As many as 420 people were killed in wild animal attacks across the state over the past five years, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said in the state Legislative Council on Day 5 of the Maharashtra Budget Session 2026, reported PTI. He mentioned that 248 people lost their lives in attacks by tigers in Maharashtra and 104 died in leopards attacks. In a written reply to the Legislative Council, he stated that Chandrapur district in the Vidarbha region alone reported 47 fatalities in 2025, with Rs 8.27 crore disbursed as compensation to the victims’ families. Chandrapur district has more than 200 tigers. Between 2023 and 2025, the district recorded 91 deaths due to tiger attacks, while other wild animals were responsible for 10 fatalities, he said, reported PTI. The Junnar Wildlife Division in Pune district recorded 27 casualties over the last seven years, Naik added. The state government had sent a proposal to the Centre seeking permission to sterilise 150 leopards. After receiving in-principle approval, forest authorities in Junnar sterilised five leopards, he said. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to curb instances of man-animal conflict, the minister said. “The government is contemplating using AI and modern technology in a big way,” he added, reported PTI. 41 tiger deaths were recorded in Maharashtra in 2025: Naik A total of 41 tigers died in Maharashtra in 2025, with most succumbing to natural causes, state Forest Minister Ganesh Naik told the Assembly on Wednesday, reported the PTI. The government is stepping up efforts to prevent tiger deaths caused by accidents, electrocution, and poaching. According to the minister, of the 41 tiger deaths 28 were due to natural causes, 8 were accidental deaths, 4 were caused by electrocution, 1 resulted from poaching. The minister highlighted the Ballarshah–Gondia railway line, which passes through sensitive forest divisions and buffer zones of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve. Between 2011 and 2025, five tigers were killed along this route, as per the PTI. Statistics show that five tigers lost their lives on this specific railway route between 2011 and 2025, he said. To prevent railway-related wildlife deaths, the Chief Conservator of Forests (Regional), Chandrapur, has formally communicated with the railways. (With PTI inputs)
27 February,2026 10:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUpon arriving in India’s financial capital, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, accompanied by his wife Diana Fox Carney, underscored the country’s vast economic potential and described it as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, reported ANI. Taking to the social media platform X at the start of his first official visit to India, Carney highlighted the strategic significance of the trip for Canada’s economic future and bilateral engagement. India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy.We just arrived in Mumbai to meet with business leaders — and forge partnerships that will unlock new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses. pic.twitter.com/cBC33uqscd — Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) February 27, 2026 “India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” he posted. Focus on strengthening commercial partnerships: Canadian PM The Canadian leader, accompanied by a high-level delegation, outlined his immediate agenda in Mumbai, focusing on deepening commercial ties, reported ANI. “We just arrived in Mumbai to meet business leaders and forge partnerships that will unlock new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses,” he added. Upon arrival at the airport on Friday, the delegation was received by Jaykumar Rawal, Maharashtra’s Minister of Protocol and Marketing. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said the visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties. India-Canada ties set for renewed push Taking to X, Jaiswal wrote, “A warm welcome to Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada as he arrives in Mumbai on his first official visit to India. The visit marks a significant step in further strengthening India-Canada ties.” He added that the partnership is anchored in shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and expanding cooperation across diverse sectors. This is the first visit by a Canadian head of government since the previous administration under Justin Trudeau, a period during which bilateral relations faced challenges. The current visit signals renewed efforts to find common ground and enhance diplomatic and economic engagement. Canadian PMO outlines Mumbai business meetings According to a statement from the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office, Carney is scheduled to meet leading corporate executives in Mumbai before travelling to New Delhi on March 2 for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reported ANI. The statement said the leaders will focus on expanding partnerships in trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence, talent and culture, and defence. Carney will also meet business leaders to identify investment opportunities and promote commercial partnerships. In New Delhi, he will participate in the India-Canada CEOs’ Forum. The Canadian PMO noted that India was Canada’s seventh-largest trading partner in 2024, with bilateral trade reaching USD 30.8 billion. The visit builds on discussions held at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg last November, where Modi set a target of USD 50 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, the news agency reported. Following that meeting, Modi wrote on X, “We have set a target of USD 50 billion by 2030 for our bilateral trade. Canadian pension funds are also showing keen interest in Indian companies.” He added that significant potential exists to further strengthen trade and investment ties. The diplomatic engagement follows a recent meeting between Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Munich Security Conference, reported ANI. A Canadian government release said it was their fifth meeting since September 2025, reflecting growing momentum in the relationship. Minister Anand affirmed the shared technological benefits and partnership opportunities for businesses, industries and workers in both countries. Both sides reiterated their commitment to expanding trade to support economic resilience and stability. (With ANI inputs)
27 February,2026 10:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo women were seriously injured in a road accident in Dahisar area of Mumbai, officials said, adding that the Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials rushed to their help following the incident. The accident took place on the intervening night of February 24 and 25 near Anand Nagar Bridge in Dahisar, they said. According to officials, a speeding car hit the vehicle of two women from behind, throwing them onto the road and leaving them critically injured. At the time of the incident, officers from the Borivali RTO were returning after completing duty with the flying squad. Kulbhushan Gaikwad, Senior Motor Vehicle Inspector, along with drivers Deepak Rajput and Ganesh Wakale, immediately responded after learning about the accident, officials said. The team quickly called an ambulance to ensure the injured women received urgent medical treatment. They also managed the gathered crowd at the spot and informed the police without delay, urging appropriate legal action. Timely medical help saves lives Due to the officials’ prompt action and presence of mind, the two seriously injured victims were able to receive timely medical assistance. Their quick response is being widely appreciated for preventing further complications and possibly saving lives. Proposal to honour officials The office head has expressed a desire to formally honour Kulbhushan Gaikwad, Ganesh Wakale and Deepak Rajput with a commendation certificate. It has also been proposed that their brave act be officially recorded in their service records. The aim is to encourage others to voluntarily step forward and help accident victims in emergency situations. Senior officials praised the team for showing courage, responsibility and humanity during a critical moment, officials said.
27 February,2026 10:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMumbai Police have announced traffic restrictions and diversion of heavy vehicles in view of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. An official traffic notification issued by the Mumbau Traffic Police said that important dignitaries and a large number of devotees are expected to attend programmes within the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate limits. To prevent traffic congestion and ensure smooth movement, heavy vehicles heading towards Navi Mumbai will be restricted during specified hours, it said. The city has been preparing for a large two-day 'Hind Di Chadar' event which is scheduled from February 28 to March 1, 2026 at Corporate Park in Sector 29 of Kharghar area in Navi Mumbai. The event is part of Guru Teg Bahadur’ 350th Shaheedi Samaroh centenary celebrations. Navi Mumbai has been gearing up to host the ‘Hind Di Chadar’ event, with an estimated turnout of nearly 15 lakh devotees. Heavy vehicle movement and parking will be restricted on the following routes - - Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road: From Chheda Nagar Junction to Mankhurd T-Junction towards Vashi Toll Naka - Sion-Panvel Highway: From Mankhurd T-Junction to Mankhurd Jakat Naka towards Vashi Toll Naka Alternative route All heavy vehicles travelling towards Navi Mumbai will be diverted via the Eastern Express Highway and proceed towards Thane. The police said that the notification will not apply to the vehicles carrying essential goods, police vehicles, fire brigade vehicles, ambulances, government vehicle, other essential service vehicles and vehicles holding official passes for the event. Timing of restrictions The order will remain in force on February 28 and March 1, 2026 from 5.00 am to 11.00 pm. The police have urged motorists to follow traffic instructions and cooperate with officials to ensure smooth arrangements during the commemorative event. Massive Footfall Expected, Extensive Arrangements in Place Officials estimate that between 18 to 20 lakh devotees will attend the two-day Samagam. A large main pavilion with a capacity of 80,000 to one lakh people at a time has been constructed to accommodate the influx. To ensure smooth transportation, over 150 special NMMT bus services will be operated, while 38 designated parking zones have been identified. Three helipads have also been arranged for VVIP movement. Accommodation for around 25,000 devotees has been set up, along with more than 1,000 temporary toilets. Over 500 sanitation workers will be deployed to maintain cleanliness and hygiene across the venue. Healthcare and security measures Given the scale of the event, authorities have prioritised healthcare and emergency response systems. More than 300 doctors and paramedical staff will be deployed on-site, supported by over 15 temporary medical centres and a dedicated temporary ICU facility. Additionally, approximately 350 hospital beds, including 75 ICU beds, have been reserved in nearby hospitals. Security has been tightened with coordinated deployment of multiple agencies, while over 10,000 volunteers will assist in crowd management and guide devotees throughout the venue.
27 February,2026 10:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBelasis Road Overbridge (ROB) in Mumbai Central was opened for public after Maharashtra CM Fadnavis inaugurated it on Thursday, officials said, adding that the 130-year-old bridge was rebuilt in just 15 months. While the railway-related works were carried out by the Western Railways, the BMC completed girder bracing, deck sheet installation, slab casting and construction of the approach roads. An official statement said that the Mumbai Central Division of Western Railway successfully completed the rebuilding works under its area. The rebuilt bridge was inaugurated on February 26, 2026 by CM Fadnavis, under the guidance of Satish Kumar, CEO & Chairman of the Railway Board, and Pradeep Kumar, General Manager (L/A), Western Railway. Record-time project completion The reconstruction project was completed in 15 months, with the ROB closure starting in October 2024 and commissioning in February 2026. The rapid execution is considered a record achievement for such a critical infrastructure project over running suburban tracks, the statement said. Key features - The original Belasis Bridge was built in 1893 and had multiple spans with limited vertical clearance. - The most challenging task was dismantling the old bridge and stone masonry abutments over live suburban railway tracks, executed with strict safety measures. - The new bridge features a single span of 36 m RDSO standard girders, avoiding any piers between running tracks. - Additional width has been provided to allow future widening of approach roads. - Reconstruction over the railway span cost Rs 24.49 crore. - This is the first full-scale ROB project entirely executed by a railway division, marking a significant milestone for Mumbai Central Division. - The Bellasis flyover has a total length of 333 metres, with 138.39 metres on the eastern side, 157.39 metres on the western side and 36.90 metres within the railway limits. - The carriageway is 7 metres wide and includes adequately wide footpaths on both sides. To ease pedestrians movement and city traffic The rebuilt Belasis ROB improves road connectivity, allows safer passage above the busy suburban railway lines, and provides space for future traffic expansion. Authorities highlighted that the project will enhance commuter safety and reduce traffic congestion in the surrounding areas, the statement said.
27 February,2026 09:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Western Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that it will undertake a jumbo block on Sunday, March 1, between Churchgate and Mumbai Central. An official statement said that the block will run on UP and DOWN Slow lines from 10:35 am to 3:35 pm for essential maintenance works, including track upkeep, signalling system checks, and overhead equipment maintenance. During the block, all slow line trains will be diverted to the fast lines between Churchgate and Mumbai Central. Some suburban services in both UP and DOWN directions will be cancelled, while certain Churchgate-bound trains will be short-terminated and reversed from Bandra or Dadar stations, the statement said. It said that the passengers are advised to check with station masters at all suburban stations for the detailed list of affected trains. Passenger advisory Western Railway has urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance due to the expected disruptions. The maintenance work is essential to ensure track safety and reliability of suburban services in Mumbai. Officials have requested passengers to cooperate with railway staff and follow announcements during the block period to minimise inconvenience. Central Railway services to be affected due to mega block on Sunday Meanwhile, Central Railway on Friday said that some of its services would remain affected due to a mega block on Sunday, March 1. The Central Railway will operate a mega block on its suburban sections to carry out engineering and maintenance works. The maintenance is aimed at ensuring infrastructure safety and smooth operations across the Main Line and Harbour Line sections. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra travel time. On the Main Line, up and down slow lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Vidyavihar will be blocked from 10.55 am to 3.55 pm, a statement said. Service adjustments It said that the Down slow services leaving CSMT between 10.48 am and 3.45 pm will be diverted to the down fast line and will halt at Byculla, Parel, Dadar, Matunga, Sion, and Kurla before rejoining the slow line at Vidyavihar. Up slow services departing Ghatkopar between 10.19 am and 3.52 pm will be diverted to the up fast line between Vidyavihar and CSMT, stopping at Kurla, Sion, Matunga, Dadar, Parel, and Byculla stations. Harbour Line: Cancellations and diversions On the Harbour Line, both up and down services between Kurla and Vashi will be blocked from 11.10 am to 4.10 pm, the statement said. Down Harbour Line services to Vashi, Belapur, and Panvel leaving CSMT from 10.34 am to 3.36 pm will be cancelled. Up Harbour Line services towards CSMT from Panvel, Belapur, and Vashi from 10.17 am to 3.47 pm will also be cancelled. During this period, special suburban trains will operate on CSMT-Kurla and Panvel-Vashi sections. Harbour Line passengers can use alternative routes via Thane-Vashi/Nerul stations from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
27 February,2026 08:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway will operate two AC Special trains for passengers travelling between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai and Sawantwadi Road during the upcoming Holi 2026 festival. The special trains aim to provide convenient and comfortable travel options for passengers heading to the Konkan region during the festive period, an official statement said. The Central Railway also shared details of the Holi special trains. CSMT-Sawantwadi Road AC Special: - Train No. 01071 will depart CSMT at 12.20 am on March 1 and arrive at Sawantwadi Road at 12.30 pm the same day. - Train No. 01072 will leave Sawantwadi Road at 5.20 pm on March 1 and reach CSMT at 3.45 am on March 2. - Major Halts Include: Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Pen, Roha, Mangaon, Veer, Khed, Chiplun, Sawarda, Aravali Road, Sangameshwar Road, Ratnagiri, Adavali, Vilavade, Rajapur Road, Vaibhawwadi Road, Nandgaon, Kankavali, Sindhudurg and Kudal. Train composition and booking - Each AC Holi Special train will have 18 AC 3-Tier Economy coaches and 2 Generator Vans to ensure comfortable travel. Reservation Details: Bookings for Train No. 01071 are open at all computerised reservation centres and online via the official website IRCTC "Passengers can check detailed timings at halts on the official enquiry website, RailOne App, or NTES App," officials said. Central Railway has requested passengers to take advantage of these special AC services during Holi and to plan their journeys in advance due to expected festive rush. CR to run six unreserved Holi special trains between Mumbai-Ratnagiri In an another statement, the Central Railway announced that it will run six additional unreserved special trains between Mumbai and Ratnagiri to manage the extra rush of passengers during the upcoming festival. The special services will run between Panvel and Ratnagiri, providing relief to travellers heading to the Konkan region for the celebrations, an official statement said. Under the arrangement, six services of Panvel-Ratnagiri-Panvel Unreserved MEMU Specials will be operated, the official statement said. It said that Train No. 01157 MEMU Special will depart from Panvel at 4.40 pm on February 27, February 28 and March 1, 2026, reaching Ratnagiri at 11.55 pm on the same day. (Three services) Train No. 01158 MEMU Special will leave Ratnagiri at 9.00 am on February 27, February 28 and March 1, 2026, arriving at Panvel at 4.10 pm on the same day. (Three services) The trains will halt at Somatane, Apta, Jite, Pen, Kasu, Nagothane, Roha, Kolad, Indapur, Mangaon, Goregaon Road, Veer, Sape Wamne, Karanjadi, Vinehere, Diwankhavati, Kalambani Budruk, Khed, Anjani, Chiplun, Kamathe, Sawarda, Aravali Road, Kadavai, Sangameshwar Road, Ukshi and Boke, the statement said. Each train will have eight MEMU coaches, it said. Change in schedule for Diva-Chiplun special The Central Railway have also revised the date of operation for the Diva-Chiplun-Diva Unreserved Special trains. Train No. 01159 will now depart from Diva on March 2, 2026 instead of March 1, as announced earlier. Similarly, Train No. 01160 will depart from Chiplun on March 2, 2026 instead of March 1. There will be no change in the timings, halts or coach composition of these trains, the statement said. Unreserved travel with normal charges "Passengers should note that these special trains will run as unreserved services. Normal charges applicable to superfast Mail and Express trains will apply," the officials said on Friday. They said that the travellers can book tickets and access information through the RailOne app. Detailed timings at halts are available on the official railway enquiry website and the NTES mobile application, officials said. The Central Railway have urged passengers to make use of these additional services during the festive period.
27 February,2026 08:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEmphasising the need to create more opportunities for children with disabilities, Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) Mayor Harshali Chaudhary on Friday said parents should actively encourage their kids to participate in various competitions to help build confidence and secure a brighter future. She was speaking at the inauguration of a sports competition for participants with disabilities organised by KDMC’s Social Welfare Department at Phadke Maidan in Kalyan West. Addressing the gathering, the mayor said sports play an important role in empowerment and confidence-building. “For me, no one is disabled. They are capable and normal citizens,” she said, while praising the participants. Municipal Commissioner Abhinav Goyal said the civic body would continue to organise such activities to support and empower differently-abled individuals. He described sports competitions as a form of therapy that helps in social inclusion and personality development. Participants with disabilities shine in diverse competitions at KDMC's inclusive sports event The event saw participation in competitions including carrom, chess, shot put, wheelchair racing, shooting, 100-metre races for the deaf and mute, and ball-throwing games for the physically challenged. According to officials, the event witnessed a large turnout of participants, who demonstrated enthusiasm and determination throughout the competitions. Municipal Secretary Kishore Shelke, Deputy Commissioner (Social Welfare) Kanchan Gaikwad, Social Development Officer Prashant Gavankar, and other civic officials were present for the event. Officials said such initiatives aim to boost confidence among differently-abled individuals and promote inclusivity within the community.
27 February,2026 07:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerCentral Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that some of its services would remain affected due to a mega block on Sunday, March 1. An official statement said that the Central Railway will operate a mega block on its suburban sections to carry out engineering and maintenance works. The maintenance is aimed at ensuring infrastructure safety and smooth operations across the Main Line and Harbour Line sections. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra travel time. On the Main Line, up and down slow lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Vidyavihar will be blocked from 10.55 am to 3.55 pm, the statement said. Service adjustments It said that the Down slow services leaving CSMT between 10.48 am and 3.45 pm will be diverted to the down fast line and will halt at Byculla, Parel, Dadar, Matunga, Sion, and Kurla before rejoining the slow line at Vidyavihar. Up slow services departing Ghatkopar between 10.19 am and 3.52 pm will be diverted to the up fast line between Vidyavihar and CSMT, stopping at Kurla, Sion, Matunga, Dadar, Parel, and Byculla stations. Harbour Line: Cancellations and diversions On the Harbour Line, both up and down services between Kurla and Vashi will be blocked from 11.10 am to 4.10 pm, the statement said. Down Harbour Line services to Vashi, Belapur, and Panvel leaving CSMT from 10.34 am to 3.36 pm will be cancelled. Up Harbour Line services towards CSMT from Panvel, Belapur, and Vashi from 10.17 am to 3.47 pm will also be cancelled. During this period, special suburban trains will operate on CSMT-Kurla and Panvel-Vashi sections. Harbour Line passengers can use alternative routes via Thane-Vashi/Nerul stations from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Passenger advisory Central Railway has requested passengers to bear with the inconvenience caused due to the maintenance work. These mega blocks are essential for the upkeep of tracks, signalling, and overall safety of suburban rail operations in Mumbai. Passengers are requested to check the official website and railway enquiry apps for real-time train updates during the block period, the Central Railway said.
27 February,2026 07:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCommuters have raised concerns about dust from construction work at two spots at the western end of Hans Bhugra Marg in Santacruz East, stating that efforts by the civic authorities, such as watering the road, have yielded no change. This newspaper contacted the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the H East ward of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to learn what dust control measures were being taken at the spot. Here are the responses: When asked about the status of debris management and dust-control measures at the site, an MMRDA official said, "The location near the Vakola Nullah bridge (beyond SCLR ROW) and on the southern side of the A3 ramp of the Phase-1 site has been witnessing ongoing debris stacking, dumping, segregation, and removal activities for an extended period. This work, being undertaken by the BMC has witnessing to noticeable dust generation during daytime hours. BMC ward office staff and contractor have been instructed to ensure regular water spraying and to properly cover dumpers transporting debris to prevent spillage and airborne dust. Under the turn of the bridge connecting SCLR, commuters have reported a large accumulation of rubble and dust, which reduces visibility and causes breathing discomfort when vehicles pass. When asked what is the status of this stretch, and what steps are being taken, MMRDA said, "The right-turn stretch below the bridge forms part of the ongoing development of the proposed 30-metre-wide road for commuter connectivity by MMRDA contractor. The civil work on this stretch is approximately 90 per cent completed and balance work will be completed by end of March. Debris removal and site cleaning are being carried out in a phased manner alongside the remaining finishing works by contractor. The accumulated rubble is being cleared progressively to ensure smoother vehicular movement. Additionally, regular water sprinkling is being undertaken on exposed soil and construction surfaces to prevent dust from rising when vehicles pass through the area. Once the balance work is completed, a final round of comprehensive debris clearance and surface finishing will be undertaken to ensure the stretch free from dust-related inconvenience." What work is taking place? >> The connector linking Bharat Nagar and the SCLR is being built>> Concreting work between University Gate 1 and Bharat Nagar Road>> Trucks have been seen approaching and exiting the area near Gate 2>> Mud has been laid on the divider of Hans Bhugra Marg, beneath the SCLR>> Pavement blocks occupy the footpath of the stretch Citizens speak Rahul Singh, who runs a roadside nurseryAuthorities water the road, but that doesn’t change much. The water evaporates quickly, making the dust rise again. Every two days, I have to clean my plant pots because of the sheer amount of dust being kicked up. Wearing masks is suffocating, and not wearing them causes us to inhale dust Chote Lal Yadav, taxi driverBecause my taxi is not air-conditioned, I have to keep the window open. However, dust enters our vehicles, and we breathe it in. If I keep the windows closed, the car is an oven on wheels. Every time I get passengers who want to go to South Mumbai, I am glad because it lets me get away from the dust on this road 1 kmApproximate length of Hans Bhugra Marg
27 February,2026 07:39 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturThe Maharashtra government will launch a statewide awareness campaign from the coming academic year to help people identify genuine 'Balbharati' textbooks published by Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, state's school education minister said on Friday, reported the PTI. School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse informed the state assembly that more than 20,000 fake copies of Balbharati textbooks were seized from a private printing press in Nagpur district in December 2025. The illegal printing activity was uncovered during a raid at a press located in the Hingna MIDC area of Nagpur. Following the Nagpur Balbharati raid the government has alerted its regional officers across the state to monitor and inspect private printing presses wherever necessary to curb such illegal activities, the minister said, as per the PTI. According to the minister’s written reply during Question Hour in the Lower House, officials from Balbharati carried out an on-site inspection after receiving information about the illegal printing of textbooks meant for Classes 9 to 12. After the inspection, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against those involved. The owner of the printing press was arrested and the entire stock of counterfeit books was confiscated, the PTI reported. QR codes to ensure authenticity The government has since alerted its regional officers across Maharashtra to closely monitor private printing presses and conduct inspections wherever necessary to prevent similar incidents. To help students and parents identify genuine textbooks, the government will introduce QR codes on designated pages of official Balbharati books from the upcoming academic year, according to the PTI. These QR codes are expected to make it easier to verify whether a textbook is authentic. Awareness campaign in May and June Dadaji Bhuse said that awareness campaigns will be conducted through various media platforms during May and June. The initiative will target students, parents and booksellers to educate them about how to distinguish genuine textbooks from fake ones, the news agency reported. The state government hopes that strict monitoring, combined with public awareness and the use of QR technology, will prevent the spread of counterfeit educational material in the state. (with PTI inputs)
27 February,2026 06:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
