Connect with us
Wednesday,02-September-2026
Breaking News

Maharashtra

Clamour for Old Pension Scheme confronts cash-strapped Maharashtra govt

Published

on

Ahead of the state budget, over two million government employees and pensioners in Maharashtra are demanding a revival of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), posing a tough challenge to the ruling Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party combine.

Various employees’ organisations are building pressure on the government in the form of marches and protests across the state to compel a return to the OPS that was discontinued here in 2005.

The move gained momentum after at least five states – Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Punjab – announced their plans to revert to the OPS last month.

Over five dozen unions of various state employees under the banner of Rajya Sarkari Karmachari Madhyavarti Sanghatana (RSKMS) has warned of a state-wide indefinite strike from March 14 if the ruling alliance fails to concede the demand and does not makes the announcement in the upcoming Budget 2023-2024 this week.

The Maharashtra Rajya Castribe Karmachari Kalyan Mahasangh has launched a Nagpur-Mumbai long march traversing through 20 districts which will reach the Maharashtra Legislature and join a protest on March 14.

The demand for OPS has secured the support of several opposition parties like the Congress which is also organising or participating in protests in different cities securing huge support.

On its part, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in February announced setting up a high-powered panel to study the feasibility of bringing back the OPS, and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has also given positive indicators in this regard, though earlier he was reluctant as it would entail a massive burden of Rs 1.10 lakh crore on the cash-strapped government, with problems likely to compound after five years.

Incidentally, in January, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had cautioned states on reverting to the DA-linked OPS which existed till 2004 as it would add to the states’ financial burden in the coming years.

The OPS entitled retired government employees to get 50 percent of their last drawn salary as monthly pension which keeps increasing with hike in DA, thereby considered unviable since the burden on the exchequer keeps increasing.

Crime

Bombay HC orders CBI probe into Disha Salian death case

Published

on

Mumbai, Sep 2: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday ordered a CBI investigation into the death of Disha Salian, former manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who died by suicide in June 2020.

The court clarified that no individual should be treated as an accused unless the Investigating Officer finds sufficient material against them during the probe.

The order came while hearing a petition filed by Satish Salian, Disha’s father, alleging lapses by the Mumbai Police in the investigation into his daughter’s death.

Speaking to media after the order, advocate Nilesh Ojha, counsel for Satish Salian, said the court had directed the CBI to record the petitioner’s statement, register an FIR, appoint a senior officer to conduct the investigation, and take custody of all relevant records from Malvani Police Station.

“The court has made it clear that action must be taken against anyone against whom evidence is found. At the same time, no person should be named as an accused without evidence. It has also clarified that if the CBI files a closure report, we will have the right to object and file a protest petition. We have full faith that truth will prevail.” Ojha told media.

Earlier, Ojha had alleged that influential individuals and certain senior police officers were involved in suppressing the case despite legal provisions mandating the registration of an FIR.

Reacting to the order, Disha’s father Satish Salian expressed confidence that the truth would emerge through the investigation.

“It has been a six-year fight. I always had faith that the truth would come out. Action should be taken against whoever is found guilty. Anyone who has done wrong must face the consequences,” he told media.

Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai’s Malad area.

Continue Reading

Business

7.8 pc GDP growth reflects country’s progress: Maha CM Fadnavis, Dy CM Shinde

Published

on

Mumbai/Thane, Sep 1: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday hailed India as it registered a real GDP growth rate of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of the 2026–27 financial year (Q1 FY27, April–June 2026) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflecting the country’s progress.

Chief Minister Fadnavis in his post on social media platform X said, “Yehi hai right choice, Bharat! Let’s keep going the same way, same direction. 7.8 per cent growth in such times prove our potential and possibilities as a Nation with PM @narendramodi’s leadership! Congratulations Bharat!”

On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that India’s economy continues to demonstrate strong growth with a 7.8 per cent GDP expansion at a time when several nations globally are grappling with conflict and economic fallout.

“This reflects economic progress and stability, this marks another key step toward achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’,” The Deputy Chief Minister added.

Speaking to reporters on the country’s economic outlook, Deputy CM Shinde expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving steadily toward becoming an economic superpower and achieving its target of a $5 trillion economy.

He assured that the Maharashtra government will contribute significantly to this journey.

Highlighting the adverse global backdrop, the Deputy Chief Minister noted that ongoing wars and geopolitical conflicts have impacted multiple world economies.

“In contrast, India’s 7.8 per cent growth rate presents a highly promising picture and signals the nation’s rising economic strength.”

Deputy CM Shinde emphasised that every citizen should take pride in the nation’s strengthening economy.

However, he criticised the opposition parties for taking a negative stance on national progress due to political bias against PM Modi.

He remarked that appeals made by the Prime Minister are always aimed at national interest, upliftment, and growth, but are often viewed through a narrow political lens by his critics.

“Instead of questioning progress, everyone should contribute toward accelerating development,” Deputy Chief Minister Shinde added.

Reaffirming the state’s commitment, the Deputy CM said that Maharashtra will fully cooperate with the Central government to reach the $5 trillion target and realise the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ roadmap.

He asserted that India’s economic strides are a matter of pride for all 140 crore citizens, adding that the public will appropriately respond to those opposing the country’s growth.

Continue Reading

Maharashtra

Cleanliness drive started in Worli on the initiative of Shrikant Shinde, Sachin Ahir gave a clear reply to the opposition’s allegations on SIR

Published

on

Mumbai: A cleanliness drive was launched in the presence of Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Sachin Ahir at Worli Koliwada in Mumbai. The main objective of the drive is “Clean Worli, Beautiful Worli”. The drive started from the Worli seafront. During the event, Sachin Ahir told reporters that the local residents have expressed their concerns to MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde. He explained that they are facing various problems due to the dirt in the area. Dirt also poses a risk of health problems. Taking the concerns of the local residents seriously, Dr. Shrikant Shinde decided to start a cleanliness drive in the entire area. The drive started from the Worli seafront. Soon the entire area will be cleaned. Sachin Ahir said that the local people had appealed to Shrikant Shinde to solve their problems. He said that Worli is an important part of Maharashtra. Whether the local MLAs discharge their duties properly or not, it is the responsibility of the government to address the concerns and problems of the residents. Under this commitment, the entire area will soon be cleaned. Sachin Ahir further explained that a comprehensive mechanism is being created to resolve all the problems of Worli, even to resolve small issues and provide basic amenities. This campaign will not be limited to just one day but will continue throughout the year.

Sachin Ahir’s response to the opposition on SIR

Regarding the opposition’s allegation that more than 2 crore names were removed from the voter list during the SIR process, Sachin Bhau Ahir said that it is a political allegation. He questioned what the opposition BLOs were doing while the SIR process was going on. He told the opposition that there is still time. Instead of making allegations, they should work on re-registering the names of those in whose name the opposition is doing politics. He said that the process is still ongoing and efforts should be made to register all eligible individuals.

Continue Reading

Trending