Maharashtra
Mumbai: HBT clinics looking to expand services; BMC to hire BAMS doctors
Mumbai: To widen the scope of the Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray (HBT) clinics, the BMC is now looking for BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) doctors and outreach service professionals. It’s also hunting for auxiliary nurses and midwives (ANM). Currently, there are MBBS and MD doctors who examine patients at the 66 HBT clinics where till now more than two lakh people have been treated. The civic body targets to open 100 more clinics by Jan 26.
In its 2022-23 budget, the BMC had announced plans to open 227 HBT clinics on the lines of Delhi’s ‘mohalla clinics’ or community clinics. The HBT clinics aim at providing basic medical treatment along with diagnostic and pathological treatment facilities, including X-Ray and ECG services, free of cost to Mumbaikars.
BMC launched 66 clinics and polyclinics from Oct 2022
From October 2, 2022 the civic body launched 66 clinics and polyclinics in a phase-wise manner. Currently, HBT clinics have MBBS doctors and polyclinics have gynaecologists, paediatricians, dermatologists, physicians, and dentists.
But now, for outreach services, the BMC is looking for contractual BAMS doctors for which they are ready to pay Rs 42,000 a month. And, ANMs will get Rs 22,000 a month. Those with experience working in Covid situations will be given preference.
Newly appointed doctors to reach out public and follow-up patients’ health
BMC Executive Health Officer Dr Mangala Gomare said that these doctors will be appointed at the HBT clinics but their work will not be to examine patients. In particular, they will reach out to the public with community health workers and follow-up patients who are suffering from diabetes and blood pressure.
According to the BMC’s Health Department, an average of 100 patients visit the HBT clinics daily for treatment while 40-50 patients are examined at the polyclinics every day.
“The HBT clinic will handle common ailments, but if the problem is severe then patients will be referred to the nearest HBT polyclinic, said the official, adding that the polyclinics, too, are looking forward to hiring ENT specialists, ophthalmologists, physiotherapists, etc.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra Govt To Scrutinise Vasantdada Sugar Institute’s Funds For First Time; Move Seen As Setback For Sharad Pawar

For the first time in Maharashtra’s political history, the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), headed by NCP (Sharad Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, will come under state government scrutiny over the utilisation of its funds. The institute, based in Pune, is engaged in research, development, and training for the state’s cooperative sugar industry.
The VSI’s operational funds are generated through a levy of ₹1 per metric tonne (MT) collected from sugar cooperatives across Maharashtra. These contributions are meant to support the institute’s ongoing research and training activities for the sugar sector.
According to sources, the decision to review the VSI’s funds was taken during a recent meeting of the ministers’ committee, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, which oversees decisions related to the sugarcane crushing season.
The move follows dissent among sugar mills after the BJP-led Mahayuti government decided to impose an additional ₹5 per MT levy on crushed sugarcane to contribute to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Reacting to the reports, Sugar Commissioner Sanjay Kolte confirmed that during the September 30 meeting, instructions were issued to form a committee to examine the utilisation of VSI’s funds. He, however, denied receiving any complaints regarding fund misuse.
Interestingly, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar a member of the VSI’s Board of Trustees was present during the meeting where the decision to review fund utilisation was made. Other key trustees include Dilip Walse Patil, Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, Jayant Patil, and Balasaheb Thorat.
According to data from the State Cooperation Department, VSI has received approximately ₹55 crore over the last five years through the cooperative contributions.
Never before has any state government verified the utilisation of VSI’s funds, despite its significant influence over Maharashtra’s sugar industry.
Political observers view this decision as a setback for Sharad Pawar, who serves as the lifetime chairman and head of VSI’s governing council.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the move was not a probe, but a routine request for financial transparency.
“The notice only seeks financial information regarding the funds collected from sugar factories,” he clarified.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra Expands Protocol Department To Include FDI, Diaspora Affairs & International Outreach Divisions

In a move to strengthen Maharashtra’s global presence, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the expansion of the Protocol Sub-Department under the General Administration Department (GAD) to include three new divisions Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Diaspora Affairs, and International Outreach.
The decision, taken in a recent Cabinet meeting, aims to enhance the state’s engagement with international investors, promote cooperation across borders, and strengthen connections with the Marathi diaspora worldwide. The expansion will also facilitate progress in foreign trade, employment generation, cultural exchange, and tourism.
As part of the restructuring, the designation of Secretary and Chief Protocol Officer has been revised to Secretary (Protocol, Foreign Direct Investment, Diaspora Affairs, and International Outreach). The Cabinet also approved the formation of three new functional units one each for FDI, Diaspora Affairs, and International Outreach.
Currently, the Protocol Sub-Department has three operational divisions. With the addition of these units, the total will rise to six. To manage the expanded functions, 23 new posts have been sanctioned, increasing the department’s total strength to 62 positions.
The newly expanded department will oversee a broad portfolio, including:
Protocol and diplomatic relations
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) facilitation
Coordination with embassies and high commissions
Management of foreign loans and international funds
Promotion of finance, trade, and technology collaboration
Engagement with overseas Maharashtrian communities
Cultural and academic exchange initiatives
Promotion of international tourism
Facilitation of foreign employment opportunities
Global publicity for Maharashtra’s initiatives
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the decision will position Maharashtra as a leading destination for foreign investment and global cooperation.
“This expansion will help the state attract greater foreign investment, deepen international partnerships, and proactively engage with the global Marathi community. It reflects our vision to make Maharashtra a globally connected and investment-friendly state,” Fadnavis stated.
Maharashtra
Uddhav swallowed Mumbai like python: Mahayuti slams ‘anaconda’ remark on Amit Shah

Mumbai, Oct 28: The political temperature in Maharashtra has soared after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling him an “anaconda” and accusing the BJP of trying to “swallow Mumbai” through political manipulation and illegal land acquisition.
Thackeray’s remarks came after a report in Saamna, the Shiv Sena UBT’s mouthpiece, alleged that a new BJP office was built “by grabbing land at lightning speed”.
Drawing a sharp comparison between the BJP and a newly introduced anaconda at Mumbai’s Jijamata Udyan, Thackeray said that the ruling party’s greed to control Mumbai knows no bounds.
Reacting strongly to Thackeray’s statement, leaders from the ruling Mahayuti alliance hit back, accusing him of “swallowing Mumbai’s wealth” during his tenure.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde countered the remark, saying, “If we talk about the ‘anaconda’ remark, the one calling others an anaconda is actually the real anaconda himself. He had tightly wrapped himself around Mumbai’s treasury. The special thing about anacondas is that their hunger never ends. He swallowed Mumbai’s wealth, swallowed Mumbai itself, and even grabbed several plots of land.”
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also lashed out at the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, comparing him to a “python”.
“Uddhav Thackeray has swallowed Mumbai. He is like a python, not an ordinary snake. This snake sits at home, sleeps all day, eats all day, and has ruined Mumbai. On the other hand, Home Minister Amit Shah has worked for the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, strengthening India and tackling terrorism,” he told reporters.
“For over 11 years, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, he has helped eliminate terrorists. Such a person, you would call an anaconda? Pythons like these have destroyed Mumbai for over 40 years. Uddhav Thackeray couldn’t even manage his own party properly and has left it weak, while also harming Hindus,” Bawankule said.
“He is a person who has lost his mental balance, especially after the elections. He is trying to prove his leadership by making derogatory remarks against Amit Shah and Devendra Fadnavis; however, he should know that leadership is proven through winning elections and not by abusing,” he added.
Joining the attack, BJP MLA Ram Kadam also took a jibe at the former Maharashtra Chief Minister, saying that Thackeray’s comments reflected his “frustration and deteriorating mental state”.
Speaking to media, Kadam said, “Uddhav Thackeray has been abandoned by everyone, and his recent statement reflects that his mental condition is not right and he is frustrated. With no blood relatives and ministers distancing themselves, he resorts to baseless comments.”
“He knows nothing beyond taunting. How can he criticise our Home Minister? Amit Shah earns respect through hard work, while Uddhav, a lazy person who inherited politics, has failed to sustain it,” he added.
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