Pune, June 6, 2013: It seems, that the illegal practice of manual scavenging has reared its ugly head in the city. Although some members of a committee formed by the state government this year to look into the issue deny any such occurrence, this MiD DAY reporter found evidence to the contrary.
Manual scavenging — the practice of making people clean human excreta off places without water, generally in dry toilets — was abolished in 1993.

Pune, Apr 30, 2013: Contrary to the state government's claim that Maharashtra does not have manual scavengers, Census 2011 has found a high prevalence of this revolting practice in many districts.

Pune, Apr 28, 2013: Pune-based Shelter Associates has been granted Rs 3.5 crore by the Strategic Philanthropy Foundation, Dasra, to improve sanitation and health in city slums. In the next three years, the NGO will construct 1,500 toilets in 14 Pune slums to change the habits of 22,000 people.
The funding, raised as part of the Dasra Giving Circles (DGC), Asia's largest collaborative giving initiative, has brought individuals and foundations across the globe to support Shelter with funding and networks.

Pune, Apr 16, 2013: The state directorate of secondary education has identified 144 villages where there is a need for secondary schools. The directorate has invited applications from educational institutions to set up schools in these villages.
As per rules of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to identify villages that need secondary schools.
A detailed survey through geographical information system was carried out. During the satellite mapping, it was found that rural parts of the state needed 144 secondary schools. "The mapping process began in 2008.

Pune, Mar 31, 2013: As the March 31 deadline for compliance with the Right To Education 2009 Act approaches, several states have sought an extension. Whereas in Maharashtra, officials claim that about 80 per cent of the schools have already complied with the RTE norms.
The ground reality, however, may be far removed from what these officials project. The latest District Information System for Education (DISE) shows how.

Pune, Mar 22, 2013: Pune: A survey conducted by World Bank under its water and sanitation programme for Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has revealed that 53% of the residents surveyed were not satisfied with the timings and duration of water supply.
A total of 5,208 houses were covered by the survey conducted in October-November 2012. The study revealed that only 20% of the people agreed that the timings of water supply at public taps was convenient.

Pune, Mar 18, 2013: There are just 47 public urinal blocks in Pimpri Chinchwad for about 9 lakh women, reveals a Right to Information (RTI) application.
Vikas Bhumbe, president of Aadhar Social Foundation, who sought the info under RTI, said, “Women face hardships when they travel to the city for work. There is an urgent need for the civic body to construct more toilets for women. The population of Pimpri Chinchwad city, as per the 2011 census, is 17.5 lakh and about half of them are women.

Pune, Feb 15, 2013: The Republican party of India (RPI) has planned to start a website and helpline on Right To Education (RTE) Act to reduce the confusion among schools and parents.
"Many top educational institutes don't want the students from lower strata of society in their institutes. So they are creating confusion about RTE and avoiding to admit students from poor financial background. There are social as well as financial issues for not giving admissions to the poor students.

Pune, Jan 31, 2013: The state government is likely to make it mandatory for all municipal corporations to treat and use sewage water for non-drinking purposes.
“A meeting of municipal officials across the state was called to discuss possible use of recycled sewage water. After deliberations, the government will take steps towards implementation of the plan,” said a state official. He added that the state government has decided to adhere to the Union government’s recent directives.

Pune, Jan 2, 2013: The state government has decided to release Rs 46.6 crore for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to carry out works sanctioned under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The funds were given by the Centre to the state as part of its contribution.