Inclusive initiative promotes cleanliness, environmental awareness and community participation.

The Drive

Eighteen children with multiple disabilities participated in a special cleanliness drive in Kopar Khairane, showing that community service can be an inclusive activity for everyone. The drive was organised by Sahayogini Palak Sanstha, Navi Mumbai, as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign. The children were accompanied by their parents, special educators and support staff during the activity.

The cleanliness drive was conducted around the organization’s centre in Sectors 1, 2 and 4, as well as a nearby garden. The initiative was supported by ONGC and focused on creating awareness about cleanliness, hygiene and protecting the environment. For the participating children, the activity was more than simply cleaning public spaces. It gave them an opportunity to step outside their regular routine, work alongside others and contribute to their neighbourhood. Their participation also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities where children with disabilities can take an active role in community activities.

Parents and educators joined the children throughout the programme, encouraging them and ensuring their safety and comfort. The event was held under the guidance of Sahayogini Palak Sanstha president Suresh L. Naik and project manager Manoj Kumar Mahto.

The organisers expressed gratitude to ONGC for supporting the initiative and said that such programmes can help build environmental responsibility while promoting a more inclusive and caring community.

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.