Mumbai second to Delhi in crimes against women
Gone are the days when Mumbai was considered the safest place for women, suggest the latest National Crime Records Bureau figures. Mumbai ranked next to Delhi, which continues to be the most unsafe/dangerous city for women, with 14158 crimes, Mumbai was second with 6176 crimes in 2022.
Figures indicate that crimes against women, as well as overall crimes registered under the Indian Penal Code have gone up since 2020.
Apart from cases of molestation, Mumbai also recorded serious offences such as sexual assault, murders and other violent crimes. The cases of sexual harassment, outraging modesty of a woman, also saw a rise. While this could indicate higher reporting of cases, it also points to a grim situation, where women are at risk, while they work, travel or walk around the city.
Source: Hindustan Times
Lakhs at Chatyabhoomi on December 6
Lakhs of followers of Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution gathered at Chaityabhoomi, Shivaji Park, Dadar to pay respects on his 67th death anniversary. The day, observed as Mahaparinirvan Din, has a deep significance for Ambedkarites. Apart from offering tributes, the seaside memorial, where Dr. Ambedkar was cremated in 1956, witnessed numerous stalls selling literature, blood donation camp and clinics and other social welfare events.
Irregular water supply after 50-hour-repair work
Erratic water supply after pipeline damage
Water supply remained erratic in areas of Andheri, Ghatkopar and Powai even after BMC completed repairs to the damaged pipeline in a non-stop-50-hour schedule.
During the drilling of the Metro 6 work, a 1800 mm water main that provides water to several areas of Mumbai was damaged. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC ) undertook repairs but it was not easy as it was almost six feet deep.
The BMC had made logistical arrangements such as tents for resting, washrooms. The state government had declared a holiday as well. Extra trains and buses plied to enable followers to reach Chaityabhoomi from all over Maharashtra. Several dignitaries including chief minister Eknath Shinde came and offered their respects for Dr. Ambedkar.
Source: The Indian Express
Water tankers were deployed to these areas. Residents complained that they had to rely on private tankers because of acute shortage of water supply.
The contractor was fined Rs 1.3 crore which covered costs for water wastage, repairs and penalty for water wastage.
Source: Mid-day, Hindustan Times
Read more: Is Mumbai really safe for its women? Data suggests otherwise
Kidnapping rumours in Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai residents were in for a day of panic when their phones were flooded with rumours and reports of children being kidnapped. In fact, eight children were indeed reported missing between December 3 and 4, though in separate incidents. The police traced all of them and explained that the children had left on their own. While some were found at relatives’ places, one had eloped to be with a partner.
The police explained that cases of kidnapping are registered as a procedure when children are reported missing. Once the child is traced and handed over to parents or guardians, a C summary is filed to close the case. In this particular case, the reports of these cases travelled on social media, especially WhatsApp, creating panic among parents.
Source: The Times of India
Govt directs to pay teachers through BJP MLC’s bank
The state government’s recent direction to pay salaries to the staff of government and government-aided schools through the Mumbai District Cooperative Bank has met with opposition from the teachers’ unions. Schools are required to open accounts for their staff at the bank, which is headed by BJP MLC Praveen Darekar. Almost 21,000 employees are presently paid salaries through the Union Bank of India.
Hindustan Times quoted J M Abhyankar, president of the Maharashtra State Shikshak Sena as saying, “In 2018, after the teachers’ agitation, the government was forced to retract its decision of keeping salary accounts with Mumbai Bank, and had to shift these to Union Bank. The government’s fresh decision to go back to Mumbai Bank is in contempt of the Supreme Court order.”
The organisation had challenged the decision and won in the Supreme Court, after teachers’ protests about not receiving salaries on time from Mumbai Bank, as it is known. Media had also questioned Praveen Darekar’s inclusion in the board of the said bank. He has claimed that the bank was chosen on its financial capacity and they are willing to clear doubts of teachers, if any.
Source: Hindustan Times