Dark Diwali: Thane's Apla Dawakhana Clinics Shutdown Sparks Outcry

Local BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar has demanded the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) take urgent measures against the contractor responsible for the abrupt shutdown of Apla Dawakhana clinics. Employees of these clinics, unpaid for six months, reportedly spent a 'dark Diwali' without their salaries.

The Apla Dawakhana clinics, modeled after Delhi's Mohalla clinics and rolled out under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's administration, have faced operational halts as the Bengaluru-based firm managing them ceased operations in August, despite a contract running till October. This collapse comes amid looming civic elections with an uncertain political alliance landscape.

Kelkar criticized the administration, saying a Rs 56 lakh fine on the firm has not yet resulted in payment to the affected staff. He urged the TMC to promptly recover fines and clear the pending salaries, warning of potential protests if no action is taken.