Controversial notice in Hyderabad sparks outrage over alleged bias in lift usage
Hyderabad: The notice kept in a residential building in Hyderabad is gaining attention on social media for its concerning content: “A fine of 500 rupees will be imposed if maids, vendors, and delivery personnel use the passenger lift.” This has sparked outrage among X users, highlighting concerns about discrimination in such a prominent city.
Outrage Over Discriminatory Lift Policy in Hyderabad Residential Building
One user shared a personal encounter, recounting, “I went to the main lift with a plastic bag with my food and was in my casuals, the security came to me and asked me to use the service lift as I was a delivery boy. I had to tell him that I was staying in my company guest house.”
A citizen shared, “All maids/delivery boys should boycott this filthy building for two weeks. They will roll a red carpet for them.”
Another user suggested, “There is a Gandhian solution to this. It will need some effort, though. If you live in any of these societies, you should accompany your domestic worker in the regular passenger lift.”
Hyderabad 🙏🏽 hitech city, cyberabad, software capital. savarna techbro country. Plz visit, you are welcome as long as you are not a maid, vendor or delivery boy 💁🏽♀️ pic.twitter.com/3jU3nFHHz3
— Buffalo Intellectual (@ProfRavikantK) June 10, 2024
Directly addressing the issue to the authorities, one user tagged “@hydcitypolice, this notice in a Hyderabad building imposes a Rs. 500 fine on maids, vendors, and delivery boys for using passenger lifts. This blatant discrimination and inequality must be stopped immediately. Please take swift action against this unfair practice. #EqualRights.”
Another user said, “It’s a residential society and not a public place. Every society will have its own set of rules, which will be decided based on elections or bylaws. Even if the apartment owner carries some big packages or bags, he has to take them from the service lift only.”
Buffalo Intellectual took to ‘X’ and posted, ” Hyderabad is a Hi-tech city; Cyberabad is the software capital. Savarna techbro country. Please visit. You are welcome as long as you are not a maid, vendor, or delivery boy.”
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
