Mumbai, Aug 14: In a major push towards leveraging information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver fast, seamless, and transparent public services, the Maharashtra state government will issue an integrated digital identification number called the ‘Maha-ID’ to every citizen. This will not be an entirely separate identity document, but an integrated identifier linked directly to the individual’s Aadhaar card.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed all government departments to harness AI and IT solutions to ensure citizens can access public services directly from their homes. The Maha-ID serves as a central component of this digital governance initiative.

By providing just their Maha-ID, residents will be able to access schemes, information, subsidies, and services across various state departments. Since government databases already hold key records — such as domicile certificates, income certificates, and ration card details — citizens will no longer need to resubmit physical documents for every application. The initiative is expected to be outlined by the Chief Minister around Independence Day, with an official project launch following shortly after.

The unified system is set to directly benefit students, farmers, senior citizens, women entrepreneurs, and economically weaker sections. Currently, students applying for state scholarships must register separately on education portals. Farmers applying for subsidies are repeatedly required to submit identity, land, and bank details. Similarly, beneficiaries of social welfare schemes often have to resubmit certificates that are already present in other department records.

By eliminating the hassle of creating multiple accounts, remembering various usernames and passwords, and undergoing repeated identity verification, the initiative aims to drastically simplify citizen interactions with the state administration. Through the combined integration of the Maha-ID and the ‘Maha-Sarathi’ portal, various government departments and digital platforms will be interlinked, creating a highly interoperable digital governance network. As state departments synchronise their data, information required by one department can automatically be fetched from another, eliminating operational silos.

The government sources said, “The platform will be executed through the ‘Maha-Sarathi’ platform under the Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence Department. Citizens will register and submit the necessary details on the designated portal. A digital Maha-ID incorporating the citizen’s Aadhaar framework will be generated. Citizens can use this single ID to apply for various government services.”

Sources added that previously verified data will be reused automatically across eligible services, doing away with redundant document submissions.

Mumbai: The Education Department of Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started an English medium school named ‘Mumbai Public School, Shivaji Nagar English School No. 01’ in a newly constructed building at Mumbai Public School, Shivaji Nagar School Complex No. 4, Baji Prabhu Deshpande Marg, Near Shivaji Nagar Market, Mumbai (04W), Govind 04, Mumbai Public School, Shivaji Nagar School Complex No. 4, Mumbai (04W).

The school follows the Maharashtra State Board curriculum and will conduct classes from Junior KG to Grade 4. It is worth noting that priority admission will be given to students currently studying in unauthorized schools in Govind and surrounding areas. Due to the limited number of seats, the BMC Education Department appeals to as many parents as possible to avail this facility.

Interested parents should contact the following address for admission: Address: 1st Floor, Mumbai Public School, Shivaji Nagar School Complex No. 4, Baji Prabhu Deshpande Marg, Near Shivaji Nagar Market, Govind (West), Mumbai – 400 043.

Mumbai: Municipal Corporation is taking strict action as part of its ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign, which aims to remove obstructions from footpaths and make them walkable for pedestrians. Under this initiative, 15 unauthorised shops and 15 unauthorised hawkers obstructing footpaths in Dadar area (from ‘F-South’ ward) and Santacruz area (from ‘H-East’ ward) were removed today (August 13, 2026).

As per the directions of the High Court, under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. Led by Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Prajakta Vermalawangire, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation is implementing the ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign to immediately remove unauthorised hawkers and encroachments, thus ensuring obstacle-free footpaths.

Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone-2) Prashant Sapkale and led by Assistant Commissioner (F-South Ward), the drive was carried out in Dadar (East) area by the ‘F-South’ ward. During this drive, 04 unauthorized shops, 12 temporary tarpaulin sheds, 06 unauthorized platforms (cut*) and 15 hawkers obstructing the footpath along Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road in Dadar (East) were removed.
Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone-3) Vishwas Mote and led by Assistant Commissioner (H-East), Mrudula Ende, ‘H-East’ ward today conducted an encroachment removal drive in Santa Cruz (East) area. The drive included demolition of six unauthorized shops located along roads 6, 7 and 11 in TPS-3 area as well as five unauthorized shops located on the footpath along Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Marg. The operation also included a food van. The drive has cleared about 500 meters of sidewalk space, making it easier for pedestrians to walk. Meanwhile, the municipal corporation is taking various steps to ensure clean and accessible sidewalks for pedestrians. As a result, the administration has warned against unauthorized construction or placing any material on the sidewalks that obstruct them. Strict action will be taken if such violations are observed.