Written assurance follows MNS protest demanding implementation of civic body’s earlier decision.

The Allowance

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has assured that a proposal to provide a Rs 7,500 monthly allowance to eligible contract workers will be placed before the Standing Committee for consideration.

The assurance came after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) organised a ‘Topi Morcha’ at the NMMC headquarters on October 8, demanding implementation of the allowance. The protest was held over the delay despite the NMMC General Body approving the proposal through Resolution No. 652 on June 19, 2026.

MNS leaders and labour representatives later met NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde and raised the issue of the pending allowance. The commissioner reportedly gave a written assurance that the proposal would be placed before the Standing Committee.

The delegation also highlighted salary and classification-related issues concerning employees working in the NMMC electricity department. The commissioner assured the representatives that the matter would be examined and addressed within a month. Following the assurances, the MNS temporarily called off the protest. However, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande warned that the agitation could be intensified if the civic administration fails to act on its commitments.

The development has raised expectations among contract workers, who have been awaiting implementation of the allowance approved by the civic body.

Residents Seek Better Traffic Management as Congestion Worsens During Peak Hours.

The Traffic Jams

Daily commuters in Ulwe are facing increasing traffic congestion at Wahal Chowk, causing delays and inconvenience, particularly during peak hours. The traffic situation has reportedly worsened due to ongoing road work and the growing number of vehicles using the area. Office-goers, motorists and auto-rickshaw passengers are among those affected by the frequent traffic jams.

The stretch near Malvan Tadka Hotel and Wahal Junction is witnessing heavy congestion, with traffic building up over nearly a kilometre during busy periods. Commuters say the absence of adequate traffic management and personnel at key points is adding to the problem. Shagun Chowk is another area where traffic movement has remained challenging. Although a traffic signal has been installed following complaints from residents, commuters say the situation continues to be difficult, especially during the evening and night.

The rapid development of Ulwe and increasing connectivity to Mumbai, including through the Atal Setu, have led to a rise in vehicular movement in the area. Residents fear that traffic problems could become more serious as the population and vehicle numbers continue to grow. Commuters have urged the authorities to deploy traffic personnel during peak hours, improve traffic management and ensure proper functioning of signals at important junctions.

Residents hope that timely action will help ease congestion and make daily travel through Wahal Chowk and surrounding areas safer and smoother.

Kishor Patkar Assures Family of Further Support for Treatment of Sanpada-Juhugaon Child.

The Support

An eight-year-old boy from Juhugaon in Vashi is battling a serious brain tumor, with his family facing severe financial difficulties to meet the cost of his treatment.

In a gesture of support, Shiv Sena district chief Kishor Patkar has offered Rs 8 lakh towards the child’s treatment and also assured the family that he would continue to support the boy’s medical expenses if further treatment is required. Kishore Patkar handed over an Rs 8 lakh cheque to the child’s father, Nilesh Baikar. Shiv Sena women’s district organizer Sheetal Kachre and Sainath Waghmare were also present on the occasion.

According to the family, the child has been undergoing treatment for several months and has suffered paralysis on one side of his body. His father said he had been unable to work while staying with his son in hospital and was struggling to arrange the large amount required for the treatment. Expressing gratitude, Nilesh said the financial assistance had provided the family with much-needed relief and reduced the fear of being unable to pay for the child’s ongoing medical care.

The case was brought to Patkar’s attention through Shiv Sena social worker Darshana Bhoir and district organizer Sheetal Kachre. After learning about the family’s situation, Patkar assured them that they need not worry about the treatment expenses and that necessary assistance would be provided.

The initiative was described by party workers as an effort to support a family during a difficult period and provide the child with a better chance of continuing his treatment.