The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday announced a Diwali ex-gratia payment of Rs 31,000 for its officers and employees, as well as teaching and non-teaching staff of aided private primary and secondary schools.
According to an official release, the amount will also be extended to teaching assistants, education service workers, shikshan sevaks, and staff of aided and unaided teacher training institutes.
As per the PTI, the civic body will give `Bhai Dooj` gifts of Rs 14,000 to community health volunteers (CHVs), and Rs 5,000 each to kindergarten teachers and helpers, as part of its festive goodwill gesture.
The statement also mentioned that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, have extended Diwali greetings to all BMC staff and associated personnel.
BMC reopens Mahim Sea Food Plaza with women’s self-help groups at helm
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday inaugurated the newly revamped Mahim Sea Food Plaza, bringing back one of the city’s popular coastal dining spots.
The civic body said the initiative has been carried out under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani and Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi. The reopening event was held in the presence of Assistant Commissioner (G-North) Vinayak Vispute and veteran actor Arun Kadam, among others.
According to the BMC, stalls operated by women’s self-help groups have now become functional at the Mahim Sea Food Plaza, offering visitors a variety of fresh, high-quality seafood dishes.
With colourful decor, selfie points, comfortable seating, and live Koli (fisherfolk) music, the civic body said efforts have been made to create an engaging and authentic coastal experience for Mumbaikars.
Originally launched in November 2023, the Mahim Sea Food Plaza has faced several interruptions due to internal political disputes and the monsoon shutdown, which runs from June to September each year.
The BMC provides key infrastructure for the plaza, including seating, stall structures, and electric lighting. After being closed for the 2024 monsoon, the project remained stalled due to demands from the local Koli community that stalls be reserved exclusively for Koli families.
The seafood plaza resumed operations in 2025 but was again temporarily closed during this year’s monsoon season before reopening now with renewed vigour and community participation.
