CM Shinde Performs Bhumi Pujan for Koli Bhavan
By A Draft Correspondent
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured that there would be no shortage of funds for the construction of Koli Bhavan, a cultural and social hub for Maharashtra's Koli community. “The Koli community is straightforward and honest. They do not have double standards and conduct their business with integrity. A grand building is being constructed for them, and we will ensure that funds will not fall short for this project,” Shinde said during the Bhumi Pujan ceremony at Airoli, Navi Mumbai.
Koli Bhavan is set to serve as a cultural centre for the ‘sons of the soil’—the Bhumiputra, Koli Agri, project-affected families, and other tribal communities in Maharashtra. The ceremony witnessed the presence of key political figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Member of Parliament Naresh Mhaske, legislator Manda Mhatre, and several local leaders such as Ganesh Naik and Sandeep Naik, among others.
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| Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the event |
In his address, Shinde lauded the Koli community’s contributions to Maharashtra, describing them as the “king of the rivers and sons of the soil of Mumbai.” He mentioned that the building would be a dedicated space for the Koli community across the state. Referring to the recent G-20 event in Mumbai, Shinde added, “People from across the world gave priority to Koli songs. Visitors were delighted by the music, dance, and the vibrant culture of the Koli community.”
The Chief Minister also stressed the need for justice for the sons of the soil, stating that his government is prioritising employment opportunities for the Bhumiputra. He emphasised the significant role played by the Koli community in various development projects and remarked that the state has entered an era of rapid progress, with projects advancing and welfare schemes for the common people in full swing. “The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojna provides women with ₹1500 every month, while the Mukhyamantri Yuva Kary Prashikshan Yojna offers stipends to youth during their training—our state is the first in the country to do so,” he noted.
Shinde also spoke about ongoing efforts to resolve issues related to caste certificates for the Koli community, informing that a study group has been formed to expedite solutions. He assured the community that all remaining issues would soon be addressed and reiterated the government’s commitment to working tirelessly for the people. “We are working day and night to take decisions that benefit the common people, and there will be no shortage of funds for ensuring justice to the project-affected families and the Bhumiputras,” Shinde added, further assuring that all construction projects would be completed soon.
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| Koli Bhavan is set to serve as a cultural centre |
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also spoke at the event, acknowledged the years of effort that had gone into acquiring the land for Koli Bhavan. He expressed his happiness that the project is finally taking shape and assured that it will be one of Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks. “When the Maharashtra Atal Setu was under construction, Koli fishermen could not venture into the sea, and the government allocated ₹25 crore to compensate them. We provided similar support during the Coastal Road construction. The government has always stood with the Koli community, and we will continue to do so,” Fadnavis said.
Fadnavis further highlighted the caste verification issues faced by Koli workers, mentioning that 18,000 Koli employees were at risk of losing their jobs due to certificate issues. However, the government intervened, reclassified them as surplus, and later made them permanent employees, granting them the same benefits as other government staff. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising the Koli community’s issues at the national level, establishing a dedicated ministry and an autonomous department for fisheries.
Fadnavis announced that the state is preparing to deliver the largest compensation package in the country to Koli families affected by the Wadhwan project. He also reiterated the government's commitment to modernising the fishing industry and providing better infrastructure for the Koli community.
Other prominent figures, including legislator Manda Mhatre and Ramesh Dada Patil, national president of Koli Mahasangh, also addressed the gathering, expressing their support for the community’s development.
The event concluded with Chief Minister Shinde distributing cold storage boxes to beneficiaries. He also handed over keys to vehicles under the Pradhanmantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’s “Fish on Wheels” scheme, further underscoring the government's commitment to supporting the Koli community’s livelihood.
