Mathura gets financial aid from LMEL Mathura, a 72-year-old woman who became a landmark case in India’s legal history due to her rape by a police officer and the subsequent reforms in custodial sexual assault laws, has received financial assistance from Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL). The company, which operates in Gadchiroli district where Mathura resides, has disbursed Rs 5 lakh through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support her. The aid aims to help her construct a safe house and address her ongoing needs, according to a press release by LMEL. Mathura’s case, which gained national attention in 2012, led to significant changes in how custodial sexual abuse is addressed in Indian law. Her ordeal, which involved prolonged police custody and systemic failures, prompted reforms including stricter protocols for handling such cases and the establishment of special courts. Despite these legal advancements, Mathura has continued to face challenges, including poverty and limited access to basic necessities. LMEL chairman Mukesh Gupta emphasized that her struggles highlight the gap between legal progress and societal compassion, stating that her plight remains a painful reminder of the need for continued support. LMEL’s managing director, B Prabhakaran, expressed deep concern over the lack of adequate compassion for Mathura’s situation. He noted that her significance as a symbol of justice and dignity should not be overshadowed by the difficulties she still faces. The company’s CSR efforts are part of broader initiatives to address social inequities, with the aid to Mathura being a direct response to her ongoing hardships.#gadchiroli_district #mathura #pradhan_mantri_awas_yojana #lloyds_metals_and_energy_limited #mukesh_gupta
Maharashtra Approves Regularization of Residential Encroachments on Government Land Maharashtra’s government has approved a policy to regularize residential encroachments on government land up to 500 square feet free of cost, aiming to provide housing security to low-income families across the state. The decision, announced by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule following directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, applies to encroachments existing as of January 1, 2011, and used strictly for residential purposes. The policy excludes Mumbai and its suburban districts. Bawankule emphasized that the government’s stance is to ensure no needy family remains without shelter, with progress reviewed every three months. Under the scheme, encroachments exceeding 500 square feet will incur an occupancy fee of 10% of the prevailing market value, while the maximum eligible area is capped at 1,500 square feet. Any excess construction will be removed, and structures with partial commercial use will be charged 25% of the market value for that portion. Land will be granted jointly in the names of husband and wife under the ‘occupancy class-2’ category, with a registration fee of Rs1,000 for plots up to 1,000 square feet. The policy mandates strict scrutiny to exclude non-citizens and requires officials to file police complaints for violations. Encroachments on ecologically or socially sensitive land—such as riverbeds, grazing lands, forests, public roads, cremation grounds, playgrounds, and areas reserved for schools and hospitals—will not be regularized. Eligible families in such locations will instead be considered for alternative housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.#maharashtra #mumbai #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #pradhan_mantri_awas_yojana
