We’re becoming the third largest economy, but what about collapsing bridges?: Ajit Pawar
New Delhi: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) President Ajit Pawar has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of public infrastructure even as India eyes a spot as the world's third-largest economy.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Professional Structural Engineers Association in Pune, Pawar said, “We have said that we will be the third (largest) economy, and that is true. But what about our buildings and bridges collapsing while we become the third largest economy? Who is responsible for that?”
His remarks come at a time when multiple incidents of bridge collapses and road cave-ins have been reported across the country during the ongoing monsoon season. Notably, Pawar’s statement also represents a rare instance of criticism directed at the government by a leader from within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Just a day before Pawar's comments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared that India is “rapidly moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy.” However, this claim has drawn scrutiny from various quarters, with many questioning the relevance of GDP growth amid widening economic inequalities and crumbling infrastructure.
Recent incidents across the country have highlighted the severity of the issue:
* July 10: A truck fell into a massive crater on a Gurugram road following heavy rains.
* July 10: The Katli river washed away a road in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, severing the Baghwali-Jahaj-NH 52 connection.
* July 9: A section of the Mahisagar river bridge in Vadodara collapsed, resulting in 20 fatalities.
* July 4: A newly inaugurated Rs 250-crore flyover in Mumbai developed potholes, causing bikers to skid.
* June 15: An iron bridge over the Indrayani river in Pune collapsed, killing four people.
* In Odisha: A Rs 60-crore flyover in Sambalpur district collapsed just two months after inauguration.
Pawar lamented the declining quality of construction and pointed out that Public Works Department (PWD) officials sometimes receive notices from British companies warning them that certain bridges have completed 100 years and should no longer be used.
“We do not see this quality of construction anymore. New construction techniques have come up and they should definitely be used… buildings should be made stronger,” he said.
He also criticised the tendency among officials to casually suggest demolition of structures merely based on age, saying, “PWD officials tell us often, ‘this building is 40 years old, let’s demolish it and make a new one’. How do they make these statements so casually?”
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Bihar govt to constitute commission for socio-economic upliftment of sanitation workers
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Patna (PTI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday announced that the state government would soon constitute a 'Safai Karmachari Commission' for the socio-economic upliftment of sanitation workers.
He announced the decision in a post on X.
"I am pleased to inform that I have directed the department to constitute the Bihar State Safai Karmachari Commission to ensure the protection, welfare, rehabilitation, social upliftment, grievance redressal, and monitoring of various welfare schemes for the rights and interests of sanitation workers in Bihar," the chief minister said.
This commission will provide suggestions related to the interests of sanitation workers, advise the government on the protection of their rights, and take appropriate action to review and implement welfare schemes related to those engaged in sanitation work, he added.
"The Bihar State Safai Karmachari Commission will consist of one chairperson, one vice-chairperson, and five members, including one woman/transgender. This commission will play a significant role in integrating the deprived sections of society engaged in sanitation work into the mainstream and contributing to their social and economic development," Kumar added.
Assembly elections are due in the state later this year.
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