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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
BEST credit society served notices ahead of polls
MUMBAI: The BEST Employees' Credit Society, touted as a symbol of the much-hyped, recent alliance between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), has been served notices by the state government and the police over alleged irregularities in the cooperative. Raj Thackeray, Chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and Uddhav Thackeray, Chief of Shiv Sena (UBT). (Raju Shinde/ HT Photo) The BEST Kamgar Sena, a wing of the Sena (UBT) currently in control of the credit society, says the move is a ploy by the BJP-led Mahayuti government to muddy the waters ahead of the August 18 elections in the credit cooperative. The poll will pit the Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance against Mahayuti coalition partners, the BJP and Shiv Sena, both on the back foot in these elections. More critically, the BEST Kamgar Sena sees the move as an attempt to undermine Sena (UBT)-MNS unity, the first formal alliance between the two political parties led by the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, leaders of the Sena (UBT) and MNS, respectively. For the upcoming polls, the Sena (UBT) will contest 18 of the 21 seats up for grabs, the MNS two seats, and the BEST SC/ST Employees Welfare Association one seat. If the alliance wins the election, the MNS will bag one more post, that of a nominated director. In contrast, the BJP and Shiv Sena led by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde will be contesting the election as opposition parties. Now, less than a week before the polls, the credit cooperative has been served notices by the state cooperation department and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police. The first notice, dated August 13, has been served by the divisional joint registrar of co-operative societies in Mumbai. It states, 'As per the complaint application by Vivekanand Ghag and Rajendra Gore, under section 89 A of Maharashtra Cooperation Department, deputy registrar Rajendra Gaikwad has been appointed as investigation officer to conduct inquiry of records of society of year 2024-25. Jitendra Chavan will assist him and they will submit an inquiry report by August 29.' The credit society has also received a notice from the EOW, initiating an inquiry into an alleged ₹24-crore irregularity in the cooperative, on a complaint filed by Ghag. Suhas Samant, president of the BEST Kamgar Sena, slammed the Mahayuti government and BJP leaders, alleging that BJP MLC Prasad Lad has instigated the inquiry. 'For years, the BEST Kamgar Sena has been in power in the credit society. This time, however, the Sena (UBT) and MNS have entered into an alliance for the elections, which has upset Mahayuti leaders. Now the society's office-bearers have received notices. BJP MLC Prasad Lad is behind this. They want to create confusion among voters,' he said. 'But in the last audit conducted by a government auditor, the BEST Employees Credit Society received an 'A' grade and this is in the public domain. How can a credit society assigned an A grade be accused of irregularities,' asked Samant. Responding to the allegation, Prasad Lad said an inquiry will be conducted as there were irregularities in the credit cooperative. Government agencies have initiated an inquiry on the basis of a complaint filed by Ghag. The cooperation department is conducting a separate inquiry and the EOW is looking into irregularities of ₹24 crore in the credit society. If there are complaints of irregularities, how can we keep quiet, asked Lad.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
BMC grants special Covid allowance to 19,400 BEST employees in Mumbai
Mumbai: BMC on Thursday announced a Covid allowance totalling Rs 52 crore for 19,400 employees of BEST and deposited the money in their bank accounts. Shramik Utkarsh Sabha President and MLA Prasad Lad said the official letter was handed over by BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to BEST General Manager Ashish Sharma. He added that amounts ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 22,000 were credited to the accounts of 19,400 BEST employees as a special Covid allowance. "This has brought cheer to BEST staffers on the eve of Independence Day," Lad said. "Similarly, they will celebrate Diwali as the state govt is positive about ensuring that BEST employees get their rightful housing in Mumbai. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved this demand, and a decision in this regard will be taken soon." You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Gold Rates Today in Mumbai | Silver Rates Today in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
BEST workers homes, children employment opportunity part of promises for BEST cooperative society polls
MUMBAI : Against the backdrop of the five-yearly elections (2025–2030) to the Board of Directors of The BEST Employees Co-operative Credit Society Ltd., state MLAs Prasad Lad and Pravin Darekar on Wednesday said it was not a "political party election but to ensure BEST workers get their rightful houses and their children have access to employment opportunities. " Shramik Utkarsh Sabha, led by Lad, Darekar, fisheries minister Nitesh Rane and few other politicians will jointly fight the elections on August 18 against the alliance panel of those representing Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. Speaking about the BEST, Lad alleged that in the past, there was an attempt to sell BEST, and today it is running at a loss of Rs 3,000 crore. We have proposed alternatives – including leasing depots instead of selling them – along with other measures, he said at a press conference. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Gold Rates Today in Mumbai | Silver Rates Today in Mumbai He further said, 'Our firm stance is that workers will not be left to ruin. We resolved the issue of more than 700 casual BEST workers, worked to provide rooms for workers in BEST depots, secured the Covid allowance, and ensured that Rs 52 crore from it was directly deposited into employees' accounts.' Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Business Standard
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Inaugurates TSL Foundation's Bright Bus Initiative - A Digital Literacy Initiative supported by CROCS India
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 23: In a powerful demonstration of how innovation and inclusive development can intersect, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the 'Bright Bus', a state-of-the-art mobile digital classroom designed and implemented by the TSL Foundation and supported by CROCS India Launched under the patronage of MLA Prasad Lad's Mee Mumbai Abhiyan Abhiman Pratishthan, the launch event witnessed the esteemed presence of several prominent public representatives and senior BMC officials, underscoring the project's broad institutional support. Distinguished guests included MLAs Shri Satyajit Shivajirao Deshmukh (Baatish Shirala, Sangli), Shri Pankaj Rajesh Boyar (Wardha), Shri Manda Vijay Mhatre (Belapur), Shri Ram Kadam (Ghatkopar West), and Shri Parinay Fuke (Nagpur City), along with MLCs Smt. Chitra Wagh, Shri Pravin Darekar, and Shri Prasad Lad. Senior officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also graced the occasion, including Shri Bhushan Gagarani (Municipal Commissioner), Dr. Prachi Jambhekar (Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Education), and Shri Arun Kshirsagar (Assistant Commissioner, F North Ward). Their participation not only added gravitas to the inauguration but also signalled the growing convergence of political leadership and civic administration in enabling grassroots innovation for digital empowerment. The Bright Bus is a flagship project that exemplifies the TSL Foundation's approach: designing grassroots innovations that are dignified, scalable, and backed by institutional leadership. A Model for Scalable, Politically Backed CSR Innovation Over the past year, TSL Foundation has led a new wave of socially conscious innovations, with projects across education, healthcare, environment, and women's empowerment. From climate-controlled mobile learning labs to AI-powered water kiosks, the Foundation's work consistently garners support from state governments, high performing businesses, and multilateral institutions. "Projects like Bright Bus showcase how technology, governance, and compassion can come together to serve those who need it most," said CM Devendra Fadnavis during the inauguration. Bridging the Digital Divide, One Community at a Time "The Bright Bus is a reflection of our vision for a digitally empowered Mumbai--one where no child or citizen is left behind due to lack of access," said MLA Prasad Lad, "Through strategic collaborations with TSL Foundation and Crocs, we are turning intent into impact and ensuring government and private efforts reach the grassroots in real, measurable ways. Outfitted with projectors, sound systems, 20 computer terminals, and air-conditioning, the Bright Bus will: * Provide digital learning to children in five BMC schools each morning * Transform into a mobile government services help desk by afternoon * Offer digital literacy workshops, storytelling sessions, and skilling modules across Mumbai's underserved areas "The Bright Bus is not just a classroom on wheels--it's a symbol of access, inclusion, and opportunity," said Sahil Arora, Founder & CEO of TSL Group. Smt. Apoorva Sharma, Executive Director, TSL Foundation mentioned "With the support of Hon'ble CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis and forward-thinking partners like Crocs, we resonate the idea of CSR moving beyond compliance and into the realm of transformational impact." This hybrid model blends education and e-governance support--ensuring vulnerable populations are not left behind in India's digital transformation. At TSL, we believe in walking the talk when it comes to community impact. Our collaboration with CROCS on the Bright Bus represents the kind of innovation-led CSR we stand for--practical, scalable, and deeply human," said Adesh Gupta, Director-Advisory Board, TSL About TSL Foundation TSL Foundation is one of India's fastest-growing hybrid organizations working at the intersection of CSR consulting, grassroots implementation, and social innovation. Headquartered in Gurgaon with operations in 18+ states, the Foundation works with leading corporates, government agencies, and global partners to design and implement high-impact development programs. To learn more about TSL Foundation's work, visit:
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bright Bus initiative launched by Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis
Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis launched the 'Bright Bus' digital literacy and women empowerment programme at Vidhan Bhavan on Friday. The initiative, which will begin in five BMC schools, features a climate-controlled, modern mobile digital classroom containing projectors, television, audio equipment, and 20 computers, said MLC Prasad Lad. The vehicle operates as an educational facility for schools during morning hours, while transforming into a citizen services centre in the afternoon. It provides digital education to disadvantaged pupils and helps residents access Aadhaar services, govt programmes, and complete online applications.
