Citizens demand completion

Navi Mumbai: In an effort to empower disabled individuals through employment, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has initiated the distribution of stalls to Divyang (disabled) persons. However, despite 330 stalls being ready for allocation, the process has been stalled for the past two years, leaving many stalls unused and gathering dust on an open plot in Ghansoli, Vashi.

The NMMC had launched this initiative with the aim of providing self-employment opportunities to disabled residents. A total of 330 stalls were to be distributed across the city through a lottery system, with 200 already handed out. However, delays in finalizing the list of eligible beneficiaries and reallocation requests from recipients have slowed the process significantly.

Dr. Rahul Gethe, Deputy Commissioner of the Property Department at NMMC, confirmed that while the distribution began in Belapur, the remaining stalls are yet to be distributed across other areas like Nerul, Vashi, Turbe, Ghansoli, Airoli, and Digha. Some beneficiaries have expressed a preference for stalls in their respective localities, necessitating a revision of the distribution list, which will be published soon. Additionally, the conditions regarding the sale of certain goods from these stalls have been relaxed to accommodate the needs of the Divyang beneficiaries.

The breakdown of the distribution so far includes 14 stalls in Belapur, 54 in Nerul, 57 in Vashi, 16 in Turbhe, 24 in Kopar Khairane, 57 in Ghansoli, 90 in Airoli, and 18 in Digha.

Despite these efforts, the prolonged delay in the distribution of the remaining stalls has raised concerns among citizens, who are questioning when the process will be completed. As these stalls continue to stand unused, the intended benefits for the disabled community remain unfulfilled.