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23 August 2024 at 4:29:04 pm

Broken Faith

For generations, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement was about far more than bricks and mortar. It was sustained by faith, sacrifice and an unwavering belief among millions of devotees that one day a grand temple would rise at what they regarded as the birthplace of Lord Ram. After decades of political battles, social upheaval and legal contestation, that dream finally became reality. For countless Hindus, it marked the fulfilment of a civilisational aspiration. This is precisely why the allegations...

Broken Faith

For generations, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement was about far more than bricks and mortar. It was sustained by faith, sacrifice and an unwavering belief among millions of devotees that one day a grand temple would rise at what they regarded as the birthplace of Lord Ram. After decades of political battles, social upheaval and legal contestation, that dream finally became reality. For countless Hindus, it marked the fulfilment of a civilisational aspiration. This is precisely why the allegations now emerging from Ayodhya are so disturbing. The Special Investigation Team constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government is probing serious irregularities in the handling of donations offered by devotees, to the tune of Rs. 7-7.5 crores missing. Investigators are examining the procedures governing donation boxes, cash counting and the movement of personnel entrusted with handling offerings made in good faith by worshippers. The details are deeply troubling. Individuals involved in counting donations are under scrutiny for sudden and unexplained financial growth. Authorities have allegedly recovered substantial sums of cash. Questions are being asked about assets accumulated by persons linked to temple operations. When a devotee places money into a donation box, it is an act of faith. The offering is made not to an institution but to the deity. Those entrusted with managing such offerings carry a responsibility far greater than that borne by ordinary administrators. They are custodians of sacred trust. The allegations that have emerged have wounded the emotional bond that millions have forged with the temple. While a scandal in a government department is unfortunate, a scandal involving a sacred institution is even more corrosive. It risks breeding cynicism where reverence should exist. The Ram Mandir is too important an institution to be shielded from scrutiny. In fact, because of its significance, it must be subjected to higher standards of transparency than almost any other public body in the country. While the temple itself remains a symbol of faith, what requires examination are the actions of those entrusted with managing a sacred institution. For years, devotees contributed money, labour and emotional energy to a cause they believed transcended politics. They did not do so to enrich temple employees or power brokers. The SIT investigation must therefore proceed without fear or favour. Every allegation must be examined. Every financial trail must be followed. Every individual, regardless of proximity to powerful figures, must be held accountable if wrongdoing is established. The Ram Mandir was built through the devotion of millions. Its sanctity cannot be compromised by the greed of a few. The greatest threat to the temple today does not come from outside its walls. It comes from the possibility that those entrusted with protecting faith may have betrayed it. And for devotees, that is the most painful betrayal of all.

BMC to launch AI in real estate sector

AI generated image
AI generated image

Mumbai: In a move aimed at modernizing urban governance and facilitating faster project clearances, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch an advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-driven facility dedicated to the city’s real estate sector.


“The introduction of this AI-led facility marks a significant step towards streamlining processes and enhancing transparency in Mumbai’s real estate ecosystem. By leveraging technology, we aim to reduce approval timelines and improve overall efficiency for stakeholders,” BMC Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said while speaking at the Change of Guard ceremony of NAREDCO Maharashtra on Thursday.


Bhide said, “The introduction of this AI-led facility marks a significant step towards streamlining processes and enhancing transparency in Mumbai’s real estate ecosystem. By leveraging technology, we aim to reduce approval timelines and improve overall efficiency for stakeholders.”


Stating that the proposed facility would integrate multiple civic approval systems into a unified digital platform, enabling developers, architects and consultants to submit and track applications in real time, Bhide said, “By deploying AI tools for document verification, compliance checks and predictive analysis, the BMC aims to drastically cut down approval timelines, which have traditionally been a challenge for the sector.”


“The system would also bring greater transparency and accountability by reducing human interface and standardising procedures. The platform is expected to flag discrepancies, ensure adherence to development control regulations, and provide actionable insights to both applicants and civic authorities. The initiative aligns with Mumbai’s broader vision of becoming a technologically advanced and investor-friendly city. With real estate being a critical driver of economic growth and urban development, the AI-led facility is anticipated to boost investor confidence and accelerate project execution,” she added.


Speaking on the occasion, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawade said, “Mumbai is steadily transforming into a model city for ease - of -doing - business in real estate. Today, construction proposal approvals are streamlined within 45 days, driven by transparency and end-to-end digitization. This not only accelerates development; but also builds trust among stakeholders. We are committed to inclusive urban growth prioritizing women’s safety and encouraging developers to actively participate in creating essential infrastructure such as dedicated women’s sanitation facilities. Our vision is clear to get faster processes, safer spaces, and a more accountable system for all.”


The BMC is currently in the final stages of preparing the infrastructure and is expected to roll out the facility in phases. Training sessions and on-boarding support will also be provided to ensure smooth adoption by users. Once operational, the AI-enabled system is poised to redefine the way real estate approvals are managed in Mumbai, setting a benchmark for other urban local bodies across the country.


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