shot-button
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Articles

Read Mumbai News

Maharashtra government gives nod to veterinary colleges in Parli, Baramati

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday approved new veterinary colleges in Parli and Baramati, news agency PTI reported. While Baramati is the assembly constituency of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dhananjay Munde is the elected representative from Parli in Beed district. The decision to set up the veterinary colleges was taken during a cabinet meeting in Mumbai. The Maharashtra government also decided to allot Rs 617 crore for the two projects, PTI reported. Around 75 acres will be made available for the proposed college in Parli while 82 acres will be allotted in Baramati. Both the colleges will have intake capacity of 80 students each. A total of 276 posts have been sanctioned for the two colleges, including 96 teachers, PTI reported. The announcement comes as a positive development for Munde who is facing flak following the arrest of his close aid Walmik Karad in the extortion case related to the murder of Beed Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Maharashtra will lead the AI and technology revolution: CM Devendra Fadnavis The Maharashtra government is accelerating the administration and economy through technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and Maharashtra state will soon lead India's AI and technology revolution, said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reported news agency ANI. Fadnavis was interviewed by NASSCOM's Srikanth Velamkanni at the NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Summit program at Hotel Grand Hyatt. Fadnavis said that the level of digital services has increased in the state and most government services have become available online. The state government has set up an AI centre at Mumbai University. An industry centre has been set up in partnership with the World Economic Forum, reported ANI. Maharashtra CM Fadnavis said that the state has set a goal of taking the economy to 1 trillion dollars, adding "For this, the state is preparing a new economic roadmap in collaboration with the NITI Aayog. Efforts are being made to make the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMRDA) the hub of a $1.5 trillion economy," reported ANI. 60 per cent of the country's data centres are in Maharashtra. A data centre park is being set up in New Mumbai, and by 2030, 50 pc of the state's power generation will be based on green energy, according to an official statement from the state government. He also said that Mumbai is the 'fintech capital' of India. (With PTI and ANI inputs)  

25 February,2025 07:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic

Maharashtra govt raises DA of employees by 12 per cent

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued an order increasing the dearness allowance (DA) of its employees by 12 per cent under the unrevised pay scale of the 5th Pay Commission, effective from July 1, 2024, reported the PTI. The DA revised from 443 per cent to 455 per cent will be paid in cash along with the salary for February 2025, including arrears for July 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025, as per a Government Resolution (GR). The DA hike is expected to benefit approximately 17 lakh employees, said an official from the state finance department. The existing procedures and provisions regarding DA disbursement will continue to apply in the future, the GR stated. The expenditure on the revised DA will be met from the budgetary provisions allocated under the respective salary and allowance heads for government employees, the order said. For grant-in-aid institutions and Zilla Parishad employees, the expenditure will be booked under the sub-heads specified for their financial assistance. Farmers to get Rs 3,000 more under state-run scheme: CM Fadnavis Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said the state government would raise its contribution to the state-run Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana (NSMNY) by Rs 3,000 annually, raising the amount to Rs 9,000, reported the PTI. The initiative aims to provide a total of Rs 15,000 to eligible farmers in Maharashtra each year. He said the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PMKSNY) and Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana currently offer Rs 6,000 each to eligible farmers per year. "Maharashtra government has launched Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana on the lines of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. Both schemes give Rs 6,000 each to eligible farmers. The Maharashtra government will soon increase its contribution in the state scheme by Rs 3,000 so that farmers will get Rs 15,000 in a year," CM Devendra Fadnavis said at an event on Monday, according to the PTI. The rise demonstrates the state's commitment to supporting its agricultural sector, which is important for the livelihoods of many residents, he said. CM Fadnavis said that the government was criticised by the Opposition and other sections in the past after the NKSY was launched. The chief minister said that agriculturists have realised how funds helps them in buying things useful for agriculture production in the state. "The announcement is part of efforts taken by the state government to enhance agricultural productivity and relieve financial stress on farmers. Additionally, the Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojan provides extra Rs 6,000 annually to farmers in state, complementing the benefits of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme," the chief minister added, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)

25 February,2025 06:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Pic/File

French firm accuses MMRDA officials of graft

French firm Systra which provides consultancy services to metro projects has accused officials of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority of corruption, even as the Bombay High Court on Tuesday quashed MMRDA's notice terminating the contract of its Indian subsidiary. On November 12, 2024, the French Embassy wrote a letter to Rupinder Singh, Resident Commissioner of Maharashtra in Delhi, requesting the government to study the issue "in depth" and "resolve the situation", while citing Systra's complaint to the embassy about "severe harassment/challenges being faced while working as a general consultant on projects with MMRDA." Senior officials of MMRDA, the planning and development agency of the state government, were not available for commenting on the issue. The multinational engineering firm accused MMRDA officials of seeking "undue favours," as well as delaying payments, pressuring the firm to inflate orders to contractors, stalling approvals for key staff, and imposing arbitrary penalties. On Tuesday, a bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Arif Doctor of the high court noted that the MMRDA did not give reasons while discontining the services of Systra MVA Consulting (India) Pvt Ltd on January 3, 2025. As per Systra's complaint that the Embassy sent to the Maharashtra government, "major harassment began in August 2023 after the change of some senior MMRDA officials, who summoned the company and asked for undue favours in the form of monetary benefits on the pretext that MMRDA is demanding it."Systra "politely informed" them that it would not comply, the letter said. Systra is working as a general consultant for various metro projects executed by MMRDA in Mumbai's metropolitan region including Metro Lines 5, 6, 7A, 9, 10, and 12, in addition to providing detailed design consultancy services for Metro Lines 2A and 7, Mandale Depot, Kasheli Depot, and branding guidelines for all Metro Lines of MMRDA. The MMRDA issued a notice of suspension of payments in January 2024, alleging various deficiencies related to old issues that had already been resolved concerning general consultancy services for Metro Lines 5, 6, 7A, and 9, the letter said. "Furthermore, Systra has been put under pressure to recommend an inflated variation order for one of the major contractors working on Line 9 of the project. Since we are not complying with this, we believe MMRDA is continuing the suspension of payments for General Consultancy Services for Lines 5, 9, and 7A (civil) projects," the letter alleged. MMRDA had "stopped making payments," with the pending payments accumulating to Rs 30 crore, the complaint said, alleging pressure to certify payments for petty contractors appointed directly by MMRDA. Despite repeated attempts, the MMRDA spokesperson did not provide any comment on the issue. As per the petition filed by Systra MVA Consulting (India) Pvt Ltd in the Bombay High Court challenging the termination of its contract, it was appointed a general consultant for design, assistance in procurement, construction, management and supervision of three routes of Mumbai Metro -- Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan, Andheri -CSIA and Mira Bhayander -- in 2021. While the initial contract was to expire on November 2024, it was extended till December 2026. But on January 3, 2025, the MMRDA issued the company a notice, stating it had decided to discontinue its services. The firm then moved the HC. "We find that the action of the MMRDA in discontinuation of the terms of the contract, which was extended up to December 2026, without assigning any reasons, is arbitrary, unfair and unreasonable," the HC said in the order on Tuesday. "The general conditions of the contract cannot be read to mean that the MMRDA has a license to act unfairly, arbitrarily or unreasonably in the contractual field without assigning reasons," the court said, asking the MMRDA to take a fresh decision after hearing the company.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

25 February,2025 05:33 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Representational Pic/File

Civic body carries out massive demolition drives in Thane district

The civic authorities in Thane district of Maharashtra has launched massive demolition drives amid stiff opposition from local people, the civic officials said on Tuesday, reported the PTI. Demolition drives are being carried out in various cities of Thane district, officials said.  In Diva, a planned demolition of 54 unauthorised buildings was opposed by hundreds of locals, forcing officials to withdraw further action on Monday, an official said. Viral videos showed some residents carrying bottles of inflammable liquid and threatening drastic measures in case of forceful action. In Ulhasnagar, a woman climbed onto a JCB machine on Monday, disrupting the demolition work until authorities managed to persuade her to step down. Separately, a woman doused herself in kerosene but swift intervention by police prevented a potential tragedy, officials added. According to the PTI, the fate of 57 disputed buildings in Kalyan city remains uncertain. A delegation of affected residents met Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Monday at his Janta Darbar at Thane. He reportedly assured them that the matter would be addressed in the upcoming state Cabinet meeting. Demolish illegal structures without delay: Thane civic chief Meanwhile, last week, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Commissioner Saurabh Rao on Friday asked the civic officials to demolish illegal structures without delay, reported the PTI. Chairing a high-level meeting on the demolition drives and the process to be followed, Thane civic chief Saurabh Rao said that lack of police support or opposition from political outfits must not stop the demolition process, adding that assistant municipal commissioners will be responsible for the work. "It was revealed in the meeting that there are 769 unauthorised constructions in Thane Municipal Corporation limits. Of these, 663 are recorded in the beat diaries of ward inspectors. Saurabh Rao said that all such constructions must be demolished," an official said, according to the PTI. The Assistant Commissioners of the Thane Municipal Corporation have been asked to inspect such sites personally and be present during the demolition process, the official said, according to the PTI. Several senior TMC officials including Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, Assistant Director of Urban Planning Sangram Kanade, Legal Officer Makarand Kale, among others were present during the meeting chaired by the civic chief, he added. (with PTI inputs)

25 February,2025 05:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Pic/File

NMMC Budget 2025: Rs 5,685 crore allocated for expenditure

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) on Tuesday approved NMMC budget 2025 of Rs 5709.95 crore for the financial year 2025-26 which proposed to boost revenue by incorporating properties outside the tax net while strengthening infrastructure, reported the PTI. As expected, no new taxes were imposed in the NMMC Budget 2025 as civic elections may be held in the coming months. The maximum allocation of Rs 5,684.95 crore is made for expenditure, leaving a surplus of Rs 25 crore. NMMC commissioner and administrator Kailas Shinde said the budget focuses on improving the livability index of Navi Mumbai while ensuring comprehensive development across key sectors of education, health, civic facilities, environment, and infrastructure for the disabled, as per PTI. Addressing reporters, Kailas Shinde said the decision to not impose new taxes is not influenced by the upcoming civic elections but is aimed at enhancing public welfare. Kailas Shinde underscored the civic body's strategy to boost revenue, particularly by incorporating properties outside the tax net. He said that values of properties in areas like Palm Beach Road have surged from Rs 2.5 lakh per square foot to Rs 5 lakh, largely due to the upcoming international airport. "This economic growth is expected to attract high-end infrastructure, including luxury hotels, further enhancing municipal revenue," he added. Kailas Shinde said the budget is designed with the vision of transforming Navi Mumbai into a major development centre. "The city will witness significant industrial and commercial expansion due to the upcoming international airport. It is our responsibility to create the necessary infrastructure to support this growth," he added, according to the PTI. He said infrastructure development, including financial reform to ensure sustainable growth, employment generation through industrial and commercial expansion, and quality education by enhancing infrastructure and standards are the key areas of the Budget. It emphasises easy transportation with improved public transit and road connectivity, strengthening healthcare through upgraded medical services, and sustainable water management for efficient and eco-friendly distribution. Kailas Shinde said the NMMC aims to make Navi Mumbai a model city that balances growth with environmental and social well-being, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)

25 February,2025 04:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
(Pics/Atul Kamble) 

IMD warns of heatwave in Thane this week | Check latest weather update

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Thane till March 1. Mumbai and its neighbouring districts are bracing for intense heat as the IMD has issued a heatwave warning for the region.  According to the latest IMD forecast, heatwave conditions are expected to prevail in isolated pockets of Mumbai, Raigad and Ratnagiri till Thursday with temperatures likely to soar above normal levels.   Residents have been advised to take precautions against the extreme heat, which may lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses.  The IMD report highlights that Palghar will have a brief spike in temperature on February 26 before stabilising. Sindhudurg will also see increased humidity levels during this period.   A 'yellow warning' has been issued for heatwave in Mumbai, Thane district, and Raigad and Ratnagiri districts in the Konkan region of Maharashtra as the highest temperatures are expected to reach 37-38 degree Celsius.  At 38.4 degrees, the IMD Santacruz's maximum temperature was 6.4 degrees above normal today. Meanwhile, the IMD’s coastal observatory at Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 36.8 degrees on Tuesday, which was also 6.2 degrees above normal.  Sunil Kamble, the director of India Meteorological Department (Mumbai), said easterly winds are blowing until around noon, following which the wind direction is changing to north-westerly, which is leading to a rise in temperatures during the day. He predicted temperatures to soar further by one or two degrees in March.  Other parts of Maharashtra remain dry Meanwhile, Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, and Satara, will remain dry, with no heat wave warnings issued. Also, districts like Nagpur, Amravati, and Aurangabad, will experience normal temperatures.  Precautionary measures for heatwave With temperatures rising, health officials and local authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions to avoid heatstroke and dehydration. The IMD advises the following steps:  Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and fluids like coconut water, lemon juice, and ORS to stay hydrated. • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Try to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours and avoid strenuous activities.• Dress Appropriately: Wear loose, light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption.• Use Protective Gear: Carry umbrellas, hats, and sunglasses when stepping out.• Take Frequent Breaks: If working outdoors, take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. According to meteorologists, this sudden rise in temperature is due to dry winds and changing weather patterns over Maharashtra. While the heat wave is expected to ease by the end of February, residents are advised to stay updated with IMD alerts and take necessary safety measures.

25 February,2025 04:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Anisha Shrivastava
CM was speaking at a conference organised by the Tribal Development Department and the United Nations Development Programme

CSR funds to promote balanced development of tribal regions in Maharashtra: CM

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds will promote balanced development of tribal regions in state, an official statement said. According to the statement, the state government is making concerted efforts to bring the tribal community into the mainstream. Various schemes are being implemented for their welfare. The government is committed to the comprehensive development of tribal areas, and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds will be utilized to achieve balanced growth in these regions, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated. CM was speaking at a conference organised by the Tribal Development Department and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted the need for rapid access to education and healthcare for the tribal community to bring them into the development mainstream. He also urged that CSR funds should not be limited to metropolitan areas but should be used for balanced development, especially in education and healthcare sectors. The Chief Minister stated that the tribal community has a rich history and cultural heritage. Though they once had their own systems of rules, laws, and values, they have lagged behind due to the passage of time. To help bring the community into the mainstream, both the central and state governments are implementing various schemes. These initiatives are aimed at inspiring a new hope in their lives, with a particular focus on providing nutritious food to pregnant women and children, he added. Approximately 9.5 per cent of Maharashtra's total population is from the tribal community, and 10 per cent of the country's total tribal population resides in Maharashtra. As such, the state is recognised as home to a large number of tribal populations. Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that efforts are being made to provide quality education and opportunities for the tribal children in prestigious schools, ensuring they get the right platform to showcase their natural talents. He also congratulated the Tribal Department for organising the conference, which aims to speed up the development of Scheduled Tribes. He thanked all the representatives attending the event for their participation. Tribal Development Minister Dr. Ashok Uike, speaking at the event, said, "For the first time, we are initiating a CSR for Change program in partnership with the corporate sector to support the upliftment of our tribal brothers and sisters. With the support of CSR partnerships, we will strengthen the efforts of our development programs." Vijay Waghmare, Secretary of the Tribal Development Department, in his introductory remarks, shared the various schemes and efforts being made at the government level for the upliftment of the tribal community. Rajendra Bharud, Commissioner of the Tribal Research and Training Institute, expressed his gratitude at the conclusion of the event. The event was also attended by P. Anbalagan, Secretary of the Industry Department, and Leena Bansod, Commissioner of the Industry Department.

25 February,2025 03:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image

Heatwave alert in Mumbai, Thane and Konkan today: Yellow warning issued

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Mumbai, Thane and its neighbouring areas on February 25 and 26 due to the rising temperatures. A 'yellow warning' has been issued for heatwave in Mumbai, Thane district, and Raigad and Ratnagiri districts in the Konkan region of Maharashtra as the highest temperatures are expected to reach 37-38 degree Celsius on Tuesday and Wednesday. The IMD said heatwave condition is likely over isolated pockets of Palghar and Sindhudurg on February 26. According to the IMD, the high temperatures are likely to continue till March 2. IMD’s 24-hour forecast predicts day temperature to rise to around 38°C on Wednesday, with no respite from the heat expected for Mumbai and its adjoining areas. At 38.4 degrees, the IMD Santacruz's maximum temperature was 6.4 degrees above normal. Meanwhile, the IMD’s coastal observatory at Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 36.8 degrees on Monday, which was also 6.2 degrees above normal. Why is Mumbai unusually hot this February?Sunil Kamble, the director of India Meteorological Department (Mumbai), said easterly winds are blowing until around noon, following which the wind direction is changing to north-westerly, which is leading to a rise in temperatures during the day. "Generally we expect northerly winds in February but we are getting the easterly winds till 12pm. That's why afternoon temperature is increasing and in the night we are getting north-westerly winds. That's why in the morning also we are getting the temperature at the lower side. So this is the fluctuation we are seeing in February," Kamble told mid-day.com Kamble also informed about the absence of western disturbances that bring rain in February.  "The western disturbances meaning whenever any weather phenomena is coming from the western side and that impacts the northern part of India and if it gives a very good snowfall there or very good rainfall activity then we get the northerly winds and temperature falls but that type of situation we are not getting now. That's why we are at the higher side in February in maximum temperature," he explained. Will Mumbai's scorching temperatures worsen in March?In March, IMD predicts temperatures to soar further by one or two degrees. "Global temperatures are already increasing and the impact is that we are seeing higher temperature every month. I mean, we have accepted that globe temperature has increased by one degree, so every month the seasonal patterns are changing and we are getting the temperature at the higher side by one or two degree in every month," he added. Kamble advises, "Avoid going out between 12pm-3pm at least so that the impact can be reduced. You can do whatever is required after 4pm so that that the impact will not be on you."  Precautionary measures should be taken during this time to stay safe. Action suggested:❖ Avoid prolonged heat exposure.❖ Stay hydrated. Drink sufficient water even if not feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration.❖ Wear light weight, light coloured, loose, cotton clothes.❖ Cover your head: use a wet cloth, hat or umbrella while going out during peak hours.❖ Caution workers to avoid direct sunlight during the peak hours.❖ Schedule strenuous jobs to cooler times of the day.❖ Increasing the frequency and length of rest breaks for outdoor activities.❖ Recognise the signs of heat stroke, heat rash or heat cramps such as weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating and seizures. If you feel faint or ill, see a doctor/ hospital immediately.❖ Farmers are advised to continue irrigation activities.

25 February,2025 03:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Pic

Mumbai Police arrest burglary suspect who was absconding for 20 years

The Rafi Ahmed Kidwai (RAK) Marg Police have arrested Habibul Baksh Sheikh, who had been absconding for over 20 years. A former resident of Sewree, Sheikh was booked and arrested in a burglary case but went missing in 2005 after securing bail. According to the police, Sheikh was initially arrested and lodged in jail but later secured bail and never returned. Despite multiple summonses for court hearings, he failed to appear. In 2005, the court declared him absconding and issued a non-bailable warrant against him. As part of Mumbai Police’s recent drive to apprehend absconding criminals, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ragasudha R. (Zone 4) formed a special team led by Sub-Inspector Pallavi Jadhav to track down Sheikh. During the investigation, police discovered that he had moved out of Mumbai to evade arrest and was living with his family in Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district. A team was deployed to UP, and with the assistance of local police, they successfully arrested him. Wadala accidents: ‘We know living on footpaths is dangerous, but no other option’ In the last three months, two children—a four-year-old boy and a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler—were killed in separate road accidents on Balaram Babu Khedekar Marg in Wadala West. In both cases, the victims, children of slum families living on footpaths, were crushed to death by motorists. The families, while talking to mid-day, expressed their disappointment and anger towards the authorities, who, according to them, failed to provide a secure housing system. Nikhil Londhe, who lost his son in the accident on Sunday, said his family previously lived in a slum near Shree Ram Mandir in Wadala West. Along with his wife and two sons, they resided in huts until the BMC demolished their settlement, leaving them with no alternative housing. “We couldn’t find another place to stay. This spot had relatively open footpaths, and the roads were narrow with fewer vehicles passing through, so we moved here with our families,” said a relative. In the early hours of Sunday, Londhe’s son, Vardan, and his wife, Priya, were sleeping on a footpath when a car allegedly ran over them, killing the child. Priya sustained fractures to her left shoulder and back and is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital. Homeless residents speak Other slum residents, while speaking to mid-day, expressed their frustration over frequent displacements, urging the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to provide them with a permanent settlement. “It’s not like we want to live on footpaths, knowing how dangerous it is, but do we have any options?” said a distressed Ravi Daund. “I earn Rs 300 to Rs 500 a day, and even that is not guaranteed. With this kind of money, I cannot afford to rent a kholi (chawl), and these days, even living in a jhopda (hutment) is becoming impossible. Where will we go?” he added. Another resident said, “If the BMC can provide us with a place to live without the constant fear of eviction, it would be a huge relief. Right now, we are always afraid—either of being killed while sleeping or crossing the road, or of being thrown out of our jhopda and becoming homeless again,” Residents speak “They are always making a mess here. They urinate and defecate in the open, some smoke ganja, and many drink at night. This place has become extremely unsafe—we don’t know how they will behave or react. Some days, they fight among themselves, hurling abuses and even assaulting each other,” said a shop owner. Another resident said, “We have colleges and schools in the vicinity, with young girls frequently passing through. Who will be responsible if an untoward incident occurs? The BMC should permanently relocate them elsewhere.” Another shop owner, who has been in the area for over 17 years, added, “The authorities demolish the slums, but the dwellers return the next day. A permanent solution is needed, or this cycle will continue for generations.” Other death Last year, on December 21, a four-year-old boy was crushed to death by a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the same area. The boy lived in the slums, located opposite Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar College that’s right opposite Wadala bus depot. The boy, identified as Ayush Kinawade, was allegedly playing on the road when the SUV, driven by a 19-year-old Bhushan Ghole, hit the child. Ghole, reportedly, was reversing his vehicle when the child unknowingly came in front of the vehicle. The child was crushed by the vehicle’s tyre. Ghole was arrested by the RAK Marg police. Like the recent incident, in this 2024’s incident, people were living illegally on footpaths, near Ambedkar College. mid-day could not locate Ayush’s family in the slums, but a local resident said they moved to their hometown after the incident.     

25 February,2025 02:57 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
File Pic

Thane civic body files complaint against 81 unauthorised schools, 68 FIRs lodged

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has identified a total of 81 unauthorised schools operating within its jurisdiction, catering to 19,708 students. In response, the education department of the civic body has lodged a complaint with the police against these schools. According to PTI reports, FIRs have already been registered against 68 of these institutions, while the process of filing FIRs against the remaining 13 is currently in progress. TMC is actively working towards ensuring that students from these unauthorised schools are accommodated in recognised institutions to prevent academic disruption. Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao recently reviewed the status of these unauthorised schools, PTI reports. These institutions lack official registration, and some of them operate in unauthorised or rented spaces within residential buildings. According to Deputy Commissioner (Education) Sachin Sangle, the complete list of unauthorised schools has been published in local newspapers, and a penalty of ₹52 crore has been imposed on them under the Right to Education Act. The highest number of unauthorised schools are concentrated in the Diva ward, where 65 such institutions are operating, enrolling 16,437 students. The Mumbra ward has eight unauthorised schools with 1,826 students, while the Majivada-Manpada ward has three unauthorised schools with 562 students. In the Kalwa ward, three unauthorised schools are functioning with 415 students, and in Uthalsar, two unauthorised schools are operating with 468 students. Given this situation, the local administrative body in Diva has already initiated stringent action, PTI reports. As part of the crackdown, water connections to 32 unauthorised schools have been severed. Additionally, the encroachment department is preparing to take further action in accordance with the unauthorised construction records maintained by the city's urban development department.  Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao has assured that all possible support will be extended to schools that are eligible for regularisation. As per PTI, five schools have already submitted the necessary documentation to attain legal status, while the remaining 76 institutions have yet to take any steps in this direction. Commissioner Rao has instructed that these schools be given one final opportunity to comply with the legal requirements. Furthermore, to safeguard the academic interests of the students, efforts are being made to transfer them to nearby recognised schools. Nineteen private schools have expressed their willingness to accommodate these students, PTI reports. For further details, the public can reach out to: Department of Public Relations, Thane Municipal Corporation Contact: 022-25364779Website: www.thanecity.gov.inEmail: publicrelationtmc@gmail.comTwitter: @TMCaTweetAwayInstagram: @smartcity_thaneDisaster Management Helpline: 1800-222-108 / 8657887101

25 February,2025 01:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image

Thane: Missing 8-year-old boy found dead in quarry; cops launch probe

An 8-year-old boy, who left home to buy food, has been found dead in a quarry near a pond in Thane district in Maharashtra, police said on Tuesday, PTI reported. While the police filed a case of accidental death after the body was found on Sunday in a quarry near Varhaldevi pond in Thane's Bhiwandi, the boy's family claimed that there were injury marks on his head and foam coming out of his mouth. The child took some money from his grandfather on Saturday evening to buy food, but did not return home, an official from Narpoli police station, PTI reported. Later, his family members searched for him in the surrounding areas, but in vain. As per PTI, they subsequently lodged a missing complaint with the Narpoli police, who registered an FIR against unidentified individuals for kidnapping. The child's body was found in the quarry at around 11 am on Sunday and sent for post-mortem to the government-run J J Hospital in neighbouring Mumbai, the official said. The autopsy report was awaited, he said, adding that an investigation was on into the child's death from all angles.  Newborn girl's body found in duct of Ambernath high-rise, woman detained In another incident, the Ambernath Police in Thane district of Maharashtra have detained a woman in connection with the death of a newborn girl, whose body was found in a high-rise building's duct, the police said on Thursday. The shocking discovery came to light after a local politician informed the police about the incident, an official said. According to the police, the newborn's lifeless body was discovered at the Shankar Heights building. The baby was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival, an official said. Following the incident, the police registered an FIR and sent the body for postmortem. In the course of their investigation, they have detained one woman suspect and are continuing to probe the case, said a police official. Earlier, a three-year-old girl who went missing on November 18 was found dead in the Ulhasnagar area of Thane district in Maharashtra on Thursday, a police official said, reported the PTI. She had gone missing from near her house in Prem Nagar locality of Ulhasnagar, he added. "After she went missing, a kidnapping case was registered on the complaint of her mother. The child's body was found today some distance away from Hill Line police station. After receiving the post-mortem report, further action will take place," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone IV) Sachin Gore, according to the PTI. (With agency inputs)

25 February,2025 01:29 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK