COVID-19: General transfers
of State police to get delayed
■ By Dheeraj Fartode
AMID round the clock bandobast
duties for implementation of
lockdown, Maharashtra police
have extended the date of sub-
mission of forms for General
Transfers (GT) by a week. The GT
may get delayed this year as police
to be granted for a period of 45 days upon
furnishing personal bond of such amount
as may be determined. The initial period
of 45 days shall stand extended periodi-
cally in block of 30 days each, till such time
the notification under The Epidemic Act
is not revoked.
There are around 60,000 prisoners in 60
prisons of Maharashtra. This is a poten-
tial flashpoint for rapid spread of COVID-
19 as prisoners are living in a congested
space, Anil Deshmukh, Home Minister,
stated while announcing the decision.
Therefore, while accepting the special
committee report, the State Government
has decided to release undertrial prison-
ers and has also decided to release the con-
victs facing imprisonment upto seven
years.
However, the benefit of this scheme will
not be extended to persons booked for seri-
ous economic crimes or special statutes.
As a result, those arrested and awaiting
trial under Special Acts (other than Indian
Penal Code) like Maharashtra Control of
Organised Crimes Act (MCOCA),
Prevention of Money Laundering Act
(PMLA), Maharashtra Protection of Interest
of Depositors (in Financial Establishments)
Act or MPIDA, Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act,
Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)
etc will not be released since these Acts
provide for additional restriction on grant
of bail in addition to those under Criminal
Procedure Code. Besides, this generous
scheme will not be applicable to foreign
nationals and undertrial prisoners hav-
ing their place of residence out of
Maharashtra.
The undertrial prisoners are expected
to report to the police station concerned
within whose jurisdiction they are resid-
ing, once every 30 days. Shivkumar Dige,
Member Secretary of Maharashtra State
Legal Services Authority (MLSA); conveyed
the decision on Friday to all Principal
District Court Judges and all district-lev-
el authorities to circulate its directions
further to all magistrates in every district
and to identify all such prisoners eligible
for these directives and can be released
on bail.
The Supreme Court, on March 23, had
asked the States to consider releasing
undertrial prisoners during pandemic to
decongest the already overcrowded jails
to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19
among inmates. The Apex Court has asked
all States to constitute a High Power
Committee to determine which class of
prisoners can be released on parole or on
interim bail for such period as may be
thought appropriate. Accordingly, the pan-
COVID-19: Destitutes should
be shifted in Niwara Kendra
■ Principal Correspondent
FOR the last 10 days there was no in Niwara centres created by
new corona positive in Nagpur NMC. These centres are situated
but on Thursday one more pos- in five zones.The capacity of each
itive detected and four more centre is 200 beds. If these peo-
added to the list on Friday. With ple are kept at these centres it
this development the
administration convened
marathon meetings and
authorities have come up
File photo
el headed by Justice Syed considered the
issue and recommended interim bail to
those facing imprisonment upto 7 years
while denying this benefit to those impli-
cated in serious scams, frauds and violent
activities. While accepting the report, the
State also extended benefit to convicts
facing upto seven years imprisonment
and currently undergoing sentence in var-
ious prisons.
The MLSA asked the District Judiciary
to identify eligible undertrial prisoners
and sought a compliance report from all
district courts. The MLSA has also pre-
scribed an elaborate procedure for release
of roughly 11,000 undertrial prisoners and
convicts. The procedure for the release is
that District Legal Services Authority will
file applications on behalf of those iden-
tified for the release on bail. The applica-
tion to be filed before a magistrate deput-
ed for the task by the Principal District
Judge as per direction of High Court and
duty Magistrate shall satisfy himself or
herself as to whether criteria laid down by
High Power Committee have been com-
plied with or not. Thereafter, a brief inter-
im bail order shall be issued with stipula-
tion that deserving prisoner be released
on interim bail on submission of his or
her personal bond to the satisfaction of
concerned Jail Superintendent.
squares in city. People who can
be called as destitutes should stay
would help the admin-
istration to maintain the
distancing and avoid
community spread.

about illegal activities in their
own localities.
The initiative in Ahmedabad
has opened doors for several
social organisations, academi-
cians and administrative func-
tionaries to work for making
the city child-friendly. Various
municipal corporations in
Gujarat have also taken steps
to provide adequate social infra-
structure.
Dr John Menachery, who was
Director of Nagpur Childline,
stated that Nagpur Childline
was inaugurated by the then
Commissioner of Police S N
Pathania and Mayor Devendra
Fadnavis, at MSS Institute of
Social Work. A campaign to
make the city child-friendly was
undertaken and was expected
to be followed by other cities.
The campaign continued for
some time, but later died with
change of guards at the munic-
sidered to be an inspiration for
the social and academic organ-
isations to revive the campaign.
Nagpur Childline City
Coordinator Archana Pali-Basu
stated that proper co-ordina-
tion between different agencies
- social and Government, is
required for effective imple-
mentation of the concept.
Women and Child Welfare
Department, Child Welfare
Committee, Department of
Child Protection of local police,
Child India Foundation are
involved in working on the same
issues of child protection and
child rights. Childline is for
emergency services and has one
collaborative agency, two sup-
port agencies and association
with Railway Childline.
Efforts have been made to
start a Childline unit in
Bhandara, a few days back,
Archana stated.
staff assuming longer period of
lockdown, claimed sources.
However top officials are con-
fident that despite the outbreak
of coronavirus, the transfer would
be carried out as per routine.
Additional Director General of
Police (ADG) Establishment
Board Kulwant Sarangal told‘The
Hitavada’ that the date was
extended as the police officials
are busy with bandobast duties.
“Approval from Unit Commander
and Inspector General of Police
(IGP Range) is needed to approve
the submitted forms.
However, these senior officials
are busy in implementation of
lockdown in the state,” he said
and added that the transfer orders
would definitely be issued before
May 31st.
ADG Wireless Retesh Kumaarr
has sent a wireless message to all
police units alerting them about
extended date. The wireless mes-
sage stated - Regarding submis-
sion of on-line applications for
GT and request transfer- 2020 in
the rank of officers - Assistant
Police Inspectors (APIs) and
Police Sub-Inspectors is under-
way. The time line to submit the
on-lice application by the officers
has been given till March 26th.
On the ground of COVID-19 virus,
since most of the officers are
engaged in bandobast duties as
well as very less numbers of min-
isterial staff is attending the office.
It has been decided to extend the
timeline for submitting the on-
line applications by one week. In
this regard, all Unit Commanders
are hereby informed that the date
of submission of “Three choices
for posting” for the officers has
been extended by one week upto
April 2nd.
It may be mentioned here that
Establishment Board of
Maharashtra Police starts process
of GT in February and transfer
orders are issued during last week
of May every year.
This year, the Wireless
Department of Maharashtra
police have digitised data of
17,000 police personnel under
Maharashtra Police Information
& Analysis System (MPIAS).
The cops are first time using
the digital tool for fling their trans-
fer forms.
with several measures. Nuisance Detection
One of the measures sug- Squad (NDS) team is
gested by Virendra detecting them.”
Kukreja, Chairman of “My appeal to people
Health Committee of of city is to stay at home
Nagpur Municipal except important
Corporation to curb the Virendra Kukreja works. Don’t go for pur-
menace is to shift desti- chasing the things
tutes to Niwara Kendra created which are not necessary.
by civic body in five different Everybody must understand
zones in city. importance of home quarantine.
Kukreja while talking to ‘The If we go out without any reason
Hitavada’ said, “Till now Nagpur we would invite trouble for oth-
has registered nine positive cas- ers. Keep distance from the fam-
es. The one that tested positive ily members also. Administration
has no connection with any inter- is doing great work and I think
national passenger nor he trav- we must cooperate them. We
eled himself abroad. It is a very should help others also. Those
serious aspect. want to help slumdwellers, they
Considering this aspect I have can do it by giving them raw food
decided to shift destitutes to the items like pulses, vegetables,
Niwara Kendra created by NMC. grains so that they can prepare
These destitutes are found at rail- food as per their own wish,” sug-
way station, bus stand, several gested Kukreja.

Rly relaxes BA test for crew...
the matter. But following the cir-
cular by Board on Friday the
division it is learnt has decid-
ed to suspend compulsion of
BA test till April 14 or otherwise,
in case lockdown is lifted prior
to that.
The Board guidelines asked
Zones to keep in light that the
BA test be waived off till pas-
senger trains are not in opera-
tion in their respective sections.
In case if passenger carrying
trains are to be run then said
test would be reintroduced.
Second remission is only meant
for Running Staff involved in
operations of movement of
freight trains only. Third Zones
were asked to check past his-
tory of staff and those who are
known alcoholic would neces-
sarily undergo BA test and then
only allowed to drive the trains.
The matter was also dis-
cussed at length during the
video conferencing held the day
before yesterday by Chairman
Railway Board with Zonal and
Division bosses and other sen-
ior officials. The letter issued by
Manish Jain, Executive Director,
Mechanical Engineer
(Traction), Railway Board, said
matter was also discussed with
Health Directorate and there-
after decision on waiver was
granted. Health Directorate offi-
cials opined that with sufficient
precautions there is not much
harm in providing comfort to
Running Staff. Thereafter,
Member Traction and Member
Traffic held confabulations with
their respective Directorate and
the circular was issued today.
Prior to start each of the
Running Staff would be
required to furnish an under-
taking in lieu of BA that he/she
has not consumed alcohol. In
case of any mishap and it comes
to fore that the staff is drunk
then stringent action can be
initiated by department.
However, Loco Inspectors
would continue to conduct ran-
dom checks on Running Staff
to ensure that there are no vio-
lations. As to bio-metric it was
advised to Zones that they can
revert back to manual way of
crew management system
(CMS) in lieu of BA test so that
records are created for billing
and other matters.
The Board letter clearly
underlines that relaxation in BA
test and bio-metric was neces-
sitated due to extraordinary cir-
cumstances prevailing in the
country. However, Jain states
that this waiver cannot be cit-
ed in future to seek extended
waiver from BA test.
OnThursday itself, Saji Koshi,
Branch Secretary, NRMU,
Central Railway, Nagpur
Division, had written to DRM
and Sr. DEE (TRO), apprising
them with demand of Running
Staff (Goods) for suspension of
BA test to ensure that no one
accidentally catches the dead-
ly virus. Koshi had stated that
since same instrument is used
on all crew it could be
dangerous and also pointed out
that State police have sus-
pended the BA test to deter-
mine if someone has consumed
liquor or not.
Goods transporters get relief as Rlys waive 100 pc...
(Contd from page 1)
described as an Act of God (like
a natural calamity),” has clari-
fied that spread of coronavirus
should be considered as a case
of natural calamity and Force
Majeure may be invoked
Railways had faced much crit-
icism over its earlier circular when
it limited waiver ofWharfage and
Demurrage charges to just 50 per
cent of the rates. Board officials
failed to take rational view on
total waiver at first instance
despite reports emanating from
field about problems being faced
in unloading at freight terminal
and at end points.
Due to imposition of Sec 144
of Cr PC and lockdown in vari-
ous districts, traders faced
tremendous problems in unload-
ing goods as hurdles came in way
of smooth movement of trans-
port. Similarly, non availability of
Mathadi labourers due to norms
of social distancing further com-
pounded the problem. Finally,
Railways was forced to rethink on
its policy of imposing penal
charges under such extraordi-
nary circumstance.
The two charges are so steep
that at times the bill goes up much
more than transport rates
and one sees that in case trans-
portation of coal, an continuing
the same for essential com-
modities during such times
did not augur well for Railways.
For Railways also these charges
make a substantial volume of its
earnings and hence it may have
been reluctant to go for 100 per
cent waiver.
As per the communication
from Commercial Directorate all
charges of Demurrage,Wharfage,
Stacking, Stabling, Demurrage in
case of private/ jointly owned
stock, Demurrage and Wharfage
on Parcel traffic, Detention charge
in case of container traffic,
Ground usage charge in case of
container traffic will not be
enforced till April 14, 2020.
3 held for
spreading
rumours
Gupta is an MBA graduate and
working at Khushi Motors. He is
also partner in Rosetta Club in
Ajni area. Pardhi, who is a
Mechanical Engineer, is close
friend of Gupta. Mishra is a com-
puter engineer and is working as
Finance Manager at a reputed
company in Delhi. He was stay-
ing at the place of his father-in-
law in Suyog Nagar for delivery
of his wife - Priya Oza - for last
few months.
In their statement to police,
they said that Gupta and Pardhi
had created the audio clip dur-
ing a telephonic conversation
and forwarded it to Mishra on
March 23.
Mishra sent the clip to his wife
to panic her so that she would
not go out from the house.
However, Mishra’s wife had for-
warded it to her female friend to
alert her who put it on aWhatsApp
group and the clip went viral.
An offence under Sections 188,
120 (b), 505 (a) (b) of Indian Penal
Code read with Section 54 of
Disaster Management Act was
registered at Sadar police on
March 24. During investigation,
ENSURE FOGGING IN EVERY ZONE, DIRECTS SANDIP JOSHI:
NAGPUR Mayor Sandip Joshi has directed the Health officer Dr
the police traced back the phone
Pradeep Dasarwar to ensure fogging in every zone, following increase
in mosquito population. With the entire machinery busy in fighting
number from which the audio against Corona Virus, the mosquito menace has also increase, pos-
clip was forwarded and reached ing another threat of spread of malaria and other diseases.
to Mishra’s wife. After receiving
phone call from the police, the
accused had reportedly deleted
the clip. But they have confessed
for the crime during police inter-
rogation. The three accused were
arrested by police.The total of 400
mobile numbers were checked by
the police within 24 hours.
The arrest was made by DCP
Shweta Khedkar, ACP Sadar OBITUARIES
Rekha Nawre, PI Mahesh
Bansode, PI Mr. Jagtap of Cyber
Cell, APIs Vishal Mane, Keshav Sunanda (Kamaltai) Chinchalkar
Wagh,Vilas Mote and staff incljd- SUNANDA (Kamaltai) Murlidhar Chinchalkar, a
ing Vinod Tiwari, Vijendra Yadav, resident of N-117, Reshimbagh, passed away on
Sudhir Madavi, Sayyad Ali and Friday. She was 85. She was retired teacher of Vanita
others have made the arrest. Vikas Vidyalaya. She leaves behind daughter
Madhuri Tiwadi, son-in-law Chandrashekhar Tiwadi, grand-
Auction of children Dr Sayali and Chinmay, and a big family. The last rites
were performed at Gangabai ghat.
properties Harihar Behere
seized by NMC HARIHAR Yadavrao Behere, a resident of Narkesari
Layout, Jayprakash Nagar, passed away on Friday.
cancelled He was 75. He was retired Sales Tax Officer. He leaves
behind wife, two daughters, sons-in-law, grand-
failed, Municipal children to mourn his loss. The last rites were performed the
Commissioner Tukaram same day.
Mundhe ordered officials of
Property Tax Department to hold Moreshwar Patil
auction as the target of Rs 400 MORESHWAR Tukaram Patil, former councillor of
crore kept by previous Standing Kamptee Municipal Council and a resident of New
Committee was too steep to Khalasi Line, opposite Railway Cabin, near Kamptee-
achieve. Now that auctions are Kanhan Highway, passed away on Friday. He was
cancelled due to pandemic 55. The last rites will be performed at 12 noon on Saturday at
the financial position of NMC is Rani Talav Mokshadham, Kamptee.
going to worsen further as
they had expected substantial
mopping-up of revenue on
Property Tax head. The coron-
avirus has also resulted in extra
burden for cash strapped NMC
which is finding it difficult to sus-
tain the public works. Readers may send obituaries on cityline@thehitavada.com
 TheHitavada
NAGPUR n Saturday n March 28 n 2020
Power distribution licenses should
‘minimise public interface’: MERC
■ Staff Reporter
IN VIEW of the COVID-19
outbreak and lockdown
announced by the Government
across the country, Maharashtra
Electricity Regulatory
Commission (MERC) has asked
the power distribution licensees
to take measures ‘to minimise
public interface’.
MERC has issued ‘practice
direction’ in this regard on
Thursday. The commission has
acknowledged that the
Government has imposed strict
restrictions on the movement of
general public in lockdown peri-
od. Electricity being essential
service is exempted from such
restriction, and distribution
licensee has to ensure mainte-
nance of uninterrupted power
supply. However, apart from
maintaining uninterruptedpow-
er supply distribution licensee
have to perform various con-
sumer services such as meter
reading, bill distribution, bill col-
lection, redressal of consumer
grievances etc that involve pub-
lic interface.
Alltheseactivitiesare
required to be per-
formed as per the pro-
cedure prescribed
under MERC Supply
CodeRegulations,2005
and within the time-
line stipulated under
MERC Standard
Operating procedure
Regulations, 2014.
Some distribution licensees have
alreadyinformedMERCthatthey
may not be able to perform cer-
tain activities/duties as mandat-
ed in the above-mentioned code
and regulations.
Considering the ‘critical situa-
tion’ and ‘to ensure full imple-
mentation of the Government
directives to ensure social dis-
tancing’ in order to control the
spread of COVID-19, and also to
minimise public interface of the
personnel of distribution licens-
ee, MERC has ‘deemed it fit’ to
provide certain relaxation in the
supply code to all
distibutionlicensees
fromperformanceof
services not directly
linked to maintain-
ing continuity of
power supply.
In the ‘practice
direction’, MERC
asked the distribu-
tion licensees to
ensure continuity of power sup-
ply, and also continue to attend
complaints related to restora-
tion of supply as also the safe-
ty-related complaints.The com-
mission has allowed the distri-
bution licensees to suspend
other non-essential services that
require visiting consumer prem-
ises or meeting consumer in per-
son. Such services include meter
CityLine
reading, billing, offline bill col-
lection at bill payment centres,
release of new connections etc.
While doing so, MERC has
asked the distribution licensees
to use automated meter reading
facility wherever available. In
absence of meter reading, the
consumers shall be intimated
through digital channels such as
e-mail,SMS,mobilephoneappli-
cation about their estimated bill
computed on average basis as
per SupplyCode Regulations. For
bill payment, distribution licens-
eeshallfacilitateandupdatealter-
native payment modes, that is,
digital payment mode.
MERChasstatedthatthe‘prac-
tice direction’ shall remain in
vogue ‘till such time the
Government’s order imposing
restrictionsonaccountofCOVID-
19 is in force’. The direction was
issued with signatures of Mukesh
Khullar and I M Bohari, both
members of MERC.
3
NMC to use fire tender for spraying
Sodium Hypochloride from today
■ Staff Reporter
SPRAYING of Sodium
Hypochloride will be carried out
in the city through Fire brigade,
from 10 am of March 27.The step
has been taken to prevent spread
of coronavirus.
Municipal Commissioner
Tukaram Mundhe has issued
instructions to the Fire Brigade
personneltousetheirvehiclesfor
spraying in all ten zones of the
city, specially in areas where sus-
pected cases have been found.
Theinstructionshavebeenissued
to Health Officer Dr Pradip
Dasarwar and Chief Fire Officer
Rajendra Uchke. Spraying being done at Khamla.
The names of Fire Brigade sta-
tions, incharge and their phone Ramgoniwar, 7219120001. 9594942171 and Narendra Nagar
numbers are: Mangalwari and Lakadganj - Lakadganj, Mohan - Narendra Nagar, Dharmaraj
Dharampeth - Civil Lines, Gudadhe, 9765559811. Nakode, 9765559817. Hanuman
Rajendra Dudhe - 9923101727. Satranjipura - Kalamna, Nagar - Narendra Nagar
Dhantoli - Cotton Market, Arun Dnyaneshwar Mohature, Dharmaraj Nakode, 9765559817.
Kalamkar, 9373708593. 9657980797. Laxminagar - Nehru Nagar - Sakkardara, Sunil
Ashinagar-Sugatnagar,Sudhakar Trimurti Nagar, Tushar Barhate, Dokre, 9765559820.

NMC begins survey to

detect COVID-19 patients
■ Staff Reporter
NAGPUR MunicipalCorporation
(NMC), on Thursday, started its
survey to detect coronavirus
patients/suspects in the city.
The persons who previously
tested positive for coronavirus
were from Laxmi Nagar and
Dharampeth zones. Recently,
NMC completed survey in three
km radius from the homes of
thesepatients.TukaramMundhe,
Municipal Commissioner,decid-
ed to carry on with the survey in
remaining eight zones of the city.
Accordingly, from Thursday,
the survey started. A total of 288
teams havebeen deployed in sur-
vey. The teams visited various
households and recorded
health history of the persons in
these families. Dr Bhavana
Sonkusale, Deputy Director
(Health), stated in a press release
that NMC staff was also record-
ing travel history of the persons
covered in the survey.
The survey will result in col-
lection of information about
healthparameters of the citizens,
andalsohelp theauthoritiescon-
cerned in starting treatment in
case of suspects/patients. Dr
Sonkusale urged the people to
extend due co-operation to NMC Workers of Kumar Bawankar Mitra Pariwar distributed buiscuts and water
teams and provide information bottles to policemen, doctors and employees of Nagpur Municipal Corporation in
sought. appreciation of their valuble services being rendered to the people to treat and
avoid spread of Coronavirus pandemic. Ravindra Kumar Bawankar, Secretary, of
Nagpur City Congress Committee, Dipakdada Karanjekar, Manager of Shrikrishna
Mandir, Chandu Vaidya and Ratnakar Potdar distributed materials to the Corona Labourers stranded at various construction sites were taken to shelterhomes in a
fighters on Thursday. police van on Friday. (Pic by Anil Futane)

Special facilities for Divyang No relief to pensioners of EPS 95 in

■ Those with severe
disability will be able to
get ration, cooked food
(if required), medicines at
NMC staffers interacting with a house-owner during survey to their home, says Prerna
detect coronavirus suspects/patients. Deshbhratar Commr of
Divyang Kalyan
■ Staff Reporter
B RIEFS THE Commissioner of Divyang
Kalyan(PersonswithDisabilities),
Bawankule welcomes decision to Pune has issued detailed order
make adequate provisions for people to help the disabled in getting
food grains, medicines and for
working under essential services operating bank accounts.
Thosewithseveredisabilitywill
FORMER Energy Minister and Nagpur’s Guardian Minister be able to get the ration, cooked
Chandrashekhar Bawankule has welcomed the decision of Prime food (if required), medicines at
MinisterNarendraModiandFinanceMinisterNirmalaSitharaman
to make adequate provision for doctors, nurses, labourer and
poor workers, sanitary workers, and for small industries. In a Krishna Khopde
statement issued here Bawankule has stated that the Finance
Minister has announced welfare schemes of Rs 1.70 lakh crores,
for the persons severely affected by 21-day lockdown due to
suggests preventive
measures
Corona Virus outbreak.
Insurance of Rs 50 lakh for doctors, nurses, officers of Health during lockdown
Department and sanitary workers is an important step. The pre-
mium will be paid by the government. Under Prime Minister’s ■ Staff Reporter
Garib Kalyan Yojana every poor will get 5 kgs of wheat, 5 kgs of
rice, 1 kg pulse free of cost for the next three months. This will ben- MLA Krishna Khopde has made
efit 80 crore persons. The government has already deposited Rs severalsuggestionsinviewofout-
6,000 in farmers’ accounts. They will be given Rs 2,000 more. The break of Corona Virus, followed
decision will benefit 8.69 crore farmers. Similarly daily wage of by lockdown in the nation.
workers under MGNREGS has been increased from Rs 182 to Rs Khopde has demanded that
202. Bawankule has also welcomed the decision to pay Rs 1,000 notification for cancellation
toseniorcitizensandpersonswithdisabilitiesandRs500forwomen of all community gatherings,
holding Jandhan account. Under Ujjwala Scheme 8 crore women marriages etc should be
will get free gas cylinders. small industries will get loan upto Rs 20 cancelled upto April 30; defer-
lakh without any guarantor. He has also welcomed decision to ring recovery of instalments
make provision of Rs 31 crore for construction workers. from those who have purchased
e-rickshaw, transport vehicles on
Dr Potdar congratulates Modi, loan etc.
package declared by Finance Minister
their home. The Commissioner The health department has ■ Staff Reporter
Prerna Deshbhratar has instruct- been instructed to take care of
edalltheRegionalCommissioners the disabled. in view of their AN ATMOSPHERE of discontent is prevailing among 67 lakh pen-
to help the disabled or their fam- health problems, they should not sionersofEPS95asnothinghascomefortheminthepackagedeclared
ily members, due to lockdown in be required to stand in queue or by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitarman on Thursday. Prakash
the country due to Corona Virus shouldnotberequiredtovisitdif- Pathak, National Secretary, Nivrutta Karmachari (1995) Rashtriya
outbreak. ferent places for their require- Samanvay Samiti, said in a press note issued here on Friday that the
Those who cannot move ments.Deshbhratarhasalsostat- government left them unsupported and nervous. As many as 6.5 pen-
should be given essential items ed that special care should be sioners have lost their lives. He pointed out that there was no pro-
including food grains fro Ration taken of those in Children Home vision in the financial budget but government should have done
Shops, sufficient for one month
at their home, or to those who
or Shelter Homes. The disabled
should be given a toll-free phone
some help during the crises of Coronavirus pendemic.
A deputation of Rashtriya Kamgar Sanghata representatives
come from their home, without number, so that they can ask for met the finance minister during budget session and discussed
standing in queue. Those who any help, during the lockdown. the issue. She assured to make a provision of Rs 5000/6000 in DA.
are bed-ridden should also be
given sanitizers, masks, Detol etc
It has been further instructed
that the disabled should be giv-
N K Premchandran, MP from Kderala, had also talked to the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders including Santosh
at their residence.Where there is
community kitchen, the break-
en ration for the next month.The
disabled should not be put to any
Gangawar and pointed out that how pensioners were pulling on life
in just Rs 500 to Rs 2500. Pathak urged the government to take nec-
fast, lunch, tiffin should be deliv- kind of inconvenience, essary steps to provide relief to the pensioners, especially during this
ered at their residence. Deshbhratar has instructed. critical situation.
Bhuvaneshwari - The queen of the universe
■ By Rajendra Diwe universe, Bhuvaneshvari is called Maya,
which also means illusion. When things are
THE fourth among the Dasha Mahavidya is measured we can become caught in their
Maa Bhuvaneshwari, or Bhuvanesi, as She limited forms and forget the underlying uni-
is also named in certain areas of India. The tary space in which they appear. This is how
word Bhuvaneshwari is made up of two illusion arises. All manifest forms are mere-
terms, Bhuvanam and Ishwari. Bhuvanam ly waves in the infinite space of the Divine
denotes all the worlds or the universe, and Mother. We must learn to see the space of
Ishwari is the feminine form of the lord or the Mother, which is the embrace of con-
the ruler. Bhuvaneshwari thus means the sciousness, in all he apparent objects of the
Queen of the Universe, Maya, power of love, world,andnolongertaketheirdiverseforms
peace within, as void. She is like the red rays as reality.”
of the rising sun, with the moon as her dia- Devadatta Kali or David Nelson writes,
dem, and with three eyes, a smiling face, “Bhuvaneshwari is often shown holding a
bestowing boons, holding a goad, a noose noose and a goad. Sri Ramakrishna used to
and dispelling fears. say that it is Mother who binds and Mother
The holy Vedas hail her as Aditi, the infi- who sets free, and these two implements
niteandall-encompassing illustratehercaptivatingandliberatingpow-

Sitaraman for Rs 1.7 lakh cr package

DR RAJEEV Potdar congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman for declaring a
package of Rs 1.7 lakh crore for the people.
LockdownandcurfewimposedowingtoCoronaviruspandemic
resulted in financial losses to the people, particularly farmers,
vegetable produces, farm labourers, contractual workers, small
businessmen/entreprenures suffered heavy losses.
Taking into consideration the serious situation, Modi and
Sitaraman announced the package providing Rs 202 as daily wages
tolabourers,fivekgwheat,fivekgriceatconcessionalrates,deposit-
ing Rs 2000 as installment in the accounts of eight crore farmers
under Pm Kisan Sanman Yojna, depositing rs 500 as monthly
installment to the accounts of 20 crore women, free cylinder, med-
ical insurance upto Rs 50 lakh, extending date for GST etc.
Dr Potdar wanted that now the State Government should take
initiative in taking the package to the people.
Besides Khopde, legislators
MohanMateandVikasKumbhare
have also made an appeal to
the Chief Minister Uddhav
Thackeray,DeputyChiefMinister
Ajit Pawar, Leader of Opposition
DevendraFadnavisandGuardian
Minister Dr Nitin Raut to take
steps in this direction.
The Legislators have also
demanded that permission be
granted for using the Local Area
Development Fund and funds of
DPC for those affected by the
lockdown.
The marriage halls should be
informed immediately, so that
the organisers of programmes
will be able to finalise other dates
for their programmes.
Mother, who holds the
entire space in her cosmic
P UBLIC INTEREST main faces of the Goddess
as both the infinite and
ers.With her noose she fulfills the functions
of avidyamaya, casting us into the confu-
womb. Thus the universe itself is her divine the eternal. Bhuvaneshvari creates the sion by which we mistake appearances for
body,thatis,sheherselfistheuniverse,while stage on which Kali performs her dance reality. According to another interpretation
herinfiniteself,residesinallthelivingthings of life and death. As the stage the noose represents the panchakosha, the
in it. Regarded as the earliest form of divine Bhuvaneshwari is also the witness, the five sheathes that surround and conceal the
energy, she is a powerhouse, who can over- observer and the enjoyer of the dance. As atman. They are the physical body (anna-
rule even the mighty Navagrahas, the nine Kali creates events in time, so mayakosha), its life-breath (prana-
planets who decide about our destinies. Bhuvaneshwari creates objects in space.” mayakosha), the perceiving mind
According to Vedic scriptures, “The Dr David Frawley says, “Bhuvaneshwari (manomayakohsa), the determinative fac-
Goddess represents space. Space is the is the cosmos (Bhuvana) personified as a ulty (vidnyanamayakosha), and the causal
Mother or Matrix in which all creatures Goddess. To worship her promotes a cos- sheath or sense of individuality (anan-
come into being. She is the field in which mic vision and frees us from the narrow- damayakosa). With her goad she pushes us
all things grow. She is the receptive ness of opinion and belief. She helps us go to overcome any hindrances—any passions
spirit who gives space to allow all things beyond all identifications with creed, class, or negativities or wrong ideas that conceal
their place and function. She is the cos- race, sex, nation and religion, to a univer- our true, divine nature. She urges us to reach
mic womb that gives birth to all the worlds. salunderstanding.Shegives usworldvision, beyond the limitations of human life drawn
As space, Bhuvaneshwari is complemen- a global understanding, and a sense of the by body, mind and personality, and to aspire
tary to Kali who is time; they are the two infinite. As the power that measures out the to true Self-knowledge.”
 4 TheHitavada
Memorable
Intentions
A
CTOR Arjan Bajwa, best
known for films such as
Rustom and Kabir
Singh, says his aim is to do
selective but good work, which
should have a lasting impact
on the audience.
Bajwa broke out after he
starred opposite Priyanka
Chopra in Madhur
Bhandarkar’s Fashion but
since then, the actor has most-
ly played supporting parts in
movies such as Guru, Crook,
Bobby Jasoos, Rustom and
Kabir Singh.
“For me it is not always
about the length of the role or
being the face of the film but
what people take back home
or what leaves an impact on
the audience.There have been
films where I have played quin-
tessential hero or a negative
role and people have liked it.
“I want to do interesting sto-
ries and not do regular run-
of-the-mill story. The inten-
tion is to do work that will be
remembered. I am glad peo-
ple remember my work in most
of the films I have done. The
recall and repeat value does
matter,” Arjan told PTI in an
interview.
Eager To
Collaborate
H
UGE Known for his role in the Kannada
movie Urvi, actor Prabhu Mundkur is
eagerly waiting to make his debut in
DENNIS THE MENACE
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF CELEB GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD
“For this role, we had to give
attention and importance to
smallest of things. We inter-
acted a lot with second-in-
command of the unit Col
Sandeep Sen, he was the con-
sultant and the supervisor on
our show.
“He narrated us a lot of sto-
ries of Col Sheoran, he taught
us how to behave like com-
mandos. Besides all this, we
did a lot of training in boot
camps, weapon training, how
NSG operates and about the
whole operation.”
The actor said his web-show
State of the Siege narrates the
story through the eyes of
NSG commandos, which
he believes should be told to
the world.
“The films that have come
earlier have had the point of
view of cops or of people who
have suffered or died but not
of defence services, like NSG
in this case, who actually
flushed out the terrorist and
finished this operation.
“Everybody knows they
came from Delhi and that’s it
and they know nothing
beyond that, I don’t think
many people would even
know the full form of NSG. We
need to tell a story from their
point of view, I believe they
were the heroes, who took
The 40-year-old actor said control of the situation and
it isn’t a conscious decision on neutralise the terrorist.”
his part to do less work as there The series also features
have been moments when a Arjun Bijlani, Mukul Dev,Vivek
potential opportunity for him Dahiya, Tara Alisha Berry, Sid
has been sabotaged.. Makkad, Vikram Gaikwad in
“I look for very selective sto- pivotal roles.
ries. I look for stories that excite The eight-episode series is
me. But then there are times based on Sandeep Unnithan’s
when I want to do films and book, Black Tornado:The Three
people have different agenda Sieges of Mumbai 26/11 and has
to not cast you. All those direc- been directed by Matthew
tors should be answerable for Leutwyler. The crime-thriller
that. Let’s not get into it and series is streaming on ZEE5.
take names,” he said. Besides State of Siege: 26/11,
Arjan has now ventured into Arjan said he will soon start
the digital space with State of work on two films and two
Siege: 26/11. The actor said he web-series.
agreed to the show as it offered “One web-series is a drama-
him the chance to play a thriller, which was supposed
defence personnel. to start by March end but now
“I have wanted to do a role considering the situation it
that is of a defence personnel will be pushed, everything
or like people in the army for has come to a grinding
a very long time. The offer halt. Another series is a
came through this web-series. political drama, it will start
It was very exciting to play the mid-year. I can’t disclose any-
role of a commando.” thing in detail.
Arjan’s role is inspired by Col “Both the films are in thriller
Sunil Sheoran, the NSG space, one is in a cop thriller
(National Security Guard) and another is a horror kind
head, who led the comman- of thriller and they should start
dos in the fight against the ter- in the middle of the year,” he
rorists during the 26/11 said.
Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. (IANS) ■
Bollywood, and he has a wish to be
launched by directors like Sanjay Leela
Bhansali and Rajkumar Hirani.
“I really want to be launched in
Bollywood by film directors like
Sanjay Leela Bhansali and
Rajkumar Hirani. As a viewer I
have always loved watching their
work. Hope I soon make my debut
in Bollywood,” Prabhu said.
Currently, Prabhu has plenty of Kannada
movies, including Mysore Diaries and Maya
Kannadi, in his kitty.
“Regional films are not limited to group of
viewers. If we do our best and make it a super
hit... people will do watch the movie in their
desired language. So it similarly gives an actor
an opportunity to grow. No one has any
anykind of boundaries. As an artist, I want to
grow and work in regionals, Hindi television
and Bollywood,” he added. ■ And over three decades later, the 57-year-
HOCUS-FOCUS
No Added
‘BURDEN’
A
T THE Cannes Film Festival in 2018,
Rohena Gera’s Sir was selected to com-
pete in the International Critics’ Week
section. The same year, Nandita Das’Manto
was in contention in Un Certain Regard sec-
tion of the festival. It was a rare and interest-
ing year when two female filmmakers from
India vied for honours at prestigious festival.
Gera underplays her tag as a female film-
maker, saying that she does not carry any extra
responsibility while representing group.
Have female filmmakers contributed in
changing the image of actresses in cinema in
the recent times?“I definitely think so, because
as a woman I do not have to think that I will
portray the woman character in the film in
an interesting way. I will automatically do so
because as a woman we understand certain
nuances and complexity from experience.We
just get it right. So, if we are just honest about
the reality and the people we know in our
lives, we can naturally add some nuances to
that. That is why I think the change that we
get to see now has had to do with the fact that
women’s voices are being heard more these
days,” Rohena told IANS.
“Sir” revolves around an unlikely romance
that develops between a live-in maid, played
by Tillotama Shome, and her employee (Vivek
Gomber). Apart from being screened at
Amicable ex
F
ORMER couple Vishal Aditya Singh
and Madhurima Tuli made a lot of
headlines for their fights during their
stints on the reality TV shows Nach Baliye
and Bigg Boss 13. From abusing each oth-
er to involving in physical violence, the
two often stayed in the limelight for all
the wrong reasons. It seems the two have
now moved on from their phase of quar-
rels.
In a recent interview to IANS,Vishal
spoke about his current bond with
Madhurima.
He said, “I don’t have any grudges for
her in my heart. We are still friends... but
it does not mean we meet everyday or talk
everyday. We have moved on from our
fights. We behave maturely now. No harsh
feelings for her and there is not dushmani
(hostility) between Madhurima and I.”
Vishal also spoke about how his life
Unexpected Sequel
H
OLLYWOOD action star Tom Cruise
says he didn’t want to do a Top Gun
sequel for the longest time as they were
unable to crack the idea
for the story.
The actor, who shot to
international stardom
after the release of Tony
Scott’s action drama Top
Gun, said he had even
told producer Jerry
Bruckheimer to forget
about making a part two
to the 1986 original.
“Everywhere I went,
people would be like, ‘Do
Top Gun’, and I’m like,
‘Guys, I don’t know how to do it’.
“I don’t know what the story is. I don’t
make movies just to make movies. I was like,
‘Jerry, it’s never going to happen’. I honestly
never thought I would make it,” Cruise told
Empire magazine.
old star is set to reprise his role as Pete
SUDOKU C LASSIC
CLASSIC
Complete the grid so that every row,
column and 3x3 box contains every
digit from 1 to 9 inclusive.
See solution elsewhere in this issue
Cannes, the film has also won awards at a few
international festivals. Sir also features
Geetanjali Kulkarni, Ahmareen Anjum, Rahul
Vohra among others.
Does Gera feel an added responsibility as
a female filmmaker at a time when the female
voice is increasingly being heard in the realm
of entertainment? “I do not like to think about
it as extra responsibility for being the ‘woman’
filmmaker. I think since I am a woman there
are certain stories I will say because they mat-
ter to me. Having said that, I do not want to
work with categories. As an audience, when
I watch a film I am not bothered by gender
of the filmmaker, but the film.” (IANS) ■
has changed after Bigg Boss 13.
“I feel blessed to be part of that show.
Now more people know me... my reach
has increased. I got a lot of popularity due
to Bigg Boss. Even professional life has
changed too, I have got many offers,”
Vishal said on the sidelines of Ample
Missiion and Aneel Murarka’s fashion show
Sindoor Khela.
(IANS) ■
‘Maverick’ Mitchell in Top Gun: Maverick.
The film will be set in a world of drone
technology and will explore the end of
the era of dogfighting,
with Cruise portraying a
flight instructor.
When they eventually
zeroed in on what they
wanted to do in the
sequel, the actor said he
was sure he wanted to do
the stunts on his own, not
go for the computer gen-
erated imagery (CGI).
“We just started talking.
And I realised that there
were things that we could
accomplish cinematically. And I started get-
ting excited about this big challenge of, ‘How
do we do it?’ So I said to Jerry, ‘I’ll do it if…’
meaning, I’m not going to do the CGI stuff,”
Cruise said.
“Maverick” is directed by “Oblivion” fame
Joseph Kosinski.
(PTI) n
Quote Unquote
One single grateful thought raised to
heaven is the most perfect prayer.
- G E Lessing
NAGPUR n Saturday n March 28 n 2020
BY DR PREM KUMAR SHARMA
www.premastrologer.com
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 20)
Lucky Number: 11 Lucky Colour: Lemon
✦ Shouldering additional workload without
strategy is likely to create problems. You will be
at limelight in a social gathering. Financial sit-
uation is slated to improve today. Past roman-
tic experiences would occupy your mind.
TAURUS (Apr 21 - May 20)
Lucky Number: 1 Lucky Colour: Maroon
✦ You are likely to fail to benefit from a new
opportunity at work. Guests visit would make
it a pleasant day. Good earning promises to keep
you in an upbeat mood today. You are likely to
regain love through some unconventional ways.
GEMINI (May 21 - Jun 20)
Lucky Number: 5 Lucky Colour: Bottle Green
✦ In business you may fail to forge new alliances.
You will be in mood to celebrate with family
and friends. Monetary problems will become a
thing of past, as you come into big money.
Negative tactics create void in romantic ties.
CANCER ( Jun 21 - Jul 20)
Lucky Number: 3 Lucky Colour: Rose
✦ Absence of clarity may come in way of con-
veying desired messages. Good advice from
family members brings gains.Wise investments
promise to keep coffers brimming. Romantic
life brightens as you receive exciting message.
LEO ( Jul 21 - Aug 20)
Lucky Number: 6 Lucky Colour: Parrot Green
✦ Professional matters start moving in right
direction. Company of family friends keeps you
in relaxed mood.Your dream of acquiring wealth
may begin to take shape now. Romantic part-
ner would eagerly look forward to meet you.
VIRGO (Aug 21 - Sep 20)
Lucky Number: 7 Lucky Colour: Lemon
✦ Even your analytical skills might fail to help
in professional ventures. Parental guidance in
decision would help. Steps to curb wasteful
expenditure may help you save much. Promising
day as far as romantic front is concerned.
LIBRA (Sep 21 - Oct 20)
Lucky Number: 6 Lucky Colour: Rosy Brown
✦ Inability to adapt to fast changing situation
at work could disappoint later. A day when mis-
understandings at home are sorted out. Your
financial situation is likely to improve. Be sure
of feelings before confessing love to partner.
SCORPIO (Oct 21 - Nov 20)
Lucky Number: 3 Lucky Colour: Purple
✦ Ineffective business presentation may come
in way of professional progress. Avoid taking
domestic dispute lightly.You will manage to con-
solidate your chances for financial gains. You
succeed in taking romance to newer heights.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 21 - Dec 20)
Lucky Number: 18 Lucky Colour: Golden Brown
✦ You find it difficult to break yourself free from
all shackles at work. Important development
at personal front brings jubilation for family.
Avoid making long-term investment. You find
emotional fulfillment in partner’s company.
CAPRICORN (Dec 21 - Jan 20)
Lucky Number: 22 Lucky Colour: Turquoise
✦ In business you fail to join hands with dynam-
ic professionals. A happy time in company of
relatives as they do many favours for you. Things
start looking up for you financially. Long wait
to embark on a love journey is likely to end.
AQUARIUS ( Jan 21 - Feb 20)
Lucky Number: 17 Lucky Colour: Lemon
✦ You find it difficult to adapt to changes at
workplace. Enjoying company of close relatives
will brighten your evening. Earning good mon-
ey is foretold in a venture that you are starting.
Avoid doubting partner’s fidelity to save ties.
PISCES (Feb 21 - Mar 20)
Lucky Number: 15 Lucky Colour: Off White
✦ At work you might fail to grab opportunity
to prove your mettle. Shopping with family
members will be exciting. Raising capital for
new venture will not be a problem today. The
day promises a beginning of romantic journey.
 TheHitavada
NAGPUR n Saturday n March 28 n 2020 CityLine 5
F ROM THE SCHOOLS Dr Bodhankar suggests some F ROM THE COLLEGES
Bhavan’s B P Vidya Mandir,
Srikrishna Nagar
answers to COVID-19 related issues J D College of Engineering & Management
■ Staff Reporter quarantines for the homeless free of
cost and to the people advised for
WITH several issues have come to the home quarantine, who can afford to
fore, Dr Uday Bodhankar, a well-known pay hotel bill for 14 days period,
Paediatrician has come up with certain 2. All ambulances to be stocked with
suggestions. masks and sanitizes to be distributed to
“The corona virus outbreak has made the needy and they can make rounds in
me, like so many others, realize that we the cities and 3. Foodtrucks serving
are not prepared for such emergencies Dr Uday Bodhankar free meals to the poor and needy. This
at all,” pointed out Dr Bodhankar. needs to be a year long activity. College team with differently-abled and Orphanage children.
Dr Bodhankar suggested three points. They Wherein hygienic simple meals could be offered
are: 1. Convert oyo (and likes) empty rooms into free of cost. THE students from Department of Management Studies, J D
Winners along with Principal, Pre-primary In-charge and Teacher College of Engineering & Management, Katol Road, recently
In-charge. organised a one-day event ‘Smile Project’ at Matru Seva Sangh

TINY tots from Bhavan’s B P Vidya Mandir, Srikrishna Nagar Meeting of Mah Rajya S K Patil honoured
with Prof Prithviraj
(MSS) Student School for differently-abled children and Bal
Sadan Orphanage as a part of CSR Cell Activity under the stu-
made their school proud with their brilliant performances at Zip
Zap Zoom Talent Hunt Competition organised Little Jewels
Kindergarten recently. Total 50 students from the school partici-
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Bansod Samyak
dents forum ‘AIMS’. Students raised funds for the ‘Smile Project’
and donated food grains, stationery and other essential items to
the school and orphanage. Interactive fun games and other
pated in various competitions like colouring, clay modelling,
collage, thumb and finger dabbling and Olympiad. Winners Dalit Mitra Sangh held Smruti Puraskar activities were conducted by the students which were thorough-
ly enjoyed by the children. The children were enthusiastic to dis-
include Aarna Agrawal (Nursery B) secured the first prize in S K PATIL, founder of Bank of India play their talents as they performed dance, sang songs and
‘Thumb and Finger Dabbling’. Arnav Goyal (Nursery A) and Karmachari Mahasangh was hon- played ‘Antakshari’. The event was co-ordinated by Prof Aditi
Aarohi Bhandarkae (Nursery F) secured first and second prize oured with Prof Prithviraj Bansod Saha and Dr Anjali Chandak. The faculty members Dr Parvin
respectively in colouring. Shrimayi Chande (KG I-F) bagged first Samyak Smruti Puraskar, at a func- Shaikh and Prof Akshay Chandankhede also actively participat-
prize in collage making competition. Management, Principal tion held, here. The award of Rs ed. Dr Swaranalata Philip congratulated the students for suc-
and staff congratulated the winners and applauded the efforts of 10,000, memento, shawl and cer- cessfully conducting this activity. Manager of Matru Seva Sangh
other participants. The children were trained by Rita Agrawal, tificate has been instituted by Prof Girish Varadpande and Prashant Hadke of Bal Sadan appreciat-
Pranali Ghatame, Chitra Chaware and Sharda Joshi. Prithviraj Bansod Trust. ed the efforts of students.
The award was conferred upon
Jain International School Patil at the hands of Bhadant
Vimalkirti Gunasari. Republican
Sevadal Mahila Mahavidyalaya
movement leader from Akola B S A GUEST lecture
Inigle, Adv Sandesh Bhalekar, Dr was organised at
Ramesh Rathod, Padmavati Sevadal Mahila
Bansod were the guests of honour. Mahavidyalaya,
Seniour journalist Bhimrao Vaidya Sakkardara
Rajabhau Tanksale speaking during meeting of Maharashtra presided. Square recently.
Rajya Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Dalit Mitra Sangh. Ramgovind Bhadant Gunasari said that H e m a n t
Khobragade, Yogesh Wagde, Bhushan Dadwe, Ruprao Raut those working with Dr Ambedkar Waghmare,
seated on the dais. were honest and hard working. D i r e c t o r ,
They did not compromise with Maharashtra
■ Staff Reporter views. The organisation their porinciples. However, the Prof Pravin Charde, Sanjay Shende and C e n t r e
Winners of ‘Teri Green Olympiad’ with Principal Anmol Badjatia decided to pressurise the gov- dream of Dr Ambedkar could not Hemant Waghmare at the event. Entrepreneurship
and others. A MEETING of Maharashtra ernment to effectively imple- be realised because of selfish atti- Development
Rajya Dr Babasaheb ment all the schemes tude of political leaders. The hon- (MCED) was the chief guest. Dr Prabhakar Bhandari, convenor,
THE students of Jain International School brought laurels to the Ambedkar Dalit Mitra Sangh announced for the Dalit est workers should contnue work- Placement Cell, introduced the guest speaker. Prof Pravin
institution with their brilliant performance in ‘Teri Green was held under the chairman- Mitra’s welfare. Dr Jagdish ing with hoinesty to change the Charde, Principal, welcomed the guest. Sanjay Shende,
Olympiad 2019-20’. Aditya Sharma (Std IX), Dev Khosla, ship of newly-elected Dufare conducted the pro- picture in the nation. President, Sevadal Education Society always encouraged the
Saksham Dhawan, Mahi Bajaj, Prutha Hande and Himesh President Ramgovind ceedings. Maya Ghorpade Patil recalled contribution of staff to conduct such lectures for the benefit of students. Dr
Achiliya (Std VIII), secured merit positions in the exam. The Khobragade. proposed a vote of thanks. Bansod and appealed to the youth Ratkanthiwar, Sharad Bakhade, S R Nimbarte, Dr K V Dubey, Dr
School Management, Principal Anmol Badjatia and staff con- Tributes were paid to for- Tanha Nagpuri, Shankar to strengthen the social movement Padole, Dr Ashish Lambat, Dr Anjali Mahakalkar, Dr Sanjay Pal,
gratulated the students and their mentor Ravinder Kohli on their mer President Dr Mahadev Dhengre, Anilkumar started by him. Ingle, Bhalekar, Dr Dr Anil Mohite, Dr Raghoba Nagpure and non teaching staff
brilliant performance. Nagrale and other members Meshram, Abdul Hamid, Rathod and Vaidya also expressed worked hard for success of the event.
who passed away recently. Ramkrishna Paunikar, Vinod their views. Prof Yogesh
Schools may send their news items also on State Unit members Yogesh Sonkar, Prakash Kumbhe, Muneshwar made introductory Colleges may send their news items also on
schools@thehitavada.com Wagde, Bhushan Dadwe and Manda vairagade, hira bado- remarks and also conducted the colleges@thehitavada.com
sports@thehitavada.com Ruprao Raut, and Rajabhau dekar were prominent among proceedings. Suryabhan Shende sports@thehitavada.com
Tanksale expressed their those present. proposed a vote of thanks.

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 6 CityBusiness TheHitavada
NAGPUR n Saturday n March 28 n 2020

UPDATE
‘Work@Home’
promotional
plan by BSNL
BSNL has introduce promo-
tional standalone broad-
band plan ‘Work at Home’
for free of cost to all existing
BSNL’s land line customers.
Under this plan, bandwidth
(download speed) subject
to technical feasibility upto
10 MBPS till 5 GB per day,
beyond 5 GB per day, speed
will be 1 Mbps. The plan
will be available on promo-
tional basis for a period of
one month with immediate
effect to existing BSNL’s
land line customers only.
However, new customers
can opt this plan after acti-
vation of any regular land
line plan. For further details
customer may contact on
0712-2543287.
RBI’s move will bring more relief to people: Trade & industry
■ Business Bureau
THE Confederation of All India
Traders(CAIT)welcomedthevar-
ious announcements made on
Friday by the Governor of the
ReserveBankofIndiaShaktikanta
Das, saying that in the present
crisisofCorona,theseannounce-
ments would benefit not only
traders but also other people of
thecountry.Itwillrelievethepeo-
ple from great burden of finan-
cialliabilitiesforthepresent.This
step of the RBI is another major
step in the chain of giving con-
cessionstovarious sectionsamid
circumstances created due to
COVID-19.
BCBhartia,NationalPresident
of CAIT: Keeping aside inflation,
theRBIhastak-
en major steps
to strengthen
the economy
which will pro-
vide great relief
in the present
crisis. RBI has
taken a big and bold step. India’s
debt to GDP ratio is very low as
compared to other countries.
RBI has infused massive liq-
uidityinthemarketwhichisnear-
ly 3.2% of GDP. Now, it is the turn
ofbankstodemonstrateboldand
strong leadership. The banks
should go ahead for liberal lend-
ing. The banks will have to com-
petewithNBFCsinlending.There
may be some cases of financial
strictness but lending should be
viewed liberally for economic
upliftment. At this crucial junc-
ture pumping of liquidity in the
market is all the more necessary.
The reverse repo rate has been
reduced drastically. This means
that the bank will now increase
the debt in the market instead of
holding money in the RBI.
Whether a term loan, cash cred-
it, or overdraft limit, the interest
charged above all has been post-
poned for 3 months.This is a very
big step which will help the
traders a lot.
Along with this, suggestions
have been made to increase the
liquidityofthemoneyinthemar-
ket, it will bring more money of
Rs 3.74 lakh crore in the market
and after the FM gave a package
of Rs 1.70 lakh crore onThursday,
the flow of about Rs 5.5 lakh crore
in the market can be seen in
future. Another factor that no
accounts of traders will become
NPA is also a major relief. Overall,
the Govt has not left any stone
unturnedtohelpinassistingtrade
and industry during this time of
crisis.
CA Kailash Jogani, Past
President of NCCL :RBI decision
to cut the repo
and reverse
repo rates by 75
and 90 basis
pointreduction
in CRR is a wel-
come step.
However, it has
been generally observed that
banks did not follow the direc-
tives of RBI when it comes to
reduction of interest rates on
loans. Banks always take deci-
sion as per their financial posi-
tions. Trade and industry should
get loans at cheaper rates. If this
is done, liquidity in the market
will increase.
As far as GDP growth and infla-
tion is concerned, RBI has said
that there is uncertainty in the
economy. It all depends on the
intensity of the COVID-19 and
when the market will be opened.
CA Julfesh Shah, Member,
Committee of Insolvency
BankingCodeofICAI,NewDelhi:
In the current
scenario when
theentireworld
is fighting
againstCOVID-
19, the global
economic state
of affairs is
passing througha difficult phase.
India also is feeling it’s heat and
economic operations have come
to a grinding halt. Trade & indus-
try in India is facing the music
and are in a standstill due to
nationallockdown.RBIhadcome
out with certain positive meas-
ures to bring solace to the trade
and industry on their banking
side. In a slew of measures
announced on Friday, RBI
declaed massive cut in its repo
rate by 90 bps bringng it to 4.4%
which will bring down banks
lending rates to a some extent.
RBI has directed all banks to
recalculateandre-assessbyrevis-
ing DP calculations by reducing
borrowers margin to ensure
smooth flow of working capital
cycle for the trade and industry
when the operations restart. In
additiontoallnationalisedbanks
it will include all commercial
banks including RRBs, small
finance banks, co-op banks,
NBFCs, housing finance compa-
nies etc. It implies that unless
one has specific approval from
its bank, EMIs will be deducted
from their account.
However credit card payments
has been excluded from mora-
torium.Theunderlyingadvantage
for the borrowers is that due to
this moratorium if he /she is not
in a position to repay the instal-
ment & interest or EMIs falling
due on March 1, 2020, still
account will not be treated as
NPA and borrowers credit histo-
ry or CIBIL won’t be affected &
will not show default.
Dipen Agrawal, President of
Chamber of Associations of
Maharashtra Industry & Trade
(CAMIT): Much more needed to
bringeconomy
out from
inevitable
recession.With
the repo rate
now, at 4.4%
the banks
shouldpassthe
benefits of the present & previ-
ous rate cuts to the customers.
This will reduce the borrowing
cost for the home-seeker signif-
icantlyandhaveapositiveimpact
on real estate and willreduce cost
of funds. The 3 month moratori-
um for borrowers is a huge relief
for individuals. Management of
all banks should take urgent
meetingstopassonbenefittocus-
tomers. RBI was silent on exten-
sionofLoC andtimebound com-
mitments under FEMA.

MIDC charges for March and Devidas Tuljapurkar says

April should be waived off: BMA
■ Business Bureau
PRADIP Khandelwal, President
of Butibori Manufacturers
Association(BMA)saidthatwhat-
ever decision taken by Centre
Governmentisgood.However,he
said that such steps should also
be taken by State Government so
that the industries that are reel-
ing under recession should get
sigh of relief.
Some of the demands of the
BMA are waive MIDC charges for
March and April. MIDC has
whopping thousands of crores in
theirbalancesheet.Somakingtwo
monthsofwaiverisnotthatharsh
decision for them. Waive mini-
mum demand charges in power
bills. It is not practical and ethi-
cal to charge closed establish-
ments. This should be under-
stood by MSEDCL.
Differ payments of bills with all
possible discounts and subsidy.
There should not be Stamp Duty
on sale of property which may be
required as personal fund man-
agement by many.This will divert
money from this having surplus
tothosehavingshortageandthus
making a equilibrium.
Rationaliseorabolishanybind-
ing of ready-reckoner (RR) rate
for ease in transfer of hands for
sick or sickening or closed units.
Next month onwards lay off @
50% payment be permitted so
thatemployerandemployeeboth
can sustain for longer period. All
industrial Property Tax be dif-
fered for minimum one-year.
Cash credit limit be increased to
25% without any further docu-
mentation. Company Law Board
should pass order to make pay-
mentsofMSMEsonprioritybasis.
VTA appeals to defer bill payment
& reduction in electricity tariff
■ Commercial rates
should be cut as the
businesses and
industries are badly hit
by the lockdown,
VTA demanded
■ Business Bureau
ADMITTEDLYallcountrymenare
confined to their homes due to
thisthreateningCOVID-19which
hasbroughtentireglobetoalmost
standstillandMaharashtraisalso
affected adversely.
Under such circumstances,
Vidarbha Taxpayers Association
(VTA)haswrittentoDrNitinRaut,
Maharashtra Minister for Energy
to defer electricity bill payment
by few months, likewise net
metering accumulated units be
carried forward to next year and
requested for reduction of elec-
tricity tariff taking into consid-
erationtheCOVID-19restrictions
andthecircumstancesthereafter.
Shrawan Kumar Malu,
President of VTA requested that
electricity bill payments of all the
consumers may please be
deferred for few months, more-
over penalty and interest for such
extended period may also be
waived off. Every citizen is con-
fined at their residence without
any source of earning and there-
by facing difficulty in payment of
their electricity bills.
Tejinder Singh Renu, VTA
Secretary requested that every
year end the generated and accu-
mulated solar units are cleared
off by the MSEDCL/DISCOM by
creditingmergeramountperunit
to such consumer, thereby
restartingsolarproductionsfrom
April 1. “By this letter, we request
that the solar units accumulated
be carried forward to the next
year so that its true benefit reach-
estheconsumersandwesaveour
environment as well,” he said.
VTA requested that all citizens
are spending time at their resi-
dence, while offices, business
housesandindustriesshut;under
such circumstances, the mini-
mum slab for residential user of
100 units be raised to 200 units,
so that majority of common men
gets some relief. Thereafter,com-
mercialratesmayalsobereduced
as the businesses and industries
are very badly hit by this lock-
down, VTAsharedthistoMinister
on his WhatsApp and Tweeter.
Govt nationalising losses
■ Business Bureau
EXPRESSING views on several
measures announced by RBI,
Joint Secretary of AIBEA Devidas
TuljapurkaronFridayallegedthat
once again the Government has
followed the principle of‘nation-
alisation of losses and privatiza-
tion of profits’. He also said that
the Government has asked the
public sector bank - SBI to bail
out private sector.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das
has cut interest rates by 75 basis
points to 4.4% and also
announced several measures to
inject Rs 3.74 lakh crore liquidi-
ty into the system.
However,Tuljapurkar said that
firstly, the Government should
hold the managment of Yes Bank
accountable for the mess. “The
corporates who have looted the
bank should be put behind the
bars,” he demanded. RBI with its
action of moratorium has creat-
ed panic with the depositors but
in market everybody was con-
templating on the background
why RBI has not intervened
before. RBI also should be made
accountable.
On this background, RBI
should carry out special inspec-
tion of all the private sector banks
“If SBI can bail outYes Bank, then
why not PMC, PEN Urban or
Rupee Bank,” he wondered.
Revival of Financial Resolution
and Deposit Insurance Bill will
lead to insecurity with the bank
depositors and adversely affect
onrateofsavingswhichmayhave
far reaching effect on the
economy, he pointed out.

CAGERS KEEPING THEMSELVES FIT AMID LOCKDOWN Kashish emerges best jumper
■ By Mahesh S Kale
DESPITE the deadly coron-
avirus outbreak, which has
claimed 17 lives in India so far
and resulted into a 21-day lock-
down in the country, city hoop-
sters are keeping themselves fit
for the coming season.
Cagers Dhara Phate, Shomira
Bidaye and Siya Deodhar are
doing everything to stay fit and
healthy.
Dhara and Shomira, who rep-
resented India in the NBA Junior
World Championship last year
and Siya who was about to play
theFIBAUnder-16Women’sAsian
Championship in April, believe
thatthereareseveralindoorexer-
cises that one can do in order to
stay in shape.
Dhara performs cardio exer-
cises like running and ropes to
stay fit and healthy.
“I run 3 to 5 kilometres every
morningfollowedbysomejump-
ingjacksandropes.Ialsodostairs
exercise,” Dhara said while talk-
ing to ‘The Hitavada’.
“For core training I perform
plank, crunches and other free
weight exercises,” she added.
Whenaskedwhatshedoesdur-
ing her leisure time, the Class X
student of Bhavan’s Trimurti
Nagar said, “I am completing my
Dhara Phate performing a plank in her colony.
copies and assignments which
normally I am unable to do
because of my sports commit-
ments.”
Dhara, who was a part of the
Under-16 Dharampeth Krida
Mandal (DKM) team that recent-
ly won the Khasdar Krida
Mahotsav, believes that being
spiritual also makes one men-
tally strong and focused.
“To stay calm and focused I
perform pooja every evening and
then I meditate for at least 15
minutes ,” Dhara said.
Shomira said, yoga, floor exer-
cises, stretching are some of the
exercises that she performs to
maintain her flexibility and
endurance. “I do yoga every
morning followed by some basic
stretching and floor exercises like
push-ups and free weight squats
as these exercises help me with
myagilityandstrength,”Shomira
said.The cager said the lockdown
due to coronavirus has given her
ample time to study and watch
old NBA games.
“Thanks to the lockdown I am
havingsufficienttimetostudyand
revise,” said Shomira who is a
class IX student of Centre Point
School, Katol Road. “I watch old
NBA games and interviews of
popular NBA athletes during my
free time as their is a lot to learn
form it,” Shomira added.
Siya, who normally plays at the
point guard, said she has made
CitySports
Mahatma Gandhi English Medium School students excel in athletics
STUDENTS of Mahatma Chaitanya Dhapade secured Her colleague Bhumika
Gandhi English Medium School bronze in 4x100m relay race. In Deshmukh finished fourth in the
excelled in District Sub-Junior Under-12 boys section, Aryan same event.
Athletics Championship where- Bankar won bronze medal in All the students have been
as its student Kashish Bhagat 100m event whereas in 4x100m trained under the guidance of
bagged best jumper award in mixed relay event he bagged gold sportsteacherRamchandraWani.
the competition. medal. Kashish Bhagat won gold Headmaster Dharmendra
In Under-8 girls section, medals in 100m event, long jump Parshivnikar supervisor Deepali
Nisarga Wankhede jumped 2.65 and 4x100m mixed relay com- Kothe, Priya Dakhale, Madhavi
metres to win gold medal. petitions. In 4x100m girls relay, Wankhede, Sipin Singh,
However in 60m running event she had to be satisfied with Anuradha Khadse, Anju
she finished sixth. bronze. She won three gold and Chaturvedi, Pranjali Wadkar,
In Under-10 boys section, one bronze medal. Ashwini Gorle, Ruchi Pande,
Nainish Kamble bagged bronze In Under-14 girls event, KalyaniBorkar,ShardaZod,Nitin
in shot put contest. In the same SamikshaParateclinchedbronze Bhandari and others have con-
a schedule of her fitness routine. category Swapnita Aware and meal in high jump. gratulated the students.
“One day I perform lower body
exercises while the next day I
work on all upper body parts. I
have also allotted specific days
for particular exercises like
Monday will be for balancing
exercises and Tuesday will be for
endurance and flexibility etc,”
Siya said.
Siyasaidshewatchesoldvideos
of FIBA Under-16Women’s Asian
Championshipduringherleisure
time.
“I watch matches of the previ-
ouseditionofFIBAU16European
Championship during my leisure
timeandItrytogainsomeinsight
from them,” Siya concluded.
■

Shomira Bidaye
performs an
excercise drill
with her mother.
Prerna Public School organises yoga camp
PRERNA Public School organised a workshop
‘Yoga and Arogyam’ for teaching and non teach-
ing staff recently in school premises.
The workshop was conducted by yoga expert
Padmini Jog. She explained the significance of yoga
in day to day life with the help of Asanas and
Pranayama, she also taught different Hasta Mudras
and micro exercises to cure various ailments. She
highlighted the importance of Kapalbhati and
Anulom-VilomPranayamatoremainfitandhealthy.
On this occasion, Dr Samuel Roy, Principal,
ShubhangiUdar,Vice-Principal,SupervisorsDimple
Sakhare and Pournima Gaidhane were present.
Schoolmanagementappreciatedandcongratulated
Siya Deodhar all for making the event successful.
 TheHitavada
NAGPUR n Saturday n March 28 n 2020
‘Two more COVID-19
positive cases in Jabalpur’
COVID-19 UpDate
“The infected patients are
employees of COVID-19 infected
jewellery shop owner. Now the
number of COVID-19 infection
increased to eight patients.
Till now total 8 out of 37 reports
found positive while suspects
are under observation at
isolated wards”, informed
by Collector Bharat Yadav
■ Staff Reporter
JABALPUR, Mar 27
“TWO more suspects were found
positive with novel coronavirus
infection in Jabalpur. Two of the
threereportsreceivedfromICMR
were positive. The infected
patientsareemployeesofCOVID-
19 infected jewellery shop own-
er. Now the number of COVID19
infection increased to eight
patients. Till now total 8 out of 37
reports found positive while sus-
pectsareunderobservationatiso-
lated wards”, informed by
Collector Bharat Yadav (IAS).
District Magistrate informed
that total 587 foreign returned
persons have been identified and
458 of them are quarantined and
120 have yet to enter the city.
Home quarantined persons are
being continuously monitored
by medical teams of health
department, Jabalpur Municipal
Corporation and Cantonment
53-year-old railway
official tests positive
in Bhopal
A 53-YEAR-OLD railway official, resident of Samardha area, was
tested positive with COVID-19 in Bhopal on Friday. This is the
third coronavirus case of Bhopal.
An AIIMS officials said that he visited the Railway Hospital
and got tested after he suffered cough and cold and was later
referred to AIIMS, Bhopal. His sample was taken here on
Thursday and his reports suggested that he was positive with
COVID-19. The doctors immediately admitted him to the iso-
lation ward and the patient is undergoing treatment there. The
patient is a railway guard and was on duty between Jhansi-
Bhusawal.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Sudhir Dehariya said
that a team of health officials went to the house of the patient
and conducted medical screening of the patient’s family. All
members of the patient’s family were put under home isola-
tion and their condition is stable. District Collector Tarun
Pithode said that three patients, including a journalist and his
daughter, have tested positive for coronavirus in Bhopal so far.
Collector
Bharat Yadav
Board Jabalpur.
Around 395 complaints per-
taining to several issues of sus-
pected person, closing of shops
of essential service, violation of
protocol etc have been received
at Integrated Control and
CommandCentre.Senioradmin-
istrative and medical officers are
monitoring the complaints.
Around 800 persons expressed
their desire of providing volun-
teer services and they will be giv-
en responsibility of food distri-
bution, monitoring of quaran-
tinedpersonsandcreatingpublic
awareness.
Around 5,500 food packets
were distribution from five
kitchens of JMC amongst poor
and needy persons.
Yadav informed that the
Government and administration
are making all sorts of efforts to
avoid spread of infection but
social distancing is the only way
to check this menace.
CityLine / Regions
STEPS TAKEN: (Above)
Labourers from Madhya Pradesh
who had come to Gondia for
work, after three days of wait for
help after lockdown, heading
home walking on the railway
tracks. They will have to walk
some 140 to 250 kilometres to
reach their native village. (Left)
People, waiting outside
Pulgaon’s Bank of India office,
following social distancing.
27,500 return to Buldana from other distts; 25 pc yet to be screened
BULDANA, Mar 27
IN A shocking revelation coming
from the data collected by dis-
trict administration, it has come
to fore that about 27,500 people
living in other districts for vari-
ous reasons have returned to the
district till announcement of
nation-wide total lockdown.
Though various Government
agencies have been screening
these people, it is gathered that
about 25 per cent people are yet
to be screened. Fortunately,
nobody has tested positive, giv-
ingasighofrelieftohealthadmin-
istration.
Notably, it is open secret that
the COVID-19 is spread by peo-
ple roaming from one place to
RMS completely paralysed
■ By Ashish Rajput
JABALPUR, Mar 27
RAILMailService(RMS)hasbeen
completely paralysed and thou-
sands of parcels are stocked at
railway stations due to aban-
doned trail transport. Stranding
RMS service has adversely affect-
ed the delivery of medicines and
several other essential goods.
Senior Superintendent Post
Master, Jabalpur Region, HR
Ahirwar, while talking to ‘The
Hitavada’, informed that the Rail
Mail Service is on halt following
the stopping of rail transport. He
informed that all the RMS parcels
were released from the post
offices and stocked at railway sta-
tions due to absence of any
alternate service. He informed
that the Government will take
appropriate decision for any
alternate arrangement for dis-
patch of parcels.
The rail transportation was
Only essential units operational in Bhilai Steel Plant
■ Staff Reporter
BHILAI, Mar 27
SAIL has already taken various
preventivemeasuresacrossallits
plantsandunitsinitsfightagainst
spreadofCOVID-19.BSP’sOfficer
Associationandtradeunionoffice
bearers appealed management
to cut on manpower further for
restricting movement and gath-
ering at a place.
Keepingvitalplantsandequip-
ment like coke oven batteries,
blast furnaces in running condi-
tion is essential for large inte-
grated steel plants. Taking swift
action, the Management of SAIL-
Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) had
already rationalised staff pres-
ence as part of its efforts to cur-
Thackeray speaks to Thakur, satisfied with steps in Amravati
AMRAVATI, Mar 27
CHIEF Minister Uddhav
Thackeray spoke to Adv.
Yashomati Thakur, Women and
Child Welfare Minister and also
the Guardian Minister of the dis-
trict on Friday and took stock of
the situation regarding coron-
avirus pandemic in the district
and precautionary measures
implemented by administration
inthedistrict.Afterhearingabout
the steps taken, Thackeray
expressed his satisfaction over
the efforts of District
Administration and Guardian
Minister towards preventing the
Gondia youth tests positive
■ Family members also
being tested
■ Youth had returned
from Bangkok 10 days
back
■ Admn swung into
action after his friend
from Ranjnandgaon
tested positive
■ District Correspondent
GONDIA, Mar 27
THEyouthfromGondia,whowas
keptinquarantineafterhisfriend
tested positive, has also tested
positive spreading fear among
people in Gondia. People have
demanded the administration to
take all preventive steps to stop
the spread of the infection in the
district and to sanities entire city.
another. Against this backdrop,
arrival of such a large number of
people has created sensation in
the district. Hence, Buldana Zilla
Parishad has formed district and
tehsil-level coronavirus control
cells. The ZP administration
has been conducting survey in
every village to find out the per-
sons coming from other places.
With the help of Gram Sevaks,
Anganwadi Sevikas, PHC staff
and Gram Panchayat employees
important data is being collect-
ed and sent to Collectorate.
Moreover, ZP administration has
lodged complaints with police
against the home quarantined
patients who were found roam-
ing outside.
Buldana ZP has collected final
completely stopped on March 23
following the outbreak of novel-
coronaVirus pandemic through-
outthecountry.TheGovernment
of India has declared the servic-
es of Postal Department as one
oftheessentialservicesandposts
exempting from RMS are being
distributedbutparcelsofRMSare
still stranded due to absence of
any substitution.
Following the stopping of Rail
tail 50 per cent manpower in all
support service functions and
continuing steel-making
operations. With these meas-
ures, about 5,000 employees of
the total manpower have been
restricted from entering their
place of work.
Blast Furnace No 6 had been
taken for capital repair on
Thursday. The process of keep-
ing Blast Furnace No 7 in hot
reserve has begun on Friday. The
Plantwillpresentlymaintainmin-
imum required hot metal pro-
duction with only two blast fur-
naces -- No 1 and No 8 in oper-
ation. In coke oven area, five coke
oven batteries will only be oper-
ational while two batteries will
be kept in hot conservation.
spread of virus, safety of citizens
and supply of essential com-
modities. The Chief Minister
assuredtoprovideamplefundfor
the measures. Health, Revenue
and other administrative machi-
naries have
beenalertedfor
preventing
spread of coro-
navirus in the
district. Check-
up of people
coming from
abroad and also from Mumbai,
Pune and other major cities are
being done and they have been
instructed to stay under home
Gondia has registered its first
positive case of COVID – 19. The
24-year old youth who had
returned from Bangkok trip has
tested positive. His report was
received on Thursday late night.
District Health Officer Dr Shyam
Neemgade has confirmed the
report and has appealed people
not to panic, but to stay at home
and co-operate with authorities.
TheyouthhadgonetoBangkok
some two weeks ago and had
returned ten days back. He was
accompaniedbytwoyouthsfrom
neighbouring district of
Rajnandgaon in Chhatisgarh.
Three days back one of the
Rajnandgaonyouthreportedpos-
itive for the infection after which
Gondia administration swung
into action and had detained the
youth from his residence in
Gondia. They collected the sam-
data of people returning district
by March 26, from all 13
Panchayat Samities. These peo-
ple include students, pilgrims,
labourers and private employ-
ees. Tehsil-wise number of peo-
ple returning district is: Buldana-
822, Chikhli-1162, Deulgaonraja
644, Sindkhedraja-2340, Mehkar
3002, Lonar 1523, Khamgaon
5685, Shegaon 1494, Jalgaon
Jamod 1663, Sangrampur 1382,
Nandura 1554, Malkapur 1729
and Motala 3548.
These are official numbers, but
it is feared that the number could
go up as many have hidden their
travel history. Out of these peo-
ple, administration has com-
pleted health -check of 75 per
cent people. As it takes 4-14 days
Thousands
of parcels
are stocked
at railway
stations
MailService,bulksofparcelshave
been collected at RMS offices of
railway stations. These parcels
have varieties of commodities
like edibles and medicines which
can be damaged or rotten due to
delay in delivery at destinations.
There is an urgent need to dis-
patch the RMS parcels through
an alternate transportation for
convenience of customers of
postal department.
The two steel melting shops
with continuous casting process,
SMS-2 and SMS-3 and the two
sinter producing units, SP-2 and
SP-3 will remain in operation,
with emergency plant manning.
The two rail mills, Rail and
Structural Mill and Universal Rail
Mill will operate in A and B shifts
while Bar and Rod Mill will oper-
ate in General Shift only. The
Blooming and Billet Mill, SMS-1
and finishing Mills viz Merchant
Mill, Wire Rod Mill and Plate Mill
shallalsobeputdowninaphased
manner. Since all the canteens
have now been closed, the man-
agement has also taken a deci-
sion to change the shift timings
as 7 am to 3 pm for A Shift; 3 pm
to 11 pm for B Shift and 11 pm to
quarantine. Health squad is also
in contact with them and throat
swab, if necessary, are also been
taken. District is fortunate not to
have a single patient till date.
Quarantine arrangements have
been made at
D i s t r i c t
G e n e r a l
Hospital here,
Dr Panjabrao
Deshmukh
M e d i c a l
College and
Hospital and Sant Gadgeba
Oldage Home atWalgaon in case
emergency arise.
Earlier, Adv Yashomati Thakur
ple and sent it to IGGMC, Nagpur
for testing. The report which
arrived on Thursday late night
confirmed their fears.
On Friday, the authorities took
all four members of the affected
youth’s family for testing.
Meanwhile, the report of COVID-
19 positive patient spread fear in
thedistrict.Residentsinthelocal-
ity where the affected youth was
living demanded sanitisation
of the entire locality and other
measurestopreventtheinfection
from spreading. According to
Collector Dr Kadambari
Balkawade, the contact tracing
team has started identification
of the people with whom the
affected youth had come in con-
tact and collecting details of the
places he has moved. His house
is also put under observation,
prohibiting any movement.
to find coronavirus symptoms in
patients, administration is close-
ly monitoring the situation.
61 in home
quarantine
THE number of home quaran-
tined patients in the district was
61 on Friday. There are four
patients in the isolation ward and
swab samples of all of them were
sent for testing.
Meanwhile, some villagers in
Buldana, Motala, Deulgaonraja,
Sangrampur and other tehsils
have banned the entry to those
coming from other places. They
have placed bamboos, wood logs
and other things to avoid the
4 more suspected persons
hospitalised in Akola
■ District Correspondent
AKOLA, Mar 27
THOUGH, there is not a single
corona-infected patient in the
district, a constant rise in sus-
pected cases is keeping admin-
istration on its toes. OnThursday,
four more suspects were admit-
ted in the General Hospital.
Presently, the isolation ward has
seven suspected cases. Out of
them, reports offour have arrived
as negative.
Total 26 suspected cases have
been admitted in the General
Hospital so far. Of them reports
of 19 are negative. Though it is
matter of relief, the danger is still
hovering as the final reports of
sevenmoresuspectedpatientsare
awaited. With increase in the
numberofsuspected cases,med-
icalofficershavecalleduponpeo-
pletofollowself-disciplinemetic-
7 am for C shift so as to enable
employees to bring their food
through their own resources. G
Shiftemployeeswillbedistributed
in A and B shifts to the extent pos-
sible. The women employees are
being asked to work from home,
except for those in essential serv-
ices. Contractual labour will be
regulated according to the oper-
ational plan. N K Banchhor,
Chairman, SEFI welcomed the
decisionandappealedSAILman-
agement to further cut on man-
power considering increasing
spread of pandemic COVID-19. S
P Dey, General Secretary, CITU,
Bhilai opined that in fight against
COVID-19 management ought
restrictmovementsofemployees
and their gathering at a place.
conductedmeetingattheDistrict
Collector and also visited isola-
tion ward and quarantine wards
and also spoke to those visiting
hospitalforcheck-up.AdvThakur
has also started helpline from her
residence and has also appoint-
ed a 3-member squad for that.
Adv Thakur provided informa-
tion about all such preparation
and action taken by the admin-
istration in fight against the coro-
navirus to the Chief Minister. She
alsoinformedaboutthesituation
in the district. UddhavThackeray
expressed his satisfaction over
the preparation and situation in
the district.
7
Couples returning
from Thailand,
Mumbai among 6
home quarantined
■ District Correspondent
WARDHA, Mar 27
THOUGHthereisnocoronavirus
positive patient in the district,
the Health Department and dis-
trict administration are closely
monitoring the people returned
fromabroadandthosewhocame
from coronavirus-hit district.
Sixhomequarantinedpatients
with symptoms of fever and pain
in throat have been kept in iso-
lationward.Thisincludetwocou-
ples who returned fromThailand
and Mumbai. Meanwhile, 34 per-
sons returning from abroad are
kept in home quarantine. Total
22 samples were sent to Nagpur
for testing out of which 19 were
found negative while result of
three samples are awaited.
entry of outsiders. Moreover,
some villagers have dug the main
roads.
Eight-hour journey
for swab testing
IN ABSENCE of Government or
PrivateMedicalCollegeandprop-
er healthcare facilities in
Government hospitals, the swab
of suspected patients are sent to
Nagpurthatis350kmsawayfrom
district headquarter. It took
around 8 hours to reach the sam-
ples to Nagpur and 36-48 hours
to get the report.
This long period is termed to
a major problem in dealing with
the current health crisis.
ulously and follow all guidelines
about lockdown and social dis-
tancing. As part of the preventive
measures taken to check the
spread of coronavirus, District
Guardian Minister Bacchu Kadu
has asked the District
Administration to use Public
Distribution System to provide
rationtothefamilieswhosemem-
bers have recently returned from
Mumbai, Pune, Yavatmal and
Nagpur etc. Similarly, Medical
squads will go to these families
and tests the members of these
families. Collector Jitendra
Papalkar ensured the Minister
that machinery is completely
involved in reaching out to such
families to provide ration and
necessary medical facilities.
Meanwhile, Collector has classi-
fied the complete staff of the
Collector office and AMC come
under essential services.
Meanwhile, the BSP manage-
ment distributed 1,200 litres of
sanitiser and 6,000 masks among
employees, 2,000 gamchhas
(small towels) and 2,000 soaps
havebeengiventodifferentshops
for distribution among contrac-
tual workers and additional pro-
curement is being done.
The management has already
asked employees for self-decla-
ration of any travel abroad or
inter-statetravelonorafterMarch
24 by them or family members.
In another step, to facilitate leave
application for non-executives
and to avoid physical movement
of leave books, the management
has issued a format for Email
communication regarding entry
of Leave in Time office module.
SUDOKU SOLUTION
8 CityLine
Mundhe announces arrangements for
home delivery of essential items
MUNICIPAL Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has announced that
arrangement for supply of vegetables, milk, milk products, grocery
and medicines at home has been made, in view of lockdown.
Names of about 140 shops along with phone numbers has been
posted on the municipal corporation’s official website. With the help
of Agriculture Department, communication has been established
with farmers to ensure supply of vegetables. The arrangements for
home delivery has been made in prominent localities of the city. He
has appealed the people not to come out of the homes till April 15,
without any essential work.
ZP Education Officer
Surduse acquitted of
corruption charges
■ Staff Reporter
P L Surduse, Education Officer
(Continuing Education, Zilla
Parishad, Nagpur has been
acquitted by the District and
Sessions Judge-I, of the charges
framed by Anti-corruption
Bureau.
The case was referred to the
Deputy Director of education by
the then Education Minister
Vasant Purke, on receipt of a let-
ter from one Usha Manwatkar.
Manwatkar had alleged that
the Chairperson of Orange City
High School, Mohan Nagar,
Nagpur,TaruNaidu,allDirectors,
HeadmistressRajlaxmiNaiduhad
demanded Rs 7.20 lakh, with
assurancetoappointManwatkar.
She has alleged that she neither
got the job or the money she
had given.
Deputy Director had appoint-
ed Surduse to enquire into the
matter. Surduse, on February 4,
2005, reported that inspection of
the school was not conducted
since 1991. He directed the clerk
of the school to fill up the inspec-
tion format. He also prepared the
report that the school directors
and headmistress embezzled Rs
7.20 lakh and submitted it to the
Education Officer.
In the second annual inspec-
tion report it was also noted that
the Headmistress Naidu collect-
ed Rs 300 per student per month
for Computer Fees, against Rs
190 as prescribed by the Deputy
Education Officer.
On April 30, 2005 withdrawing
recognitionoftheschoolwasrec-
ommended by Surduse. Certified
copy of the report was also hand-
ed over to Naidu.
The Education Officer direct-
ed the clerk, Dashrath Barde to
keep the enquiry report pend-
ing, with his counter signature.
Thus any changes in the report
was not possible for me, Surduse
mentioned in the court.
The Court also recorded state-
ment of Rajlaxmi Naidu, in which
she stated that she has taken
action as told by ACB officers.
The other two complainants stat-
edthatalthoughtheyhavesigned
the report, they are not aware
of happenings.
Surduse has stated that he had
submitted the report within 15
minutes and had no opportuni-
ty to change it. He also stated that
he has not accepted any money
from the accused. He has also
argued that the case of accept-
ing money for changing the
report, is not at all concerned
with him.
The Ad Hoc District Judge-01
has acquitted Surduse of the
charges framed against him.
Adv Amol Mardikar represent-
ed the accused Surduse. APP Adv
M R Narsapurkar held briefs for
the State of Maharashtra.
Nagpurians lend a helping hand to 40 Kerala-bound passengers
■ The special train
started from New Delhi
with 40 passengers
mostly electricians and
pantry car staff, who
had no food and water
■ Staff Reporter
SEVERAL people are coming to
the help of deprived and strand-
ed persons, in this period of lock-
down. In a latest, some organi-
sationsfromNagpurjoinedhands
and lent a helping hand to 40
travellers in Delhi-Kerala train
by way of providing them food
packets and raw rice for onward
journey.
Two Kerala Express trains from
Thiruvananthapuram to New
Delhi reached New Delhi on
March 21 and March 22. These
trains carried 40 persons includ-
ing employees like electricians,
pantry car staff etc. They got
stranded at Delhi due to cancel-
lation of all trains.They were kept
in two bogies in the outer yard of
Delhi Railway Station. No food
and water was served to them.
COVID-19: Guardian Minister forms committee to help needy
■ Staff Reporter
GUARDIAN Minister Dr Nitin
Raut has formed a committee
under District Collector for help-
ing those in distress.
In a meeting to review the sit-
uation in view of the lockdown
due to outbreak of coronavirus,
Dr Raut has appealed to the peo-
ple to remain at their respective
homes and follow the instruc-
tions issued by the government.
DrRauthasissuedinstructions
to help people in getting essen-
tial items at their residence.
Specialcampshavealsobeenset-
up for those held-up at the dis-
trict boundaries.
The meeting was attended by
Commissioner of Divisional
CommissionerDrSanjeevKumar,
Police Dr Bhushan Kumar
Upadhyay, District Collector
Ravindra Thakre, Additional
The volunteers, who distributed food packets, along with the passengers in need.
Someone sent a video clipping
and messages to Malayalam
TV channel ‘Janam’. The journal-
ists from the TV channel
contacted the stranded persons
over cellphone and highlighted
their plight.
Malayalee community resid-
Nuwal donates
Rs 1 crore
MANISHSatyanarayanNuwal
of Solar Group has given a
cheque of Rs 1 crore to Dr
Raut. The financial help has
been extended to ensure
smooth supply of essential
items. Sunil Duddalwar and
Gaurav Agarwala also donat-
ed Rs 10 lakh and handed over
thechequetoDr Raut.Dr Raut
has appealed to the industri-
alists,socialorganisationsand
other generous persons to
deposit their donations with
theDistrictCollectorRavindra
Thakre.
Municipal Commissioner Ram
Joshi, Manish Satyanarayan
Barred but
not restricted
In wake of novel coronavirus
outbreak, citizens have
refrained from social and
community gatherings. The
peculiar situation across the
nation has revived many
defunct family activities.
During the time of social
distancing, citizens have
started playing indoor
games like chess, cards,
ludo, etc. While some
children are spending time
by nurturing their hobbies,
some are seen spending
time together with their
grandparents and siblings. In
the era of gadgets, indoor
games had taken a backseat
but not forgotten.
(Pics by Satish Raut)
ing in Delhi took up the matter.
Babu Panicker, owner of
Panicker’s Travels Pvt Ltd, took
the lead to help them. He man-
aged to get two bogies connect-
ed to an engine and the train
departed from New Delhi to
Kerala on March 25.
Guardian Minister receiving the cheque from Manish Nuwal as other dignitaries look on.
Nuwal of Solar Group, credo’s
Sunil Duddalwar, Gaurav
Agarwala, Someshwar
Mundhada, Raja Karwade,
Santosh Chawla and others.
In view of problems faced by
the slum-dwellers and those on
daily wages, foodgrains and oth-
er essential items are being sup-
NAGPUR n Saturday n March 28 n 2020
These persons, however, did
not have any food with them, and
weretravellingemptystomach to
Kerala.
Babu Panicker informed S S
Nair, Secretary (Administration),
GlobalNair SevaSamaj, over tele-
phone on March 26 morning and
plied through ration shops, with
thehelpofemployeesofRevenue
Department and Police and
Municipal Corporation employ-
ees. Those who are held up on
different boundaries of district or
state will be given cooked food
at their special camps. Due to
ban on transport of vehicles, the
TheHitavada
requested the latter to arrange
food and some grocery anddeliv-
er those to the passengers at
Nagpur Railway Station at 3.30
pm. He gave contact number of
one Akhil, who was also travel-
ling in the special train. Nair, a
Nagpurian, immediately con-
tacted the boy.
“The boy Akhil was weeping
over telephone. He told me that
they were travelling without any
foodandrequestedmetoarrange
foodfor40personsandalsosome
grocery so that they would pre-
pare something to eat during
onward journey. I could some-
how console him and promised
to make some arrangements,”
said Nair.
Nair started contacting a few
people associated with different
organisations. His efforts bore
fruits, and he could fulfil the
demand of passengers with the
help of Lions Club of Nagpur
Cosmos and Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh.
The volunteers distributed
night food and raw rice for
onwards journey.
fodder for cattleisalso being sup-
plied by the government,
Dr Raut stated.
Dr Raut stated that a propos-
al for spending Rs 25 lakh from
the Legislators’ Local Area
Development Fund was submit-
ted and the Chief Secretary has
responded positively.