NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Thursday welcomed the Union government's decision to conduct a caste census along with the decadal census, calling it a long-pending demand since 1992, reported news agency ANI. He added that the move will ensure that OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis receive funds and support. Speaking to ANI, NCP leader Bhujbal said, "This is a very good thing. We have been demanding this since 1992... It is good that this time the decision has been taken, and now just like Dalits and Adivasis get funds, OBCs will also start getting funds." Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal has also welcomed the Centre's decision to conduct a caste census and credited Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for continuously batting for a caste census. "At last they (central government) agreed that the caste census is the need of the country and need of the hour. For the last 3-4 years, (Lok Sabha) LoP Rahul Gandhi has been continuously batting for a caste census and raising the genuine issues of the people of this country...Whenever he does that, the BJP attacks him in a very bad manner...Our PM had told us that in this country, only four castes are there, then what is the need for a caste survey?... We are very happy," Venugopal told ANI. Census is a Union subject under Article 246 of the Constitution, listed at item 69 in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule. On Wednesday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while announcing the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs' decision, highlighted concerns about the transparency and intent of some states' own caste censuses, claiming that some censuses were conducted "purely from a political angle," reported ANI. "While some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes, these surveys have varied in transparency and intent, with some conducted purely from a political angle, creating doubts in society. Considering all these circumstances, and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey," Vaishnaw said, reported ANI. Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana have already conducted a caste census in their respective state. Telangana has passed a bill to implement a 42 per cent backwards class reservation for people in the state. (With inputs from ANI)
02 May,2025 11:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fair complete with amusement rides and stalls was found to be operating illegally at the Matoshree Meenatai Thackeray Garden in Chandivli, Andheri East, drawing the ire of local residents and prompting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to seek police intervention. According to civic officials, the event—the Chandivli Festival—was organised without BMC permission, despite prior communication denying the request. In a letter dated April 28, the assistant commissioner of L ward wrote to the Sakinaka police station, urging immediate action against the organisers for violating civic regulations. The garden-cum-playground, officially designated as an ‘entertainment ground’, is governed by BMC regulations that restrict any private events or public gatherings between April 15 and June 15. As per a civic circular, this period is exclusively reserved for children’s recreational use during the summer holidays. Children forced to play on a small protion of the ground as the unauthorised fair continues in the background on Thursday As per the BMC’s letter, organiser, Prashant Maurya, had initially sought permission on April 7 to host the event from April 20 to 29. However, the BMC clearly communicated that permission was denied. Despite this, civic officials noticed preparations underway during an inspection on April 21 and alerted the Sakinaka police. “No enforcement action was reportedly taken at the time,” the letter notes. A follow-up inspection on April 28 confirmed that the fair was indeed operating, with amusement rides and commercial stalls set up on the premises. Officials said they also received several complaints from residents and local sportspeople about disruption and misuse of the public space. “This is a blatant violation of civic norms and repeated instructions,” the assistant commissioner stated. “Appropriate legal action must be taken against the organisers for using BMC-managed property without approval.” The Sakinaka police have yet to issue a public response. However, when contacted, Yogesh Shinde, police inspector at the Sakinaka police station, said, “The letter must have reached our office. However, due to the WAVES Summit and PM Narendra Modi’s visit, we’ve been tied up with bandobast duties. May 1 being Maharashtra Day, the entire force has been diverted for citywide security arrangements. If the garden is being used illegally, strict action will be taken. We will investigate the matter by Friday at the latest.” Meanwhile, BMC officials reiterated the importance of protecting public spaces, especially those designated for children during school vacations. Locals raise concerns Local residents have raised serious concerns about the legality and safety of the event. Key questions remain unanswered: Where was the electricity for the rides and stalls sourced from—was it legally sanctioned or illegally tapped? Who collected the fees from vendors, and where did the money go? Was a fire department no-objection certificate (NOC) obtained? In events involving amusement rides and food stalls, fire clearance is mandatory. With no civic or police permissions in place, accountability in case of a mishap remains unclear. Amusement rides at the civic-run Matoshree Meenatai Thackeray Garden in Chandivli, Andheri East on Thursday Mandeep Singh Makkar, founder of the Chandivli Citizens Welfare Association, told mid-day, “The misuse of BMC grounds for personal gain and political propaganda by local leaders is a serious breach of public trust. It’s disappointing to see lawmakers openly flouting the law. Their actions suggest that laws apply only to common citizens, not those in power.” Makkar added: “If a fire or other mishap occurs, who will be held accountable? Stalls have reportedly been sold—who’s collecting this money and under whose authority? This appears to be a profit-making venture running on public property, without transparency. Who provided electricity despite the BMC’s denial? Why hasn’t the police acted even after being informed by civic officials? Their silence and inaction are deeply troubling. Shockingly, the event features photos of the prime minister and chief minister, giving it a false sense of legitimacy. Societies nearby have suffered due to the noise and nuisance, but residents are too afraid to speak up against such illegal events by influential netas." Organiser’s version Wasim Khan, president of the BJP Minority Morcha and organiser of the Chandivli Mahotsav, defended the event; he said, “We had applied for permission from the BMC well in advance. However, by the time the civic body formally denied it, preparations were already complete and the festival was about to begin. We ensured that space was left for children to play, keeping their needs in mind. If the police or BMC issue any notice, we will respond appropriately and abide by the law. Many of the stalls at the festival have been given free of cost to help local vendors. Our intention was never to cause inconvenience, it was to support the community. The festival will end by May 6.” ‘Clear the garden’ “The garden department of the BMC has been instructed to clear the said garden tomorrow [Friday]. We had also written to the Sakinaka police station. However, since no action has been taken, we have directed the garden department to take necessary stringent measures. As today [Thursday] was a holiday on account of Maharashtra Day, no action could be carried out,” said Dhanaji Herlekar, the assistant municipal commissioner of ward L. Residents speak “My son and daughter come here every day to play with their friends. We live in Gopal Chawl, which is just five minutes away. My children are very happy that the funfair has been organised, especially as they are on vacation,” said Sabina Alam, a resident. Visitors shop at commercial stalls set up by the fair’s organisers. Pics/Dweep Bane “We don’t know if this is legal or illegal. Regarding safety measures, if the organisers have set up such a large fair, they must have taken the proper precautions and permissions. It’s a good entertainment option for our children and even for us, especially during the vacation period. They’ve also organised a dance programme, which everyone is enjoying,” said Shafaq Mohammad Khan, a resident of Sakinaka. “We bring our children here on weekends and holidays so they can play on the ground. Even though a large part of the garden is occupied by the fair, some areas have been left vacant. The play area with slides and swings has not been encroached upon. The cricket pitch-like space is also open for children to play,” said Usha Mehta, a resident.
02 May,2025 11:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti Singh | Ritika GondhalekarThe Maharashtra government's flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme for women will never be scrapped, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, reported news agency PTI. Eligible women receive Rs 1,500 a month under the Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme, which is believed to have contributed to the ruling Mahayuti script a stunning victory in last year's assembly polls. Shinde was speaking in Thane on Thursday after several office-bearers and workers of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) from Navi Mumbai joined his Shiv Sena. The group was led by Sena (UBT) functionary Ratan Mandvi, reported PTI. "People are joining the Sena because they want development," said Shinde. Addressing concerns over welfare schemes, Shinde said, "The Ladki Bahin Yojana programme will never be stopped." He accused the opposition of spreading rumours and urged citizens not to believe in misinformation, reported PTI. The Shiv Sena chief promised full implementation of his party's poll manifesto. "We will not give excuses like printing mistakes. Whatever I assure will happen, and whatever is not possible will not happen," he said, reported PTI. Caste census will usher in new era of social justice: Eknath Shinde Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday hailed the Union government's decision to conduct a caste census, calling it a historic milestone in the country's journey towards social justice that will help in equitable distribution of resources. The Modi government on Wednesday announced that caste enumeration will be included in the forthcoming census exercise in a "transparent" manner. Addressing a press conference here, Shinde said, "The caste census will usher in a new era of social justice by enabling accurate policy-making based on the actual demographic data of different castes." He likened the decision to the Modi government's some other key steps like abrogation of Article 370. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "bold and inclusive leadership", he said it was one of the most courageous decisions taken by the government since independence. "This is not just a policy decision, but a revolutionary step to bring justice to the last man in society. The Shiv Sena fully supports this move," Shinde said. The caste-based census will provide reliable data that can guide equitable distribution of resources and ensure that all castes and communities, especially the underprivileged, receive their rightful benefits. "This decision will open the doors of social justice. It will translate the constitutional vision of equality and upliftment of the common man into reality," he said. (With inputs from PTI)
02 May,2025 11:05 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra BJP MLC Chitra Wagh on Thursday called for an immediate ban on actor Ajaz Khan’s web series House Arrest, alleging that the show promotes obscenity and poses a threat to societal values—particularly to children, reported news agency PTI. Wagh also appealed to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take strict action against mobile applications that host or distribute such content. “Ajaz Khan, who calls himself an actor, has created a show titled House Arrest, which is nothing short of a showcase of vulgarity. Clips from this show—streamed on the Ullu app—are circulating widely on social media, and they are extremely obscene,” Wagh said, reported PTI. She expressed concern about the impact such content could have on younger viewers, stating, “Such programmes are easily accessible on children’s mobile phones. Not only do they insult our culture, but they also corrode the moral fabric of society. This is a perverse attack on the minds of the next generation," reported PTI. Wagh criticized the misuse of creative freedom to justify explicit content. “In the name of freedom of expression, we must not allow a free hand to obscenity. House Arrest is not content—it is an assault on social values.” Calling for regulatory intervention, Wagh urged Minister Vaishnaw to “immediately ban all mobile applications that produce and distribute such content,” adding that the show should be taken down without delay, reported PTI. “This is not entertainment—it is a threat to our future,” she concluded, stressing the need to protect the cultural and psychological well-being of society, reported PTI. Shiv Sena (UBT) shuts down online food delivery firm’s Mumbai office over poor service In a separate development, the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday announced that an affiliated group of the party shut down the Mumbai office of a major online food delivery company, citing poor customer service, withholding of refunds, and misleading information about listed restaurants. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Akhil Chitre, head of the party’s communication wing, said the party is demanding transparency from the company. “People trust and place orders through the company’s app but receive terrible service,” Chitre said. “We’ve given them seven days to correct their practices. If they fail to do so, we will not allow their delivery operations in Mumbai.” He alleged that if an item ordered is unavailable, the company does not issue a full refund unless pressed by the customer. Even then, the repayment is delayed by four to seven working days. “For now, their office has been shut. If they do not improve, we will not allow their delivery agents to operate,” Chitre warned. He also criticized the lack of local language support, noting that the app and its customer service interface are available only in English, with no Marathi option. “There is no call support either—only an English chatbot,” he added. Chitre further claimed that the app lists restaurants that either do not match their descriptions or are unhygienic roadside joints. (With inputs from PTI)
02 May,2025 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe police on Friday said at least four parked vehicles were damaged after another crashed into them near the bungalow of a Maharashtra cabinet minister at Malabar Hill in south Mumbai, reported news agency PTI. Nobody was injured in the Malabar Hill accident that occurred in the early hours of Thursday on L D Ruparel Road in the upscale locality, which is home to many top businessmen and politicians, the official told PTI. A case has been registered and efforts are being made to track down the motorist behind the Malabar Hill accident, he added. 3 teenagers killed, 19 injured as vehicle overturns due to tyre burst in Maharashtra's Beed In another incident, three teenagers were killed and 19 others injured after the vehicle carrying them overturned following a tyre burst in the Beed district of Maharashtra on Thursday, an official said, reported PTI. The incident took place around 10.30 am in Ashti taluka of the district, when the pickup vehicle was taking a group of labourers, he said, reported PTI. "The vehicle was travelling on Kada-Devinimgaon road and taking the group of labourers to their workplace when one of its tyres burst. As a result, the vehicle overturned and led to the death of three persons. Nineteen others suffered injuries in the accident," the official said.The three deceased were identified as Shravani Mahajan (14), Rutuja Mahajan (16) and Ajit Mahajan (14), all residents of Vanjarwadi in Beed), he said, reported PTI. Two of the injured persons were taken to neighbouring Ahilyanagar district for treatment, while 17 others were admitted to a local hospital in Kada, he added. 5-year-old girl killed, younger sister injured in road accident in Thane city Meanwhile, a five-year-old girl was killed and her younger sister seriously injured when a speeding car hit them in Thane city's Naupada locality, police said on Thursday, reported PTI. The accident took place on Wednesday night when the siblings, residents of the Louiswadi area, had gone to a shop near their home to buy some food item, they said. A speeding car knocked them down when they were returning home and drove away. The deceased was identified as Laxmi Gopal Kale, while her sister Gangubai (3) was injured in the accident and admitted to a local hospital, said the police, reported PTI. An officer with the Naupada police station said that based on a complaint lodged by the grandmother of the siblings, they have registered an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act against the unidentified car driver the police said. (With inputs from PTI)
02 May,2025 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Friday, the city continued experiencing hot and humid weather, with the maximum temperature reaching 34.1 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a mainly clear sky on Friday, May 2. Temperatures will range from a cool 27 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 34 degrees Celsius during the day. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 33.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 24.9 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 34.1 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 26.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "mainly clear sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. The mercury is expected to touch 40 degrees Celsius as May draws near. Meanwhile, the major civic-run hospitals in the city that lack special facilities for heatstroke cases altogether are the Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and KEM Hospital, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital (Sion Hospital), and Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and RN Cooper Hospital. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'good' category On May 2, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'good' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 52 at 9:05 AM. As per the SAMEER app dashboard, many areas across Mumbai showed 'good' AQI. Bandra Kurla Complex recorded 'good' air quality with an AQI of 66. Byculla, Malad and Kandivali recorded 'good' air quality with an AQI of 38, 64 and 33, respectively. Chembur, Ghatkopar and Mulund recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 47, 39 and 22, respectively. Meanwhile, Worli recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 62. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'good' category with an AQI of 88, while Thane registered a 'good' AQI of 49. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'.
02 May,2025 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVillagers from Doparwadi and Chindhyachiwadi villages of Dhakne Gram Panchayat in Shahpur taluka, Thane district, have been hit by a severe water shortage. Women, children and men of the village have to trudge up to three kilometres along rocky, hilly paths balancing three pots on their heads every single day, risking life and limb for some water. In one instance, a desperate eight-months pregnant woman was forced to make the trudge. At present, the Zilla Parishad supplies drinking water to 96 villages in the taluka via tankers, but these are mostly emptied into wells near the foothills as human habitation is kilometres away. mid-day photographer SHADAB KHAN brings us some stark images from the ground.
02 May,2025 08:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Shadab KhanAssessment of 100 days' work done by each Maharashtra government department has once again turned the stats into an opportunity to draw a parallel between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Of the total 48 departments evaluated for their task performance based on the 100-day goal set by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, citizen-related key departments like home department have achieved 100 per cent task completion and secured second position. Whereas, other important portfolios like urban development and the housing department and public works department (PWD) have ranked 25th, 46th and 32nd, respectively. The home department is headed by Fadavis, while urban development and housing and PWD are headed by Eknath Shinde. In January, Fadnavis had called a meeting of all heads of the departments and had instructed officials to submit their action plan for 100 days. Accordingly, to critically evaluate an external agency, the Quality Control of India (QCI) was appointed. On May 1, the CM on his social media handle X made the evaluation list public. As per the list, 12 out of the 48 departments successfully completed all the objective goals given to them. The departments that achieved 100 per cent included–water resources, home, rural development, animal husbandry, ports, higher and technical education and labour. Additionally, 18 departments reported achievement between 80 to 99 per cent and 10 departments met targets between 60 to 79 percent of their goals. Eight departments fell below the 60 per cent threshold. After the announcement, speaking to the media, Fadnavis was asked about the report. The Chief Minister clarified that the 100-day goals and their assessment are not a race or a program, but a tool to ensure efficient governance and foster a results-driven culture throughout the administration. Fadnavis said, “It is not one time, but will be an ongoing process. While the government appreciates those achieving 100 per cent goals, efforts will be taken to find out the reasons for other departments failing to meet their goal. Accordingly, those departments will be helped to take corrective measures to meet the set target.”
02 May,2025 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarA slum colony comprising over 80 unauthorised shanties in Borivli East on Western Railway (WR) was razed on April 29, paving the way for the laying of new lines between Borivli and Virar. However, when mid-day visited the spot on May 1, people who seemed to lack material could be seen building makeshift homes with cloth and shades on the west side of the tracks. However, WR officials said they would continue to act against encroachers and barricade the premises soon. The operation The April 29 demolition drive was part of an initiative by the Mumbai Division and was carried out through a coordinated effort by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and Mumbai Police, according to WR’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Vineet Abhishek. Demolition work was executed with the assistance of labourers under the supervision of the WR engineering department’s senior section engineer (works/land). Materials such as iron sheets and bamboo from two large hutments were recovered and deposited in the departmental godown by the inspector of works. “Two truckloads of recovered materials like iron sheets and bamboo poles were transported to the railway warehouse. RPF and GRP ensured adequate security, maintaining a peaceful operation. A total of 110 personnel, including officers, constables and home guards, participated in the operation,” he added. Two lines The laying of additional lines between Borivli and Virar (5th and 6th lines) is being carried out at a cost of R2,184.02 crore, thereby segregating suburban and outstation trains between Virar and Bandra Terminus, which will be a game-changer. Structures are set up on railway land opposite Rustomjee International School on Jaywant Sawant Road on May 1. Pics/Satej Shinde The laying of two lines involves a lot of land acquisition and the shifting of existing utilities. As of August 2024, the land-acquisition process has been started by the district collectorate, and Railways is working on shifting utilities required for the project.
02 May,2025 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe cooling of Link Square Mall in Bandra West was still underway two days after a massive fire broke out in one of the three-storey structure’s basements around 3.58 am on Tuesday. The intense blaze was extinguished only by 1 am on Wednesday, April 30. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put up a notice stating that entry would be allowed only after a structural audit of the gutted shopping centre is conducted. “Two fire engines have been stationed at the spot,” a Mumbai Fire Brigade official told mid-day. According to officials, the remains of the structure would be inspected only after the cooling operation was over. Amid allegations about illegal alterations to the mall’s structure and firefighters taking far too much time to put out the fire, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani ordered that an inquiry be conducted under Joint Municipal Commissioner D Gangadharan, which will be completed in two weeks. Officials will check to see whether there had been any lapses on the part of everyone involved and why it took an inordinate amount of time to extinguish the fire. The BMC notice warning citizens against entering the mall; mid-day’s April 30 report mid-day on April 30 revealed how the fire had spread as the building was not properly ventilated, and the sprinklers that were part of its internal firefighting system were not functioning automatically. “While firefighting, it was noticed that there were some alterations to the building, which posed hurdles to us,” alleged a Mumbai Fire Brigade official. Meanwhile, officials from the BMC’s H West ward office posted a notice at the mall’s entrance, mentioning that the possibility of structural damage due to the fire could not be ruled out. “Since it is prima facie dangerous to enter the building, a letter has also been issued by the municipal corporation to the chairman and secretary to conduct a structural audit of the building through a registered licensed surveyor. However, no one should enter the building until the structural audit report and structural stability certificate are received and the building is declared safe. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will not be responsible for any injury or loss of life caused by entering the building,” the notice reads. “We posted the notice as there is always the possibility of people entering the mall,” said an official.
02 May,2025 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveIn a strict action over negligence in road concreting work, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has suspended an assistant engineer of roads. The civic body also issued a fine of R50 lakh to the road contractor, while the quality control agency has been fined Rs 25 lakh. The action comes after Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar on April 7 visited the 34th road in Bandra West, where he found the dry lean concrete (DLC) used in the sub-base layer ‘substandard’. Apart from this, poor gradation, mix design, and compaction, as well as surface irregularities, including unevenness and height variations, were also found. Taking serious note of these deficiencies, a show cause was issued to the assistant engineer, the contractor, and the quality control agency. Bangar stated that maintaining quality in road works is a collective responsibility of the contractor, the quality control agency, and engineers concerned. “If faults are found, all responsible parties will be held accountable. Unintentional and unknowingly made mistakes may be forgiven, but any deliberate neglect or intentional wrongdoing will attract strict action,” Bangar said. The contractor has been instructed to immediately remove the substandard work and redo it with proper quality. “The required curing period for DLC is a minimum of seven days. When questioned at the site, the staff claimed that seven days had passed. However, in a written statement, the contractor later admitted that only three days had elapsed. Furthermore, the essential Field Dry Density (FDD) test during compaction was not conducted. Taking serious note of this negligence and oversight, a show cause was issued,” said a BMC official. Bangar said, “When such large-scale funds are being invested in the cement concrete road project, the works must reflect the highest quality. The BMC is firm on this expectation. Contractors, quality control agencies, and engineers must deliver work that meets these standards, or else the BMC administration will not hesitate to take strict action”.
02 May,2025 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentADVERTISEMENT
