Special Cell to Trace Missing Women in the State – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

10% increase in the number of women traced over the past year

Mumbai, March 2026 : The State Government has set up a Special Cell to trace missing women. Women officers at the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADG) have been appointed to this cell. They oversee the planning and implementation of search operations. Due to the work carried out by this Special Cell, the number of women traced over the past year has increased by 10 per cent, informed Devendra Fadnavis during the Question Hour in the Legislative Council.

Member Niranjan Davkhare raised the main question, while member Bhai Jagtap asked a supplementary question.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that through the Special Cell, regular review meetings are held under the leadership of women officers, and statewide search campaigns for missing women are being undertaken. In the first year, around 55 to 60 per cent of missing women are traced, while over a period of two-and-a-half to three years, this figure reaches up to 90 per cent. The State Government’s target is to reach 95–96 per cent, and efforts will not stop until that goal is achieved. He added that the government is focusing on launching new operations every year to further improve the tracing of missing women.

Providing further details, Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar said that between July 2015 and December 2024, a total of 13 phases of Operation Muskan were conducted across the state to trace missing boys and girls, during which 41,193 children were traced. From January 20 to February 20, Operation Muskan 14 is currently underway, and as of February 16, 2026, a total of 1,401 children—454 boys and 947 girls—have been traced. A special drive titled Operation Shodh is also being implemented to trace missing women and children. For the safety of women and children, Nirbhaya Squads have been established across the state. Measures such as increased police patrolling and initiatives like Police Kaka and Police Didi are being implemented to prevent crimes against women and girls. Women’s help desks have also been set up at all police stations across the state, he added.

Comprehensive Reforms to Strengthen Elevator Inspection Mechanism in the State – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, March 4: At present, around 2.10 lakh elevators are operational in the state, and approval has recently been granted for 25,000 new elevators. Currently, a limited number of personnel are responsible for inspecting all elevators, making it practically impossible to inspect such a large number with existing manpower. Therefore, the government has decided to create 519 new posts. However, considering the growing number of elevators, even these posts may prove insufficient in the future, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Legislative Council.

Responding to questions raised by Legislative Council members Adv. Niranjan Davkhare and Sachin Ahir regarding regular maintenance and repairs of elevators in housing societies, the Chief Minister outlined plans to strengthen the elevator inspection mechanism along with comprehensive reforms.

Accredited Third-Party System to Be Introduced

On the lines of the accredited third-party audit system established in Mumbai for fire safety, the government intends to set up an official, accredited third-party mechanism for elevator inspections as well. Through this system, technical inspections will be carried out, and it will be mandatory to display a valid inspection certificate inside each elevator. Clear details regarding when the elevator was last inspected and the validity period of the inspection will also have to be displayed, the Chief Minister said.

Amendments to Law; New Powers

An amendment bill related to this issue will be presented in the current session, and under the new law, expanded powers will be granted to the concerned officers. Given the increasing number of elevators, further amendments may be required in the future, the Chief Minister added.

Formation of a High-Power Committee

A high-level committee will be constituted to determine elevator maintenance norms, inspection frequency, technical standards, and the responsibilities of elevator manufacturing companies. The committee will include the Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai, commissioners of other municipal corporations, and officials from the electrical department. With clearly defined terms of reference, the committee will prepare a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for elevators within the next six months, the Chief Minister said.

Strict Action Against Illegal Moneylenders – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, March 4: There are two types of moneylenders operating in the state—licensed private moneylenders and illegal moneylenders. All loans given by illegal moneylenders are unlawful, and citizens should come forward courageously to lodge complaints in such cases, as the government will stand firmly with them, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said while replying to questions during the Question Hour in the Legislative Council.

Responding to questions raised by members Milind Narvekar, Bhai Jagtap, and Shashikant Shinde regarding private moneylenders and microfinance institutions, the Chief Minister said that even licensed moneylenders would face action if they recover amounts in violation of rules, charge interest higher than the prescribed rates, or violate norms such as usurious practices. Full relief will be provided to the affected persons, and if required, the moneylending license will be cancelled and criminal action will be initiated. He added that this decision will be given wide publicity.

Action Against Illegal Activities in Pusegaon Area of Satara District – Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar

Mumbai, March 4: Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar informed the Legislative Council during the Question Hour that continuous raids and action are being carried out against illegal activities such as liquor sales, gambling, matka, and online gambling games within the jurisdiction of Pusegaon Police Station in Satara district.

Member Shashikant Shinde raised the question in this regard.

Minister Bhoyar said that a thorough investigation was conducted by the Local Crime Branch, and the report indicates that no instances of illegal collections through waiters were found. He further stated that if the concerned member has any additional information available on a pen drive, it should be submitted to the administration. Appropriate investigation and action will certainly be taken if any wrongdoing is established.