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Will not allow compulsion of Hindi in Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday asserted that his party will not allow making Hindi compulsory in Maharashtra after the state government decided to make Hindi mandatory in schools, reported the PTI. The state government approved the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introducing Hindi as a mandatory third language for students from Class 1 to Class 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools. Addressing an event of the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, the workers' wing of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Uddhav Thackeray said his party has no aversion to the Hindi language but asked why it is being forced. Uddhav Thackeray claimed it is the ruling BJP's mission not to let people unite and to keep them under constant pressure so that they are occupied with their worries. "We will not allow making Hindi compulsory in Maharashtra," he said, according to the PTI. His remarks come amid the opposition's outcry over the Maharashtra government's decision on Hindi in schools. The former Maharashtra CM said, "We will do everything if you ask (us) with affection, but if you impose anything, we will oppose it. Why this force for (learning) Hindi?", as per the PTI. He pointed out that it was his government that decided to make learning Marathi in the state compulsory. "You have to say Jai Maharashtra if you want to live in the state," Uddhav Thackeray added, the news agency reported. Targeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti, he asked if the state government was working for those who want to finish off Maharashtra and Marathi. He further slammed Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, saying how his party can be subservient to those doing injustice to Marathi and then claim to be the inheritors of Bal Thackeray's legacy. Referring to senior RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi's remarks earlier that any individual coming to Mumbai may not necessarily learn Marathi, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said that Marathi should be made compulsory in Ghatkopar, a predominantly Gujarati-speaking suburb of the city, reported the PTI. On the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, he said his party opposed the legislation because non-Muslims are appointed on the Waqf Board. "Then my basic question is, what is the guarantee that you (the government) will not appoint non-Hindus to Hindu religious organisations? This is the same question the Supreme Court has asked the government on the Waqf Act," Uddhav Thackeray remarked, the PTI reported. He further claimed that his government was toppled because, as a chief minister, he had stalled the implementation of labour codes in the state. Thackeray said that in workplaces where the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena union has a presence, party men should be hired to fill vacancies. (with PTI inputs)
19 April,2025 11:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Affordable treatment at revamped Bhagwati Hospital under Ayushman Bharat: Goyal
The patients will get affordable medical care at the revamped Bhagwati Hospital in Mumbai's Borivali area under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday. He said that the Bhagwati Hospital will be run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) or on a charitable basis to serve common people. MP from North Mumbai constituency, Piyush Goyal, held a review meeting on infrastructure works in the constituency at the local BMC Ward office in Borivali on Saturday. Civic chief Bhushan Gagrani and senior officials were also present during the meeting. “Bhagwati Hospital will be run on a no profit, no loss basis, and it will ensure that common people receive affordable treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme,” Goyal said. The Mumbai civic has redeveloped this hospital at a cost of Rs 500 crores. According to a BMC proposal, 148 beds will be used as per BMC medical treatment rates, while the remaining 480 beds will be used as private beds. The BMC has invited tenders to run the redeveloped civic-run Bhagwati Hospital under a public-private partnership and the decision has attracted opposition from citizens and political parties. Goyal also mentioned about the introduction of a toy train at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. He said, “I have discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the Sanjay Gandhi National Park toy train. The work on the toy train will be completed in two years.” Regarding encroachment on the mangroves in Malad Malvani, Goyal suggested establishing a police chowki and deploying additional police force in the area. There are He also mentioned about revamping of ponds and railway stations in North Mumbai. The civic authorities will plan to beautify around 11 ponds in North Mumbai with the help of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). “Dahisar, Borivali, Malad, and Kandivali railway stations are included in the Amrit Bharat Scheme,” said Piyush Goyal, adding that he has discussed with the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and the station development plan would be prepared soon in consultation with public representatives.
19 April,2025 09:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Sameer Surve
Carnac Bridge work in final phase, completion by June 10: BMC official
The work of the Carnac Bunder Railway Over Bridge (ROB) in Mumbai was nearing completion which will be completed by June 10, 2025, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said on Saturday. The bridge, a crucial connector between Masjid Bunder and P. D'Mello Road, was closed for public in 2022. Initially it was closed for heavy vehicles in the year 2018 as it was dilapidated, and in 2022, the bridge was completely shut to traffic movements. As per the original plan, the Carnac Bridge was supposed to be completed by the end of 2024. The civic officials claim that the delay was due to various technical reasons such as land acquisition and changes in design. Meanwhile, on Friday, BMC's Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, visited the Carnac Bridge site and ordered that the completion of pending works should be done by June 10, 2025. The bridge's reopening would be scheduled thereafter. "All work must be completed within the stipulated timeframe—within the next 53 days—and no delays will be tolerated," he told the contractor and BMC officials at the site. The civic officials said that after the placement of steel girders over the railway tracks, the remaining work has been micro-planned and scheduled in phases by the BMC’s Bridges Department. Work on both the eastern and western sides of the bridge is progressing steadily. They said that on the eastern side, eight pillars have been completed and work is underway at the foundation level. Out of 40, five steel girders have already reached the project site. While girders on the railway track have already been placed. To complete the project by June 10, Bangar ordered that all steel girders should be made available at the project site by April 27, 2025, the officials said. The process of installing girders must be completed by May 2, 2025. The approach road on both sides should be ready by June 5, 2025, and concretisation over the railway portion must be finished by May 7, 2025, they said. The Carnac Bridge is crucial for traffic in South Mumbai, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Masjid Bunder, and Mohammad Ali Road areas. Due to the deterioration of the old Carnac Bridge on Lokmanya Tilak Road, the BMC undertook the task of rebuilding the bridge.
19 April,2025 08:39 PM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
BMC officer transferred after Jain temple demolition in Mumbai
A Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officer was on Saturday transferred after a Jain temple in Vile Parle area of Mumbai was demolished by the civic body, a senior official said. Assistant Municipal Commissioner of K-East Ward, Navnath Ghadge was transferred following the community outrage over the demolition of a Jain temple, he said. The members of the Jain community on Saturday held a protest march demanding strict action against the officer involved in the recent demolition. The protest was held against the BMC, calling the demolition unjust. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirmed that Ghadge has been relieved of his duties at K-East Ward. The civic body has not yet announced his replacement. The BMC had reportedly demolished the temple stating that it was unauthorised. The demolition drew sharp criticism from members of the Jain community who have described the action as unwarranted. The temple was located within the Neminath Cooperative Housing Society in Kambliwadi area of Vile Parle and its demolition took place on Wednesday.
19 April,2025 08:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Sameer Surve
Navi Mumbai Airport: CIDCO officials hold high-level meeting
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) officials recently held a high-level meeting to discuss timely completion of works at Navi Mumbai Airport ahead of its inauguration, officials said. An official statement said that Vijay Singhal, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of CIDCO, conducted a high-level review meeting on April 17 to assess the progress of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and the focus was on ensuring the airport is ready for its inauguration and commercial operations without delay. It said that since the Airport Information Publication (AIP) for NMIA has been published and DGCA inspections are ongoing for issue of aerodrome license, the review was specifically focused on completing the airside, landside and terminal building in all respects in preparation for inauguration and commercial operations of the Airport, to understand any challenges and to mitigate any delay in achieving the targets. It further stated that the NMIAL confirmed that airside works are 100 per cent complete and the processes for obtaining Aerodrome License from DGCA & Security Clearance from BCAS are progressing well and no challenges are foreseen on that front. Operation Readiness and Transfer (ORAT) testing is also regularly going on for ensuring seamless operations. Singhal also reviewed preparation for connectivity to provide the landside access to the airport and directed all concerned to ensure readiness of the same well before the proposed inauguration date. The Navi Mumbai International Airport, with a planned capacity of 90 Million passengers and 3.2 million tonnes of cargo per annum, is set to commence Phase 1 operations with a capacity of 20 Million passengers and 0.8 million tonnes of cargo per annum. In the current phase, the airport will have a runway with double parallel taxiways and one Terminal (T1), cargo terminals and several other supporting infrastructure.
19 April,2025 07:48 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Earth Day: Nature walks, bird watching and more in Mumbai
To mark the Earth Day 2025, the Maharashtra Nature Park Society (MNPS) has planned a range of eco-friendly events including botanical walks, wildlife photography exhibition, bird watching and more at Mumbai's Nature Park. Located along the Mithi River, the Maharashtra Nature Park at Sion-Bandra Link Road in Dharavi, is a 37-acre green space. It is now recognised as a biodiversity hotspot in the city and is home to over 125 species of birds, 85 species of butterflies, 384 species of plants, and a wide variety of reptiles and insects. Earth Day is celebrated globally on April 22. The event also marks the Foundation Day of Maharashtra Nature Park, which was opened to the public on the same day in 1994. To celebrate the occasion, the park will host a series of nature-centric events on 20 and 22 April 2025. An official statement said that Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, has planned to organise a range of free, eco-friendly events aimed at increasing public awareness and encouraging people to connect with nature. Mukherjee said, ”In the face of rapid urbanisation, green spaces like Maharashtra Nature Park act as lungs that protect our biodiversity. The events planned to mark Earth Day and the park’s foundation day allow citizens to reconnect with nature and foster broader environmental awareness. Such initiatives are crucial in guiding us toward a more sustainable and balanced future.” Events Planned- Bird Watching Tour A special bird watching session is scheduled for April 20 at 7:30 am, promising a delightful experience for nature lovers. Located along the Mithi River, this green patch hosts over 50 bird species including the Paradise Flycatcher, Kingfisher, Indian Robin, and Tailorbird. Nature Walk A guided nature walk will also take place on April 20 at 8 am, offering participants a chance to engage directly with nature. Once a dumping ground, the 37-acre space has been transformed by the MMRDA into an ecological haven. The walk will include insights into birds, butterflies, medicinal plants, the zodiac-themed Nakshatra Van, and overall biodiversity. Indian Wildlife Biodiversity Photography Exhibition On April 22, an exhibition on India’s wildlife biodiversity will be hosted in the park’s art gallery. The exhibition will display approximately 150 selected photographs taken by renowned wildlife photographers from across the country. Featured subjects will include reptiles, marine biodiversity, birds, butterflies, and indigenous flowering trees—providing a rich visual narrative of India’s natural wealth. Street Play On the same day, students of Rishi Valmiki Eco School will present a street play focused on the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard (Maldhok), an endangered bird species. Free Sapling Distribution Amidst the ongoing wave of urbanisation, a free sapling distribution drive will be conducted starting April 22, lasting for a week. A total of 500 saplings—including flowering, ornamental, forest, and medicinal plants—will be distributed under the principle of “One Family – One Plant.” "All events are free and open to the public," the statement said.
19 April,2025 06:35 PM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Will Raj and Uddhav Thackeray bury differences amid language row in Maharashtra?
The proposal or discussion for reconciliation between two estranged Thackeray cousins – Uddhav and Raj – will either be inked successfully or fizzle out, probably due to a rider put forward by Uddhav Thackeray. Amid the language row that began after the state government approved the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introducing Hindi as a mandatory third language for students from Class 1 to Class 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, in one of his recent interviews, claimed that he was willing to set aside his differences with cousin Uddhav to safeguard the interests of Marathi and Maharashtra. Responding to the MNS chief, Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-UBT), speaking during one of the party events, mentioned that there were no differences between the two cousins. “I am also willing to reunite for the cause of Marathi and the betterment of Maharashtra. But this is only possible, provided Raj Thackeray stops meeting those who are working against the interests of the Maharashtra state and its people (read as Mahayuti – BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-headed NCP),” Uddhav Thackeray added. For the last few days, the BJP has been at the receiving end for the Maharashtra government making Hindi mandatory in schools for students from Standard 1 to 5 under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Despite Raj and Uddhav Thackeray being at loggerheads, the two Thackeray cousins are on the same page when it comes to opposing the implementation of the Government Resolution (GR) replacing the existing two-language format in schools with a three-language structure under NEP, with Hindi as a mandatory language in addition to English and Marathi. Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut has welcomed the move. “We are optimistic about the development,” Raut said. However, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande, speaking to the media, said, “While talking about the proposal, Sena has kept certain conditions. How can one expect talks to progress when someone is putting conditions even before communication channels are opened up?” Many in political circles feel that two different versions at the beginning of the development hint at hurdles in reuniting the two estranged cousins and their political outfits.
19 April,2025 05:22 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Massive fire breaks out in multiple scrap units in Navi Mumbai
A massive fire broke out in multiple scrap units in the early hours of Saturday in Thakur Pada area of Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai, the civic officials said. The blaze was reported in scrap units in Irani Masjid, Thakur Pada in Dahisar area of Navi Mumbai, the officials said. The fire began at around 1:19 am and was reported to the Disaster Management Control Room at approximately 4:15 am, the officials said. Following the information regarding the blaze several fire engines and officials rushed to the spot to launch a major fire-fighting operation, they said. The blaze started in a cluster of 25 to 30 temporary scrap units, built using tin sheets, which stored plastic items, tar drums, empty metal drums, compressors, and other scrap materials, an official said. He said that all of these makeshift structures were completely destroyed in the fire. Fire brigades from several areas including teams from Koparkhairane, CBD Belapur, Kalamboli, Nerul, Vashi, and Thane rushed to the spot to join the fire-fighting operations, an official said Each team arrived with either fire engines or high-rise fire-fighting vehicles to launch a rescue and relief operation, the official said. Due to the intense flames, the fire-fighters conducted a nearly nine-hour operation and finally brought the blaze under control, he said, adding that by around 10:30 am on Saturday the fire was completely extinguished. "No injuries were reported in the incident," an official said. A probe is on to find out what caused the fire, he said. Meanwhile, in an another incident, a minor fire broke out late on Friday night at a housing society in Khopat area of Thane (West), the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) officials said. The incident occurred at around 11 pm on Friday. The fire started in a flat on the second floor of the building, which is a ground plus three-storey residential structure. The fire was limited to the AC outdoor unit placed on the window, the RDMC officials said. The fire brigade rushed to the spot along with one rescue vehicle and one fire engine. The fire was completely extinguished by 11:10 pm and no one was injured in the incident, the officials said.
19 April,2025 04:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai airport runway operations to halt for 6 hours on May 8, check details
Ahead of the Mumbai rains, the Mumbai airport has announced that the operations at runway will halt for six hours on May 8 for pre-monsoon maintenance. In an official statement, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) announced the scheduled runway maintenance work on 8 May, before the beginning of the Mumbai monsoon season. It said that the runway operations will remain suspended from 11 am to 5 pm on May 8, as part of its annual pre-monsoon safety measures. "During this six-hour period, both the main runway (09/27) and the secondary runway (14/32) will be temporarily closed. However, the passengers that flights will not be affected," the statement said. To help prepare for the suspension of functioning, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was shared with airlines and other stakeholders six months in advance since it will allow enough time to adjust flight schedules and ensure smooth travel for all passengers. The statement further said that the annual pre-monsoon maintenance is crucial for preserving the health and longevity of CSMIA’s expansive airside infrastructure, covering 1,033 acres. Specialists will inspect runway surfaces for wear and tear, addressing preventive measures for waterlogging to ensure safe landings and take-offs during the monsoon season. CSMIA also leverages advanced technology to monitor the entire maintenance process, ensuring timely execution within the designated six-hour window. It said that CSMIA has meticulously coordinated this maintenance with multiple stakeholders, including airlines and aviation authorities, to enable a seamless experience for passengers. This proactive approach reflects CSMIA’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and reliability in its operations. By prioritising infrastructure upkeep, CSMIA aims to ensure a smooth experience for both airlines and passengers, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and service excellence, the statement said. Meanwhile, the city civic body has also been gearing up for the monsoon season in Mumbai. Top BMC officials on Friday carried out an inspection of low-lying areas in Mumbai and issued several key directives to the officials to ensure efficient stormwater drainage and flood management, an official statement said. BMC's Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), Abhijit Bangar visited several low-lying areas in Mumbai and inspected the monsoon preparations by the civic body in these areas. He conducted a field inspection of several waterlogging-prone locations in the city and eastern suburbs, including the Mankhurd underpass, Chembur's Shell Colony underpass, Tembhi Bridge, S.G. Barve Road near Chandrodya Society at Kurla Junction, Chunabhatti railway station, and the Hindmata rainwater holding pond, etc.
19 April,2025 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Marathi compulsory in Maharashtra, learning other languages a choice: Fadnavis
After the Maharashtra government made Hindi compulsory as a third language under NEP 2020, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday asserted that while Marathi is non-negotiable and must be learned by all, learning additional languages remains a personal choice, reported news agency ANI. Speaking to the media, Fadnavis, expressing surprise at the opposition to Hindi and the growing preference for English, warned that any challenge to Marathi will not be tolerated. "The Marathi language is compulsory in Maharashtra; everyone should learn it. Additionally, if you wish to learn other languages, you can do so. Opposition to Hindi and the promotion of English is surprising. If someone opposes Marathi, then it will not be tolerated," CM Fadnavis said, reported ANI. Earlier today, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar strongly opposed the decision, asking the government not to "impose" the language. Speaking to ANI, Wadettiwar, emphasising that Marathi is the mother tongue, warned against any coercion that undermines the rights of Marathi-speaking people. "You can keep it optional, but you cannot impose it. At whose behest are you trying to impose this language on the state?" the Congress leader asked."We consider Marathi our mother tongue, and this third language that is being introduced should not be brought in. There should be no coercion against the rights of the Marathi people -- this is our demand," Wadettiwar said, reported ANI. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Maharashtra government has made the teaching of Hindi compulsory as a third language from Class 1 in all state board schools, alongside Marathi and English. Rahul Ashok Rekhawar, Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Maharashtra, said on Thursday that the decision was taken by the School Education Department on April 16. "On behalf of the Maharashtra Government, the School Education Department has taken a decision in which teaching the Hindi language along with Marathi and English has been made compulsory from class 1 in all the schools of the state board. This decision has been made with all the appointments and their development in view, and the students will definitely benefit from it," Rekhawar told ANI. He clarified that the move is solely for educational purposes and not driven by any political or community agenda. (With inputs from ANI)
19 April,2025 02:26 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar | mid-day online correspondent
Hindi in NEP row: Undermining Marathi will not be tolerated, says Supriya Sule
NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Saturday said that undermining Marathi in the forceful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Maharashtra would not be tolerated, reported news agency PTI. Sule's statement comes amid the opposition's outcry over the Maharashtra government's decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language for students of Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools across the state, in a departure from the practice of studying two languages. Speaking to reporters in Pune, the Baramati MP said, "I was first to oppose the education minister's statement about making the CBSE board compulsory in Maharashtra. What is the need to replace the existing state board with CBSE? Before discussing the language issue, we must talk about the basic education infrastructure in the state." Citing the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) released by the NGO Pratham Foundation, referred to by the Centre, she stressed the need to evaluate students' performance in mathematics, science and languages. She said the government should not rush into implementing the NEP, as it would adversely affect students, and teachers were not prepared for the change. "If the implementation of the NEP in Maharashtra causes any loss to the Marathi language, it will not be tolerated. Marathi will be the priority," Sule asserted, reported PTI. She said if other languages are being introduced, parents must have the option to choose. "Making anything mandatory is not appropriate. Marathi is the mother tongue of residents of the state and should remain the first language," she added, reported PTI. Sule also went on to criticise the Sassoon General Hospital's report on the death of a pregnant woman who was allegedly denied admission at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital over non-payment of a deposit of Rs 10 lakh. The report was soft on the hospital and the gynaecologist, she alleged, and said such a report "should be burnt". The NCP (SP) leader further questioned the appointment of retired bureaucrat Pravin Pardeshi as the chief economic advisor to the chief minister, saying why only one advisor was appointed when there were several noted economists in Pune and Mumbai, reported PTI. She said Maharashtra was facing challenges in fiscal deficit and debt management while other states were performing better. "With regards to implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission, investment and budget management, Maharashtra does not figure in the top five or 10 states. The report released on Friday shows that the top-performing states are not governed by double-engine governments," Sule said, reported PTI. "After receiving a huge mandate, a stable and progressive government was expected. Unfortunately, in the last 100 days, there has been no remarkable progress," she added. (With inputs from PTI)
19 April,2025 02:15 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent