Mumbai: The indefinite strike in Matheran, which lasted for two days, concluded on Wednesday after successful discussions with the administration. The strike, initiated to protest fraudulent activities and overcharging by touts and horse operators, had led to a temporary closure of the hill station for tourists. However, following the intervention of local MLA Mahendra Thorve, the issue was resolved and tourist activities resumed on Thursday.

The protest was organised by the Matheran Paryatan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti (Save Tourism Struggle Committee), which raised concerns over scams that negatively impacted tourist footfall. Former Matheran Hill Station Municipal Council president Manoj Khedkar stated that the administration’s assurance to address these issues led to the withdrawal of the protest.

Why Was Matheran Closed?

On March 18, 2025, the people of Matheran united to take a stand against the exploitation of tourists. They decided to shut down the hill station indefinitely, demanding strict action against fraudulent practices by certain horse traders and touts operating at the entry points. The protest was supported by various local groups, including the hotel industry, e-rickshaw associations, traders and social organisations.

For a long time, tourists had been complaining about being misled and overcharged by horse operators at the entrance to Matheran. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue through administrative discussions, no concrete action was taken. Frustrated by the lack of response, the Save Tourism Struggle Committee called for an indefinite bandh until the administration took necessary steps to curb these malpractices.

Resolution & Reopening

After two days of intense protests, a meeting between the protestors and the administration led to a positive outcome. With assurances that strict action would be taken against fraudulent activities, the strike was called off. MLA Mahendra Thorve played a key role in mediating the discussions and ensuring the grievances of Matheran’s residents were acknowledged.

Mumbai, March 20: Maharashtra Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse announced on Thursday that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) pattern will be implemented in government schools across the state from the academic year 2025-26.

Textbooks under CBSE will be made available in Marathi by April 1.

The Education Department has issued instructions to the schools governed by the state education boards to implement the CBSE curriculum, the Minister told the Legislative Council.

The minister replied to the question raised by the BJP legislator Prasad Lad. He wanted to know whether the Steering Committee has approved the curriculum plan of the CBSE especially when the implementation of the National Education Policy for schools from class 3 to 12 is underway in the state.

“CBSE pattern will be implemented from the academic year 2025-2026 and the government has taken this decision with an aim of improving the quality of students in the state,” said the minister.

His announcement comes days after the Steering Committee had approved the State Curriculum Framework in relation to the school education department.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had reviewed the work of all the departments including the school education department for the next 100 days.

Accordingly, he had expressed confidence in the meeting of the School Education Department that Maharashtra would once again come to the forefront of school education.

The Chief Minister directed that the Education Department should take steps for quality education.

He has also directed the School Education Department about the adoption of the CBSE pattern in the state government schools by making necessary changes.

Mumbai, March 20: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said that Microsoft and Gates Foundation will provide support to make Maharashtra a role model in the country in digital governance and right to service, especially when the government has started the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Also, the Gates Foundation has shown its readiness to participate in the Lakhpati Didi initiative to fulfil the state government’s goal of making 25 lakh women entrepreneurs.

CM Fadnavis said this after meeting Microsoft co-founder, renowned entrepreneur and founder of the Gates Foundation Bill Gates.

The chief minister’s office in a release said that the duo also held a positive discussion on the use of artificial intelligence in health, agriculture and infrastructure.

CM Fadnavis said that as Maharashtra is going through a transformation phase, major projects are underway in infrastructure, agriculture, and health.

“Since there is a shortage of doctors in rural areas, the Gates Foundation should cooperate to provide quality health services and facilities. The Budget has also made provision for the use of AI in the health and agriculture sectors,” he added while giving the example of doubling the production of sugarcane in the Pune district using the technology.

CM Fadnavis told Bill Gates that the state government is trying to ensure that farmers have access to electricity during the day and for this, solar power is being used from 2022-23. From 30 per cent of electricity generation, now up to 52 per cent is being generated through solar, so farmers are getting electricity at a lower cost.

He also shared that there is a plan to make all the electricity feeders solar to provide them with electricity for 24 hours.

The Chief Minister also informed that an Innovation City is being set up in an area of 300 acres in Navi Mumbai.

Bill Gates assured to partner in technical assistance along with financial assistance for the Innovation City and other initiatives, according to the release.

Gates Foundation will provide technical and financial support to the state government to contain dengue in Gadchiroli district.

Bill Gates invited the chief minister to Seattle.