Mumbai’s dabbawalas express their disappointment against Shiv Sena

Mumbai’s dabbawalas
express their disappointment against Shiv Sena

In total disregard to Shiv Sena’s assurances in its 2017 BMC vision document, Mumbai’s dabbawalas claim apart from the Dabbawala Bhavan built, Shiv Sena’s other key promises haven’t been fulfilled. The community expresses growing frustration over the lack of action.

Mumbai’s dabbawalas are acknowledged for their efficient lunchbox delivery system. They have expressed disappointment over Shiv Sena’s failure to deliver their promises.

Notwithstanding being in power for five years in the BMC and having Uddhav Thackeray serve as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for a period, the party has only fulfilled one of its commitments – the construction of Dabbawala Bhavan. The remaining pledges, which were aimed at improving the livelihoods of the dabbawala community, remain unfulfilled,i leading to mounting dissatisfaction.

In accordance to the 2017 BMC vision document, Shiv Sena had outlined a structured plan to uplift Mumbai’s dabbawalas, including:
Formation of an independent company –
The plan was to organise Mumbai’s dabbawalas into a formalised entity to streamline operations and provide financial security.

Financial support of ₹5 crore in the first year – The newly established company was to receive financial backing from the government to ensure stability in its initial phase.

The representatives of the Dabbawala representatives have openly expressed their dissatisfaction with Shiv Sena’s lack of action. They argue that letters sent to Uddhav Thackeray regarding the pending initiatives, no steps were taken to address their concerns.

Notedly, Subhash Talekar, President of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association says he had have personally written several letters to Uddhav Thackeray regarding this, but no action has been in vaiblnrwas taken. If they had no intention of keeping their promises, they should not have made them in the first place,” said Subhash Talekar, President of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association.
The frustration has led many dabbawalas to question the party’s credibility and commitment to the working-class communities of Mumbai. The association has now planned a formal meeting with Uddhav Thackeray to convey their grievances directly.
With the upcoming civic elections, the growing discontent among the dabbawalas could become a significant political issue, potentially influencing voter sentiment in Mumbai.

News Edit KV Raman