Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has strongly condemned the personal criticism made on state president and MP Sunil Tatkare and Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare. NCP chief spokesperson Anand Paranjape said in a press conference, “The language used against the Tatkare family is indecent and condemnable. It is hurtful to the integrity of the Mahayuti. Such criticism will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

Controversy over Raigad Foster Minister post

After the appointment of Aditi Tatkare as the Foster Minister of Raigad district, the leaders of Shinde faction had protested and made sharp comments. Reacting to this, Paranjape said, “If there is any discontent, the constituent parties of Mahayuti should put it in front of the party chiefs instead of saying it publicly. Such comments are an attempt to spoil the atmosphere.”

Targeting Bharat Gogavale

Anand Paranjape also raised questions on the agitation style of Shiv Sena leader and minister Bharat Gogavale. He said, “Burning tyres and blocking roads while holding a constitutional post is like challenging the law and order. The Chief Minister holds the Home Ministry, it is not appropriate to put her in such a situation.”

Aditi Tatkare’s work appreciated

Praising Aditi Tatkare’s work, the spokesperson said, “From the position of Zilla Parishad President to the position of Minister, Aditi Tatkare has always done excellent work. In natural disasters, she herself goes to the field to help people. Under her ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme, 2 crore 35 lakh women got direct benefits in their accounts. Indecent comments on such a hardworking woman are absolutely unacceptable.”

Need for solution on dissatisfaction in Mahayuti

There are reports of dissatisfaction regarding the post of guardian minister in Raigarh and Nashik districts. On this, Paranjape said, “After the Chief Minister returns from Davos tour, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will resolve this issue.”

Press conference Sanjay Tatkare and youth state president Suraj Chavan were also present in the press conference.

Mumbai: The stalled road widening work from Shyamnagar to Western Express Highway on Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road is finally going to start from March 2025. This work has been made possible due to the continuous efforts of MP Ravindra Waikar. Officials of the K-East department of Mumbai Municipal Corporation have given this information.

Will start from the southern part

Under this project, 800 meters long road portion will be widened. In this, 56 constructions in the southern part and 96 in the northern part will be obstructed. Initially, the work of the southern part will be started. Notices will be issued soon to remove the obstructed constructions, the municipal officials have clarified.

Background of the project

This plan was presented by MP Ravindra Waikar before the Standing Committee to reduce the problem of traffic jam on Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road. The work till Shyamnagar pond has already been completed, but the rest of the project was stalled due to technical difficulties and metro construction work. Waikar took the project forward by holding a meeting with Metro and Municipal officials.

Further process

The Municipal Corporation has prepared a draft for road widening and the final list will be completed in the next 20 days. Work on the northern part will be started after the work on the southern part is completed. The Municipal Corporation is fully prepared to remove the obstructing constructions and maintain coordination with the Metro project, said K-East Department Deputy Engineer Sonawane.

Relief from traffic jam

On completion of the project, the traffic problem on Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road will be reduced to a great extent. This work starting from March is expected to provide great relief to the local residents.

Mumbai, January 21: The Minority Research and Training Institute (MARTI), established for the social, economic and educational upliftment of the minority community, has not yet got a director even after six months. The process of creation of the post is pending due to the absence of a high-level committee meeting, and the institute’s fund of Rs 6.25 crore has been lying unused for the last five months.

Samajwadi Party MLA Raees Sheikh has written a letter to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Minority Minister Dattatreya Bharane on January 20, demanding immediate intervention in the matter.

Establishment and status of MARTI Institute

Marti Institute was established in August 2024 with the aim of studying the backwardness of the minority community and providing free training to students for examinations like UPSC, MPSC, JEE and NEET. 10 posts were created for this institute, established on the lines of institutions like BARTI, Amrit, Mahajyoti and Sarathi.

However, the sanctioned fund of Rs 6.25 crore has not been utilised yet as the director of the institute has not been appointed. It was proposed to give the charge of director to the District Collector of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, but the Chief Secretary rejected the proposal citing elections.

MLA Raees Sheikh’s displeasure

Expressing displeasure over this, MLA Raees Sheikh said, “It has been six months since the establishment of the institute, but its functioning is completely stalled. Other autonomous bodies have started their training programs for exams like UPSC, MPSC, JEE and NEET, but the Marti Institute is still inactive.”

Students are suffering losses

MLA Shaikh said that most of the students from the minority community come from ordinary families and cannot afford expensive private coaching classes. In such a situation, due to the stalling of the institute’s functioning, the students are suffering academic and career related losses.

Immediate demands raised

MLA Raees Sheikh has made the following demands in his letter:

1. The functioning of the Marti Institute should be given immediate administrative impetus.
2. The creation of the sanctioned 10 posts should be approved and the process should be completed.
3. An IAS officer should be immediately appointed to the post of director of the institute.
4. Additional funds of at least Rs 15 crore should be sanctioned for the training programs of students.

MLA Sheikh warned that if the process of the institute is not improved soon, there could be massive loss of students.