It is the question the state is asking us once again. Honestly? I am not even surprised anymore by both houses of parliament passing the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill 2026. I am just tired. We are so bone-crushingly tired of this endless pattern of validation. We are exhausted from constantly having to prove our humanity to a system that refuses to see us. Please, save us from our saviours. They want to save us from what exactly? From ourselves? From our own truth? From the safe havens and chosen families we built when the world turned its back on us? I genuinely do not understand who this will benefit. Why did they even bring it? Was it some god who came into their dreams and told them to make this bill to protect us? But protect us from what? Who is this imaginary attacker? Who is imagining this? Also, what are they smoking in the parliament? Hopefully, it’s some really potent stuff, because you need to be on a completely different trip to draft something this disconnected from reality. Don't get lost in the dense legal language or the slick politician-speak surrounding this bill. The core issue is terrifyingly simple: do you get to decide who you are, or does a district magistrate get to decide? When an identity such as ours becomes approval-based, everything else in our lives becomes conditional. If the state holds the power to validate your very existence, that conditionality will show up everywhere. It will show up in education when a principal demands to see your "certificate". It will show up in employment when HR departments hide behind state mandates. It will show up in your neighbourhood when a house owner refuses to rent to you because your paperwork doesn't match their narrow worldview. It criminalises our very identity, turning our daily survival into an illegal act. The harsh reality of this country is that the economic and English-speaking belt will somehow survive this. Privilege, capital, and a stronghold on the English language act as a massive shock absorber. But what happens to a trans man in rural India? What happens to an intersex child whose irreversible medical decisions are being made by frightened parents and state machinery before they can even speak? This bill is a masterclass in grounds for exclusion, particularly for trans men. While trans women have historically had socio-cultural identities in India—flawed and marginalised as those societal perceptions may be, they at least offer a sliver of visibility—trans men are completely invisible in this legislation. With the looming retrospective clauses, it is as if trans men simply do not exist in the eyes of the law. Where do they go now? How will they pursue their transitions? Will doctors, fearful of state blowback, even agree to perform top surgeries or administer hormone therapy on trans men without state-sanctioned papers? And if chosen families step in to help these men escape violently patriarchal homes, will these supporters be criminalised too under the draconian Section 18? Right now, the trans community is standing in front of a legislative firing squad And we need to free the medical boards. We must free the doctors who are being tasked by the state with doing deeply unscientific, humiliating work. You cannot measure a soul with a stethoscope. You cannot validate a person's gender by forcing them to strip down for a bureaucratic tribunal. It is a gross violation of bodily autonomy and medical ethics. This isn't just about abstract legal theories. This is about how dignity is understood and upheld in a democracy. Right now, we are staring down a severe mental health crisis. The cost of this state-sponsored besharmi is human life. Suicide cases within the community are increasing. Young queer and trans people are killing themselves because they look at their government and see absolutely no way out. Make no mistake: the lawmakers who pushed this bill through both houses have blood on their hands. We desperately need leaders who have a spine of their own, not just people who are happy being puppets nodding along to whatever discriminatory script they are handed. The record of history is so important here. We have fought this fight before. We lived through the joy of the Delhi High Court verdict in 2009, the crushing defeat by the Supreme Court in 2013, and our glorious, defiant victory in 2018. If history teaches us anything, it is that rights have to be fought for; they can never, ever be assumed. Freedom is not a constant. Which brings me to my most important point: We need to be together. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender folks—we all have to stand united. You don't need to like my lipstick colour. You don't need to agree with my political leanings or, simply, my non-vegetarianism. We can have our differences. But right now, the state doesn't care about our internal debates; it only cares about erasing us all. On a lighter note, amidst all this dystopia, I read a tweet today that perfectly captured the sheer absurdity of the government trying to police our identities: "Jis desh ka pradhaan mantri non-biological hai, us desh ka yuva non-binary kyun nahin ho sakta?" So what can you do? When the state tries to erase you, your greatest weapon is your voice and your franchise. Vote. Vote, vote, and vote. Vote out the apathy. Vote out the bigotry. Vote the ones who did this out of power. And please, don't ask, "If not the ones in power, who?" Because the answer is anybody. Anybody who spoke fearlessly for us, who took the time to understand us, can be in power. Anyone is better than them. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while our dignity is debated in parliament by people who do not know us. We are bruised, and we are tired, but we are still standing. And we will not let them write us out of our own country.
25 March,2026 11:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a proactive move to maintain law and order during the festive season, a route march was carried out on Wednesday, March 25, within the jurisdiction of Manpada Police Station in Dombivli. The march, organised as part of preventive security measures ahead of Ram Navami, commenced at 7:00 pm from Lodha Junction and proceeded through several key locations. Furthermore, the route covered Kalubai Chowk, Bhavani Chowk, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Nilje Station, and Casario Palava, before concluding at Ganesh Ghat (Lodha Heaven) at approximately 8:10 pm. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Dombivli Division) Suhas Hemade was present during the operation, overseeing the deployment and coordination of personnel. According to police officials, the march involved a team of seven officers and 35 constables. Additional support was provided by Peter Mobile and CRM Mobile units, along with beat marshals who assisted in monitoring the area. Officials stated that the primary objective of the route march was to ensure public safety, instil confidence among citizens, and prevent any untoward incidents during the upcoming festival. Mumbai Police returns stolen valuables worth Rs 2.12 crore to citizens In a major citizen-centric initiative, Mumbai Police on Tuesday returned stolen and recovered valuables worth over Rs 2.12 crore to their rightful owners under zone 6. The programme was conducted on Tuesday under the guidance of Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, with participation from all 10 police stations in the zone, including Chembur, Govandi, Nehru Nagar, Chunabhatti, Trombay, RCF, Mankhurd, Deonar, Shivaji Nagar, and Tilak Nagar. Officials said that the initiative aimed to reunite citizens with their lost or stolen belongings recovered during investigations into cases such as theft, housebreaking, and mobile phone snatching. Stolen property worth Rs 2.12 crore recovered As per the official statement from Mumbai police, property worth Rs 2,12,27,000 was handed over to the complainants. The recovered items included gold ornaments, a mangalsutra, and a large number of mobile phones. Notably, Trombay Police recovered 10 grams of gold worth Rs 1.6 lakh, while Chunabhatti Police retrieved a 12-gram mangalsutra worth Rs 1.8 lakh in a snatching case. Additionally, around 800 mobile phones, collectively valued at Rs 2.08 crore, were returned. The distribution ceremony was held in Govandi, where Additional Commissioner of Police (Eastern Region) Dr Mahesh Patil handed over the recovered items to the beneficiaries.
25 March,2026 11:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 28-year-old woman, identified as Yamini Suvare, died after being hit by a tanker at Sindhuwadi Junction on M.G. Road in Chembur (West) on Wednesday night around 7:15 pm. According to police, Suvare, a resident of Pantnagar, was walking at the junction when the incident occurred. Police said that after the traffic signal turned green, the tanker driver moved the vehicle in a negligent and reckless manner without ensuring the road ahead was clear, leading to the fatal collision. The accused driver has been taken into custody. Police are in the process of registering a case under relevant sections of the law and further investigation is underway. Further details are awaited.
25 March,2026 10:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA detailed probe into the Mumbai Metro Line-4 slab collapse that happened on February 14 near Mulund has found serious procedural violations and inadequate supervision responsible for the fatal incident. The incident occurred when a precast parapet segment collapsed onto a busy road, killing one person and injuring three others. The deceased has been identified as Ramdhani Yadav. A penalty of Rs 5 crore has been imposed on the contractors for negligence. The family of the deceased, identified as Ramdhani Yadav, has been paid Rs 15 lakh by the authority, with an additional Rs 24.5 lakh compensation from the contractor. Medical expenses of the injured have also been covered; one has been discharged, while two remain stable. According to the preliminary incident report prepared by a special intensive safety inspection team, a copy of which is with mid-day, the accident occurred when a welder engaged by the contractor inadvertently cut temporary supports of a newly erected parapet segment before stitch concreting had been completed, rendering the structure unstable. The segment subsequently fell from the slab level to the ground. The probe found no structural design flaw, material defect or workmanship issue in the precast element. Instead, it cited a string of lapses: no written authorisation prior to support removal, absence of joint pre-removal inspection, lack of engineering verification or Request For Information (RFI) clearance, and no defined dismantling checklist. Investigators also noted the absence of any tagging or colour-coding system to distinguish completed segments from incomplete ones, which contributed to the error. Crucially, the report flagged inadequate site supervision, stating that instructions were not properly conveyed and critical activities were carried out without oversight. It also pointed to reliance on verbal instructions and the absence of a permit-to-remove support system. Following the incident, the project authority constituted special inspection teams and ordered corridor-wide safety audits. A set of corrective measures has been mandated, including strict permit systems for support removal; joint inspections involving site, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) and safety engineers; mandatory toolbox talks; dedicated supervision for dismantling works; and implementation of tagging/colour-coding protocols. Authorities have directed the contractor and the general consultant to replace the team responsible for the contract package and ensure compliance before work resumes. Construction activity on Metro Green Line 4 has been temporarily scaled down, with only safety-related works permitted until compliance is verified. The final detailed investigation report is awaited.
25 March,2026 10:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Government of Maharashtra on Wednesday constituted a high-level task force to examine the growing impact of social media usage among minors and recommend regulatory and policy measures to safeguard their well-being. As per the Government Resolution (GR) issued March 25, the decision, by the General Administration Department (Information Technology), comes amid rising concerns flagged in the recent economic survey by the Ministry of Finance. The GR also highlighted the adverse effects of excessive social media use on the mental and physical health of children. Rise in children’s mental health raises concern As per the official statement, Maharashtra is home to nearly 4 crore children below the age of 18, making the issue critical for the state’s long-term social and developmental outcomes. The report by the Indian Psychiatric Society has also pointed to a significant rise in mental health issues among minors, further underlining the urgency of intervention. Maharashtra Government forms 13-member expert task force As per the GR, the state government has also formed a 13-member expert task force to assess the impact of social media use among minors, take regulatory measures and formulate state-level policies. The task force will assess the following aspects: Nature and extent of social media use among minors. Impact on the mental health, physical health and behaviour of minors. Impact on the education, intellectual development and social skills of a minor child. The impact of digital advertising on minors. Study of national and international policies regarding the regulation of social and digital media. Differences in conditions between rural and urban areas. Analysis of results by gender, income group and family background. Recommendations regarding necessary legal, administrative and technical measures. To suggest a suitable strategic plan for the state of Maharashtra. Task force to conduct field visit The task force will conduct a field visit along with the above assessment within the prescribed period and submit its report along with recommendations to the government. Furthermore, based on the recommendations received, the government will take further necessary decisions to ensure that child protection, education, digital empowerment and positive use of technology remain uninterrupted. Members of the task force As per the official statement, the newly formed task force will be chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the School Education and Sports Department, with the Women and Child Development Department serving as co-chair. It also includes senior officials from public health, information technology, law and judiciary, and home departments, along with representatives from academia, schools, NGOs, and social media platforms. Experts from institutions such as the University of Mumbai will also be part of the panel.
25 March,2026 10:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has achieved financial closure for its infrastructure projects for the financial year 2026–27, following a major boost from the Maharashtra government in the form of large-scale land transfer. As per the official statement, the state government has transferred 33,954.61 hectares of government land to MMRDA free of cost under the Class-1 category. The move is expected to significantly strengthen the authority’s ability to raise funds and accelerate infrastructure development across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Officials further said the transfer will enable land monetisation, emerging as a key mechanism to mobilise resources for ongoing and upcoming mega-projects. Currently, infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 3 lakh crore are underway in the region, including metro networks, tunnels, integrated transport systems, and new urban zones. Land spread across three districts The land parcels are distributed across 1,324 villages in multiple districts: Thane district: Key allocations include areas in Kalyan, Bhiwandi, Ambernath, and Thane Raigad district: Land spans across Panvel, Alibag, Pen, Uran, Karjat, and Khalapur Palghar district: Includes areas in Palghar and Vasai Focus on infrastructure and urban growth The official statement from the MMRDA further highlighted that the land will be utilised for a range of development activities such as infrastructure projects, transit-oriented development (TOD), logistics parks, economic hubs, housing, and planned urban expansion. MMRDA officials also noted that the move will reduce dependence on loans while ensuring sustainable funding for projects. It is also expected to generate new revenue streams and boost regional economic growth. NITI Aayog extends support With support from NITI Aayog, MMRDA is working to transform the region into a global economic hub under its ‘growth hub’ strategy. Furthermore, the authority’s flagship initiatives, including ‘Mumbai 3.0’ and ‘Mumbai in Minutes’, aim to modernise infrastructure and improve connectivity across the metropolitan region. The successful financial closure not only ensures uninterrupted funding for ongoing projects but also reinforces investor confidence in MMRDA’s long-term development roadmap, positioning the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as one of India’s fastest-growing urban corridors.
25 March,2026 09:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway, on Wednesday, successfully completed a 10-hour special traffic and power block to carry out key infrastructure upgrades at Thane railway station and Dombivli railway station, paving the way for longer 15-coach suburban trains. The block, executed overnight between March 21 and 22, was undertaken on both up and down local lines. As per the official statement, the work was carried out at platforms 1, 2, and 3 (CSMT end) at Thane and platforms 1A, 1, and 2 at Dombivli. Major works at Dombivli Extensive track and infrastructure modifications were completed at Dombivli. These included dismantling and installation of Point No. 125W and commissioning of a new crossover connected to 150 metres of newly laid track. Track slewing of 4-5 metres was undertaken to create space for platform extensions. Furthermore, the railway teams also dismantled seven overhead equipment (OHE) masts and portals, shifted critical cabling along the Down Local Line, and carried out the unloading of 13-metre panels using 11 BRN waggons with two diesel locomotives. Also, the scrap removal and other preparatory works were executed despite space constraints. Key upgrades at Thane station At Thane station, work focused on the Down Local Line, where crossover No. 148A/B was dismantled and reinserted after shifting approximately 60 metres using heavy machinery, including Hydra, JCB, and Poclain equipment. Additionally, tamping of turnouts and crossovers at points nos. 135B, 146A, 148A, and 148B were carried out. These upgrades will enable further shifting of turnout ladder No. 149A/B and support the extension of platforms 3 and 4. Workforce and execution The operation saw the deployment of 380 contractual labourers and 120 railway staff, supervised by 14 officers. Heavy machinery such as seven JCBs, two Poclain machines, and four dumpers were used to ensure the timely completion of the work. Towards 15-coach suburban services According to Central Railway, similar traffic and power blocks will be conducted in phases to support the ongoing expansion project. The initiative aims to accommodate 15-coach suburban trains, significantly enhancing passenger capacity and easing congestion on Mumbai’s busy suburban network.
25 March,2026 09:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe inquiry report on the Pune land deal was presented in the state legislative assembly. It stated that taking action against NCP leader (now Rajya Sabha member) Parth Pawar is beyond its scope, leaving any criminal investigation to the police. After controversy erupted over the purchase of government land by a company where Parth is a partner, not only was the deal cancelled, but it turns out the firm will still have to pay stamp duty, as reported in November 2026. The issue came to light after it was revealed that the plot belonged to the government and could not legally be sold, and the company was also exempted from paying Rs 21 crore in stamp duty. Controversy revolves around 40 acres of government land The controversy centres on the sale of 40 acres of government land in Pune’s upscale Mundhwa area to Amadea Enterprises LLP, where Parth Pawar is a partner. Following public outcry, the state government had set up a committee, headed by the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), to probe the matter and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
25 March,2026 08:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a strong warning to property owners across Mumbai, stating that strict penal action - including immediate attachment and seizure of properties - will be initiated against those who fail to clear pending property tax dues before the March 31, 2026 deadline. The civic body has stepped up its recovery efforts in the final days of the financial year, urging taxpayers to comply and avoid enforcement action. Officials have been instructed to make concerted efforts to achieve the set tax collection targets within the stipulated timeframe. Strict Action Against Defaulters Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi emphasised that the administration will adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward tax defaulters. She directed officials to take immediate steps against properties with outstanding dues, including attachment and seizure, if payments are not made before the deadline. She further clarified that the action will apply not only to those with long-pending arrears but also to property owners who have not paid their taxes for the current financial year (2025–26). The BMC has made it clear that there will be no relaxation or extension beyond March 31, and defaulters may face legal and administrative consequences. 87.86 per cent of Target Achieved So Far During a review meeting held at the BMC headquarters on March 25, officials assessed the progress of property tax collection across all administrative wards. As of March 24, 2026, the civic body has collected Rs 6,449 crore, which amounts to 87.86 per cent of the total target set for the financial year. The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner (Assessment and Collection) Dr. Gajanan Bellale, along with Deputy Assessors and Collectors from various zones and Assistant Assessors and Collectors from all wards. Ward-wise performance and outstanding dues were reviewed in detail, with a focus on accelerating collections in areas with lower compliance. Citizen Facilitation Centres to Remain Open on Holidays To ensure that property owners have sufficient time and access to clear their dues, the BMC has extended the working hours of its Citizen Facilitation Centres (CFCs). These centres will remain operational even on public holidays and weekly offs in the run-up to the deadline. According to officials, the centres will function on March 26, 28, and 29 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on March 30 and 31 from 8:00 AM until 12:00 midnight. This extended schedule is aimed at accommodating working individuals and those who may not be able to visit during regular office hours. Final Appeal to Property Owners Dr Ashwini Joshi reiterated that the March 31 deadline is final and urged all property owners to settle their dues at the earliest. She stressed that timely payment will not only help citizens avoid penalties but also contribute to the civic body’s ability to fund essential infrastructure and public services. The BMC has appealed to residents to act responsibly and ensure compliance, warning that enforcement action against defaulters will begin immediately after the deadline lapses.
25 March,2026 07:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA report tabled by the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) in the state legislative assembly on Wednesday highlighted that around Rs 297 crore was wasted on road works in Maharashtra, bringing attention to lapses in how these projects were planned and carried out. The report further observed that much of the excess spending stemmed from poor preparation and flawed design decisions. “In multiple instances, construction standards were fixed at levels higher than needed, resulting in avoidable financial burden,” the CAG remarked. The findings also flagged shortcomings in project documentation. Cost calculations were often incorrect, and budgets included components that were never executed. For example, funds were earmarked for land purchases that ultimately did not happen. The review additionally identified that insurance costs were set too high within the operation and upkeep budget, leading to an extra liability of Rs 34.56 crore across 17 of the 42 examined work segments. The audit further noted that insurance costs were based on a flat rate of 0.15 per cent of the estimated project value, rather than actual premium amounts. As a result, contractors wound up paying far less, while the budget had set aside much higher sums. The review also highlighted that a fixed amount of Rs 10 lakh annually was allocated for road patrol expenses, regardless of how long the road stretch actually was.
25 March,2026 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarWith hoteliers’ hopes about the gas supply shortage ending looking unlikely at present, the menus of several iconic restaurants across the city have been tweaked since early March. Many have even started adopting charcoal-run chulhas and firewood to prepare meals. Speaking to mid-day, those at the helm of three famous eateries talk about how they are managing amid the crisis. Aram Vada Pav Kaustubh Tambe, who owns Aram Vada Pav, an 86-year-old eatery in Fort, said, “We have removed more than five to seven items from our sit-in menu. These are mostly rice-based or dishes like upma since they take time to cook. Luckily, we had renovated our front kitchen two years ago and added an induction cooktop, which has now come in handy.” Rice-based dishes have been removed from Aram Vada Pav’s menu, while staff cooks potatoes at home to save gas. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT As a way to save gas at the restaurants, Tambe and other employees boil potatoes used as an ingredient at home. Regarding customer demand, he said, “We call our daily customers VIPs, and they have been understanding, but we feel disheartened that we cannot serve them their usual orders.” He added, “Since we have started using charcoal-based cooking methods and also a chulha, there have been complaints about smoke, but we don’t have a choice.” Garden court Vilas Khare, account manager of Garden Court at Azad Nagar in Andheri West, said, “We have a PNG [piped natural gas] connection so we are not as affected as kitchens that run on LPG, but we also have to be cautious about our gas consumption as we have received revised consumption limits from MGL [Mahanagar Gas Limited]. There is a risk of a complete cut in gas supply if we exceed them.” MGL has informed restaurants that they must get by on only 80 per cent of their average consumption. Amar hotels The Amar Hotel in Borivli Jayesh Kesaria, a partner in the Amar group of hotels, said, “I know many restaurant owners who have been forced to shut because of LPG scarcity. A few have cut down on heat-intensive items like chai. We have given many of our tenants a temporary 25 per cent relaxation in rent to help them cope with their losses.” Jayesh Kesaria, a partner in the Amar chain’s Borivli outlet Balaji restaurant Balaji restaurant and its kitchen. Pics/By Special Arrangement Santosh Kumar Shettygar, hotelier, Balaji Pure Veg restaurant in Malad, said, “I had to invest more than a lakh in induction cooktops this month and still I am unable to offer the full menu to costumers. I figure that I will have to bear a 20-25 per cent loss this month.” What HRAWI says Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, vice-president of the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Western India, said, “The worst thing is that if restaurants close, many will be unemployed, so we have told our association’s members to cut usage as much as possible. Such a situation has never happened before. We are coming up with as many alternatives as we can.” He added, “If this continues, restaurants will close, as not all know how to cook with charcoal and other alternative methods. Consumers will be affected as prices will rise. We are resilient. Even during the pandemic, we persisted, and we will persist now as well. We just need the government’s support.” Why not induction? >> It does not match the standard of productivity and efficiency for restaurants>> Shortage of high-level cooktops
25 March,2026 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur | Sarthak MehtaADVERTISEMENT
