Articles by Saurabha Kulshreshtha
‘Sharad Pawar asked me to join the govt’
Ajit Pawar, deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, claimed that his uncle, Sharad Pawar, initially supported his decision to join the state government but later had a change of heart. Ajit Pawar also announced that his faction would contest all four Lok Sabha seats in Baramati currently held by the NCP.
Updated on Dec 02, 2023 07:58 AM IST
Ajit Pawar invokes Phule, backs Kunbi cert for Marathas
Pawar’s comments sought to assuage anger among Marathas over recent statements by his fellow party leader and minister Chhagan Bhujbal opposing the issuance of Kunbi certificates
Updated on Dec 02, 2023 07:40 AM IST
Bhujbal faces ‘go back’ slogans in his constituency
NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal faced protests from Marathas during his visit to hailstorm affected areas in Nashik district. Farmers demand compensation.
Updated on Dec 01, 2023 08:06 AM IST
Six more districts in Maha hit by rain; affected land increases to 4L ha
Unseasonal rain and hailstorms have damaged crops in 22 districts of Maharashtra, increasing the area under damage by three times and leading to a rise in vegetable prices. The state cabinet has decided to increase compensation for crop loss and is awaiting reports from additional districts. The Yawatmal district in Vidarbha region is most affected, with 126,438 hectares of crops damaged. The rise in affected areas is expected to result in a higher financial burden for compensation and a shortage of onions and vegetables in the market. The leader of the opposition has demanded a loan and electricity bill waiver for affected farmers.
Updated on Dec 01, 2023 07:20 AM IST
Govt hikes acreage for compensation due to hailstorm, orders survey
Farmers in Maharashtra affected by a recent hailstorm will be compensated for crop loss on up to 3 hectares of land instead of the current 2 hectares. The agriculture and revenue departments will also conduct a joint survey to assess the damage caused by the storm. The hailstorm damaged 1,30,272 hectares of crops in 18 districts, with crops like grapes, vegetables, and onions suffering considerable damage. The government is facing criticism for not doing enough to address the ongoing farm crisis.
Updated on Nov 30, 2023 06:46 AM IST
NITI Aayog CEO stresses on a long-term economic plan for Mumbai, MMR
NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam has said that the state government needs to create an economic master plan and focus on urban planning in order for Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to sustain India's goal of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047. Subrahmanyam emphasized the importance of public housing, land management, and transport infrastructure in achieving this goal. NITI Aayog will prepare a draft master plan to raise the region's GDP from $140 billion to $300 billion. Other participants in the discussion also stressed the need for job creation and economic growth through urban planning.
Updated on Nov 29, 2023 07:32 AM IST
Saurabha Kulshreshtha, Mumbai
Tatkare backs Bhujbal on OBC quota
NCP state president Sunil Tatkare supports Chagan Bhujbal's stand on Maratha reservation, says it shouldn't affect OBC quota. Slams Prithviraj Chavan for damaging NCP.
Updated on Nov 29, 2023 06:58 AM IST
A RAY of Hope: India’s largest township for workers being readied at Solapur
The infrastructural logistics of this massive proletariat settlement posed a problem or two to the Ray Nagar Federation. A year ago, the body realised that the Solapur municipal corporation would be unable to supply water to the township for at least two years, struggling as it was to provide daily water to Solapur city its
Updated on Nov 21, 2023 07:40 AM IST
CM, Uddhav pick different locations to pay respects to Shiv Sena founder
Speaking to reporters after paying his respects at the statue of Balasaheb near Regal Cinema in south Mumbai, the CM said if the party founder was alive, he would have appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for building a Ram temple in Ayodhya
Updated on Nov 18, 2023 08:16 AM IST
Saurabha Kulshreshtha, Mumbai
Navi Mumbai Metro starts operations, other infra projects await inauguration
Services of the Navi Mumbai metro commenced in the presence of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar
Updated on Nov 18, 2023 07:16 AM IST
Adani Group can now earn more from TDR in Dharavi Redevelopment Project
Maharashtra has issued a notification allowing the use of TDR without indexation, which will benefit the Adani group in the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
Updated on Nov 16, 2023 11:20 AM IST
Saurabha Kulshreshtha, Mumbai
Two Senas argue after Uddhav denied entry at Mumbra shakha
Addressing party workers in Mumbra, Thackeray said, “Those who are high on power bulldozed the shakha. I have come here to show you the bulldozer. Our posters were torn. We’ll tear your arrogance into pieces in the polls.” Alleging that the administration had become helpless, the former CM said
Updated on Nov 12, 2023 06:56 AM IST
MHADA gets back ₹500 crore given for railway land to develop Dharavi Project
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) received ₹500 crore for the acquisition of railway land, providing relief to the organization facing a cash crunch due to unsold housing stock. The funds will help speed up the BDD chawl redevelopment project.
Updated on Nov 11, 2023 07:42 AM IST
Transport dept deploys 15 squads, penalises 1500 vehicles
The state transport department in Mumbai has deployed 15 squads to curb pollution from transportation of construction materials. The squads have penalised 1,500 vehicles and collected ₹13,80,000 in fines.
Updated on Nov 11, 2023 07:32 AM IST
Thackeray to visit demolished Mumbra shakha on Saturday
The rift between Shiv Sena factions escalates as supporters of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's camp demolish a shakha in Mumbra, prompting a challenge from Uddhav Thackeray.
Updated on Nov 09, 2023 07:08 AM IST
Saurabha Kulshreshtha, Mumbai
NCP, BJP MLAs bag food supply contracts for government-run hostels
Controversy arises as companies linked to NCP minister Hasan Mushrif and BJP legislator Prasad Lad win contracts to supply food and milk to hostels and residential schools in Maharashtra. The companies were previously probed by the Enforcement Directorate.
Updated on Nov 08, 2023 09:06 AM IST
Hiring for govt jobs on schedule, as per existing quota limits
Recruitment for government jobs in Maharashtra will proceed as planned and according to existing quota limits, despite speculation that it would be suspended. The recruitment process will continue for over 10,000 posts in various departments. Maratha activists had requested that recruitment be halted until the Maratha reservation issue was resolved, but the government has confirmed that it will go ahead. Other government bodies will also continue their recruitment drives.
Updated on Nov 04, 2023 06:36 AM IST
Disqualification issue will be decided by December 31: Narwekar
Maharashtra assembly speaker, Rahul Narwekar, declares he will abide by the Supreme Court's December 31 deadline to decide on the disqualification of Shiv Sena MLAs, if both factions cooperate. The next hearing will be held on November 21 and hearings will continue during the winter session of the state legislature. The Shiv Sena led by chief minister Eknath Shinde claimed they did not receive the whip issued by the party last year, sparking a debate between rival faction lawyers. Both sides agreed to submit evidence by November 16.
Updated on Nov 03, 2023 08:58 AM IST
Legislators lock Mantralaya gate, demand special session
At around 10.45am, they assembled in front of the main gate of Mantralaya which is used by chief minister and other ministers to enter the building. Suddenly, they closed the gate and locked it, demanding a special session of the legislature
Updated on Nov 02, 2023 08:10 AM IST
Electoral office to launch special drive, rope in colleges
The Chief Electoral Office in Maharashtra will launch a special drive to register young voters by involving colleges and giving awards to institutions with 100% voter registration. Currently, less than 10% of first-time eligible voters are on the electoral roll.
Updated on Oct 30, 2023 07:18 AM IST
Registrar who forced disabled bride to come to second floor suspended
The registrar of marriage in Khar, Mumbai has been suspended for forcing a disabled woman to come to the office on the second floor, which has no lift. The suspension follows a complaint made by the woman on social media, which was acknowledged by the deputy chief minister. The woman has thanked the government for the action taken, but has also highlighted the need for government buildings to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Updated on Oct 26, 2023 08:12 AM IST
Saurabha Kulshreshtha, Mumbai
Uddhav Thackeray attacks BJP for working against Mumbai’s interests
On the issue of Dharavi’s redevelopment, Thackeray said, “Some months ago, BJP government gave the DRP to Prime Minister Modi’s friend. I am going to take this issue separately and visit Dharavi.”
Updated on Oct 25, 2023 08:00 AM IST
Govt employees to revive agitation for Old Pension Scheme on Nov 8
17 lakh government-semi government employees in Maharashtra have announced a "Family March" on November 8 demanding the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). They have also warned of an indefinite strike from December 14 if their demands are not met. The employees are unhappy with the state government's approach towards their demand for OPS, which provides a stable source of income post-retirement. They are also demanding the cancellation of the indirect privatization of the education sector and the filling of all vacant posts.
Updated on Oct 23, 2023 07:48 AM IST
Sena factions gear up for show of strength on Dussehra
After both the parties locked horns over the claim on the venue of Shivaji Park for the annual Dussehra rally, Sena (UBT) got the traditional venue after CM Shinde avoided conflict at an auspicious ceremony and gave up the claim and chose Azad Maidan for the rally
Published on Oct 22, 2023 10:56 PM IST
MMRDA cancels bids related to Metro Line 6 project
A senior official on the condition of anonymity confirmed the development. “While we have cancelled the bids, it will not delay the Metro Line 6 projects as we are going to float new tenders with standard conditions and policy within 10 days
Updated on Oct 19, 2023 08:22 AM IST
State’s first integrated solid waste management project to be set up in Badlapur
Mumbai's first integrated solid waste management project will be set up in Badlapur to treat waste from three cities, with a capacity of 641 tonnes per day. The project is expected to be completed in nine months. MMRDA has contributed ₹128 crore for the project, and the contractor has been finalised. The company will segregate garbage and sell waste materials to manufacturers, reducing waste disposal costs.
Updated on Oct 19, 2023 07:58 AM IST
Ajit Pawar refutes ex-Pune top cop’s charge, says he had no role in Yerawada land deal
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar denies pressuring former Pune police commissioner Meeran Borvankar to approve the transfer of police land to the highest bidder in 2008. Pawar claims the decision was made by a committee appointed by the then home minister R.R. Patil.
Updated on Oct 18, 2023 08:52 AM IST
Saurabha Kulshreshtha, Mumbai
To mark PM’s 73rd birthday, state asks 73 civic bodies to undertake beautification
“As part of the ‘Namo 11 point programme’, the state has decided to implement ‘Namo city beautification drive’ in 73 cities across the state. All civic bodies will have to spend money from their own funds.” states the order
Updated on Oct 18, 2023 07:56 AM IST
Row erupts over Jarange-Patil’s remarks against Fadnavis-Bhujbal
A political row has erupted in Mumbai after a Maratha reservation activist demanded OBC status for the entire Maratha community and accused several politicians of playing "anti-Maratha politics". The BJP and some politicians hit back, claiming that the activist was speaking on behalf of NCP leader Sharad Pawar. The activist's demands have caused divisions within the Maratha community.
Updated on Oct 15, 2023 06:54 AM IST
Jarange-Patil gives govt 10 days to give Marathas OBC reservation
“Our main demand is the issuance of Kunbi certificates to all Marathas to give them the benefits of OBC reservation,” said Jarange-Patil. “We will accept a special category for Maratha reservation but it should not be above the existing reservation limit of 50 percent.” One of the grounds on which the Maratha quota was set aside by the Supreme Court in May 2021 was that it took the state’s reservation limit beyond 50 percent
Updated on Oct 15, 2023 06:18 AM IST
