#chandrashekhar_bawankule

Amravati Fire Probe May Lead to Culpable Homicide Charge The government of Maharashtra has intensified its investigation into the August 24 fire at Amravati’s District Women’s Hospital, which resulted in the deaths of three newborns in the Special Newborn Care Unit. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who also serves as the guardian minister for Amravati, confirmed that the final probe report into the incident is expected by Wednesday. Bawankule emphasized that the government would not hesitate to pursue charges of culpable homicide if the investigation determines that negligence or malfeasance contributed to the tragedy. “The incident is serious and beyond what can be tolerated. We will take appropriate action, and if a case of culpable homicide needs to be registered, we will not step back,” he stated, following a personal inspection of the hospital. The fire broke out in the SNCU wing, which housed eight newborns. Three infants succumbed to smoke inhalation, while the remaining 36 were evacuated to private hospitals. Preliminary findings from Amravati civic officials suggest that the hospital’s fire audit had expired just before the incident, despite repeated warnings from authorities. Additionally, the electrical audit was overdue, with the civic fire chief indicating that a short circuit, rather than the initially suspected ventilator blast, is the more likely cause of the fire. Bawankule ordered a separate Public Works Department (PWD) probe into the audit lapse following the incident. He also addressed claims by Shiv Sena’s UBT faction that the hospital had been denied 9 crore rupees in funding for fire-safety measures. Bawankule clarified that 2.73 crore rupees had been allocated in 2024-25 and over 3 crore in 2025-26 for fire-safety improvements.#maharashtra_government #shiv_sena #chandrashekhar_bawankule #amravati_district_womens_hospital #chitra_wagh

Amravati Hospital Fire Sparks Calls for Culpable Homicide Charges and Compensation Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare demanded strict accountability over the deaths of three newborns in a fire at the District Women’s Hospital in Amravati, accusing authorities of systemic safety failures. Wadettiwar called for culpable homicide charges against those responsible within eight days, while also seeking Rs 25 lakh compensation for each bereaved family and Rs 5 lakh for contractual staff who assisted in rescuing the infants. He highlighted the hospital’s reliance on contractual workers due to vacant permanent posts, questioning the quality of ventilators supplied and demanding replacement of approximately 10,000 such machines across the state. Wadettiwar also pointed to expired fire and electrical safety audits as a critical oversight. Andhare accused the government of neglecting safety protocols, noting that the fire audit had not been conducted despite repeated reminders from the Civil Surgeon. She criticized PWD officials for their role in the incident and urged culpable homicide charges against those at fault. Targeting guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, she condemned his absence from the hospital and alleged that the state had prioritized the Rs 121 crore Hanuman Gadhi project over basic infrastructure, despite failing to allocate Rs 9.5 crore for essential hospital facilities. Andhare demanded that the inquiry committee include the District Civil Surgeon and PWD engineers, warning of potential protests if action was not taken within seven days. The incident has intensified scrutiny over hospital safety and administrative negligence.#vijay_wadettiwar #amravati #chandrashekhar_bawankule #sushma_andhare #hanuman_gadhi

Nagpur Municipal Corporation Faces Scrutiny Over Sharp Drop in Garbage Collection Nagpur’s municipal authorities are under increased scrutiny after data revealed a significant decline in garbage collection by two door-to-door waste management agencies, raising questions about whether the city is generating less waste or if irregularities in the collection process are at play. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) reported that the combined monthly collection by AG Enviro and BVG India has dropped by nearly 400 metric tonnes since April, with zone-wise daily collection also declining by 150-200 metric tonnes. The data has sparked concerns among elected representatives and officials, who have long alleged that soil, stones, and other inert materials are being mixed with waste to inflate its weight and, consequently, the payments to the agencies. AG Enviro, responsible for zones 1 to 5, saw its monthly collection fall from 24,459 metric tonnes in April to 21,764 metric tonnes in July—a decline of 2,695 metric tonnes. BVG India, which handles zones 6 to 10, experienced an even sharper drop, with its collection decreasing from 25,646 metric tonnes in April to 21,869 metric tonnes in July, a total reduction of 3,777 metric tonnes. These figures have intensified calls for transparency, as the NMC’s data contradicts earlier claims of rising waste generation and has prompted investigations into the agencies’ operations. The controversy has roots in repeated complaints from corporators and elected representatives, who have accused the agencies of falsifying collection data. These allegations gained traction after Central Nagpur MLA Pravin Datke raised the issue in the state assembly during the monsoon session. His intervention led the state government to order an inquiry into the matter.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #chandrashekhar_bawankule #pravin_datke #ag_enviro #bvg_india

Strict action will be taken in frauds in name of land development: Bawankule Guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule warned on Monday that strict measures will be enforced against individuals exploiting citizens through fraudulent land development schemes. During a high-level review meeting at the Police Commissioner’s office in Nagpur, Bawankule directed police to investigate such cases suo motu, emphasizing that no leniency would be shown to offenders. He highlighted that many complaints have been reported on social media regarding traffic management issues, urging authorities to prioritize smoother traffic flow in areas affected by ongoing construction. Bawankule also announced plans to upgrade Nagpur’s CCTV network, stating that existing cameras would be modernized to address technical bottlenecks and eliminate gaps in surveillance. A joint command centre integrating rural and urban CCTV systems was approved to enhance security coordination. Funds from the district annual plan were allocated to ensure robust security infrastructure, with a focus on improving public safety. The minister noted that children of several families in central Nagpur are working abroad or in other cities, making senior citizens vulnerable to exploitation. He urged victims of coercion or misinformation regarding residential property transactions to immediately report incidents to the nearest police station. Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil confirmed that the force is leveraging advanced technologies, including AI-based SIMBA systems for crime data updates and Garud Drishti software for real-time social media monitoring, to track criminal activities.#nagpur #chandrashekhar_bawankule #vishwas_nangre_patil #bawankule #police_commissioner_s_office

BDSM Horror: Police Set 30-Day Deadline For Filing Chargesheet The Nagpur police have imposed a 30-day deadline for filing a chargesheet in the Hudkeshwar BDSM case, which involves the alleged torture of a 16-year-old Class 12 student by a 19-year-old accused from Thane. The victim, a daughter of a senior government official, was reportedly held captive, subjected to repeated sexual assault, and inflicted with approximately 20 knife wounds using a surgical blade. The accused, who was hospitalized and later transferred to Nagpur Central Jail, is currently lodged in a high-security cell to prevent any potential incidents. Joint Police Commissioner Navinchandra Reddy stated that the chargesheet will be reviewed by a special public prosecutor, and the police will pursue a fast-track trial. The child welfare committee (CWC), which visited the survivor and her family, has enlisted a professional psychologist to aid in the trauma recovery process. CWC chairperson Chhaya Gurav highlighted the committee’s efforts to support the victim’s mental health. A specialized forensic team from the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory is conducting data extraction and analysis of devices seized from the Dighori flat and the accused’s Thane residence. The investigation aims to uncover potential other victims and decode any embedded messages or codes found on the seized items. These items, including a BDSM kit, sex toys, handcuffs, knives, nylon rope, sprays, sex-enhancing pills, and drug-laced chocolates, were allegedly purchased online, raising concerns about the ease of accessing such materials. Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule praised the Hudkeshwar police for their swift rescue operation and reviewed the case on Monday.#nagpur_police #navinchandra_reddy #chandrashekhar_bawankule #hudkeshwar_bdsm_case #chhaya_gurav

88% Of Nagpur Buildings Lack Occupancy Certificates, Gadkari Orders Four-Month Resolution Nagpur: A significant portion of the city’s buildings lack essential occupancy certificates, prompting urgent action from Union minister Nitin Gadkari. During a meeting at his Mahal office, Gadkari directed authorities to issue notices to 3,243 buildings that do not have Occupancy Certificates (OCs), with a four-month deadline to resolve the issue. The meeting, which also addressed the Nag River Project and building permission certificates, revealed that only 426 out of 3,669 buildings in Nagpur have obtained OCs. This leaves a staggering 88% of the city’s constructed buildings without the mandatory certification required for legal occupancy. State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who attended the meeting, emphasized that no orders have been issued to halt the registration of new independent houses. He clarified that registrations would continue under existing rules, provided applicants submit all required legal documents and certificates. The confusion surrounding building permissions and OCs, particularly for large structures, had led to recent suspensions of flat registrations. Bawankule had previously directed the district sub-registrar to pause flat registrations until compliance with infrastructure norms was verified, a move linked to a proposed review of builders’ adherence to safety and infrastructure standards. Gadkari reiterated the need for strict enforcement, noting that residents who purchased homes based on incomplete documentation face risks. He instructed authorities to handle such cases sensitively but within legal boundaries. Developers failing to obtain OCs were barred from registering their properties.#nagpur #nitin_gadkari #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nagpur_improvement_trust #chandrashekhar_bawankule

Suspend Officials, Blacklist Contractors If Dug-up Roads Aren’t Restored: Gadkari Union minister Nitin Gadkari criticized officials of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Public Health Engineering department for failing to restore roads excavated under the Amrut scheme. During a meeting at his Mahal office to review the Nag River Project and settlement rehabilitation efforts, Gadkari directed officials responsible for incomplete road restoration to be suspended and contractors to be blacklisted. The meeting included senior civic officials, including mayor Neeta Thakre and guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Gadkari emphasized that the city had faced significant inconvenience due to improperly restored roads and warned that the same issue must not recur during the Nag River Project, which involves extensive excavation. The Nag River Project is planned in five phases and includes sewage treatment, sewerage works, and road excavation across multiple assembly constituencies. Over 500 kilometers of roads will be dug up to strengthen the sewage network. Gadkari urged officials to adopt modern machinery and technology for both excavation and restoration. He also highlighted the lack of a utility mapping system to identify underground pipelines, cables, and infrastructure before excavation. Officials informed him that Nagpur currently does not have such a system. Gadkari proposed developing common ducts beneath roads to accommodate future infrastructure needs, ensuring long-term utility without repeated road disruptions. The meeting also addressed the rehabilitation of unauthorized settlements and slums within 15 meters of the Nag River. NMC commissioner Vipin Itankar stated that approximately 2,500 houses would need to be rehabilitated for affected residents.#nitin_gadkari #nagpur_municipal_corporation #chandrashekhar_bawankule #neeta_thakre #nag_river_project

On Kranti Din, Citizens Carry 700M Tricolour With Pride & Patriotic Zeal Nagpur: Citizens from diverse backgrounds gathered in the Ram Nagar-Shankar Nagar area on Sunday to participate in a patriotic procession marking Kranti Din, observed on August 9 to commemorate the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942. The event, organized by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) under the Centre’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, featured a 700-metre-long national flag carried by participants as they marched through the city. The procession began at the Bajiprabhu Deshpande statue in Ram Nagar Square, passed through Laxmi Bhuvan Square, and concluded at Shankar Nagar Square. The rally was flagged off by Mayor Neeta Thakre in the presence of guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, civic officials, and other dignitaries. The 700-metre Tricolour remained the central focus of the event, with citizens working together to keep the massive flag aloft throughout the route. Ex-servicemen, fire brigade personnel, and members of the NMC’s Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) joined the march, while students from Valmiki Nagar Hindi Secondary School, Vivekananda Hindi Secondary School, and Shivangaon Marathi School added vibrancy to the procession by wearing traditional attire and costumes. Cultural performances were held along the route, and a martial arts demonstration by participants from Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh Sahib gurdwara attracted attention. Young skaters Athang Rajguru and Umang Nitnavare also participated in the march. Mayor Thakre emphasized the event’s goal of educating the younger generation about India’s freedom struggle and fostering a spirit of service to the nation.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #chandrashekhar_bawankule #neeta_thakre #kranti_din #har_ghar_tiranga

NMC Revives Kanhan-Kolar Barrage Plan, Eyes Central Funds To Reduce Pench Dependence The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has revived its long-pending proposal to construct a barrage at the confluence of the Kanhan and Kolar rivers, aiming to create an independent and sustainable water source for the city while reducing reliance on the Pench reservoir. Officials are preparing a detailed project report (DPR) and exploring financial assistance under the Centre’s Urban Challenge Scheme. The proposed funding model envisions a 25% contribution from the Centre and the state government, with the NMC raising the remaining 50%. To cover its share, the corporation is examining options such as a public-private partnership (PPP) model and municipal bonds. The project is currently in the planning stage, with officials assessing storage potential, technical feasibility, and updated project costs before seeking approvals. This initiative comes amid unprecedented raw water withdrawals in Nagpur, where the city drew nearly 775 million liters per day (MLD) from the Pench reservoir and Kanhan river system during the recent summer to meet peak demand—the highest-ever withdrawal for the city. Nagpur currently supplies around 700 MLD of treated water daily, including approximately 220 MLD from the Kanhan Water Treatment Plant. The proposed barrage would store surplus monsoon flows, ensuring year-round availability of raw water for the 240-MLD Kanhan Water Treatment Plant. It would also reduce the need for water releases from Pench into the Kanhan system during lean periods. Earlier studies suggested the project could nearly double water availability from the Kanhan basin by significantly enhancing storage capacity. The plan revives a vision tied to Nagpur’s water history.#devendra_fadnavis #nagpur_municipal_corporation #chandrashekhar_bawankule #pench_reservoir #kanhan_kolar_barrage

‘Nautanki’ Jibe for Congress, Not Students: Bawankule Nagpur: As protests over the NEET-UG paper leak continue to dominate political discourse, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule clarified that his recent remarks labeling the Congress party’s actions as “nautanki” (a term implying theatricality or gimmickry) were directed at the party, not the students. Bawankule’s comments sparked a sharp rebuttal from Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, who accused the government of failing to address student grievances and warned of escalating public anger. Bawankule stated that his criticism of the Congress party’s tactics during the agitation was rooted in the party’s perceived use of “gimmicks” to manage the situation. He specifically referenced Rahul Gandhi’s actions during a protest at the Prime Minister’s residence, which he described as a calculated performance rather than a genuine effort to resolve the crisis. “The students’ protest is being staged through a democratic path,” Bawankule said, emphasizing that his remarks were not aimed at the demonstrators but at the political strategies of the Congress party. Wadettiwar, however, dismissed Bawankule’s claims as an attempt to deflect blame from the government. He argued that the anger of the youth was a direct response to the administration’s inaction, particularly its failure to address repeated instances of paper leaks in exams. “The youths’ sentiments are now inflamed, and I do not think they will calm down until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union education minister,” Wadettiwar said. He criticized the government for its inability to take decisive action against officials involved in the leaks, despite numerous complaints.#rahul_gandhi #vijay_wadettiwar #chandrashekhar_bawankule #dharmendra_pradhan #neetug

NMC To Pay Rs1 Crore Extra Compensation To Farmers After 20-Year Legal Battle Seven farmers in Nagpur, whose agricultural land was acquired for the Pench water supply project Phase IV, are still awaiting enhanced compensation of over Rs1 crore nearly seven months after a two-decade legal battle concluded in their favor. The land, located in Mouza Nanda within Kamptee tehsil, was acquired in 2006-07 for constructing a 1,930mm-diameter transmission pipeline to expand Nagpur’s drinking water supply. The pipeline passed through farmland owned by the seven farmers, including Vasant Surajprasad Modh, Rajesh Karnaraj Modh, Devaji Khade, Deepak Khade, Sudhakar Khade, and two other landowners. On January 8, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Mouda directed the executive engineer of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC)’s Pench Project Cell to deposit Rs1,02,10,936 as enhanced compensation. However, the payment remains pending. A senior official from NMC’s public health engineering department admitted there were no records of past compensation payments to farmers. The affected farmers have approached Revenue Minister and Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, alleging that despite securing favorable court orders, they have not received the compensation. The farmers sought Bawankule’s intervention to expedite the release of funds, emphasizing that years have passed since the court judgments were finalized, despite all legal formalities being completed. Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar stated that the matter is being processed in compliance with judicial directions. He clarified that once NMC deposits the amount with the competent land acquisition authority, the enhanced compensation will be disbursed to the eligible landowners.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #vipin_itankar #chandrashekhar_bawankule #pench_project_cell

Dr Hedgewar Seva Samiti To Build Public Library In Dharni A public library is set to be constructed in Dharni, a tribal region within Amravati district, as part of a government initiative to provide educational resources to local citizens and students. The decision was announced following directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule approving the proposal and issuing an official order on Tuesday. The government has allocated a plot of land measuring 163 square meters in Mouje Dharni to the Dr Hedgewar Birth Centenary Seva Samiti, Akola (Dharni), for the project. The land allotment is designated for Occupancy Class-2 tenure, which means it can only be used specifically for the construction and operation of a public library. The government has imposed strict conditions on the use of the land, prohibiting its sale, transfer, mortgaging, or leasing without prior approval. Additionally, the organization must adhere to all development control regulations set by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the local planning authority. Bawankule emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating that establishing a public library in a remote area like Dharni represents an investment in the future of the region’s youth. He highlighted that the library will provide essential reading facilities for students, addressing the lack of access to educational resources in the tribal community. The project underscores the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and educational opportunities in underserved areas. The allocation of government land for this purpose reflects a broader effort to support community-driven initiatives that align with public welfare goals.#devendra_fadnavis #amravati_district #chandrashekhar_bawankule #dr_hedgewar_seva_samiti #dharni

Maharashtra Govt Sanctions Land for Gadchiroli Sewage Treatment Plant Maharashtra’s government has approved the transfer of 2.04 hectares of state land in Gadchiroli for the construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP) under the AMRUT scheme, resolving a long-standing obstacle in the city’s wastewater management project. The decision was prompted by directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following which Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule sanctioned the proposal to allocate land from Survey No. 48 at Mouza Gadchiroli to the Gadchiroli Municipal Council on an occupancy basis. A government resolution issued by the Revenue and Forest Department outlined that the land transfer would occur after the recovery of the prescribed value under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code. The STP is part of the AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) initiative, which aims to expand urban infrastructure and civic amenities across the state. Authorities emphasized that the project will address persistent issues of untreated wastewater discharge and support urban development in Gadchiroli. The approval comes with several conditions. The allocated land can be used exclusively for the STP project and cannot be diverted for any other purpose. The municipal council is required to obtain all necessary permissions from planning authorities and comply with environmental regulations and statutory clearances before project execution. Additionally, the government retains the right to reclaim the land in case of violations or misuse of the allotted property. Officials from the Revenue Department stated that the state is committed to expediting administrative procedures for public welfare infrastructure projects to ensure timely implementation.#devendra_fadnavis #maharashtra_govt #chandrashekhar_bawankule #gadchiroli_municipal_council #amrut_scheme

BJP Overhauls Amravati Units Following Pote’s Victory Amravati: The Maharashtra BJP has initiated a significant restructuring of its local units in Amravati, following the party’s recent electoral success in the Local Authorities Constituency. Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan has replaced both the city and district BJP presidents, a move seen as a strategic realignment to consolidate power under Pravin Pote-Patil, who secured his third consecutive win in the constituency. Pote’s victory has prompted a reshuffle within the party’s local leadership. Nitin Gudadhe Patil, a loyalist of Pote, has been appointed as the new city BJP president, replacing Dr. Nitin Dhande. In the district unit, MLA Pratap Adsad has taken over from Raviraj Deshmukh. Both Dhande and Deshmukh were previously aligned with BJP leader Navneet Rana, who had publicly advocated for Dhande’s candidacy in the district unit during a rally two months ago. Rana, who attended the event alongside minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, had emphasized Dhande’s potential while conspicuously avoiding any mention of Pote, despite their shared presence on the dais. The timing of the reshuffle, occurring immediately after Pote’s third consecutive win, has been interpreted as a direct effort to curtail Rana’s influence in the region. The Pote-Rana rivalry, long a contentious issue within the district BJP, has now become a focal point of the party’s internal dynamics. Party insiders suggest that the leadership’s decision to elevate Pote’s loyalists signals strong support for him as the dominant figure in Amravati. This move is expected to reinforce Pote’s authority and diminish the political clout of Rana, who has historically wielded significant sway in the area.#bjp #amravati #chandrashekhar_bawankule #navneet_rana #pravin_pote

Fadnavis Needed Till 2034, Says Bawankule Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule launched a pointed critique of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday, accusing him of diverting attention from his party’s internal challenges to question the political future of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Speaking to the media in Nagpur, Bawankule defended Fadnavis, describing him as a “mature, development-oriented and versatile leader” capable of transforming Maharashtra into a developed state. The minister emphasized that the state “needs him till 2034,” framing Fadnavis as an essential figure for long-term governance. Bawankule’s remarks came in response to Thackeray’s recent allegations in Washim, where he claimed that “Operation Tiger”—a move under which six Lok Sabha MPs from his party defected to Eknath Shinde’s faction of Shiv Sena—was a covert effort to undermine Fadnavis’ leadership. The minister dismissed Thackeray’s claims as unfounded, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had full confidence in Fadnavis’ leadership. He further accused Thackeray of abandoning Hindutva principles by aligning with the Congress party, arguing that the BJP’s strength lies in its ideological foundation rather than political power or financial incentives. Bawankule also criticized Thackeray for what he termed the “collapse” of his party, stating that Congress had effectively dismantled Shiv Sena (UBT). He claimed that the people of Maharashtra had accepted Eknath Shinde’s faction as the ideological successor to Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy, suggesting that Thackeray’s leadership was no longer viable. Beyond political rhetoric, Bawankule outlined several policy initiatives aimed at addressing regional development and farmer welfare.#devendra_fadnavis #narendra_moddi #eknath_shinde #shiv_sena_UBT #chandrashekhar_bawankule

Maharajswa Abhiyan: Maharashtra Launches Statewide Campaign on CM’s Birthday The Maharashtra government has announced a three-day statewide outreach program titled "Maharajswa Abhiyan," set to begin on July 21 and conclude on July 23. The initiative coincides with the birthday of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and aims to deliver welfare benefits and resolve long-standing revenue-related issues for nearly 50 lakh families. The campaign was unveiled by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule following a high-level review meeting focused on the implementation of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maharajswa Abhiyan. Key components of the campaign include large-scale land measurement camps for gaothan lands, where citizens will receive on-the-spot maps and documentation support. The department has set a target of completing land measurements within 15 days and expediting land titling and registration processes. Additionally, the government plans to implement stamp duty concessions and expand citizen-friendly initiatives such as the "One District One Registry" program during the campaign period. The outreach program is designed to address systemic delays in revenue-related matters and streamline administrative processes for citizens. By focusing on land measurement and documentation, the initiative seeks to resolve disputes and provide clarity to landowners. The "One District One Registry" program, which aims to centralize and simplify land record-keeping, will be further expanded to ensure accessibility and transparency. The campaign underscores the government’s commitment to improving public services and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.#maharashtra #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #chhatrapati_shivaji_maharaj_maharajswa_abhiyan #one_district_one_registry

Maharashtra Government Orders All Leased Government Lands Registered in State Name Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has implemented a significant policy change to enhance control over government land and address alleged misuse of leasehold properties. Effective immediately, all leased government lands across the state will be officially registered under the name of the "Government of Maharashtra" (GoM) in land ownership records. This directive, issued by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule at the behest of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to rectify longstanding discrepancies in land records and prevent leaseholders from treating government-owned plots as private property. The decision mandates a three-month verification drive led by district collectors to identify and correct land records where leaseholders were previously listed as "occupants" instead of the state. Officials revealed that numerous cases had emerged in which individuals or entities holding long-term leases—spanning 30, 99, or even 999 years—had been permitted to register themselves as occupants without formal state approval. This practice, according to the government, created confusion over ownership and led to disputes over land rights. Under the new policy, the "occupant" column in all land records will exclusively reflect the state’s name, while details about leaseholders, lease duration, and conditions will be documented separately under the "other rights" category. The policy also includes specific instructions for Mumbai, where authorities are directed to update restrictions related to the transfer of leasehold government land in property records.#mumbai #maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #maharashtra_land_revenue_code

Amnesty Scheme for Sindhi Refugees Extended by a Year The Maharashtra government has extended the "Special Amnesty Scheme-2025" by one year, aiming to regularize residential and commercial plots allotted to Sindhi refugees and convert them into freehold properties. The decision, announced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Eligible beneficiaries now have until May 15, 2027, to submit applications under the scheme, which was initially launched in May 2025. The initiative seeks to address the long-standing issue of conditional land allotments for Sindhi families displaced during the Partition of India. Under the scheme, violations of lease conditions on such plots can be regularized, allowing occupants to obtain full ownership rights. Officials highlighted that the extension was granted due to the strong response from citizens, with scrutiny of applications and supporting documents currently underway. The government emphasized that the move ensures no eligible beneficiary is deprived of benefits due to procedural delays. The extension applies to all notified areas across Maharashtra except Ulhasnagar in Thane district, which remains excluded from the current decision. Bawankule stated that the regularization of Sindhi refugee lands had remained unresolved for decades, requiring a practical and humanitarian approach. The scheme is expected to benefit thousands of Sindhi families residing in notified settlements across the state, many of whom have occupied properties for decades without formal ownership rights. The initiative also aims to streamline land records and reduce disputes related to conditional occupancy and transfer restrictions.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #special_amnesty_scheme_2025 #sindhi_refugees

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Denies BJP Involvement in 'Operation Tiger' Allegations Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule categorically denied any role for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the alleged "Operation Tiger" aimed at poaching Sena (UBT) legislators, during a press briefing in Nagpur on Wednesday. Bawankule dismissed the narrative as speculative, emphasizing that the purported shift of UBT MPs to the Shinde faction was an internal matter within the Shiv Sena. He reiterated that the BJP had no connection to the alleged operation, stating, "BJP has no relation with this. Let Uddhav ji handle his party, let Eknath Shinde ji handle his. BJP has not touched this issue." Bawankule also refuted claims by Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut that the BJP was offering Rs 25-50 crore per MP to facilitate defections. He criticized the notion that political shifts were solely driven by financial incentives, asserting that elected representatives may change sides for "many reasons." "Saying an MLA or MP changes sides only for money is not right," he said, urging the UBT faction to "introspect on why its MPs and legislators are walking out, not blame others." The minister addressed rumors that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was planning to resign and move to Delhi, with Eknath Shinde poised to take over as the state's leader. Bawankule dismissed these claims as baseless, stating, "Bondekar has the freedom to express his feelings. The people's mandate is with Fadnavis. He is a strong, active CM and a key political face of a developed Maharashtra. There is no question of discussing the CM post.#bharatiya_janata_party #shiv_sena #uddhav_thackeray #chandrashekhar_bawankule #maharashtra_revenue_minister

Residents Oppose Proposed Liquor Unit in Beltarodi, Demand Reconsideration Residents of Beltarodi have raised strong objections to a proposed country liquor manufacturing unit planned for their locality, citing concerns over public safety, community disruption, and the impact on nearby educational and religious institutions. The residents approached the office of the guardian minister and Kamptee MLA Chandrashekhar Bawankule, as well as other officials, to register their grievances. In a memorandum submitted at Bawankule's office, they requested complete details and official documents regarding the project, emphasizing their unified stance against the establishment of such a facility in a predominantly residential area. The community highlighted that the locality is home to hundreds of families, including young children, women, and senior citizens. They argued that the proximity of a liquor unit to residential societies would negatively affect the neighborhood's character and compromise public safety. Residents warned that the presence of a liquor facility could attract antisocial elements and encourage illegal activities in the vicinity. They also pointed out that several educational and religious institutions are located near the proposed site, further intensifying their concerns. Priya Manpiya, a resident, informed The Times of India that the community learned about the proposed liquor unit after observing construction activity in their area. Officials from the minister's office directed them to approach the collector, with plans to meet him on Monday to urge immediate action. The memorandum further noted fears that the facility could lead to altercations and other nuisances, particularly during evening and night hours.#the_times_of_india #chandrashekhar_bawankule #beltarodi #priya_manpiya #besa_pipla_nagar_panchyat