State - July 19, 2025

Using Technology to Strengthen Law & Order, Connecting Mumbai to the World – Dy CM Eknath Shinde’s Reply in Legislative Council

team maverick July 19, 2025

0 8 min read

Mumbai : Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, responding to the Concluding Week Motion in the Legislative Council today, stated that technology is being effectively utilized to maintain law and order across Maharashtra, resulting in a significant increase in conviction rates. Highlighting several pro-Marathi initiatives, he declared, “Mumbai is being connected to the world, and our breath is Marathi.”

Decisions for the Marathi Community

Shinde highlighted the decisions made by the Mahayuti government over the last 2.5 to 3 years for the promotion of Marathi. He explained that while the M. Mashelkar Committee, appointed under the previous government for implementing the National Education Policy 2020, had recommended mandatory English from early grades, the current government did not enforce Hindi or print Hindi textbooks despite recommendations under the three-language formula.

He emphasized the following key developments:

Establishment of a Marathi University at Riddhpur to fulfil Balasaheb Thackeray’s dream.
Saint University for the Warkari community.
Construction of a grand Marathi Language Bhavan in Charni Road and a Marathi Language Sub-centre in Airoli, Navi Mumbai.
Approval of a comprehensive Marathi Language Policy.
Recognition of Marathi as a classical language by the Union Government under PM Narendra Modi.
Annual hosting of World Marathi Conferences to promote the language globally.
Decision to establish a “Poetry Village” in every district.
Introduction of the state anthem in Marathi.
Initiatives to provide housing in and around Mumbai to Marathi people who were earlier displaced, encouraging their return to the city.

Shinde added, “To those who talk of separating Mumbai from Maharashtra, we say — we are connecting Mumbai with the world.”

Improved Law & Order

Deputy CM Shinde stated that the government has made significant strides in law and order:

In rape cases, resolution within 60 days increased from 15.3% (2018) to 94.1%.
Women’s Police Cells established at all Commissioner and SP levels.
Funds from Nirbhaya Scheme provided — ₹1 lakh per police station.
24×7 women’s helpline and 27 special courts to address crimes against women.
Orders issued to establish 138 fast-track POCSO courts (currently 20 active).
Child abuse helpline 1098 operational.
Under Operation Blackface, 196 persons were arrested for uploading child pornography.

Technology-Driven Policing

Emergency response time via Dial 112 has improved to 7.23 minutes.
Conviction rate as of May 2025 stands at 44.2%, similar to May 2024.
Cybercrime cases reduced by 878 compared to last year.
50 cyber police stations and 52 cyber labs operational.
Cyber Helpline 1930 available.
1,321 piracy websites shut down.
Regional police heads now empowered to hire private lawyers to strengthen prosecutions.

Crackdown on Drugs & Naxalism

Special campaigns launched against narcotics:
- 1,438 cases filed.
- Drugs worth ₹140 crore (approx. 5,000 kg) seized.
- 1,652 arrests made; 281 MD drugs cases filed till May 2025, with 468 arrests.
1,006 Bangladeshi infiltrators arrested, 365 individuals deported.
Naxalite operations successfully countered:
- Arrests: 22 (2023), 19 (2024), 13 (till May 2025).
- 28 Naxalites killed in past year, including 8 top leaders.
- In 2025 so far: 7 killed, 13 arrested, 22 surrendered.

Highway Accident Response & Coastal Security

Highway Mritunjay Doot Scheme launched to provide immediate medical aid during accidents, saving many lives.
180,000+ fishermen issued biometric cards.
Boat color coding implemented.
Drone surveillance on uninhabited islands.
In the first phase, police department is procuring 20 patrol boats, and 32 private fishing trawlers will be hired for marine security.

Modernization of Police Force

Maharashtra leads in implementing Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS).
State ranks top in NCRB’s progress rankings.
Citizen Portal launched — offering 22 police services online, with 3.39 lakh complaints registered by May 31.
New Criminal Laws Training underway:
- Apps like e-Sakshi, e-Summons, Nyayshruti, Medlepar being adopted.
- 12,305 CCTVs installed across 1,089 police stations.
- Private and govt CCTVs together exceed 1.25 lakh.
Police recruitment drive:
- 18,331 constables recruited in 2022.
- 17,471 posts filled in 2022–23.
- 13,560 posts under process.
- Approval for construction of 47,574 police quarters and 46 admin buildings.
- Housing to be provided through MHADA, CIDCO, PMRDA, MMRDA, and SRA projects.

Swachh Bharat and Urban Development

Shinde assured adequate funds for urban local body development.
Maharashtra recently won 10 national awards in the central government’s Swachh Bharat Survey.
AMRUT scheme funding used for water supply, drainage, lake revival, and green areas.
Funds being released as per project progress.

Transparent Tendering Process

No irregularities in tenders across municipalities like Jalna, Mira-Bhayandar, Navi Mumbai.
Shinde clarified that technical scrutiny is done by a designated committee, and contracts are awarded to the lowest eligible bidder after security deposit submission.

Mechanized Hospital Cleaning

On March 2, 2021, ₹54.54 crore sanctioned for mechanical cleaning in 385 healthcare institutions.
In 2022–23, ₹77.55 crore sanctioned for manual cleaning in 503 institutions, but approvals were cancelled due to delayed tender processes.
As per a September 18, 2023 GR, mechanical cleaning across 2,503 institutions sanctioned at a cost of ₹638 crore.

Deputy CM Shinde concluded by stating that the government has responded to all queries raised by members during the discussion, reaffirming its commitment to transparent governance, safety, and inclusive growth.