Mumbai: In a significant move, the state government has issued an order restricting the authority of all state departments, enterprises and semi-government bodies from independently approving projects exceeding Rs 500 crore. This directive effectively curtails the powers of key agencies like MMRDA, CIDCO, MHADA, SRA and MahaHousing.

CM’s Panel To Take Call On Projects Over ₹500 Cr

Issued by the Finance and planning department under Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the order mandates that any project with an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore or more must now be submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, for approval.

Trouble Expected For Shinde Sena

This move delivers another blow to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, already reeling from a series of controversies involving its leaders. With key departments under its control, the party now faces added challenges, as they will no longer be able to independently approve big-ticket projects – tightening the government’s grip on crucial decision-making.

While the MMRDA and CIDCO come under the urban development department, the MHADA, SRA and MahaHousing come under the housing department. Both departments are headed by Shinde.

Details On Cabinet Committee On Infra

The cabinet committee on infrastructure, headed by the CM, comprises six members and the other members are Shinde and Dy CM Ajit Pawar, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, medical education minister Hasan Mushrif and industries minister Uday Samant.

The planning department order also says the chief secretary, instead of the planning department secretary, will be the secretary of the committee, who will move the proposals, which were earlier done by the planning secretary. Besides, the secretaries from the finance department and the law and judiciary department will be the permanent invitees. This will facilitates intense scrutiny by finance and planning department.

According to sources in the government, the decision was taken given the precarious condition of the state finances. The projected debt burden by the end of the current financial year is Rs 9.5 lakh crore, and the government is spending over Rs 1.5 lakh crore on repayment of the loan and the interest amount.

The Shinde-led Shiv Sena is facing a series of controversies related to social Justice minister Sanjay Shirsat. A few days back, a video clip became viral in which the Horticulture Minister Bharat Gogawale was shown participating in occult practices, performing hom-havan. Sandipan Bhumre, Lok Sabha Member from Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) has been in the news over speedy approvals for liquor permits held by his family members and close relatives.

Speculations Around Shinde’s Delhi Tour

Shinde’s Delhi tour on Thursday was said to be in connection with the controversies and the attempts to create trouble for him. Another reason being cited was his reported meeting over the scheduled hearing in the Supreme Court hearing on July 14 over recognition of his group as the real party and symbol – bow and arrow.

Mumbai: After the protest at Azad Maidan demanded affordable housing for 1.5 lakh mill workers in Mumbai, organized by 14 groups including the Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Sangh, the government has acknowledged the protest and plans to provide housing based on land availability in Mumbai and nearby areas.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reassured labor unions that accepting houses in Shelu is not compulsory for mill workers. While a large number of applications were received by MHADA for the mill land housing scheme, only 25,000 workers were included.

Due to space constraints in Mumbai, the government decided to construct 81,000 houses in Shelu and Vangani, leading to protests from mill workers’ heirs who marched to Azad Maidan. Following this, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met with protesters, resulting in significant decisions from the government.

In a recent X post Maharashtra deputy chief minister has stated that the purchase of houses at Shelu is voluntary for mill workers, and their housing claims will not be terminated if they opt out in 2024.

The cancellation of point number 17 from the government resolution was announced. A quota will be set for housing mill workers under the slum rehabilitation project, and a request is being made to the central government for salt pan lands in Mumbai for their housing, reflecting efforts for justice for mill workers.

The government aims to ensure that every eligible mill worker secures housing. Industries Minister Uday Samant stated that Shinde decided in the meeting to construct houses for mill workers in Mumbai and nearby areas wherever land is available.

There is a confirmation that taking housing in Shelu is voluntary, countering misinformation about compulsory allocations. Furthermore, mill workers not securing housing by 2024 will still retain their claims, and a decision has been made to cancel a particular point in the prior government decision.

Additionally, plans for a housing quota for mill workers in the slum rehabilitation project are underway, and requests are being made to the Center for housing on salt pans in Mumbai as part of the government’s effort to ensure justice for the mill workers.

Hours after shots were fired at comedian Kapil Sharma’s eatery, Kap’s Cafe, in Canada, the Mumbai Police on Friday reached his house in Mumbai to question him about the incident. Around 1 am on July 9 (Canada time), several rounds were fired at the cafe, located in Surrey.

Khalistani terrorist Harjeet Singh Laddi claimed the responsibility for the attack, and demanded an apology from Kapil for his alleged objectionable remarks.

the attackers felt that Nihang Sikhs were insulted on Kapil’s show. The report also mentioned that the attackers said the comedian ignored their calls seeking an apology, and that shots were fired at his eatery to warn him.

Kap’s Cafe team issues statement

Kapil is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The management of the eatery, however, took to their social media handles and wrote, “We opened Kap’s Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock but we are not giving up (sic).”

It further stated, “Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This cafe exists because of your belief in what we’re building together. Let’s stand firm against violence and ensure Kap’s Cafe remains a place of warmth and community. From all of us at Kap’s Cafe, thank you and see you soon, under better skies (sic).”