This is an archive article published on September 26, 2023
‘Colour-coded pass, drones, Rs 10,000 cash limit for visitors…’: Maharashtra Mantralaya’s new security
As per the detailed directives issued by the state’s Home department, visitors will not be allowed to roam around in departments or floors other than those mentioned in the entry pass. As per the data, the average number of visitors in Mantralaya is 3,500, and rises to 5,000 on the day of a cabinet meeting.
As per the detailed directives issued by the state’s Home department, visitors will not be allowed to roam around in departments or floors other than those mentioned in the entry pass. (Express Archives)
‘Colour-coded pass, drones, Rs 10,000 cash limit for visitors…’: Maharashtra Mantralaya’s new security
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Amid growing instances of protests and attempts of suicides by visitors jumping on to the net installed in the Mantralaya, the state government has decided to curtail the number of daily visitors, restrict their movements by issuing color-coded as well as RFID passes, pre-book time slots for appointments and constructing a new state-of-the-art visitor plaza.
As per the detailed directives issued by the state’s Home department, visitors will not be allowed to roam around in departments or floors other than those mentioned in the entry pass. As per the data, the average number of visitors in Mantralaya is 3,500, and rises to 5,000 on the day of a cabinet meeting.
“It has been observed that administrative work suffers due to excess visitors. Therefore, the number of visitors and vehicles has been restricted. The Deputy Police Commissioner of Mantralaya security will submit a report within a month detailing the number of visitors allowed per day,” said the government resolution.
Observing that the drone system provided for security under Phase–I of Mantralaya security has been damaged, it has directed that hereupon, there will be a contract for annual maintenance. A modern plaza for visitors will be constructed near Garden gate which will have a pass counter, waiting room, bag lockers, scanners etc.
खोके सरकार सत्तारूढ झाल्यापासून महाराष्ट्रातील प्रत्येक समाजघटक त्रस्त आहे… व सत्ताधारी मदमस्त आहेत. अल्पभूधारक, गरीब शेतकऱ्यांच्या जमिनी विकासाच्या नावाखाली ताब्यात घेऊन त्यांना मोबदला वेळेत न दिल्याने आज नगर जिल्ह्यातील एका शेतकऱ्याऱ्याने मंत्रालयाच्या सहाव्या मजल्यावरून… pic.twitter.com/ZdLYC7eevt
In August 2023, more than 20 farmers from Vidarbha had taken part in protests, with some of them jumping onto the net, demanding compensation for their land acquired for an irrigation project. The safety net was installed by the state government in 2018 after a number of suicide attempts at the Mantralaya.
In a bid to stop protesters from jumping, the government will install invisible steel ropes at open spaces in corridors and windows. Visitors will not be allowed to enter with more than Rs 10,000 in cash. It mentions that correspondence to the department will now have to be submitted to the centralised system and will not be allowed inside the department concerned.
While directions have been given to provide RFID passes to visitors, till it is being implemented, each floor of Mantralaya will be given a specific color code. The visitor prescribed a gate pass in a specific colour will be barred from going to other floors. The system will be implemented within a month.
Each minister’s office will have to designate an officer on special duty (OSD) to communicate with the security team of the Mantralaya for issuance of entry pass for visitors.
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No entry pass in the administrative department will be issued unless approved by the department’s secretary. No oral or telephonic directions will now be accepted.
Entry of vehicles from the main gate has now been restricted only for CMs, Dy Cms, ministers and their convoys. Vehicles of secretaries will be allowed from the Secretary gate while other vehicles with a pass can enter only via the garden gate. The government has also decided to stop entry to the Mantralaya by 5.30 pm and security teams will be directed to start emptying the building by 6.15 pm.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands').
Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including:
State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana).
Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides).
Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits.
Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness
Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects.
Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards.
Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
He tweets @alokdesh ... Read More
