The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has called for immediate and strict implementation of the School Bus Policy 2011 across all schools in Navi Mumbai, following the alleged sexual assault of a 4-year-old student by a school bus driver at a reputed school in Seawoods.

In a meeting with the Sub-Regional Transport Officer, an MNS delegation, led by city president Gajanan Kale and student wing leader Sandesh Dongre, accused private schools of negligence and ignoring state-mandated transport safety norms. The party cited widespread regulatory lapses that continue to endanger student safety.

According to the School Bus Policy 2011, every school must form a transport committee that includes the principal, parent representatives, traffic and police officials, education department representatives, and bus contractors. This committee is responsible for verifying essential documents like vehicle registration, fitness certificates, permits, insurance, PUCs, and ensuring safety measures such as fire extinguishers and first-aid kits in every school transport vehicle.

The MNS also demanded a strict ban on unauthorized vehicles like private autos and taxis from operating within 100 meters of school gates. They stressed that school principals must be held directly accountable for the safety of all students using school-provided transport.

“If immediate action is not taken, the MNS will launch protests in its signature style,” warned the party. In response, Transport Officer Datta Sangolkar assured the delegation that school bus inspections will commence without delay.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is set to organise its annual District-Level School Sports Competitions for the 2025–26 academic year, in line with Maharashtra Government’s sports policy granting independent district status to municipal school sports events.

The Competitions

In alignment with Maharashtra Government’s sports policy granting independent district status to municipal school sports events, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is set to host its annual District-Level School Sports Competitions for the 2025–26 academic year.

Open to municipal as well as government-recognised private schools and junior colleges within NMMC limits, the competitions aim to promote grassroots sports and identify emerging talent. A pre-event briefing has been scheduled for July 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha in Vashi. During the session, officials will explain the updated online registration system and new features introduced in this year’s competitions.

Navi Mumbai has enjoyed separate district status for school sports since 2008, making this event a significant fixture in the city’s sporting calendar. The initiative is spearheaded by NMMC’s Sports and Cultural Department in collaboration with the Divisional Deputy Director of Sports (Mumbai Division) and the Thane District Sports Officer.

The School Games Federation of India has already announced the national-level school sports schedule for 2025–26, prompting early coordination by state and civic bodies.

The NMMC has urged headmasters, principals, sports teachers, coaches, and representatives of sports associations, gymkhanas, and clubs to attend the session. Apart from technical details, the meeting will also highlight various government and civic programmes focused on youth and sports development. The competitions continue to act as a launchpad for nurturing the city’s young sporting talent.

A legal notice has been served to CIDCO for allegedly constructing a public parking facility beneath high-tension power lines—an area deemed hazardous and restricted under Maharashtra State Electricity Rules.

The Notice

The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has come under fire for allegedly constructing a public parking facility beneath high-tension power lines—an area designated as a no-go zone under Maharashtra State Electricity Rules due to its risk to human life.

The Aware Citizen Forum, a local civic group, has issued a legal notice to CIDCO after obtaining evidence through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The group claims that the facility not only violates state safety norms but also encroaches upon land owned by Tata Power.

Forum member Sudhir Dani stated that the parking area was developed without obtaining the mandatory no-objection certificates (NOCs) from both the Transport Department and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. “CIDCO has spent over Rs 70 lakh of public funds on this unlawful project, installing paver blocks, boundary walls, CCTV cameras, and deploying security personnel,” he alleged.

Another forum member, Trishila Kamble, urged CIDCO’s senior management to take swift legal and safety-based corrective action. “This blatant disregard for public safety and regulatory compliance must not go unchecked,” she said.

The forum has demanded the immediate dismantling of the parking system and strict accountability, including recovery of funds from responsible CIDCO officials. The matter has sparked public concern, highlighting the need for greater oversight in civic development activities, especially in high-risk zones.

As of now, CIDCO has not released an official statement regarding the allegations.