Strict Action Against Illegal Constructions in CRZ and NDZ Using Fake Maps – Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule

Legislative Council Q&A

Mumbai : Strict action will be taken against unauthorized constructions in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and Natural Defense Zone (NDZ) in areas like Goregaon, Borivali, Malad, Andheri, Bandra, Vile Parle, Chembur, and Kurla, which were built using fake maps. Additionally, two officials have been suspended for their involvement in the creation of these fraudulent maps, informed Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule in the Legislative Council.

Responding to a question raised by member Vikrant Patil, Minister Bawankule stated that Deputy Commissioner offices of Municipal Corporation’s Circles 7, 5, 4, and 3 were involved in preparing fake maps. He emphasized that this is a serious issue, and strict action is being taken. As part of this, Shambhuraj Babhale and Meena Pandhare from the Deputy Superintendent of Land Records Office have been suspended, and all officials and staff involved in the case are facing disciplinary action.

The High Court has appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. A total of 102 fake maps were used to facilitate 320 unauthorized constructions, of which 20 to 22 property owners have obtained stay orders from the civil court. However, the demolition of the remaining illegal structures will proceed without any hindrance. The Chief Minister will be consulted to ensure immediate action, and strict demolition orders have been issued to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

High-Level Committee to Improve Training Programs of SARTHI, BARTI, MahaJyoti, and TRTI – Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat

Mumbai : A high-level committee will be formed to enhance the efficiency of training programs for competitive exams conducted by SARTHI, BARTI, MahaJyoti, TRTI, and the Tribal Development Department, announced Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat in the Legislative Council.

Responding to a question from Adv. Niranjan Davkhare about the possibility of conducting online training, Minister Shirsat clarified that there was no corruption in these training programs. The new committee, led by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department, will monitor the effectiveness of these institutions and ensure proper training for students.

Currently, 176 institutions have been selected based on quality standards, and students have the freedom to choose any institute. Since some training programs extend from 3 to 5 years and, in some cases, up to 7 or 8 years, the government is evaluating the issue. The new committee will also incorporate suggestions from legislators, and the formation of another committee with their participation is being considered.

Faster Resolution of Caste Validity Cases – Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat

Mumbai : The government is taking significant steps to speed up the caste validity verification process. If a father’s caste certificate is valid, the child will also be granted a validity certificate. Additionally, efforts are being made to expedite recruitment for vacant positions, informed Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat in the Legislative Council.

Responding to a question by member Pragya Satav, Minister Shirsat stated that 36 caste verification committees are currently functioning in the state, with 30 chaired by Additional District Collectors appointed by the Revenue Department, and the remaining six led by officials from the Social Welfare Department. Previously, some positions were vacant, resulting in additional responsibilities for certain officers. Now, 29 Additional District Collectors have been appointed, and 16 have already taken charge, with the rest joining soon.

The government is making special efforts to clear pending cases, and with the new appointments, the backlog will be resolved faster. Previously, a single officer handled multiple cases, causing delays, but now with 29 officers appointed, the process will become more efficient.

Minister Shirsat emphasized that home inquiries will be conducted only when necessary, and they will not be mandatory for every case. Currently, 40% of positions in caste verification committees are vacant, but they will be filled soon.

The government is also considering policy decisions on promotions, and the process of granting validity certificates to children based on their father’s valid certificate will be accelerated. Efforts are being made to increase transparency and efficiency in the caste verification process, with further improvements planned for the future.

During the discussion, Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve, along with members Anil Parab, Abhijit Wanjar, Bhai Jagtap, and Sadabhau Khot, also participated.