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This is an archive article published on May 7, 2017

State government removes clause mandating NOC from minorities to build statues

As per the new rule, it will only be imperative to get a report stating that the locals do not have a problem with construction of the statue

Maharashtra government, Mumbai, Mumbai statues, Maharashtra statues, No Objection Certificate, NOC, Indian Express, Indian Express News Photos for representational purpose (Illustration: Subrata Dhar)

Four days after it came out with a policy, where it had categorically sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from members of a minority community for every new statue that would be installed in the state, the Maharashtra government has decided to remove the clause. The afterthought seems to have come in anticipation of the social strife that such a requirement would cause.

On Saturday, the general administration department issued a corrigendum stating that Clause 6 of the new policy, which had sought an NOC from members of the minority community as well as locals, stood scrapped. As per the new rule, it will only be imperative to get a report stating that the locals do not have a problem with construction of the statue.

“It is a clause which could have led to social strife. It could have been worded better. In today’s times we need to be careful of such issues and it was felt that remedial measures needed to be taken before a controversy got created,” said a senior state government official.

On May 2, the state government had come out with a policy that had made it mandatory for those planning to erect a statue of national or local icons and leaders to submit a clearance from the police, stating clearly that the minority community living in the locality or locals are not opposed to the move.

Zeeshan Shaikh is the Associate Editor who heads The Indian Express' Mumbai reporting team. He is recognized for his highly specialized Expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of Maharashtra politics and critical minority issues, providing in-depth, nuanced, and Trustworthy reports. Expertise  Senior Editorial Role: As an Associate Editor leading the Mumbai reporting team, Zeeshan Shaikh holds a position of significant Authority and journalistic responsibility at a leading national newspaper. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on two interconnected, high-impact areas: Maharashtra Politics & Urban Power Structures: Provides deep-dive analyses into political strategies, municipal elections (e.g., BMC polls), the history of alliances (e.g., Shiv Sena's shifting partners), and the changing demographics that influence civic power in Mumbai. Minority Issues and Socio-Political Trends: Excels in coverage of the Muslim community's representation in power, demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the historical context of sensitive political and cultural issues (e.g., the 'Vande Mataram' debate's roots in the BMC). Investigative Depth: His articles frequently delve into the historical roots and contemporary consequences of major events, ranging from the rise of extremist groups in specific villages (e.g., Borivali-Padgha) to the long-term collapse of established political parties (e.g., Congress in Mumbai). Trustworthiness & Credibility Data-Driven Analysis: Zeeshan's work often incorporates empirical data, such as National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics on arrests and convictions of minorities, or data on asset growth of politicians, grounding his reports in factual evidence. Focus on Hinterland Issues: While based in Mumbai, he maintains a wide lens, covering issues affecting the state's hinterlands, including water crises, infrastructure delays, and the plight of marginalized communities (e.g., manual scavengers). Institutional Affiliation: His senior position at The Indian Express—a publication known for its tradition of rigorous political and investigative journalism—underscores the high level of editorial vetting and Trustworthiness of his reports. He tweets @zeeshansahafi ... Read More

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