BEST Committee's First Meeting Erupts Over Compensation Irregularities
The inaugural session of the newly formed BEST committee in Mumbai descended into controversy as opposition members from Shiv Sena (UBT) launched a sharp critique of the administration's handling of compensation for accident victims. The focal point of the dispute centered on alleged discrepancies in payout figures, with one particularly contentious case involving a proposed disbursement that appeared inflated compared to the original claim amount.
Discrepancies in Compensation Figures Spark Outrage
During the heated proceedings, Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators highlighted what they termed "strange" mismatches in compensation documentation. They pointed specifically to one instance where the initial claim amount was recorded as Rs 3 lakh, but the final disbursement figure presented in BEST's proposal stood at Rs 4 lakh. This significant variance raised immediate red flags among committee members, prompting demands for comprehensive transparency.
Nitin Nandgaonkar of Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed frustration with the documentation provided, stating: "It is confusing. You bring in a single-page document with just the name of the victim or family member, the FIR number without details, the claim amount, and the amount finalized for disbursal. Apart from these columns with figures, there is no information to apprise us about the particular accident." He emphasized that the committee cannot responsibly approve substantial payouts without proper verification procedures.
Demands for Complete Documentation and Verification
In response to these concerns, opposition members issued a firm ultimatum to the administration. They demanded submission of complete documentation for each compensation case, including Aadhaar details of beneficiaries, copies of FIRs, specific accident particulars, and all supporting papers. This comprehensive verification process, they argued, is essential to ensure that compensation reaches only the rightful recipients and prevents potential misuse of public funds.
The overall compensation package under discussion totals nearly Rs 2 crore across various accident cases, making the verification process particularly critical. Sunil Ahir of Shiv Sena (UBT) questioned why lower amounts were reflected as claims while higher figures appeared as disbursements, calling for an immediate inquiry to determine whether these discrepancies resulted from administrative errors or deliberate manipulation by officials handling legal matters and payments.
Administration Response and Committee Directions
Committee chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao acknowledged the existence of discrepancies but emphasized the urgency of processing the compensation proposals. She noted that payments had been pending for nearly two months and must be finalized within a 45-day timeframe. While granting in-principle clearance to move forward with the compensation process, Vishwasrao issued specific directives to the administration.
The administration was instructed to submit FIR copies, stamp duty receipts, and detailed explanations for each compensation case within 15 days. A BEST official attempted to clarify the Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh discrepancy, explaining that the lower figure pertained to the stamp duty stage, while a subsequent hearing resulted in an order for the higher amount. "We will provide all documents to the panel members as requested," the official assured.
Threats of Escalation and Additional Demands
Opposition members warned that they would escalate the matter to higher authorities if irregularities persist. They specifically mentioned taking the issue to the mayor, municipal commissioner, and even the chief minister to ensure proper oversight and accountability in the compensation process.
Separately, committee member Amey Ghole submitted a written request to chairperson Vishwasrao seeking adequate compensation for those injured in the Bhandup bus crash near the railway station last year. He further advocated for employment opportunities within BEST for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the accident.
In related developments, the BEST Kamgar Sena petitioned mayor Ritu Tawde and municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, demanding a substantial increase in the civic budget allocation to BEST for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Their proposal calls for raising the grant from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 3,000 crore to better support the transportation system's operational needs and service improvements.
