Urdu Markaz director Zubair Azmi, however, said, "We have been conducting English classes. We have a library and a research centre. We organise a lot of activities to enlighten the children about Urdu culture and literature."
After 17 years of service, the office of NGO Urdu Markaz has finally been sealed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body had given a room to the NGO in the Imamwada Municipal Urdu School but had served three eviction notices over the last three years. According to a new policy, the BMC can take back all properties rented to NGOs that conduct "non-educational activities".
Uma Shinde, administration officer, (Education), B ward, said, "I inspected the property and found that no educational activities were going on in the premises. I then asked school in-charge Shaina Bhatt to evaluate as well. After all the inspections, we concluded that NGO was not conducting any educational activity." After several attempts, the school in-charge remained unavailable for comments.
Urdu Markaz director Zubair Azmi, however, said, "We have been conducting English classes. We have a library and a research centre. We organise a lot of activities to enlighten the children about Urdu culture and literature."
He further stated, "We have been responding to the notices with facts for the last three years. We are also the pioneers of the Bhendi Bazaar Urdu Festival. Ironically, the chowk outside the premises was named the 'Urdu Markaz chowk' by the BMC. And now they have sealed the premises."
Alleging a conspiracy, Congress MLA Amin Patel said, "I have seen the NGO's work in the last couple of years. I can guarantee that they are promoting the Urdu culture in the form of literature, art, music and education. I suspect a blame game and a conspiracy by administration officer Uma Shinde. I had spoken to B ward education officer Ranjit Dhakne, who had assured me that the premises won't be shut."
After several attempts, deputy municipal commissioner, (Education), Ranjit Dhakne remained unavailable for comments.
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