Mumbai: Unauthorized Skill Development Center Raises Concerns in Govandi, BMC Action Questioned

2nd December 2023: In Govandi’s Shivaji Nagar area, an unauthorized skill development centre has sparked controversy after residents complained about its illegal construction in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ground. The BMC issued two notices to the concerned organization, the Niyaz Ahmed Minorities Education and Welfare Trust, following the complaints. However, despite the passage of five months since the first notice, no concrete action has been taken, prompting criticism of the BMC’s governance.

The Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Recreation Ground, spanning 5,000 square feet, was initially made available for public use after an application by the then-corporator Mohammad Siraj in 2017. Subsequently, the space was utilized for marriage functions at a nominal fee. In 2019, the Niyaz Ahmed Minorities Education and Welfare Trust, affiliated with Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi, began operating a library on the premises. However, a request in 2022 sought the conversion of the library into a skill development centre, gaining BMC approval. During the subsequent period, an unauthorized additional construction of approximately 1,500 square feet was carried out.

Upon learning of this, local citizens lodged complaints with the BMC department office, leading to the issuance of the first notice on July 27 to the Niyaz Ahmed Minorities Education and Welfare Trust. Despite no response from the trust, a second notice was sent on November 6, instructing the removal of unauthorized construction within 15 days. However, the skill development centre continues to operate, and no legal action has been taken by the BMC beyond issuing notices.

Faiyaz Shaikh, a resident, has called for the removal of the unauthorized construction and the reopening of the library, as 75 per cent of the space is currently occupied by the skill development centre.

MLA Abu Azmi countered the allegations, stating that the BMC receives a monthly rent of Rs 25,000 for the library and skill development centre in the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Recreation Ground. He denied claims of unauthorized construction, attributing the controversy to opposition tactics in light of upcoming elections. Azmi urged the Municipal Corporation to measure the area and conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.