IPS Sanjay Verma has been appointed as the new Maharashtra Director General of Police by the Election Commission of India. The poll body, a fortnight before the Maharashtra Elections 2024, had ordered previous DGP Rashmi Shukla's transfer after receiving a complaint from state Congress chief Nana Patole. Following her removal, ECI had sought from the state government names of three senior-most IPS of Maharashtra cadre of which Verma was one. The other two senior officers were Sanjeev Kumar Singhal and his batchmate Ritesh Kumar. IPS Sanjay Verma is a 1990-batch officer and is currently serving as DG of law and Technical. He is set to retire in April 2028 and was topping the list of consideration for the Maharashtra DGP post. This is breaking news, further details awaited
05 November,2024 01:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanA 45-year-old garbage collector identified as Raju was allegedly beaten to death by an elderly man in Vasai on Friday (November 1), who later died of a heart attack two days after the incident on Sunday. The accused, identified as Prakash Merwa, 75, also a garbage collector, attempted to dispose of the evidence by setting the victim’s body on fire near a foot overbridge and fled the scene. The police said that they received a call about the fire, and only after reaching the spot, they discovered the body of the victim. The discovery of the partly burned body initially led the Vasai Government Railway Police (GRP) to register an Accidental Death Report (ADR). Upon examining the scene and noticing suspicious blood clots, an autopsy was conducted, which revealed head injury as the cause of death, following which a case was registered and a thorough investigation was launched. The police said that they examined CCTV footage and spoke to residents where the alleged incident took place. Assistant Commissioner of Police Kishore Shinde (GRP) said that further probe into the matter revealed that Raju, at the time of the incident, was accompanied by other scrap collectors identified as Ankit Teniram, 25, and Babban Channa Roy, 35. The police said that the duo were detained for investigation and revealed Merwa and Raju had a scuffle, and Raju, who was in an inebriated condition, picked up a bamboo stick to struck Merwa, but the latter snatched the stick and beat Raju to death with it before fleeing the scene. After the police began searching for the accused following the confession from the duo, it was discovered that he had died due to a cardiac arrest on Friday under the jurisdiction of Waliv Police Station, said senior inspector Angha Satavse from Vasai government railway police (GRP). Nov 1Day of the incident
05 November,2024 12:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe new alignment of the Bellasis Bridge at Mumbai Central has drawn the ire of the local fishing community. The widened bridge will encroach on a 50-year-old fish market where 36 fisherwomen earn their livelihood, putting their income at risk. The fisherwomen feel that their concerns are being ignored and say they are being treated as “step sisters” (savatra bahins) instead of “sisters” (ladki bahins) by the government. They have warned that they may boycott the upcoming elections in protest. “Where will we go? This has been our only source of income. We are illiterate and do not understand the processes much. If our market is gone, we will all lose our livelihood. We are very angry and will boycott the upcoming election process if we are not rehabilitated,” fisherwoman Ranjana Worlikar said. Many of these fish sellers stand to lose their livelihood Another fisherwoman Kirti Babul said it was not just a question of their livelihood, but their life. “How will we live? We will suddenly have no source of income. Our children are yet to grow and the government is making us jobless by doing this. We are not against the reconstruction of the bridge, but the way we are being treated. We have been there for a lifetime and suddenly one day they come and tell us we are not eligible,” she said. “Out of a total of 36 Koli women fish sellers who have been in the business for five decades, only five women have had their licences renewed while the remaining 31 have been left with an uncertain future. The authorities have neglected these fisherfolk for the planned construction of the century-old Bellais Bridge while other shopkeepers adjacent to the bridge will be rehabilitated,” Devendra Tandel, president of Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti, said. “All shopkeepers working near Bellasis Bridge have the right to earn their livelihood under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The negligence by officials against the Koli women is a violation of the constitution,” he added. As mentioned in Clause 7.9 of Development Control and Promotion Regulation (DPCR-2034), the shopkeepers and tenants who are operating on land required by railway or government are expected to be rehabilitated suitably before making way for public and semi-public projects. “All other shopkeepers nearby have been issued notices by the BMC. But since the BMC has not issued notices or given anything in writing to the Koli fish-selling women, the future of the Koli women is in darkness,” said Mumbai city president of the fishermen committee, Prafulla Bhoir. While Western Railway officials said the process and authority of rehabilitation of project-affected people is with the BMC, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Shard Ughade, the official did not respond to the calls and messages despite repeated attempts till the time of going to the press. 05No. of fisherwomen that have been granted a licence
05 November,2024 12:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe clowns are in town and mid-day’s Kirti Surve Parade papped them at The International Clown Festival. With the range of talent— juggling, acrobatics, unicycling, comedy, music and dance—on display at the event, Parade captured scenes of the artistes in action, the backstage bustle as well as the spellbound audience. The artistes have travelled from as far as Italy, Spain, France and Portugal for the festival that will be held on November 8 and 9 at the St Andrew’s Auditorium in Bandra and on November 10 at the CIDCO Auditorium in Navi Mumbai
05 November,2024 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Shinde Sena candidate Sada Sarvankar stayed in the fight against MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s son Amit for the Mahim Assembly constituency, but not before drama unfolded in Dadar on Monday afternoon as the deadline for nomination withdrawal came to a close. Raj refused to meet Sarvankar, asking him to “do what he wanted”, because the veteran had given enough hints that he was determined to make it a three-way contest with Sena (UBT) nominee Mahesh Sawant also in the fray. Earlier in the day, Sarvankar said he had no specific instructions from his party boss, CM Eknath Shinde, to withdraw. He had also put a condition that, if he were to withdraw, then the MNS could also pull out its candidates against Mahayuti from other constituencies in Mumbai. Amit Thackeray plays football with youngsters at Prabhdevi beach while on his campaign trail on Monday. Pic/Ashish Raje ‘Why only me?’ “Shinde asked me to discuss with my local supporters before taking any decision and also asked me to meet Raj Thackeray. I was ready to take Raj Thackeray’s orders. But he refused to meet me,” said Sarvankar, after his son and associates returned from Raj’s Shivaji Park residence with a message that he didn’t want to discuss elections with him and that he may contest or withdraw. Sarvankar said he had no option left but to fight as the Mahayuti candidate. “Some BJP leaders may have extended their support to Raj Thackeray’s son because of their friendship, but I’m sure the Mahayuti workers will campaign for me and win the elections.” Sada Sarvankar All-Marathi again Sarvankar has won Mahim since 2014. He beat MNS heavyweight candidates, including a sitting MLA, twice, after he was beaten in 2009 by MNS. It was the undivided Shiv Sena that powered him between 2014 and 2019. Now, the Sena is split. MNS is already there nurturing the constituency. Raj fielded his son expecting cooperation from his friends in Shinde Sena and BJP. He also expected a return favour from his estranged cousin whose son Aaditya was given a pass by MNS in Worli in 2019. But as it turned out, not only Shinde Sena but also Uddhav Sena gave their official candidates in Mahim, making it a contest between three Marathi candidates having their affiliation with undivided Sena’s offsprings. This year, MNS has put a candidate Sandeep Deshpande in Worli against Aaditya, making it tougher for the ex-minister, whose other opponent is Milind Deora (Shinde Sena). BJP a deciding factor In Mahim, MNS has maintained a share of 40-42,000 votes in the last two elections. Sarvankar, as a Congress candidate, had polled less than his 2014 and 2019 share in 2009 but finished a second runner-up ahead of Shiv Sena’s Aadesh Bandekar. That was a triangular fight between three Marathi candidates. However, Sarvankar increased his share in 2014 and took it up further in 2019, bagging almost 50 per cent votes, thanks to the BJP’s contribution. BJP had polled over 33,000 votes here in 2014 when it had fought independent of undivided Sena. Observers said Sarvankar’s fate will depend largely on the BJP, whose senior BJP leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Ashish Shelar have openly supported Raj Thackeray’s son. 36No. of Assembly seats in Mumbai
05 November,2024 12:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreThe air quality of Mumbai and its surrounding areas, following Diwali celebrations, remained in the 'moderate' category as haze continued to obscure the city's skyline on November 5. Meanwhile, the latest Mumbai weather updates from the India Meteorological Department indicated a temperature rise. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 35.5 degrees Celcius which was nearly a degree above normal temperature. Colaba observatory, the Met department data showed, recorded a temperature of 34.6 degrees. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates by the IMD, the maximum temperature will likely be around 36 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature will likely be around 23 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity is 38 per cent. The sun rose at 06:41 AM and will set at 06:03 PM. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather updates have forecasted a "mainly clear sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'moderate' category On November 4, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 135 at 9:05 AM. Many areas across Mumbai—per the SAMEER app dashboard—showed 'moderate' AQI. However, Bandra Kurla Complex and Sewri's AQI slipped further into the 'poor' category, at 208 and 216. Kandivali, Meanwhile, Borivali and Bhandup recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 83 and 91 respectively. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 150, while Thane registered a 'moderate' AQI of 148. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'. Meanwhile, as air pollution levels continue to rise in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revised guidelines issued last year for construction sites. The civic body will also form squads at the ward level to visit construction sites and act if guidelines are flouted. Sensor-based air pollution monitoring systems will be installed at all construction project work sites and immediate action to be taken if pollution levels are detected above the limit.
05 November,2024 11:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil will not field candidates from the community in the Assembly elections. Hours after selecting 25 constituencies on Sunday night, Jarange changed his decision the next morning, saying that his coalition constituents Muslims and Dalits had not given him the list of their respective candidates to be fielded in Marathwada. However, he has appealed to the community to be discreet in voting and not support any candidate openly but cause the defeat of those opposed to Maratha reservation within the OBC quota. Following Jarange’s appeal to field at least one candidate in each of the eight districts of Marathwada, many of his Maratha associates had filed the nominations. He appealed to them to withdraw their forms on Monday before 3 pm. Marathwada has 46 Assembly seats of which 25 were chosen by Jarange. Justifying the 'U' turn, Jarange said, “We discussed the matter till 3 am. We were to field Maratha, Muslim and Dalit candidates because a single community cannot win the elections.” “We are novices in politics. We’ve been there only for a year or so. The community’s pride will be at stake if our candidate gets defeated. So, we have decided not to contest the elections. We have decided to defeat the candidates [who are opposed to the Maratha quota]," he said in Antarwali Sarati village, the headquarters of the quota agitation. ‘More than meets the eye’ However, a local political observer said that Jarange’s selection of constituencies was surprising because in some places the splitting of votes would have affected the Maha Vikas Aghadi, not Mahayuti. “In some places, the candidates who are relatives of those who were defeated in the Lok Sabha would have benefitted from Jarange’s candidates. In some places, the prospects of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) would have been hit badly. Also, segments where some non-BJP ruling party members are contesting were excluded by Jarange,” said a senior journalist from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, adding that a large section of the Maratha community was not in favour of giving priority to politics over the quota agitation. What happened in general election In the Lok Sabha elections, the Mahayuti’s defeat in seven out of eight constituencies was attributed to the Maratha resentment among other factors. Jarange had travelled across the region, fanning anti-establishment sentiments ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. As it appeared through results, the BJP had emerged as his principal target. The Congress had won three Lok Sabha seats (Latur, Jalna and Nanded), while the Shiv Sena (UBT) also won three seats (Dharashiv, Parbhani and Hingoli). The NCP-SP led by Sharad Pawar won Beed segments, while Shinde Sena got the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar seat. The Assembly segments Jarange had chosen to contest, but pulled out later, are part of the Lok Sabha constituencies that the Mahayuti had lost. OBC leader links it to Pawar Other Backward Class (OBC) leader Laxman Hake, who had led an agitation to counter Jarange’s protest, accused the activist of taking orders from NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar. “Jarange acts as per Baramati’s [Pawar’s] script. He campaigned in the Lok Sabha for MVA and specific candidates because he was instructed by Baramati. Jarange backed out because the OBCs had consolidated. It is easy to gather people, but it is very difficult to contest polls for which an all-inclusive agenda is required,” Hake told a press conference. ‘It would have helped BJP’ Commenting on Jarange’s decision, Pawar told reporters that he had no connection whatsoever to the activist pulling out of the contest. “However, the BJP would have benefitted had Jarange fielded his candidates,” he said. 46No. of Assembly seats in Marathwada
05 November,2024 10:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreOn October 20, Mumbai’s Kranti Salvi, 56, crossed the finish line of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon in Canada. She did so wearing the traditional Japanese kimono and tabi socks, clocking a very creditable four hours, 37 minutes and 31 seconds, or 4:37:31 as they write in race lingo. Speedy Salvi from Malabar Hill in South Mumbai, a familiar face and flying feet on the city’s marathon circuit, set a Guinness World Record (GWR) by running 42 km in Japanese attire. Days later, she received her Guinness World Record certificate, officially ratifying her feat. Kranti Salvi spotted amongst runners during the marathon in Ontario, Canada; Vroom with a whew for Kranti Salvi The certificate states: “The fastest marathon in a kimono (female) is 4 hr 37 min and 31 sec and was achieved by Kranti Salvi (India) during the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on October 20, 2024.”. Below that it says: “Officially Amazing”. There was no previous record mentioned by the GWR. However, Salvi was given a limit of 5 hours considering the difficulties of running in a kimono. Weighed down Previously weary but now cheery Kranti, who is back in Mumbai said, “Running a marathon in a kimono combines the endurance required for long-distance running with the cultural significance and traditional attire of Japan. The kimono, with its intricate layers and flowing design, adds an extra level of difficulty, as it is not designed for athletic performance. It has eight layers and weighs approximately 5 kg. I had to adapt movements to manage the long sleeves and hem, maintaining a steady pace for 42.2km. I was also wearing Tabi socks, which separate the big toe from the other toes, and are often paired with traditional Japanese footwear. These differ significantly from standard running shoes which give added cushioning, support and energy return.” Prep pep While Salvi is a seasoned distance runner, with so many marathons and ultra-races done and dusted, this one running in a kimono took special practice. She said, “The practice with a full Kimono was done at Aalen, Germany during the first week of October this year. After arriving in Toronto earlier, I joined some Toronto running clubs to get a feel of the streets wearing the Tabi socks as footwear.” Salvi added, “With four weeks to go for race day, I registered for Toronto while trekking across Europe. Then with three weeks to go, I did a 20-mile training run as a spectator at the Berlin Marathon. With a fortnight to go, I did a final dress rehearsal in Aalen (Germany) experiencing the kimono’s full weight and grace while I ran. Then it was October 20, and here I was crushing the kilometres dressed in a kimono,” she said with a laugh. “This prep and the race itself has been a unique journey, I felt a connection to culture and tradition, had challenges of course but had the resilience to finish.” Record runner Salvi was to run the Tokyo Marathon 2025 in a kimono but an unexpected twist from the Tokyo Marathon Foundation (TMF) led her to attempt a Guinness World Record (GWR) attempt at the TCS Toronto Waterfront marathon instead. The Mumbai runner said, “This was my 20th international marathon. I’ve done the Comrades Race, a few ultramarathons, countless half marathons, and 10ks.” With the kimono run and done, Salvi adds to her two previous Guinness World Records which are: 1) Fastest full marathon in Sari and 2) Fastest full marathon in traditional Welsh dress. 5 kgWeight of the Kimono
05 November,2024 10:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharThe end of the process to withdraw nominations for Maharashtra assembly polls on Monday left the Congress in despair in Kolhapur North seat after its candidate Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati withdrew. In Kolhapur, a visually upset Satej Patil expressed dismay at Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati pulling out of the race, which left the Congress without representation in one of its western Maharashtra strongholds. Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati. Pic/X @Inayasaba The setback comes after the Congress changed its earlier candidate in the seat, ex-corporator Rajesh Latkar, and nominated her after a party office was vandalised by those opposed to the former. Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati is the daughter-in-law of Kolhapur Lok Sabha MP and royal family member Shahu Chhatrapati. Sources said she may have pulled out of the race due to the negative publicity over the snub to Latkar. They added the Congress is likely to support Latkar, who is contesting as an independent. Shiv Sena candidates Rajashri Aherrao from Deolali and Dhanraj Mahale from Dindori (District Nashik), who hit the headlines after their AB forms (essential poll documents from the party) were ferried on special aircraft, also withdrew their nominations. Ex-corporator Rajesh Latkar, whose nomination Congress had to withdraw after those opposed to his candidature vandalised the party office. Pic/X@SarkarnamaNews The two were fielded by the Shinde-led Sena despite the seats being officially allotted to ally Ajit Pawar-led NCP as part of the Mahayuti’s seat sharing agreement.Voting will take place in 288 seats of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in a single phase on November 20. In Latur, 87 withdrawals As many as 87 candidates withdrew their nomination in six assembly constituencies in Maharastra’s Latur district on Monday, leaving 106 candidates in the state poll fray, an official said. In Nilanga, former chief minister Dr Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar’s son and Congress’ state secretary Ashok Patil Nilangekar, who had decided to contest as independent, withdrew his nomination, while BJP rebel Vishwajeet Gaikwad exited the contest in Udgir in relief to Mahayuti candidate NCP’s Sanjay Bansode. Eleven out of the 34 candidates have stepped back in Latur city, 19 in Latur Rural, 22 in Ahmedpur, nine each in Udgir (reserved) and Nilanga, and 17 in Ausa, the official said. In Ausa, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Santosh Somwanshi, who joined the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and filed his nomination, withdrew from the fray. Monday was the last day to withdraw nomination for the November 20 elections. Votes will be counted on November 23. District collector and election officer Varsha Thakur-Ghuge said there are 2,143 polling stations in all six constituencies, including 40 new ones. The district has registered 76,000 new voters. Of the 20,45,591 voters, 10,65,915 are male, and 9,76,767 are female, she said. Pune sees 179 withdrawals A total of 303 candidates are in the fray in 21 assembly seats in Pune district after 179 candidates withdrew nominations on the last of the process on Monday, an official said. Maharashtra assembly polls will be held on November 20, while results will be declared on November 23. “A total of 482 candidates had submitted nomination forms. Of these, 179 withdrew, leaving 303 in the fray,” a district poll official said. 288Total No. of assembly seats in state This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 November,2024 10:31 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesAfter mid-day’s campaign highlighting the dangers posed by unmarked and broken speed breakers, several readers pointed out specific locations across the city where the traffic calming devices need to be painted for better visibility. Concerned about the safety of motorists and two-wheeler riders, they implored the authorities to paint the speed bumps and install reflectors. Visits to three spots across the city revealed how the lives of Mumbaikars are imperilled by barely visible speed breakers, whose presence forces motorists and two-wheeler riders to hit the brakes, paving the way for potentially gruesome mishaps. An unpainted road hump on Padma Bhushan Dev Anand Road at Pali Hill in Bandra West. Pic/Ashish Raje Pali Hill, Bandra West The roads in this upscale area, which is home to several celebrities, including figures from the film industry, lacked clearly distinguishable speed bumps. An unpainted road hump on Padma Bhushan Dev Anand Road at Pali Hill in Bandra West. Pics/Ashish Raje When mid-day visited the area on Monday, a speed breaker whose markings had faded was spotted on Padma Bhushan Dev Anand Road. On the arterial Nargis Dutt Road, speed breakers near ICICI Bank, the Delphi building, Sunita B Nanda Chowk, Palace Sea View and Nakshatra 65 bungalow could barely be made out. The aforementioned speed breakers were either on steep inclines, making proper markings and reflectors all the more important so that motorists and two-wheeler riders don’t have to apply emergency brakes. An unadorned speed bump near ICICI Bank on Nargis Dutt Rd in Bandra Author and podcast host Anupam Gupta, highlighting the issue on X, stated: “Pali Hill has these poorly marked speed breakers that could do with a fresh coat of paint and better warning signs.” Ketan Panchal, a motorist who frequently visits Pali Hill said, “The authorities should at least understand that Pali Hill has a steep ascent and descent, so speed breakers should be properly painted. The low visibility of speed breakers increases chances of accidents.” Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar East A speed bump opposite Acharya Atre Maidan at Pant Nagar in Ghatkopar East. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi There are around five speed breakers on the 400-metre stretch of Pant Nagar Colony Road between Pant Nagar police station and Technical High School at Ghatkopar East. There are two speed breakers opposite the police station. Near Acharya Atre Maidan, there is one speed breaker while there is another opposite the ground and Technical High School. These of these road calming devices are unmarked. “This is one of the busy roads of Pant Nagar. But these speed breakers are not marked, which is puzzling for motorists,” said a resident. A barely marked speed breaker near Technical High School Sachin Manjrekar, a local social activist, said, “These speed breakers have been unmarked for a long time. Is there really a need for five speed breakers on a 400-metre stretch? The speed breakers are tall, which causes difficulties for the bikers. The BMC can use rumblers here. Why do they need outdated speed breakers?” A barely marked speed breaker near Technical High School Vanrai, Goregaon Motorists and two-wheeler riders travelling via service road along the southbound stretch of the Western Express Highway (WEH) between Vanrai police station and the Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road junction are met with speed breakers that lack proper marking every few metres. An unmarked speed breaker near westbound arm of the Mrinal Tai Gore flyover on the WEH on Monday. Pics/Satej Shinde One such road hump is just a few hundred meters away from the Vanrai police station. Motorist Rupesh Patkar said, “Two-wheeler riders and motorists are compelled to apply emergency brakes on the stretch, which could lead to accidents. It’s high time the authorities paint the speed breakers or install reflectors on them.” A road hump on the service road near the Nesco Colony Motorists and bikers have to contend with an unmarked speed breaker just a few metres near the stretch of the Mrinaltai Gore flyover arm, which goes from east to west. Readers speak ‘Unmarked speed breakers are dangerous’“At Yari Road, near bus depot in Andheri there are unmarked speed bumps,” said Iqbal Gilani Mansuri, who provided three photos of speed bumps. “Authoriites should paint them,” he added. Bumps on V N Purav Marg ‘Road humps are poorly maintained’Vinod H Shah, a Chunabhatti resident, said, “Speed bumps are poorly maintained, ill-designed and put up without caution boards. Speed bumps are not only bad for passing vehicles but for safety of the general public.” Speed bump near Oberoi Mall ‘Purpose is defeated’James Marcel said, “The speed breaker a little before Oberoi Mall is half broken, leaving enough space for motorcycle riders to navigate the bump without slowing down. Completely defeating the purpose.”
05 November,2024 10:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavRERA should deposit penalties/fees to the state exchequer, and the budget for RERA’s functioning should be decided by the state Assembly. The position of RERA chairman is not equivalent to that of a high court judge, it is a misconception. Additionally, the CAG should mandatorily audit RERA's collection of penalties and fees, as well as its usage. The state government can take appropriate action for misuse of funds, if any," says Sunil Kumar Singh, former IAS officer (1983 batch, Bihar cadre) and Member (Administrative/Technical), RERA Appellate Tribunal, Bihar. Singh was reacting to Maharashtra’s proposed housing policy, which states that MahaRERA funds collected through fees and penalties must be deposited in the state exchequer. Notably, the MahaRERA Bar Association has a different perspective on this issue. What the proposed housing policy states The draft housing policy covers several key issues under the RERA sub-head, including a) adequate staffing, b) deputation of staff, c) a bench in each district for complaint redressal, and d) a consolidated state fund. According to the policy, fees and penalties collected by MahaRERA should be credited to this fund, from which the budget for RERA’s operations can be allocated as needed. Regarding deputation, the policy notes that the most important posts in MahaRERA are currently filled on a contractual basis. To ensure effective functioning, it recommends deputing senior positions from other government departments and establishing district-level benches for timely complaint resolution. Previous rulings “RERA is a parliamentary Act, and all states (except Union Territories) are required to directly deposit collected penalties and fees into the state exchequer, as per Section 76 of the RERA Act, though some states are not following this. Karnataka is one of the few states diligently practising this, with the state Assembly approving funds for Karnataka RERA operations,” said Singh to mid-day. Singh further explained that until 2022, Bihar RERA did not follow this practice. However, the RERA Appellate Tribunal, Bihar, in a suo motu case, ordered Bihar RERA to credit penalties to the state account. The new Bihar RERA chairman complied with this order without challenging it in the high court. Mandatory CAG audit "It is mandated by statute that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audits all state RERA expenditures, but this is not practised in many states. Often, the state RERA chairman (typically a retired bureaucrat) uses discretionary power over these funds without state oversight. State RERA is also required to submit annual reports to both houses of the state legislature (Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad), but many states fail to comply," said Singh. Recruitment On the recruitment of office bearers, Singh clarified, "State RERA authorities lack the power to make direct appointments. Section 28 of RERA specifies that the appropriate government, in consultation with the authority, may appoint necessary officers and employees to ensure effective operation under the Act." Conciliation Singh emphasised that conciliation is an effective form of justice if both parties agree, with resolutions ideally delivered within 60 days, including a RERA judgment if conciliation fails. Eight years of RERA: Evaluating effectiveness “It’s unfortunate that RERA, intended to bring regulation, transparency, financial discipline, citizen-centred governance, accountability, and swift redressal to the real estate sector, has been taken less seriously by some state RERAs. After eight years, it’s high time for the Central government to assess RERA’s effectiveness on the ground,” Singh concluded. Differing viewpoint Advocate Anil D'Souza, Secretary of the MahaRERA Bar Association, disagrees with the draft policy recommendations. “The state’s draft housing policy on RERA is misguided. The government should support MahaRERA by appointing more benches and legal teams instead of transferring its funds to the state exchequer, which will only undermine it," he said. “Serve the tax-paying public first. We oppose transferring MahaRERA funds to the state exchequer. Taxpayers have already paid stamp duties, litigants have paid court fees, and builders and brokers have paid registration fees. The present funds (since inception in 2017) with MahaRERA is approximately R200 crore. Why should this become the state exchequer’s revenue? ” asked D'Souza. A better approach D'Souza suggested appointing retired Supreme Court and high court judges to head important positions within MahaRERA instead of retired members from government machinery, as they bring integrity, experience, and commitment. "This would strengthen MahaRERA and make it a robust institution," he added.
05 November,2024 10:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonADVERTISEMENT
