MLA Sanjay Kelkar’s Top Budget Picks for Thane

MLA Sanjay Kelkar describes the budget as balanced and inclusive, but emphasises that for Thane to progress, the government must prioritise 100 MLD water supply, legal nets for marginalised workers, and tenant rights in redeveloped buildings.

While there is a current need for 100 MLD (million litres per day) of additional water, the city is only receiving 50 MLD.

Additionally, Kelkar called for a law to protect the rights of the workers in closed companies, contract labourers, and domestic workers. He highlighted that these workers have not received their dues for 20-25 years, and the contract workers in the Thane Municipal Corporation are often denied minimum wage. He demanded strict action to address these financial grievances.

On the other hand, he praised the budget for urban development and social welfare. Funding for major projects, including the Thane to Navi Mumbai Airport Elevated Road, the Airoli to Katai Elevated Road (Phase 3), and the Thane to Mumbai Bullet Train, is expected to improve traffic flow and boost the local economy.

Organisations like Sahyadri Pratishthan work selflessly to preserve forts without government aid. Kelkar suggested that the state should provide them with grants and officially hand over the maintenance responsibilities of the forts to these organisations. He also touched upon the need to address traffic congestion, pollution, and the increasing strength of the police force in Thane