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By:

Dr. Abhilash Dawre

19 March 2025 at 5:18:41 pm

BJP alleges billing irregularities

Ambernath: Serious allegations of financial irregularities have surfaced in Ambernath's solid waste management system, with BJP corporators accusing Samiksha Waste Management Infra Pvt. Ltd. of artificially inflating garbage collection weights to generate excess payments. The corporators have demanded an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities and sought the immediate blacklisting of the company. They have also alleged that the entire operation has continued with the...

BJP alleges billing irregularities

Ambernath: Serious allegations of financial irregularities have surfaced in Ambernath's solid waste management system, with BJP corporators accusing Samiksha Waste Management Infra Pvt. Ltd. of artificially inflating garbage collection weights to generate excess payments. The corporators have demanded an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities and sought the immediate blacklisting of the company. They have also alleged that the entire operation has continued with the knowledge of municipal officials. According to the BJP corporators, a field inspection of garbage transportation and weighing procedures revealed that garbage vehicles were allegedly loaded with drain sludge, mud and heavy soil, in addition to waste, before being weighed at a private weighbridge. They claimed this practice artificially increased the recorded weight of each vehicle, resulting in inflated monthly bills. The corporators stated that the waste collection contract has remained with Samiksha Waste Management Infra Pvt. Ltd. since 2017, with extensions granted over the years, including a fresh contract in 2023. Despite the company handling the work for nearly eight years, they alleged that nearly 210 garbage bins continue to remain across the city, raising questions over the effectiveness of the waste management system. A major concern raised by the corporators relates to the absence of a municipality-owned weighbridge. They claimed that the tender conditions require the municipal council to have its own weighing facility and that 15 lakh was sanctioned during the 2026 General Body meeting for installing the weighbridge. However, despite the approval, the municipal weighbridge has not been made operational. As a result, garbage is allegedly weighed on a private weighbridge, where approximately half a tonne of additional weight per vehicle is allegedly recorded, leading to inflated billing. Garbage Quantity The corporators further questioned the official claim that 170 metric tonnes of garbage are collected daily in Ambernath. They pointed out that neighbouring Badlapur, which has a larger population and geographical area, reportedly generates only around 100 metric tonnes of waste daily. They argued that the significantly higher figure reported for Ambernath, despite the continued presence of garbage heaps and around 210 garbage bins across the city, raises serious doubts over the accuracy of the reported data. They also alleged violations of tender conditions by claiming that vehicles other than those approved under the contract were being used for waste transportation. In addition, they accused the company of failing to provide contractual sanitation workers with timely salaries, gumboots, hand gloves, raincoats and other essential safety equipment. Questions were also raised regarding the fitness certificates and insurance documents of certain garbage transportation vehicles, with corporators alleging that the concerned authorities failed to take appropriate action. In another serious allegation, BJP corporators claimed that the alleged irregularities were continuing under the protection of Ambarnath Municipal Council Health Department Head Mahesh Tayde. They alleged that municipal officials were aware of the financial irregularities, violations in the weighing process and breaches of tender conditions but deliberately ignored them. They demanded strict administrative and legal action against those found responsible. Increased Weight ‘The Perfect Voice’ visited the private weighbridge where garbage vehicles are weighed. According to the report, an employee identified as Shivam Singh allegedly stated, "Officials from the Ambarnath Municipal Council ask us to show increased weight. Accordingly, we increase the weight and issue the receipt." The ground report also highlighted allegations that sanitation workers were not being provided with mandatory safety kits and were not receiving salaries on time. Concerns were also raised regarding the absence of valid fitness certificates for some garbage transport vehicles. While speaking to, ‘The Perfect Voice’, BJP Group leader Abhijeet Karanjule-Patil alleged that large-scale financial irregularities were taking place through the waste collection contract executed by Samiksha Waste Management Infra Pvt. Ltd. He demanded the immediate blacklisting of the company and an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities. He alleged that although a municipal weighbridge is mandatory under the tender conditions, it has not been made operational, forcing garbage to be weighed at a private weighbridge where vehicle weights are allegedly inflated by loading drain sludge, mud and soil. He also questioned the official claim of collecting 170 metric tonnes of waste daily, stating that despite these figures, nearly 210 garbage bins and garbage heaps continue to exist across the city. Karanjule-Patil further alleged collusion between municipal officials and the contractor, while also raising concerns over delayed wages, lack of safety equipment for sanitation workers, and compliance issues relating to garbage transport vehicles.

Gamble and the Challenge

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Eknath Shinde

As Maharashtra eagerly anticipates the election results on November 23, one name dominates political discussions: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Known for his bold moves, Shinde has reshaped the state’s political dynamics in unprecedented ways. In June 2022, Shinde set the stage for upheaval when he, along with several MLAs, left for Surat, plunging the coalition government into crisis. Just days later, with the BJP’s support, he assumed the role of chief minister, marking a shift no one saw coming.


The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi, a coalition formed in 2019 by Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP, had governed Maharashtra until Shinde’s exit. The impact of this political drama on state politics cannot be understated, as Shinde’s departure led to the fall of the MVA government. Over the past two years, Shinde has defied expectations, run a successful government while demonstrating independence from the BJP—a scenario few anticipated. His political acumen has now positioned him as a rising figure in BJP’s inner circle, potentially posing a challenge to BJP stalwart Devendra Fadnavis.


For Shinde, this election marks a crucial turning point. His objective is clear: securing wins for as many of his candidates as possible, solidifying his position in Maharashtra’s political landscape. However, the real test lies beyond the election results. In a political era where party loyalty is fluid, Shinde’s task will be to retain the loyalty of the elected MLAs.


Shinde’s journey from auto-rickshaw driver to prominent Shiv Sena leader has endeared him to the people, especially in Thane. Known for his humble behavior, he has built strong connections across all levels, from party workers to local households. However, this simplicity has led some BJP leaders to underestimate him. Now, even his allies realize that Shinde’s strategic mind and influence extend far beyond appearances.


One of Shinde’s significant achievements has been implementing the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ an initiative originally from Madhya Pradesh’s BJP government, which gained immense popularity in Maharashtra. This move not only showcases his keen sense of public sentiment but also distances him from his allies by establishing his independent policy-making approach.


Despite his growing influence, Shinde faces a challenge from the grassroots Shiv Sainiks who view him as a “traitor” for breaking with the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction. Recasting the narrative behind his decision to part ways with UBT will be essential if he hopes to gain widespread voter support.


Emphasizing his motivations and successes, particularly with initiatives like the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ may help him connect with skeptical constituents.


With solid connections at the local level and rapport with senior BJP leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Shinde’s influence is likely to endure. This election will ultimately test Shinde’s leadership, resilience, and ability to navigate Maharashtra’s intricate political landscape. As Maharashtra’s political future hangs in the balance, Shinde stands at the forefront, steering the state’s uncertain course with both determination and ambition.

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