Thirty-seven beneficiaries of the Mancherji Navroji Banaji (MN Banaji) Industrial Home for the Blind in Jogeshwari have alleged that three key programmes remain suspended despite a court directive to resume operations nearly a month ago. They are demanding immediate intervention, pointing to existing facilities and a government grant of Rs 19 lakh released in 2022.
The Divyang Court had instructed the institution to restart the programmes while an inquiry into its prolonged administrative problems continues. An appointed official has been given a year to investigate the issues and resolve management-related concerns.
Vikas Gote, the complainant and one of the 37 beneficiaries, questioned why rehabilitation services could not resume during the inquiry.
“The court has appointed an official who has been given a year to resolve administrative matters and investigate why the institute has not functioned properly for almost two decades.
However, the officials can restart the three programmes for which the institution was established while the inquiry is underway. We have already waited too long for our rights. Why should we wait another year when the inquiry and the revival of the institute can proceed simultaneously?” he asked.
Vishal Lohar, another complainant who stayed at the institution’s working hostel in 2024, also questioned the continued closure despite available infrastructure and financial assistance.
“The infrastructure is available, and a government grant of Rs 19 lakh, sanctioned and disbursed in 2022, is also available. Then why are we forced to fend for ourselves even today?” he told mid-day.
Lohar, Sanjay Honmane and Milind Dange, all former working hostel residents, are seeking the immediate restoration of all three programmes. They have received support from advocate Dr Uday Warunjikar and former beneficiary Pankaj Chaudhari, who has supported visually impaired residents since the dispute began in 2010.
Established in 1956, the institution has faced administrative and legal challenges for nearly two decades. The dispute began in 2010 when former trustees approached the courts over the premises. In 2016, the Bombay High Court assigned management responsibilities to NAB, Worli, and directed it to revive the programmes.
Beneficiaries also allege that 23 visually impaired trainees were evicted from the working hostel in February 2024 and paid Rs 40,800 each. They are now urging authorities to restore services without further delay.
Source: Mid-day
