'The Buck Stops With Him': Dr. Kiran Bedi On MCD Accountability

Three separate incidents within two months have sparked concern among the Christian community in West Bengal. On 5 July, an under-construction church was vandalised in Subashgram, leading to the arrest of six suspects who were later granted bail. On 14 August, tension erupted in Raibati village in East Burdwan over the removal of a body from an allegedly disputed cemetery. On 26 August, a prayer gathering at a residence in Mahishadal was disrupted over allegations of religious conversion. While church bodies have condemned the incidents and rejected forced conversions, Hindu outfits have called for strict vigilance against missionary activities. The Christian community has urged the state government to safeguard their rights.

In an interview with Rajdeep Sardesai, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe addressed his statewide crackdown on adulterated food and pharmaceutical drugs. Responding to criticisms and judicial observations regarding stringent enforcement, Mundhe defended his approach, asserting, "We are not going overboard. We are following the due process." He explained that out of 12,000 inspections, around 5,000 establishments received improvement notices, with suspensions executed only where public health faced immediate risks. Mundhe highlighted that safe food and drug compliance are vital for public well-being and economic productivity, citing significant historical GDP losses linked to foodborne diseases. He clarified that the drive applies equally to street food vendors and established restaurants. Addressing questions regarding his multiple administrative transfers and public reputation, Mundhe stated that postings remain the prerogative of the government, maintaining that he operates strictly as a committed public servant upholding statutory mandates.

In an exclusive interview, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner of Maharashtra, Tukaram Munde, addressed the regulatory action taken against restaurants operating within the ISKCON complex in Juhu, Mumbai, as well as railway catering vendors. Responding to public reactions regarding the suspension of licenses, Munde maintained that the department operates without bias toward any religion, culture, or institution, stating, "The issue here is food safety and standards, nothing less, nothing more." He clarified that FDA actions are based entirely on compliance with food safety legislation established since 2011. Munde detailed a comprehensive four-stage standing operating procedure implemented across the year to inspect raw materials, vendor kitchens, and food quality during festivals. Highlighting the department's enforcement over the past 100 days, he noted that over 12,000 food inspections and 2,300 drug sector visits were conducted, issuing thousands of improvement notices and suspending hundreds of non-compliant licenses to foster a culture of compliance and safeguard public health.

A panel discussion examined the enforcement actions and demolition drives taking place across Delhi following recent building-related tragedies. Panellists debated institutional accountability, focusing on the role and jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Union Home Ministry, and the Delhi government. The conversation highlighted systemic gaps, including the acute shortage of university hostel accommodation that forces students into unregulated paying guest facilities, and past incidents such as building collapses, fires, and basement flooding. The role of local police in reporting illegal construction to civic authorities was also evaluated alongside NCRB data reflecting building collapse fatalities. Experts emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive safety audits, satellite and drone mapping, and classifying buildings into safe and unsafe categories to prevent recurring civic hazards and dismantle corrupt networks.