Sack CPSs, not engineers for cost cutting: HP LoP

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday accused the state govt of eliminating posts such as junior engineers (JEs), sub-divisional officers (SDOs), and executive engineers (XENs) under the guise of cost-cutting, while retaining officers on special duty (OSDs) and cabinet-ranked advisers, besides chief parliamentary secretaries (CPSes). Thakur claimed that high-ranking officials and not those from the eliminated positions were the real drain on the exchequer. The LoP said: “Lakhs of rupees are spent on them every month. The govt uses public money to provide its friends with facilities. If it wants to cut costs truly, it should start by removing the CPSs, who were appointed unconstitutionally, and not engineers.”Pointing out irony in the government’s actions, Thakur noted that outsourced workers earning between Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 a month were being laid off and their salaries withheld. He claimed that: “The wages of security personnel and sanitation workers employed on contract are being stopped, which is insensitive behaviour.”

Cash-strapped Maldives removes 228 government appointees to cut costs

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has cut 228 political appointees to reduce government expenses as part of an Economic Reform Agenda. This move, announced on his official X account, will save Rf 5.714 million monthly. The administration aims to streamline operations, reduce debt, and foster economic stability through various reforms and collaborations with India.

Paddy variety in focus cuts cost, pollution in Delhi-NCR

The PR-126 paddy variety, pushed by the AAP-led Punjab government, faces criticism for its lower yield but offers cost-saving benefits and reduces air pollution by providing farmers more time to prepare for the next crop without stubble burning. A new high-yielding alternative, Pusa-2090, shows promise but needs wider adoption.

Aapli Bus staff wage hike to cost NMC additionalRs1.5cr/month

Nagpur's 13-day Aapli Bus strike ended following a Maharashtra government announcement of a wage revision. This decision increases the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's financial burden by Rs1.5 crore monthly. The wage hike benefits around 3,000 drivers and conductors, who had been demanding salary increases for years. The new wages range from Rs5,000 to Rs6,000 more per month.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, Location Guesser and Mini Crossword. Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes, messages, and quotes.