Latest news with #Koli
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Vacate Sassoon Dock, port authority tells fishers, traders
MUMBAI: It's well before dawn but the dock is already alive with handcart-pullers, porters, exporters – and, at the heart of it all, the Koli women. As the early catch is hauled ashore, a pungent aroma settles over the landing sites, anointing the daily ritual. Moments later, several tonnes of seafood slip into a supply chain that starts right here, at Sassoon Dock, on the city's eastern waterfront, in Colaba. Fish on sale at Sassoon dock (Hindustan Times) But the dock will fall eerily silent if the Mumbai Port Authority (MPA) follows through on its verbal ultimatum to fish traders and the fishing community – 'vacate the MPA's godowns within 15 days, or face eviction', they have been told. The threat has triggered alarm for thousands of fishermen, seafood suppliers, shopkeepers and restaurant owners who rely on the sale of fish for their livelihood, not to mention the thousands of workers who populate the supply chain, at the dock and beyond. Matters have boiled over again in a dispute that has dragged on for decades. At the core of the clash is a disagreement between the MPA and the state-run Maharashtra State Fisheries Development Corporation (MFDC) over rental payments for godowns owned by the port authority. While MFDC rents the godowns to seafood processors, the latter have allegedly defaulted on payments to the MPA over Ready Reckoner rates. The confrontation has lasted 30 years. The last serious face-off took place in 2014, when MPA had told godown users to vacate. However, a meeting with ministers in 2015 resulted in a consensus to protect the fishing industry by forming a tripartite agreement among stakeholders. Fisher groups claim that despite that meeting, no formal steps were taken over the next decade. Now, without implementing the promised agreement, the MPA is once again threatening eviction. The directive has led to a grassroots movement to 'Save Sassoon Dock'. Operators of the dock's 80-90 godowns say the move will dismantle an economic ecosystem. For each godown, at least 50 to 100 labourers are employed, rendering them jobless. Ruksana Khan, who owns Harbour Exports and supplies seafood to restaurants, says: 'I've been working here since I was very young. My entire family, including my daughter, is involved. We pay ₹ 15 lakh annually in taxes. We handle 200-300 tonnes of seafood daily. This eviction will render us jobless.' According to Krishna Pawle, president of the Shiv Bharatiya Port Sena, a federation of 14 fisher associations, a shutdown would impact a nationwide supply chain. 'This is not just about Mumbai. Seafood from Sassoon Dock is sent to Gujarat, Kerala, Alibag and beyond. Workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have been working here for decades. They will all be unemployed,' said Pawle. The dock area also supports communities such as the Banjara Samaj, who specialise in shelling prawns and fish. 'We contribute to foreign exchange earnings,' Pawle added, underlining the broader economic implications of the dock's operations. He says there is no reason the fishing community should be held responsible. 'We were given these godowns to use by the MFDC. If the MPA wants to reclaim them, they should take possession from MFDC. Why are we being dragged into this?' Vasant Bhuchade, president of the Marine Products Auctioneers Association (MPAA), points out that the godowns have been operational before independence, and some families are now in their fourth generation managing them. 'Without these processing units, the seafood supply chain will collapse, and the government will lose crucial revenue.' For now, the MPA is adamant. Despite repeated attempts, a senior official from the MPA was unavailable for comment.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Prajakta Koli ‘Floatz' into the role of a news reporter
Floatz by Bata India has launched its latest campaign with Prajakta Koli who steps into the role of a quirky news reporter with one message, 'Floatz is your go-to, come rain or shine!' From impromptu errands to airport check-ins, the latest Floatz Clogs from the house of Bata are designed to keep up with your every move. Deepika Deepti , head of marketing, Bata India, said, 'Much like Koli, whose authentic and relatable personality strikes a strong chord with today's youth, Floatz by Bata is designed to deliver effortless style and comfort at an accessible price .' Koli added, 'I am thrilled to be the face of the launch campaign for Floatz. It's like coming home, but in super comfy shoes.' Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prajakta Koli (@mostlysane)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
RTI activist arrested on charge of bid to extort Rs20L
Kolhapur: A 43-year-old RTI activist has been arrested for allegedly attempting to extort Rs20 lakh from a CPR Hospital staffer to prevent her arrest in a forgery case involving her husband. The accused, Jayraj Bhimrao Koli, allegedly demanded the amount from the woman, whose husband, Ajinkya Anil Patil, a medical supplier, was earlier arrested for forging documents to secure a supply contract with the hospital. Despite the woman having ended her contract with the hospital in March, Koli continued to harass her, the police said. Koli allegedly threatened the couple to stop pursuing the woman's arrest. He eventually agreed to settle for Rs 15 lakh. Patil then approached the police and filed a complaint. You Can Also Check: Kolhapur AQI | Weather in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur "Koli also threatened the supplier that if the money was not paid, he would not let the supplier work anywhere in the state," said Gajendra Lohar, police inspector of Kagal. "We provided the complainant with some cash in original currency and the rest in duplicate toy notes. We filled them in a bag and handed it over to the complainant. Koli and his friend Yuvraj Kharade arrived at Lakshmi Hill near Kagal, where both were arrested on Monday night," Lohar added. Police investigations revealed that Koli was affiliated with a political outfit but was expelled for allegedly misusing the RTI Act and harassing civic officials.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Caste census in Himachal Pradesh: The current scenario, the potential political impact, and what experts think
The central government last week issued the notification for the next Census, including a detailed enumeration of caste, in 2027, with plans to begin the process from certain snow-bound non-synchronous areas of Himachal Pradesh, along with the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, and the state of Uttarakhand, starting October 1, 2026. 'As of now, we have only received the notification… according to it, the Census will indeed be held much earlier in certain snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the state, while in the rest of the state, it will be conducted in 2027,' Lalit Jain, Officiating Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Himachal Pradesh, said. Himachal Pradesh has 12 districts: Lahaul and Spiti, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Una, Chamba, Kinnaur, Kangra, and Kullu. The entire district of Lahaul and Spiti, along with certain parts of Chamba, Kinnaur, Kangra, and Kullu districts, has been categorised as a snow-bound non-synchronous area. These areas are not aligned with the regular agricultural and developmental cycles due to prolonged snow cover, remoteness, and unique topographical or climatic challenges. Here's a look at the caste break-up in Himachal Pradesh, how the caste Census will be held in the state, the dispute involving the Hattee community, and whether such a survey will impact state politics. The total population of the state is approximately 77.56 lakh, including around 40 lakh men and 37 lakh women. As per the Himachal Pradesh government's Directorate for the Empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Minorities, and Specially Abled (ESOMSA), Scheduled Castes (SCs) comprise approximately 25 per cent of the total population. While OBCs account for 13.52 per cent of the population, Scheduled Tribes (STs) make up around 5.71 per cent. Nine out of the 12 districts in Himachal have a significant SC population, and at least 57 castes have been officially notified as SCs in the state. The majority of the SC population belongs to Kori/Koli, Lohar, Julaha, Balmiki, Khatik, Jogi, Ad Dharmi, Dhanak, Gagra, Dhogri, Dhangri, and Siggi castes, among others. The state government has notified 11 tribes as STs, including the Hattee community — a close-knit group primarily residing in the Trans-Giri area of Sirmaur district, which was given the ST status in 2023. Meanwhile, 52 castes have been classified as OBCs in the state, including Aheri, Ahori, Heri, Naik, Thori, Popo Brahman, Bahti, and Gaddi. Deep Shikha Sharma, a 2011 batch IFS officer from the AGMUT cadre, was appointed director of the Directorate of Census Operations, Himachal Pradesh, earlier this month, but she is yet to assume charge. 'The caste Census will be conducted by employees of the state government. These may include teachers, anganwadi workers, and other government staff,' Ashish Chauhan, Deputy Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Himachal Pradesh, said. 'Our directorate will train them in the methods to be used for conducting the caste survey. Although we have not yet received a training schedule from our headquarters in Delhi, we expect to undergo training ourselves before training the state government staff,' he added. The methodology will involve door-to-door data collection by enumerators using either digital tools, mobile apps, or paper forms. The process will include verification against official documents (caste and income certificates), data analysis, and consolidation of caste-wise population statistics, along with cross-sectional analyses linking caste data with socio-economic indicators. Despite the official classifications under SC, ST, and OBC categories, a significant dispute involving the Hattee community — granted ST status by the central and state governments in 2023 — is currently sub judice in the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Some representatives from the SC and OBC communities residing in the Trans-Giri region, who are considered a part of the Hattee community, have approached the court opposing the ST status, arguing that this could lead to benefits for many upper-caste individuals in the area, potentially diluting the benefits meant for marginalised communities. They have also expressed concern about losing their existing status as SCs or OBCs. Consequently, the high court issued a stay on the notification by the state government. The matter is scheduled for hearing on July 7. 'We are hopeful that by the time the caste Census begins in 2027, the high court will have arrived at a logical conclusion. We have fought a long battle to secure ST status for the Hattee community and the scheduled status for our area,' Ami Chand Kamal, president of the Kendriya Hattee Samiti, said. What do political experts have to say? Out of the 68 Assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh, 17 are reserved for SCs and three for STs — namely, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, and Bharmour. Of the 17 SC-reserved seats, six are in Kangra and three in Mandi, reflecting the high SC population in these districts. In October 2023, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had termed the caste Census as a 'formality', saying 'everyone knows about caste in Himachal'. According to Joginder Singh Saklani, Associate Professor at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla, a caste Census will not have a major impact on politics in the state. 'First of all, one of the main objectives of the caste census is to identify sub-castes within broader caste categories. While this will aid central and state governments in designing more effective welfare policies, I believe it will have little impact on state politics, which is predominantly driven by regional rather than caste considerations,' Saklani said. 'For example, Upper Himachal, which includes districts like Shimla and the upper parts of Kullu and Mandi, has long dominated state politics. Leaders from Lower Himachal, comprising Kangra, Hamirpur, and Una, often feel politically marginalised,' he added. Vikas Singh, Associate Professor, Political Science, HPU, pointed out that many past surveys in the state have recorded caste data, but not sub-caste distinctions. 'In the context of Himachal, the caste census may not significantly influence electoral politics, but it will certainly provide useful data for assessing socio-economic conditions across castes,' he said. However, Additional Chief Secretary, Tribal Development Department, Onkar Chand Sharma, said the survey would definitely impact state politics. 'The caste survey was held once in 1931… although there were certain surveys pertaining to castes, but not a Census. The upcoming caste Census will change many dimensions,' Sharma said.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Omar Abdullah accuses Mehbooba, Lone of 'political hypocrisy' over reservation issue
Facing outcry for dragging his feet on rationalising reservation quota in government jobs, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday (June 20, 2025) accused the Opposition parties, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and J&K People's Conference (JKPC) chairman Sajjad Lone of 'political hypocrisy'. Referring to Ms. Mufti and Mr. Lone, Mr. Abdullah said these leaders had the opportunity to raise the matter earlier but 'chose to remain silent for political convenience'. 'Why didn't Ms. Mufti speak about it when she was contesting elections from Anantnag and seeking support in Rajouri and Poonch? She needed votes and did not allow even her party members to speak about reservation. Mr. Lone was closely aligned with the government for five years. While we were being thrown out of government accommodations and our security was being downgraded, he comfortably stayed in a government house. Why didn't he speak about reservations then?' Mr. Abdullah asked. Mr. Abdullah's party had promised to rationalise the quota during the Assembly elections last year. This week, a Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) mandated to suggest recommendations filed its report. However, the government move to send the report to the Law Department for legal vetting is being perceived by the Opposition as 'dilly dallying tactics'. Also Read | Growing voices against proposed 70% quota in Jammu and Kashmir 'If I had wanted a delay, I could have extended the deadline by another six months. No one could have forced me to act. Yet, we chose to move quickly. The Cabinet accepted the Sub-Committee's report and sent it to the Law Department for legal vetting,' Mr. Abdullah said. Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Parra termed the 'withholding of the subcommittee report a violation of democratic principles'. 'There is no room for secrecy in a democracy. Institutions must draw legitimacy from transparency, not concealment. The report directly impacts the future of the region's youth and should be made public without delay,' he said. Reacting to Mr. Abdullah's remarks, Ms. Mufti said, 'As Chief Minister, I ensured that 75% is reserved for open merit when some issue of NEET and other PG exams came up. I never sent the reservation to the Law Department. Now Omar sahib is pinning blame on others. Didn't he promise to resolve this issue?' Jammu and Kashmir's reservation quota was revised under the Central rule after new categories like Paharis, Paddari Tribe, Koli and Gadda Brahmin etc. were included in 2024. The open merit category was reduced significantly less than 40%. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister opposed any proposal to divert waters from Jammu and Kashmir to any other nearby State. 'I will never permit this. Our people in Jammu are already facing drought-like conditions. Why should we divert our water to Punjab? They already get water under the Indus Water Treaty. Did they ever share water with us when we needed it?' he said. On the restoration of Statehood, Mr. Abdullah said he pins hopes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment. 'The promise hasn't been fulfilled yet,' he added.
