Mumbai: In a major relief for Mumbaikars, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that all on-street parking payments in the city will soon be made through FASTag, eliminating the menace of fake parking attendants and manual cash transactions.

Under the new system, vehicle owners parking at designated BMC lots will have to scan a QR code linked to their vehicle’s FASTag account, through which the parking fee will be automatically deducted. The initiative aims to curb rampant overcharging, bribery and unauthorised parking agents who often fleece citizens under the guise of official parking staff.

“We’ve received numerous complaints from citizens about bogus parking attendants charging arbitrary fees. By switching to FASTag-based payment, we are bringing transparency, safety, and convenience to the parking experience,” a senior BMC official told Maharashtra Times.

The new digital parking model will first be rolled out at selected BMC-managed parking lots and later expanded citywide, covering over 100 official parking zones. A dedicated app will also be launched to help Mumbaikars locate available slots, check rates and get digital receipts for all transactions.

Currently, parking violations and extortion rackets have been a persistent problem across Mumbai, particularly in high-traffic areas like Dadar, Andheri, CST and Bandra, where illegal parking agents pose as civic staff.

Authorities believe this move will plug revenue leaks, improve compliance and reduce traffic congestion caused by haphazard parking practices.

With this shift, Mumbaikars can expect a more secure, cashless and scam-free parking experience powered by technology and accountability.

Mumbai: Opposition leaders staged a dramatic protest on the steps of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan on Wednesday, condemning the recent assault by Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad on a canteen manager. The protestors, dressed in red lungis and vests, mimicked Gaikwad’s attire in the viral video where he was seen physically attacking the manager over stale dal served at the Akashwani MLA hostel canteen.

Opposition leaders including Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Jitendra Awhad, led the protest. Chanting slogans like “We Condemn the Chaddi Baniyan Gang,” the leaders called out Gaikwad’s behaviour as unbecoming of a public representative and demanded strict action.

What Is The Controversy?

The controversy erupted last Tuesday when Gaikwad allegedly assaulted the canteen manager with punches and kicks, enraged over what he claimed was stale and substandard food. Though a non-cognisable offence was registered by the Marine Drive police, neither the assaulted manager nor the catering contractor filed an official complaint.

Gaikwad later defended his actions, claiming that the poor food quality was a long-standing issue, despite multiple complaints over the years. “I’ve been eating there for 30 years, and nothing has improved,” he asserted, warning he would react the same way again if faced with similar circumstances.

Sena UBT Demanded Sanjay Gaikwad’s Suspension

The incident triggered widespread backlash after the assault video circulated on social media, drawing criticism from across party lines. In the state assembly, Shiv Sena UBT leader Anil Parab demanded Gaikwad’s immediate suspension, stating that such violence sets a dangerous precedent. “This is not just about food; it’s about accountability and public trust in elected representatives,” Parab said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged the gravity of the situation and said that Gaikwad’s conduct was unacceptable. “It tarnishes the image of the legislature and affects public confidence,” he said during the assembly proceedings.

Mumbai: In a major enforcement move, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that shops and establishments across the city failing to display name boards in Marathi will now face double the property tax starting May 1, 2025. Additionally, illuminated signboards not in Marathi will result in immediate licence cancellations, the civic body stated in a press release.

The crackdown comes in the wake of continued non-compliance with a rule mandating that all commercial establishments must display signboards in Marathi, using Devanagari script in bold. BMC has so far fined 343 shops a cumulative ₹32 lakh after holding hearings for violations. In 177 other cases, court proceedings led to fines totalling nearly ₹14 lakh.

Further intensifying the drive, the civic body has sent out legal notices to 3,040 establishments that are yet to update their signage.

According to Rule 35 and Section 36C of the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Rules, 2018, and the 2022 amendment to the Act, Marathi signage is legally mandatory. The Supreme Court had given all shops a two-month deadline ending November 25, 2024, to comply.

Apart from licence suspension for illuminated non-Marathi boards, new licence renewal charges have also been revised upwards — ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per shop or establishment.

The BMC maintains that this is not only a compliance issue but a step toward preserving and promoting the Marathi language and identity in Mumbai’s commercial landscape.