Should Ganeshotsav Mandals Promote Awareness About Operation Sindoor?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Awareness about Operation Sindoor is encouraged among Ganeshotsav Mandals.
- Public celebrations should promote religious harmony.
- Tax exemptions for Mandals not used for commercial activities.
- Idol makers granted extended permissions to facilitate their work.
- Increased artificial lakes and boats for immersion of Ganesh idols.
Mumbai, Aug 13 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday urged Ganeshotsav Mandals to promote awareness regarding the strength demonstrated by India through Operation Sindoor and the significance of using indigenous products during this year's Ganesh festival.
He called on the public Ganeshotsav Mandals to celebrate this Ganeshotsav in a harmonious and enthusiastic environment in collaboration with the administration and expressed hope that the celebrations would honor the jawans with scenes inspired by 'Operation Sindoor.'
During a meeting focused on reviewing the law and order situation, Fadnavis directed the administration to implement necessary measures to ensure that Ganesh devotees experience no difficulties throughout the festival.
Present at the meeting were Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Minister of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Mangalprabhat Lodha, Minister of State for Home (Rural) Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam, and Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar.
He instructed that idol makers be granted permission for five consecutive years, paralleling the public Ganeshotsav Mandals, with a requirement for annual license renewals.
For obtaining permissions, he encouraged utilizing the computerized system-based one-window scheme established by the Municipal Corporation.
Fadnavis also called for an increase in the number of artificial lakes designated for the immersion of Ganesh idols, along with additional boats for the immersion of larger idols in the deep sea.
He highlighted that the state government has accorded Ganeshotsav the status of a state festival, and a comprehensive plan has been developed by the government to celebrate this occasion. All concessions provided to Ganeshotsav mandals last year will be continued.
“Given that the Eid-e-Milad festival coincides with Ganeshotsav, it is essential to maintain law and order while fostering religious harmony. Positive measures will be taken under court guidance to extend the duration of permissions granted for loudspeakers during Ganeshotsav,” he remarked.
According to the government release, it was resolved during the meeting that property tax will not be imposed on the offices of public Ganeshotsav Mandals that notify the administration in writing that their offices are not utilized for commercial activities.