Read Mumbai News
Horoscope today, April 19: Check astrological predictions for all zodiac signs
Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for April 19. Aries March 21 – April 20A financially positive period begins. Enjoying a friend’s company who has a fantastic sense of humour is a great way to spend the evening.Cosmic tip: Be careful about what you eat today and where. Taurus April 21 – May 20Continuing to remain focused on this new and slightly challenging project keeps the mind humming with anticipation at the next turn to be faced.Cosmic tip: Be aware of details without getting confused by them. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Protracted negotiations make it necessary to have everything written down in black and white; but see the other person’s point of view too. Stay within legal limits. Cosmic tip: Spend enough time with family. Cancer June 22 – July 23A good day financially whether you are employed or self-employed. Past networking has brought very good results so far. Cosmic tip: Don’t try to get even with someone as this is a waste of energy. Leo July 24 - Aug 23The jigsaw puzzle of an issue has been bothering you, but now the last two pieces fit into place completing the picture. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Avoid extremes of behavior, words or actions. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A short business trip is revealed, with the new contract being signed and sealed. Spending time with family is fun.Cosmic tip: Be careful when committing to a short deadline in a new project. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Dealing with smaller details first and then moving onto the larger ones helps get some semblance of order in an assignment. Cosmic tip: Make time to see to some repairs at home/ at work. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Keep big financial decisions on hold as some more discussions have to be held for clarity. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Take some changes in your stride as this is just life turning around. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Be prepared for work pressures to increase gradually as the day moves ahead. What you intuitive feel may not be correct. Cosmic tip: Spend time with a friend to bring back a light hearted feeling. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20All in all this is a good day of achieving a lot of important work, as long as you don’t begin day dreaming. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Get busy with finalizing travel plans. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19It’s the worst mistake to make presumptions when you know nothing about facts, as what’s said may not be the entire truth. Ask for clarity.Cosmic tip: Don’t waste precious working hours in soul searching. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A positive karmic cycle makes it easier to understand complex issues at work. Retain focus. Cosmic tip: Be around people who have a happy outlook about life, not moaning and complaining all the time.
19 April,2025 03:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley Bose
BEST e-bus fire: 'Vehicle inspected, report sought from technical team'
A probe has begun into the BEST e-bus fire incident near Churchgate railway station in south Mumbai, a senior official said on Friday. The midi electric bus with registration number MH-01 DR 1327 caught fire on Maharshi Karve Marg at 9.50 pm on Thursday, when it was heading to J Mehta Marg on route 121, PTI reported. No one was hurt as the passengers, driver and conductor manage to alight in time. "We have undertaken technical inspection of the Tata Motors electric bus that was partially charred in the fire. A detailed report has been sought from the technical team," SVR Srinivas, who is holding additional charge as the civic-run public transporter's general manager, told PTI. The upper portion of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport’s (BEST) e-bus, including the windows, was damaged by the time the fire brigade reached the site, another official said. The bus was brought to the Backbay depot following the incident and a technical team from BEST as well as representatives of Tata Motors inspected it, the official informed, according to PTI. As per the driver's statement, the fire started from the battery section, he added. The BEST undertaking ferries around 30 lakh passengers every day with a fleet of more than 2,800 buses, the majority of which are hired on wet lease. In the wet-lease model, private contractors provide drivers while taking care of bus maintenance and fuel expenses. Second instance of BEST e-bus fire in four months Incidentally, it is the second incident of fire on a wet-leased BEST bus in less than four months. Earlier, an Olectra bus caught fire on Babasaheb Ambedkar Road at Byculla after it hit an under-construction pillar in an attempt to save a biker on December 31, 2024. This was also the second fire incident involving a Tata Motors electric bus. On June 16, 2023 an electric bus from the firm caught fire at Malvani depot while being charged. The BEST fleet includes 340 electric buses of both 9 metres and 12 metres of Tata Motors on wet lease. BEST needs huge financial support, will meet Maharashtra CM: Narayan Rane Former Union minister Narayan Rane on Thursday expressed concern over the deteriorating financial condition of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking and said the organisation is entirely dependent on grants from the BMC, reported news agency PTI. He said the undertaking needs 8000 buses in its fleet. "It needs huge financial support. Nearly 8,000 new buses are required over and above the existing fleet. There are some 750 buses and another 500 are on rent. Some 1500 buses are going to be there, but the requirement is 8000. Dues of Rs 78 crore for workers during the COVID-19 period are still pending," said Rane, who added he has served as chairman of BEST and was also aware of rules that govern it, reported PTI. BEST will survive only if the state government provides financial assistance, said Rane, who visited the undertaking's general manager SVR Srinivas during the day. The meeting at the undertaking's Colaba headquarters was held under the banner of Samarth BEST Kamgar Sanghatana, a workers' union backed by Rane. A large number of union members were also present on the occasion. "I am trying to get an appointment with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the next 10 days. I will meet him as a mediator between the union leaders, BMC and BEST. I hope Fadnavis and state finance minister Ajit Pawar will provide significant funds to BEST," he added. (With PTI inputs)
18 April,2025 10:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Water supply affected in parts of Thane, check details
The water supply in parts of Thane district in Maharashtra will be affected on Friday and Saturday due to a leakage in a pipeline, the civic officials said on Friday. According to an official statement, issued by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the residents in Thane city will experience low water pressure on Friday, 18 April, and Saturday, 19 April 2025, due to a leak in the water pipeline operated by the Shahad-Temghar Water Supply Authority (STEM) authority, which supplies water to the city. It said that the leak was noticed around 12:30 pm on Friday, and repair work was immediately initiated by the STEM. "To carry out these urgent repairs, the water supply from the affected pipeline has been temporarily shut off," the statement said. According to Vinod Pawar, Assistant City Engineer (Water Supply) of Thane Municipal Corporation, once the repair work is completed, it will take some time for the water supply to return to normal pressure, the official statement said. The TMC also shared the details of the areas that would be specifically face low pressure in water supply. It said that during this period, low water pressure is expected in the following areas- Mumbra Retibunder, parts of Kalwa, Kharegaon, Saket, Rabodi, Uthalsar, Khopat, Ghodbunder Road, Gandhinagar, Pokhran Road No. 1 & 2, Indiranagar, Charai, Siddheshwar, Bhaskar Colony, and Ghantali. "Residents are advised to use water wisely and store sufficient water in advance until the normal supply is restored," said an official. Govt gives BMC nod to use reserve stock; lake levels at 30.24 per cent capacity Meanwhile, the state government has tentatively agreed to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) request that 1.79 lakh million litres of water from its reserve stock be allocated for the city. The civic body routinely makes such requests in March. Currently, the water stock in all seven lakes is 4,37,727 million litres or 30.24 per cent of the total stock. Civic officials said the existing stock should be able to fulfil Mumbai’s water requirements until July. “But just to be safe, we have requested the state government’s irrigation department for reserve stock,” an official said. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Yatin Dalvi confirmed that the state government had agreed to the civic body’s request. A BMC source stated that the rate of evaporation increases during the summer and due to low lake levels, water pressure decreases. “To remedy this, the BMC demanded additional water stock from the state-owned Upper Vaitarna and Bhatsa reservoirs. “If the monsoon season is delayed, we can use reserve water stock from the Upper Vaitarna and Bhatsa,” an official added. Last month, the BMC asked for 68,000 million litres from the Upper Vaitarna and 1.13 lakh million litres from the Bhatsa.
18 April,2025 10:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai local train update: Fast train services delayed in Vasai-Virar section
Commuters on the Western Railway line have been experiencing delays as fast train services have been affected in the Vasai–Virar section for the past 15 to 20 minutes. Commuters on Western Railway are experiencing delays as fast train services have been disrupted in the Vasai-Virar section for the past 15–20 minutes. WR officials confirmed that the disruption was caused by a power failure in the engine of the Bandra Terminus–Ahmedabad… pic.twitter.com/5sl1Lg7pcH — Mid Day (@mid_day) April 18, 2025 Western Railway officials confirmed that the disruption was caused by a power failure in the engine of the Bandra Terminus–Ahmedabad Lokshakti Express, just before Vasai station. As a result, several fast local trains have been stranded behind it.
18 April,2025 10:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
MBVV police to use AI-based traffic violation detection system
The Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar (MBVV) police with jurisdiction over large areas of Thane and Palghar districts in Maharashtra has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) based multi-violation detection system to enhance traffic monitoring and road safety, a senior police official said, reported the PTI. The AI-based system was rolled out as a pilot project in March this year and the first traffic challan generated through this automation was issued on April 7, MBVV Police Commissioner Madhukar Pandey said on Friday. "It is a revolutionary leap in the evolution of traffic enforcement. The AI-driven platform will transform how traffic violations are identified and acted upon. Technology will minimise manual intervention and vastly improve the accuracy, speed, and reliability of enforcement," he said at a press briefing, according to the PTI. "The newly deployed system can automatically detect multiple traffic violations with high precision. As part of its first phase of implementation, the system currently flags helmet compliance, triple seat riding, automatic number plate recognition. Traditionally, traffic officers relied on manual photography and video evidence to identify such violations," Madhukar Pandey said, as per the PTI. In the next phase, the system will keep an eye on wrong-side driving, high speed, incident detection etc, the commissioner said. "We are committed to leveraging technology not just for enforcement, but also for education and awareness. The ultimate aim is to change public behaviour through consistent and smart enforcement," he asserted. Malad Police in Mumbai use AI to crack Rs 36 lakh theft case Meanwhile, last week, the Malad Police in Mumbai used artificial intelligence (AI) to crack a case involving a thief who stole gold, silver and diamond jewellery worth Rs 36 lakh from a high-rise tower in Malad West, an official had earlier said. Using AI, the police enhanced blurred CCTV footage and identified the accused. He was arrested within 12 hours of the incident, and 100 per cent of the stolen valuables were recovered. According to police, the burglary occurred on the night of April 10 at a residential tower in the Chincholi Bandar area of Malad West. The tower has a three-floor parking area, and Chaudhary allegedly entered the premises by jumping the compound wall and scaling a gas pipeline to reach one of the flats. He took advantage of an open sliding window in the bedroom to gain entry. Once inside, he broke open a cupboard and stole ornaments worth approximately Rs 36 lakh before escaping the same way he had entered. At the time of the incident, the flat owner and his elderly parents were asleep. Upon discovering the theft, the owner immediately rushed to the Malad police station and registered a complaint. “We began scanning CCTV footage from the area, but the image captured was blurred. We then used AI technology to enhance the image, which led to the quick identification of the accused,” said an officer from the Malad police station. The suspect is stated to be a habitual offender with more than 30 burglary cases registered against him. Police said he had also been arrested last year in a similar case. Under the guidance of DCP Anand Bhoite (Zone 11), Senior Inspector Vijay Panhale, API Deepak Raiwade and PSI Tushar Sukhdev, the detection team traced Chaudhary near the railway tracks in Jogeshwari East and arrested him within 12 hours of the crime. The stolen property was recovered in full, the officer added. (with PTI inputs)
18 April,2025 09:47 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai civic body demolishes Jain temple, community to hold protest march
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has demolished a Jain temple in the Vile Parle area, stating that it was unauthorised, news agency PTI reported. The demolition has drawn sharp criticism from members of the Jain community who have described the action as unwarranted. According to Anil Shah, a trustee of the temple — or chaitalaya — located within the Neminath Cooperative Housing Society in Kambliwadi, the demolition took place on Wednesday. “The structure dated back to the 1960s and had been renovated with the BMC's permission in the past,” Shah told PTI. “There is a Government Resolution which says such structures can be regularised. You are only required to submit the proposal for regularisation to the BMC which we had submitted,” Shah added. He further alleged that religious books and temple paraphernalia were damaged during the demolition and claimed the action was carried out at the behest of a local hotelier. Members of the community are planning to hold a protest march to the K-East Ward office in Andheri on Saturday in response to the incident, informed Shah. The Mumbai civic body has not yet issued an official statement on the incident. A spokesperson did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment. HC criticises BMC over illegal community hall in Ghatkopar, orders its demolition The Bombay High Court (HC) has strongly criticised the BMC over its handling of illegal constructions, stating that such developments jeopardise the city’s planned growth and strain its existing infrastructure, PTI reported. “Illegal constructions completely jeopardise the planned development of the city and drain existing resources,” a bench comprising Justices AS Gadkari and Kamal Khata noted in its judgment on Thursday. The court gave a deadline of a week to the civic body for the demolition of a community hall that had been constructed without authorisation on a plot in Ghatkopar reserved for a playground. The plot, measuring 585 square metres, is also home to a Ganesh temple, while the remaining area has been traditionally used for sports, religious functions, social gatherings, and recreational activities. The petition had challenged permissions granted by BMC and the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) to the Akhil Bhatwadi Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal for the construction of the hall. The bench held BMC officials accountable for dereliction of duty and directed the civic commissioner to take appropriate disciplinary action, submitting a compliance report within six months. The court also instructed the BMC to retain the land as an open space in accordance with its reservation and barred any future construction on the plot. (With PTI inputs)
18 April,2025 09:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai rains: BMC steps up monsoon preparedness to prevent flooding in city
Ahead of Mumbai rains, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is taking major steps to prevent waterlogging in flood-prone areas of the city before the arrival of monsoon season. Several low-lying areas in Mumbai witness waterlogging during heavy rains. BMC's Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), Abhijit Bangar, 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. He directed the BMC officials to work in coordination with the railway officials. Bangar suggested to conduct a hydraulic survey and implement appropriate measures to improve water discharge. 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. Bangar was accompanied by Chief Engineer (Stormwater Drains) Shridhar Chaudhary and other senior officials. The statement said that specific measures are to be taken at the Mankhurd Maharashtra Nagar underpass to prevent flooding, while systematic drainage planning is to be carried out in the Tembhi Bridge area. At Hindmata pumping station, the operation must be made more efficient with the installation of flow meters and standardisation of pump capacity across all seven pumps, the official statement said. To ensure faster rainwater drainage during monsoon, additional pumping facilities are to be installed where necessary. Internet of Things (IoT) based technology will be integrated with existing pumps to enable real-time monitoring through disaster management systems. These sensors will help immediately detect whether pumps are operational or not, the BMC said. It said that as part of pre-monsoon preparations, BMC’s Stormwater Drainage Department is actively carrying out various works, the officials said. At Chunabhatti Railway Station and surrounding areas, to avoid water accumulation that disrupts train services on the Harbour Line, BMC and railway officials have been instructed to carry out a detailed hydraulic survey. Plans include setting up mini pumping stations and identifying alternative water discharge routes, including possibly installing drainage lines beneath the railway tracks, the civic body said. It said that in Mankhurd Maharashtra Nagar Underpass, the area which is prone to waterlogging as it is situated in a low-lying zone. Bangar directed officials to complete road concreting work before the monsoon and to operate existing pumping stations more effectively. A proposal for a new pumping station with high-capacity pumps and a holding tank is currently under tender, the civic officials said. During his visit to Chembur Shell Colony and Tembhi Bridge area, Bangar asked for changes in the pumping system, including additional pumps and dedicated lines to discharge rainwater directly into the main sewer network to prevent backflow. Hindmata area which is known for chronic flooding, now has underground storage tanks and seven pumps in place. Bangar stated that there was a need for installing flow meters and ensuring uniform pump capacity for efficient operation during the rains in the city, the civic body statement said. Bangar also conducted a survey at the Chandrodya Society in Kurla East and other vulnerable spots in the area. He reviewed the drainage systems allegedly impacted by construction of recent civic works. "The BMC is constructing new parallel stormwater drains to mitigate flooding caused by existing blockages in the area," an official said. Meanwhile, at several locations including Maharashtra Nagar, drains alongside railway tracks and roads will be widened and deepened.
18 April,2025 09:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
MHADA to hold 'Janata Darbar' in Mumbai's Bandra on April 22
As part of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority’s (MHADA) ongoing efforts to resolve citizens' grievances promptly and fairly through government mechanisms, similar to the Lokshahi Din held at MHADA headquarters, the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB) will host a Janata Darbar Din on April 22 from 12 pm to 2 pm. This initiative is part of the Maharashtra Government’s 100-day action plan, introduced under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and based on suggestions from his deputy Eknath Shinde, who is also Maharashtra’ Housing Minister. A key focus of the 100-day plan is the swift resolution of public grievances. To support this goal, MHADA Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer Sanjeev Jaiswal has directed all the departmental boards to organise Janata Darbars. In line with these directives, MBRRB will be holding the public interaction session at Bharat Ratna Gulzarilal Nanda Hall, situated on the third floor of MHADA’s headquarters in Bandra (East). The event will be chaired by MBRRB Chief Officer, Milind Shambharkar. The primary aim of the Janata Darbar is to address the concerns of residents living in cessed buildings and transit camp tenements within Mumbai city and its suburbs in a timely manner. MHADA has encouraged residents to attend the event to present their grievances. The housing body has appealed to residents to bring the relevant applications, documents, and representations to ensure efficient redressal of their concerns. During the Janata Darbar held earlier this month in Mumbai, Jaiswal had reviewed 17 cases, including five formal applications, and gave instructions for their immediate resolution. MHADA to launch affordable healthcare initiative in 34 residential colonies In the first week of April, MHADA had announced that it will launch an affordable healthcare to the public in 34 residential colonies. The initiative, called 'Aapla Davakhana', will offer low-cost medical services to residents in 34 MHADA residential colonies across Mumbai. The housing body also informed that the project was launched following Shinde's directive with the goal of offering accessible healthcare to the common people. In partnership with One Rupee Clinic by Magicdil Health for All, MHADA aims to provide essential healthcare services at very affordable rates. It said that under the programme, the Mumbai board will implement the Aapla Davakhana scheme in 34 residential colonies falling under its jurisdiction. In order to facilitate this initiative, MHADA has entered into an understanding with Magicdil Health for All, a private organisation operating One Rupee Clinic.
18 April,2025 09:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Fire Services Week
Sonu Sood joins annual fire drill competition of Mumbai fire-fighters
Bollywood actor Sonu Sood on Friday attended the annual fire drill competition of fire-fighters in Mumbai, an event organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the officials said. At the event, the Mumbai Fire Brigade showcased its preparedness and dedication to fire safety through its annual fire drill competition held at the Fire Brigade Headquarters in Byculla area of central Mumbai. Speaking at the event, Dr Amit Saini, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) said, “The Mumbai Fire Brigade is well-equipped and trained to handle emergencies. After witnessing the fire drills, I am assured of the city’s fire safety standards.” He also announced that this year has been declared a training year, with India’s first modern fire training centre to soon come up in Mumbai's Kandivali. Mumbai Fire Brigade personnel will receive advanced training to enhance their skills while ensuring their own safety during operations, the officials said. An official statement issued by the BMC said that the competition saw participation from several fire stations across Mumbai. Officers and dignitaries present included Deputy Commissioner (Finance) Prashant Gaikwad, Special Duty Officer Chandrashekhar Chore, and Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar, among others. It said that actor Sonu Sood was also present at the event and he praised the firefighters for their bravery and dedication. “These firefighters are the real heroes, saving countless lives with courage and commitment. Their performance in the drills is inspiring,” Sood said. During the event, several senior officers were honoured for their outstanding services. The event was part of Fire Services Week, which runs from National Fire Service Day marked every year on April 14. The Fire Services Week will run till April 20. The Mumbai Fire Brigade has been organising events across the city to promote fire safety awareness among citizens. A display of fire equipment was also set up at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai as part of the Fire Services Week. The commemorative event is also to honour brave firefighters who have laid down their lives in the line of duty, especially remembering the tragic explosion and fire aboard the SS Fort Stikine on April 14, 1944 at Mumbai Port, where 66 fire officers and personnel lost their lives. Since then, the day is observed across the country as National Fire Service Day.
18 April,2025 08:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
World Heritage Day: Western Railway holds historical walk at Churchgate station
The Western Railway commemorated the World Heritage Day 2025 on Thursday, April 18, by highlighting the rich architectural and historical legacy of its iconic buildings through a series of events, including a special heritage walk at its Churchgate headquarters. The walk, organised specially for the women staff members, offered a unique opportunity to explore the over-a-century-old Western Railway headquarters. Thirty-two women staffers participated in the walk, guided through stories and architectural details that reflected the close ties between the railways and the city of Mumbai. The initiative aimed not only to inform but to instil pride in the organisation's cultural heritage. The other divisions of Western Railway also observed World Heritage Day 2025 with various activities with an aim to create awareness on India’s railway history. The construction of the iconic Western Railway headquarters started way back in 1894 and ended in 1899. The building was designed by the renowned Frederick William Stevens, who had also constructed the Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj), Municipal Corporation building and several other iconic structures in South Mumbai. It originally housed the headquarters of the Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway (BB&CI) and still serves as the beating heart of Western Railway today. Built at a cost of Rs. 7.5 lakh, the building is a blend of Venetian Gothic, Indo-Saracenic, and Italian styles. It has been built with blue basalt stone, intricate domes, and a central tower that rises from square to octagonal to dome. The interiors are equally captivating, with marble flooring, teak-panelled ceilings and corridors that stretch across three floors. The building has survived many disasters such as a fire during the 1905 royal visit, the addition of an Annexe in 1926 and a new floor during World War II. The building recently completed 125 years and various celebrations were held to mark the occasion. Meanwhile, Bandra railway station — often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Suburbs’ — charms with its old-world vibe. First opened in 1864, Bandra station was built with cheap materials and temporary ticket windows and station. It was 24 years later, in 1888, that the station building we know today was constructed. It is mix of Victorian Gothic and vernacular architecture. Bandra Station is a Grade-I Heritage Structure, as designated by the Government of Maharashtra, and one of the few suburban stations in the country with that honour. Bandra station's design is noted for its aesthetic and practical features: basalt masonry, teakwood eaves, wide verandahs, high ceilings, and steel columns crafted from railway ‘I’ track sections form its unique hexagonal platforms. These features were specifically intended to suit the region’s tropical climate, offering ventilation and shade during humid summers.
18 April,2025 07:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Hindi mandatory in schools: MNS student wing stages protest in Navi Mumbai
Activists of the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's (MNS) student wing on Friday staged a protest in Navi Mumbai city of Maharashtra against the state government's decision to make Hindi mandatory for school students, reported the PTI. Earlier, on Thursday, Raj Thackeray had raised strong objections to the decision to make Hindi a compulsory subject for students from Class 1 in schools across Maharashtra. The MNS chief had reiterated that Hindi is not the national language and every state has its own mother tongue, and Hindi is just one of them. “Use of Marathi, Hindi and English (three languages) should be limited to government and official work. Hindi cannot be made mandatory and one cannot and should not force students to learn it. MNS strongly opposes any such policy and will not tolerate the same,” Raj Thackeray warned through a post on social media platform X. 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. According to the PTI, hundreds of protestors waved banners and placards and burnt copies of the government resolution at the site in Vashi area of Navi Mumbai. They raised slogans against the state administration, accusing it of attempting to impose a language in a region with a rich linguistic heritage. The state school education department has declared a phase-wise implementation plan of the new curriculum framework designed as per the NEP 2020 recommendations for school education. Speaking to the reporters, activists of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) claimed the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 does not contain any provision mandating Hindi as a compulsory subject. "This is an unwarranted imposition. Nowhere in the NEP 2020 is there a mention of Hindi being made compulsory," one of the student leaders said, drawing parallels with Tamil Nadu's firm resistance to the imposition of Hindi and urging political parties across Maharashtra to unite in protest, as per the PTI. Meanwhile, Professor Narendra Phatak, executive president of Sahitya Bharati and a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad, said the state government's move was unjust and burdensome for students. He said the government's stand misrepresents the NEP 2020 and undermines the principles of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). Phatak said, "This is a unilateral decision that will only fuel resistance against Hindi, which was never an issue in Maharashtra. Unfortunately, such policies allow specific groups to politicise the matter and initiate agitations," the news agency reported on Friday. (with PTI inputs)
18 April,2025 07:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent