ED conducts a search at his tenant’s residence, Shivram Patil clarifies that neither he nor his family received any notice from the agency.

The Raid

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a search operation at a residential property in Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai, on October 28, reportedly linked to Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator Shivram Patil.

However, Shivram Patil denied having any connection with the investigation, clarifying that the search was conducted at the residence of his tenant, Jay Mehta.

According to the details available, an ED team from Mumbai arrived at the premises around 7.15 am and continued the search until approximately 5.30 pm. Officials searched a bedroom on the first floor occupied by Mehta. During the operation, the agency reportedly seized a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 mobile phone containing emails and other digital information relevant to the investigation. Mehta’s statement was also recorded.

Shivram Patil clarified that he had neither received any notice from the ED nor been summoned for questioning. He said the notice was issued to his tenant, who was asked to appear before the agency’s Mumbai office.

The raid has sparked political speculation in Navi Mumbai amid tensions between the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. However, no official confirmation has established any link between the investigation and the political developments.

Civic officials assess the scheme’s implementation, distribute safety kits and encourage women workers to explore entrepreneurship opportunities.

The Scheme

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) reviewed the implementation of the Central Government’s National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme during a visit by state programme manager Priyanka Gangurde to the civic headquarters on October 22.

The scheme aims to improve the safety, dignity and livelihood opportunities of sanitation workers by promoting mechanized sanitation practices and providing welfare support.

During the visit, Gangurde appreciated NMMC’s cleanliness initiatives and distribution of essential safety equipment. She also distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to women sanitation workers. Encouraging women workers to explore additional sources of income, she suggested setting up dry waste collection centres as an opportunity for entrepreneurship and employment generation. She also briefed workers about various welfare schemes introduced by the Central Government.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Dr Ajay Gadade, Chief Sanitation Officer Rajusingh Chavan, Sanitation Officer Kiran Solaskar and representatives of Stree Mukti Sanghatana. NMMC officials stated that the civic body would continue strengthening the implementation of the NAMASTE scheme, focusing on workers’ safety, welfare and economic empowerment.

Proposal submitted by House Leader Sagar Naik aims to reduce paperwork, speed up decision-making and improve administrative efficiency.

The System

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is planning to shift its administrative operations to a fully digital system to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency.

A proposal titled ‘Paperless NMMC’ has been submitted by House Leader Sagar Naik and will be presented for approval at the upcoming general body meeting. Under the proposed system, official files, correspondence, proposals, administrative decisions and approvals will be handled digitally instead of through physical documents. The initiative aims to simplify file movement between departments and senior officials, which often causes delays in decision-making.

The digital system is expected to make file tracking easier, ensure faster approvals and allow officials to access old records conveniently. It will also reduce expenditure on paper and stationery while supporting environmental conservation. Important municipal documents and records will be stored digitally, making information management more organised and accessible.

However, successful implementation will require adequate technical infrastructure, data security, server capacity and proper training for municipal employees. The proposal will be taken up for consideration at the general body meeting. If approved, the initiative could mark a significant step towards modernising NMMC’s administrative functioning.