To manage the holiday rush during Christmas, New Year, and winter vacations, Central Railway has announced 76 Winter Special train services connecting Mumbai and Pune with key destinations, including Karmali, Nagpur, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Amravati, and Sanganer. The services will operate between December 2025 and early January 2026, offering travellers additional options during the peak season. Key winter special services Mumbai CSMT–Karmali Daily Specials (36 services)• Train 01151: Departs CSMT at 12.20 am (Dec 19–Jan 5)• Train 01152: Departs Karmali at 2.15 pm (Dec 19–Jan 5) LTT–Thiruvananthapuram North Weekly Specials (8 services)• Train 01171: Thursdays from LTT• Train 01172: Saturdays from Thiruvananthapuram North LTT–Mangaluru Junction Weekly Specials (8 services)• Train 01185: Tuesdays from LTT• Train 01186: Wednesdays from Mangaluru Jn CSMT–Nagpur Weekly Specials (6 services)• Train 01005: Saturdays from CSMT• Train 01006: Saturdays from Nagpur Pune–Nagpur Weekly Specials (6 services)• Train 01401: Fridays from Pune• Train 01402: Saturdays from Nagpur Pune–Sanganer Weekly Superfast Specials (6 services)• Train 01405: Fridays from Pune• Train 01406: Saturdays from Sanganer Pune–Amravati Weekly Specials (6 services)• Train 01403: Saturdays from Pune• Train 01404: Sundays from Amravati(Booking opens on Wednesday) The announcement was issued on Tuesday by Dr Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railway, Mumbai. Sanpada tender sparks rumours on 15-car Harbour line trains; Railways deny plan A new tender for upgrading Sanpada car shed to maintain 15-car trains has triggered speculation that the Railways may be preparing to introduce 15-car locals on the Harbour line as well. Central Railway is converting 20 existing 12-car rakes into 15-car rakes on the main line, marking one of the largest capacity boosts in more than a decade. Where the upgrade applies (Main line only)>> CSMT-Karjat>> CSMT-Khopoli>> CSMT-Kasara Operational impact of 15-car trains>> Longer clearance time for each section>> Changes in acceleration and braking patterns>> Need to revise schedules>> Higher risk of cascading delays if not managed well Purpose>> Modify overhead electrical equipment>> Enable handling of 15-coach rakes>> Support main line deployment of 15-car trains Infrastructure work under MUTP IIIAUpgrades at:>> Kurla car shed >> Kalva car shed>> Sanpada car shed ‘Good idea’ Subhash Gupta, Pravasi Sangh“The idea of 15-car trains on the Harbour line is good, but the priority should be the main line. We need longer trains beyond Thane and Kalyan first.” Ramika Yadav, commuter“The Harbour line is neglected. Any improvement is welcome. More 15-car trains overall will help ease crowds.” Janardhan Kumar Patel“The Harbour line needs better punctuality and frequency first. Crowding is severe beyond Kurla towards Panvel. The trans-harbour needs upgrades too.” Ravalnath Prabhu“We cannot keep extending trains endlessly. After 15 cars, there will be calls for 18 and so on. The system needs stability.” What Railways say about Harbour line CR officials insist there is no plan to convert Harbour line services to 15-car trains. “The Sanpada car shed also handles main line rakes, so it is being upgraded along with Kalwa and Kurla. The Harbour line has no space left for 15-car operations. Even the shift from nine-car to 12-car platforms was extremely difficult, so extending to 15-car is not feasible,” an official said. Final wordHarbour line will remain 12-car. The Sanpada tender relates only to the main line upgrade.
09 December,2025 02:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 35-year-old social activist, Chandrakant Krishna Kamble, was allegedly beaten by some local goons after he complained against matka gambling at Mumbai's Dadar. Kamble was allegedly brutally attacked by three people and is undergoing treatment in Hinduja Hospital. The hospital informed the Dadar Police about the incident, following which officers recorded Kamble's statements for further investigation. The police are scanning CCTV cameras and investigating the matter further. According to the police, the incident occurred late on December 7 when Kamble was returning home from his friend's house. "When he reached his building located at Senapati Bapat Marg at Dadar West, three people suddenly attacked him with iron rods and seriously injured him,” said an officer. Speaking to mid-day.com, Kamble said, "I am a social activist and regularly complain to the police about the illegal activities operating in my area. A few people run matka gambling, and I complained against them at Dadar Police Station. Due to this, I was attacked. They attackers also threatened me against filing a complaint with the police about the incident." "I am scared of these people. They could have killed me, but somehow I escaped. I have a life threat now. I am filing complaints only for the development of the society, and so that people live peacefully as these people are creating a nuisance in the area," Kamble further stated. mid-day.com tried to contact Senior Inspector Dnyaneshwar Awari of Dadar Police Station for an official response. However, despite multiple attempts, he remained unavailable for comment.
09 December,2025 02:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaShiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sachin Ahir on Tuesday questioned the Centre’s seriousness toward electoral reforms expected to be discussed in Parliament, stating that despite multiple instances and evidence presented in the public domain, the government appears unwilling to address the issue. VIDEO | Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sachin Ahir on electoral reforms to be discussed in Parliament says, “Is the present government serious about this? Because when you see so much evidence and so many examples that have been pointed out, and we have them. We have already… pic.twitter.com/jRFqNByPQd — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 9, 2025 “Is the present government serious about this? Because when you see so much evidence and so many examples that have been pointed out—and we have them, we have already placed them in the public domain—Parliament is the only place where the law can be changed. But the unfortunate part is that the government does not seem very interested,” Ahir said. He expressed hope that the ongoing Parliament session would adopt “a democratic course” and act on concerns arising from “deeply untrustworthy events happening all over India,” particularly in regions where public confidence has been shaken. Speaking separately in Nagpur, Ahir criticised the Maharashtra government over alleged corruption, saying, “The government has no money to help the farmers, but crores of rupees are found with MLAs and ministers. It is clear how corrupt this state is becoming.” #WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra | Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sachin Ahir says," The govt has no money to help the farmers, but crores of rupees are found with MLAs & ministers. It is clear how corrupt this state is becoming." pic.twitter.com/yDyktxpokA — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2025 Ahir’s remarks come amid heightened political scrutiny over electoral processes and governance issues ahead of key elections. 22 ruling ally MLAs have 'grown close' to Fadnavis, ready to crossover, claims Aaditya Thackeray Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Aaditya Thackeray on Monday asserted 22 MLAs from a Mahauti ally have "grown close" to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and are ready to switch sides, an oblique reference to Deputy CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Fadnavis dismissed Thackeray's claim and asked what his party BJP will do with Shinde-led Sena's MLAs when they are already part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance. In June 2022, the Shiv Sena split following a rebellion led by Shinde, resulting in the collapse of the then Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Later, in January 2024, Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar held that the Shinde-led faction was the "real" Shiv Sena, which is a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti in the state along with the BJP and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's NCP. "There is one party and two factions on the treasury side. Twenty-two MLAs from one faction have grown close to the CM. They have good funds and they have started dancing to the tune of the CM," Aaditya Thackeray claimed, without naming the Shiv Sena led by his arch political rival. The 22 MLAs are "ready to switch (sides)," the former state minister claimed while talking to reporters in the Vidhan Bhawan premises in Nagpur, where the state legislature is having its winter session. The Opposition MLA from Worli in Mumbai also said someone from these 22 legislators calls himself "vice-captain", a veiled reference to Industries Minister Uday Samant.
09 December,2025 01:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that the handwriting on the note left behind by the woman doctor, who allegedly died by suicide in Phaltan, has been verified as her own, and the cop and software engineer, whose names were mentioned in it, were involved in harassing her, reported news agency PTI. The chief minister was responding to a question by BJP MLA Ameet Satam in the state assembly. The doctor from a government hospital was found dead in a hotel in Phaltan town in western Maharashtra in October. In the suicide note written on her palm, she alleged that police sub-inspector Gopal Badane raped her on multiple occasions, while Prashant Bankar, a software engineer, mentally harassed her, reported PTI. Satam questioned whether the handwriting in the note and the men whose names were mentioned in it were involved in her death. "The doctor had written a note on her hand, and two names were mentioned in it. It has been found in the investigation that the handwriting matches hers," Fadnavis said during the Question Hour, reported PTI. "Investigations have revealed that police sub-inspector Gopal Badane sexually exploited her by promising to marry her. It has been found that the second accused (Bankar) also cheated her. She died due to hanging and not by strangulation, as per the investigation as of now. However, we have ordered a judicial inquiry to probe if any other person was involved," he said, adding that a woman IPS officer was probing the case, reported PTI. He said efforts were made to politicise the issue, which is quite "unfortunate". The chief minister assured the House that women's safety was of paramount importance and that the government was committed to it. He also said that the woman doctor was on an 11-month contract, so the government cannot consider giving a job to a family member on compassionate grounds, but assured that the family of the deceased will be given maximum assistance, reported PTI. Replying to a question on the implementation of the Shakti Bill, Fadnavis said it has been returned to the state, as some of its provisions encroached on the Centre's powers. However, the three new laws Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) dealt with women's safety more effectively, he said. (With inputs from PTI)
09 December,2025 12:47 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has received complaints against 719 employees for allegedly using fake disability certificates to avail benefits under various schemes, Minister Atul Save informed the legislative assembly on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI. The divyang welfare minister said that verification of disability certificates has been made mandatory following directions issued by the Centre and the state department, and strict action will be taken in case of irregularities. "The government has received complaints against as many as 719 government employees for allegedly using fake disability certificates to avail benefits under various schemes," he said while responding to a question raised by NCP (SP) MLA Bapu Pathare, reported PTI. Save said that complaints were filed against 78 employees in Satara, 46 in Pune and 26 in Latur. "In Pune district, 21 employees have been suspended from their posts for submitting fake certificates, and two were removed in Nandurbar," he informed the House. As per government instructions, employees whose certificates are found to be fake or whose disability is assessed at less than 40 per cent will face action under Section 11 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, along with disciplinary proceedings, reported PTI. The minister said that a government resolution issued on October 9 directed all departments to complete verification of disability certificates and submit detailed reports within three months, by January 8, 2026, reported PTI. So far, complaints related to fake UDID certificates have been received against 719 employees, and the concerned departments have been instructed to verify the cases and initiate action as per rules, he said. Only those with benchmark disabilities of 40 per cent or more are eligible to avail benefits such as reservation in government jobs, promotions and other schemes, the minister added. Oppn leaders stage protest on Vidhan Bhavan steps over farmers' issues Meanwhile, Opposition members staged a protest on the steps of the Vidhan Bhawan in Nagpur on Tuesday, the second day of the Maharashtra assembly's winter session, demanding a complete loan waiver for farmers. Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, including Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aditya Thackeray, NCP (SP) Shashikant Shinde, among others, gathered on the steps of the Vidhan Bhawan and raised slogans. Opposition leaders accused the government of delaying the purchase of soyabean, which resulted in farmers selling the produce at Rs 4,000, well below the MSP of Rs 5,328. They demanded a complete loan waiver for cultivators, who had suffered losses. (With inputs from PTI)
09 December,2025 12:36 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Tuesday announced revised dates for the Group B (Non-Gazetted) Services Combined Preliminary Examination 2025 and the Group C Services Combined Preliminary Examination 2025. The exams will now be conducted on the 4th and 11th of January 2026, respectively. महाराष्ट्र गट-ब (अराजपत्रित) सेवा संयुक्त पूर्व परीक्षा २०२५ व महाराष्ट्र गट-क सेवा संयुक्त पूर्व परीक्षा २०२५ सुधारित दिनांकास म्हणजेच अनुक्रमे दि.४/१/२०२६ व दि.११/१/२०२६ रोजी आयोजित करण्यात येत आहेत. यासंदर्भातील शुध्दीपत्रक आयोगाच्या संकेतस्थळावर प्रसिध्द करण्यात आले आहे. pic.twitter.com/6m5qOEG61s — Maharashtra Public Service Commission (@mpsc_office) December 8, 2025 Originally, the Group B prelim exam was scheduled for 21st December 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. However, the Commission decided to postpone the exams due to an overlap with the State Election process, which includes the Gram Panchayat and Municipal Corporation elections taking place on the same date. This decision was made following consultations with the State Election Commission and district officials to prevent any conflict or disruption during the election period. Candidates appearing for these exams are advised to note the revised schedule and prepare accordingly. The official corrigendum regarding the new exam dates has been published on the MPSC’s website. The notification regarding the schedule change was issued from the MPSC’s office in Navi Mumbai. Hall ticket glitch leaves Mumbai LLB students unable to take final exams Lack of administrative planning has once again disrupted examinations for law students in Mumbai. A group of 3-year and 5-year LLB students from Nalanda Law College in Borivli were unable to take their final year exams on Monday due to missing hall tickets. Despite receiving exam timetables well in advance, students said the exam portal links — used to access past results and download hall tickets — were sent only last Thursday. “Many of us were unable to log in to those portals. Over the weekend, our college officials kept reassuring us that the hall tickets would turn up,” said Shel Sarawgi, an LLB student. When the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) exams were scheduled at 10.30 am, students were asked to report to the college instead to collect hall tickets from the security guard. “While some students got theirs, we were told ours were on the way. Even at 10.45 am, we were waiting at our college gates instead of being at our exam centres,” she added. With the labour law exam slated for Wednesday and no clarity on hall tickets, students remain in limbo. “Many 5-year LLB students were sent to sit at their centres while teachers rushed with hall tickets. Even after that, they were asked to wait due to problems with the QR codes on answer sheets. My hall ticket never showed up, and it has left me troubled,” said another student on condition of anonymity.
09 December,2025 12:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndiGo cancelled approximately 180 flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad on Tuesday, as disruptions at the crisis-hit airline continued for the eighth consecutive day, according to the PTI sources. "IndiGo is not operating 58 flights to and from Hyderabad on Tuesday. Of these, 14 are arrivals and 44 departures," the sources said, adding that the number of cancellations at Bengaluru Airport stood at 121, of which 58 are arrivals and 63 departures. Meanwhile, the carrier is likely to lose some of its routes to other domestic airlines during the ongoing winter schedule after Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the government will "definitely" reduce IndiGo slots. The Rahul Bhatia-controlled airline operates over 2,200 flights per day from 90-odd domestic destinations and 40-plus abroad destinations, reported news agency PTI. "We will definitely reduce the number of routes, which are in IndiGo's (winter) schedule. The order to this effect will be issued. This will be a kind of penalty on the airline as they will not be able to fly on those (curtailed) routes," Naidu told DD News on Monday. He said the routes, which will be reduced from IndiGo's schedule, will be given to other carriers. He added that when the airline demonstrates the ability to operate them, they will be returned to IndiGo. The Gurugram-based carrier, which commands over 65 per cent of India's total domestic traffic, had cancelled over 560 flights from six metro airports alone on Monday. IndiGo flight cancellation chaos to be discussed in Lok Sabha; aviation minister to speak today Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu will speak in the Lok Sabha at 12 pm on Tuesday regarding the ongoing IndiGo flight cancellations issue, a day after addressing the issue in the Rajya Sabha. The discussion follows widespread flight delays and cancellations across IndiGo’s network, which have left passengers stranded at airports nationwide, reported news agency ANI. In his Rajya Sabha remarks, the Minister clarified that the problems faced by passengers were linked to the airline’s internal crew rostering and operational planning, rather than the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS). Emphasising passenger safety, Naidu stated that “there will be no compromise on safety”. He also highlighted that stringent Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) are in place to protect passengers affected by flight disruptions. "For all passengers who have faced difficulties due to delays and cancellations, strict Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) are in place. Airline operators have to follow these requirements. Regarding the software issue, an inquiry has been made. Continuous technology upgradation happens in this sector. Our vision from the government is to have top global standards for the aviation sector in the country," he said, reported ANI. The Minister Naidu explained that the problems at IndiGo were related to crew rostering and internal operational planning, which the airline is responsible for managing on a day-to-day basis. He added that thorough consultations have been held with all stakeholders concerning Flight Time Limitations (FTTL) guidelines, and emphasised that there will be no compromise on safety. (With inputs from Agencies)
09 December,2025 11:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mainly clear skies across Mumbai and its suburbs on Tuesday. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may settle near 17 degrees Celsius. The IMD reported mild conditions across key locations today. Colaba recorded a minimum temperature of 21.7 degrees Celsius, with no rainfall reported during the period. Meanwhile, Santacruz experienced a cooler start to the day, registering a minimum temperature of 16.5 degrees Celsius, also accompanied by zero millimetres of rainfall. According to the IMD, the overall weather remained dry and stable across the city. According to the Sameer app, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 127, placing it in the ‘Moderate’ category. At this level, individuals with lung disorders, asthma, and heart conditions may experience breathing discomfort. AQI across key Mumbai locations: Kurla: 106Vile Parle: 139Borivali: 102Worli: 102Sion: 111Mazgaon: 92Deonar: 145Malad West: 127 Deonar and Vile Parle recorded the highest AQI levels among the listed areas. Delhi’s air quality remains poor as smog reduces visibility The national capital continued to grapple with deteriorating air quality on Tuesday, as a thin layer of smog lingered over several parts of the city, reducing visibility during the early hours, reported news agency ANI. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI of 292 at 8 am, placing overall air quality firmly in the ‘Poor’ category. Early-morning visuals from India Gate and Kartavya Path showed the landmarks partially shrouded in grey haze, with the AQI in the area measured at 265, also within the ‘Poor’ range. Other key monitoring stations reported similar levels: 294 at ITO, 282 at Alipur, 253 at Aya Nagar, and 291 at Burari, reported news agency ANI. However, pollution levels were significantly worse in Akshardham, where the AQI climbed to 319, pushing the locality into the ‘Very Poor’ category. Similar conditions were reported from Ghazipur and Anand Vihar, where the AQI also settled at 319. Several other key stations, including Ashok Vihar (305), Bawana (342), Anand Vihar (319), Chandani Chowk (333), and Dwarka (314), remained in the "very poor" category, highlighting the widespread nature of pollution across Delhi. According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. According to CPCB, the AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories, each reflecting the level of pollution and associated health risks. An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as "Good", indicating minimal or no health impact. AQI levels from 51 to 100 fall into the "Satisfactory" category, where air quality remains acceptable, though sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues may experience slight discomfort. The "Moderate" category, ranging from 101 to 200, signals increasing pollution levels that can trigger breathing difficulties among people with asthma, lung conditions, or heart diseases. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered "Poor", a range in which prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort to most people, not just those with pre-existing health issues. This level has become increasingly common in several parts of the capital during winter. Levels between 301 and 400 are marked as "Very Poor", posing a risk of respiratory illnesses even to healthy individuals when exposure continues for long periods. The most hazardous category, "Severe," includes AQI values from 401 to 500. At this stage, air quality becomes dangerous for everyone. (With ANI inputs)
09 December,2025 10:20 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra legislature has tightened the entry pass system for the winter session currently underway at the Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur and issued guidelines detailing the eligibility criteria, reported news agency PTI. An official circular stated that entry passes will be issued strictly for the session period and only to eligible government officials, legislators' staff, security personnel on duty and authorised employees working for the Assembly or Council. Contractors, canteen workers, daily wage staff and temporary workers will also require official permission to enter, said the order, reported PTI. Security has been strengthened, and the police have been instructed to allow access only to those carrying valid session passes issued under the supervision of senior security officials. As per the guidelines, one personal secretary, one special duty officer and one assistant from ministers' offices will receive full session passes. Departments may issue passes to a maximum of 30 officials and 20 staff members, and their names must be submitted in advance, said the order., reported PTI. Officials assigned duties on a rotational basis during the session will receive daily passes, while permanent session-long passes will remain limited. The circular states that strict verification will be carried out at all entry points to prevent crowding and unauthorised access, the order said, reported PTI. Pass distribution counters have been set up at Gate No. 18, the first building block of Vidhan Bhavan, and other designated spots within the premises. Departments and office-bearers have also been instructed to ensure passes are not misused or circulated without permission, the order said, reported PTI. Maharashtra govt tables supplementary demands of Rs 75,286 crore Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government on Monday tabled supplementary demands of Rs 75,286.38 crore in the legislative assembly, with a major share of the proposed spending directed towards farmer relief, subsidies and social welfare schemes.The state's public debt currently stands at Rs 9.32 lakh crore. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar placed the supplementary demands before the House on the first day of the week-long winter session of the state legislature. With the latest proposals, the total supplementary demands placed by the current government stand at Rs 1,73,019 crore. The government has allocated Rs 15,648 crore for compensation and financial assistance to rain and flood-affected farmers, and Rs 9,250 crore for electricity tariff subsidies for agriculture pumps, power loom and handloom units. The state has proposed Rs 15,721.08 crore for the revenue and forest departments. It has also allocated Rs 6,103 crore for the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women beneficiaries, and Rs 5,024.48 crore to the Women and Child Development Department for implementing other welfare schemes, as per the documents tabled in the House. Further, the government has earmarked Rs 4,439.74 crore as the state's share in the Centre's long-term interest-free loan, Rs 3,500 crore for the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Rs 3,281.79 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat schemes, Rs 2,200 crore as a special grant to municipal bodies, and Rs 2,500 crore towards stamp duty cess refunds. The government has also proposed Rs 9,205 crore for the industries, energy, labour and mining departments, and Rs 9,115.76 crore for the urban development department, ahead of elections to 29 civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. (With inputs from PTI)
09 December,2025 10:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday held a one-and-a-half-hour closed-door meeting. During the meeting, it was decided that the ruling Mahayuti alliance will contest the upcoming municipal elections across the state, including Mumbai and Thane, together, according to an official release. State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule and senior Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Chavan were also present at the meeting. As per Shiv Sena's official release, there was positive discussion between leaders of both parties on contesting the civic polls jointly as Mahayuti. In the next two to three days, local-level discussions will begin among leaders for each municipal corporation to finalise seat-sharing and related matters. It has also been agreed that office-bearers and workers from the BJP and Shiv Sena will not be allowed to switch to each other’s parties. The primary contest in the Maharashtra local body elections is expected to be between the two major alliances, the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The Mahayuti (Ruling Coalition) alliance is in power at the state level, with its key constituents being the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Ajit Pawar faction). The main opposition alliance (Maha Vikas Aghadi) includes the Indian National Congress (INC), Shiv Sena (UBT) (Uddhav Thackeray faction), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Sharad Pawar faction or NCP-SP), as well as other contesting parties. Mahayuti will contest upcoming civic and Zill Parishad polls together: Shinde Meanwhile, the Mahayuti will put up a united fight in the upcoming municipal corporation and zilla parishad polls, Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Monday. He advised MLAs and ministers of his party to follow the "alliance dharma" and refrain from making any statements or behaviour that would lead to a conflict in the Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Sena, and NCP. Addressing Shiv Sena MLAs and ministers in Nagpur, Shinde said the party contested elections for the post of presidents in 168 municipal councils and 4,000 councillors. He said the atmosphere was very conducive for Shiv Sena in the first phase of local body polls, voting for which was held on December 2, and that the party put up a good fight. The results will also be good for the party, he added. "The municipal corporation and zilla parishad polls will be contested as a Mahayuti alliance. Follow the alliance dharma. Do not make any controversial statement or do anything that will cause a conflict in the alliance," said Shinde. The first phase of the Maharashtra local body elections saw Mahayuti allies contesting against each other at many places in Maharashtra. In some cases, the campaign became acerbic, prompting Shinde to raise the issue with the top leadership of the BJP. Shinde said there may have been some disputes during the first phase of polls, but the matter stands closed.
09 December,2025 10:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe closure of numerous civic schools across the city has been more than just an inconvenience. Dharavi resident Reshma Shaikh would send her two children — an 11-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter — to the New Mahim School, which was a 15-minute walk from her house. “My children’s admission was directly transferred to the Kapad Bazaar School earlier this year, after the school was declared dangerous. Now, it is a 30-45 minute walk one way to the new school,” said Reshma. Missing out Owing to the long distance and her chores at home, Reshma claims that she typically sends her children to school only twice or thrice a week. “Now, I am in the sixth month of my third pregnancy. My health does not allow me to walk as much, and I don’t think I can manage to send my children to school anymore. We are going to our native village for 15 days, after returning, I might get them out of school,” she told mid-day. New Mahim School, which has been declared a dangerous structure; (right) Sion Mumbai Public School. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Not far away, at Matunga’s Labour Camp, Sonal Dabhade has been worried about the education of her three children — an 8-year-old son, an 11-year-old daughter, and 12-year-old son — who were all enrolled in BMC-run Marathi schools. School-hopping Her eldest began his school journey at a civic-run Marathi school at Matunga’s Labour Camp. “The school was very short-staffed, and teachers would almost never show up for class. A single teacher would have to teach three classes, and, in fact, it was a few officials from the school who suggested that the New Mahim Marathi School was a better alternative,” said Sonal. After the 12-year-old completed his Std V exams, he was shifted to New Mahim Marathi School along with his siblings. They spent one year studying at New Mahim until Sonal was told that this school was to shut down, too, for repairs. Once again, the older children were moved to a Sion-based civic school, which is nearly 2 km away from Sonal’s residence. “My youngest son, who was in Std II, was initially assigned to the Mahim Police Colony School. However, that school appeared to be run-down and managing the commute was difficult, so I had to make my youngest one switch schools again. He now studies at the Sion school too,” Sonal said. This is how the three younglings ended up changing three schools within three years. Impossible without help Working as a housemaid, Sonal finds it difficult after a day of chores to walk all the way to get her children. But between daily wage and education, neither can be compromised. However, to her aid comes her neighbour, Razia Shaikh, who takes turns with picking and dropping off children. Razia sent her daughter to the Mori Road semi-English medium school until 2020. However, after being informed that the school was being demolished, her daughter, who was in Std IV, was moved to New Mahim Marathi School. After four years of education there, New Mahim was demolished too, and now she studies at the Sion-based civic school. “We cannot use buses as they are never on time, and we have household responsibilities to manage too. Had I known that this would be the fate of the school, I would have enrolled my daughter elsewhere to begin with,” Razia said. Official Speak “Administrative officers are looking into the matter. Our Marathi-medium schools in Dharavi and neighbouring areas can accommodate these students, even mid-year. We are collecting data on students who have been attending school intermittently, and I am looking forward to proposals of secondary students who need a bus arranged, so we can work on the same,” said Education Officer Sujata Khare. Expert Speak “Students who are suffering are already underprivileged. Giving them hope and taking it away can make them feel more insecure, while damaging their relationship with education itself. In future, when they are actually attending a stable school, they may end up being more careless because of their past experience,” said Dr Naazneen Ladak, a consulting psychiatrist.
09 December,2025 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarADVERTISEMENT
