Workers demand pending dues, insurance, gratuity and biometric attendance; warn of intensified agitation before Dussehra.

The Delay

Hundreds of contract workers from various departments of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) staged a one-day sit-in protest at the civic headquarters on Monday, alleging that the administration has delayed implementing a Rs 7,000 salary hike approved by the General Body in June. The protest was led by Mangesh Lad, president of the Samaj Samata Kamgar Sangh. Workers said that although the salary increase was announced publicly, the additional amount has still not been credited to their accounts.

The workers also raised several long-pending demands, including insurance coverage, gratuity, provident fund benefits, a Rs 1,000 washing allowance and payment of skilled-category wages to workers in the electrical and malaria departments. The union also demanded compulsory biometric attendance for contract workers, alleging that manual attendance allows irregularities and creates discrepancies in the actual number of workers present.

Workers said many retired employees are still waiting for their gratuity and other dues. Some protesters spoke about the difficulty of managing household expenses on salaries of around Rs 16,000, especially while supporting families and children. Union leaders said Mayor’s instructions had called for the salary hike to be implemented around Dussehra. They warned that if the salary increase and pending arrears were not paid before Dussehra, workers would intensify their agitation, including a work stoppage.

The protesters said their demand was not only about higher wages but also about receiving the benefits and dignity they believe they are entitled to for their work in keeping Navi Mumbai running.

Suspect allegedly kept watch while accomplices broke through wall and entered jewellery shop.

The Case

The police have made another arrest in connection with the burglary at a jewellery shop in Kopri village, Vashi, where thieves escaped with silver ornaments worth around Rs 6 lakh.

The incident took place at Meghana Jewellers in Sector 26A during the early hours of Friday. According to the police, the accused had rented the shop next to the jewellery store, allegedly posing as fruit sellers. They then made a hole through the common wall to gain entry into the jewellery shop.

The burglars reportedly stole around 2.5 kg of silver articles kept on display. They also attempted to open the shop’s safe, which contained gold jewellery. However, the alarm went off, forcing them to abandon the attempt and flee.

Police said the thieves may have taken advantage of the loud music and drums during a Ganpati immersion procession, which helped mask the sound of drilling and breaking the wall. CCTV footage helped investigators trace the suspects. One accused was arrested from Mankhurd and police suspect that he was keeping watch outside while the others entered the shop.

Investigators have identified three more suspects, including the person who had rented the neighbouring premises. Police said all four suspects are from Jharkhand. A search is underway for the remaining accused, while efforts are also being made to recover the stolen jewellery. The investigation is being conducted by the APMC police, who are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to establish the full sequence of events.

Maharashtra minister says attempts to create distrust in constitutional institutions will not succeed.

The Criticism

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his statements concerning the Election Commission, saying that attempts to create distrust in constitutional institutions will not succeed.

According to Naik, recent statements by the three Election Commissioners showed that decisions related to the election process, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, were taken collectively. He said there were no differences among the commissioners on these decisions.

Naik also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s repeated criticism of constitutional institutions. He alleged that a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary, which was linked to a deputation-related appointment, was being presented as evidence of differences within the Election Commission. The minister also spoke about Form 6, used for voter registration, and said confusion was being created around its use. He maintained that the form is being used in accordance with the applicable process.

Naik further referred to Congress victories in states such as Telangana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, asking why the Election Commission was accepted when the party won but questioned when it lost. The remarks come amid a wider political dispute over electoral rolls, SIR and the functioning of the Election Commission. Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders have raised allegations concerning the electoral process, while the BJP and Election Commission have rejected those allegations.

Naik said public confidence in constitutional institutions should be maintained and that electoral rolls should be made more accurate and transparent through established procedures.