MCA ground in Bandra-Kurla Complex illegally changes its name to Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy without seeking MMRDA’s permission, reveals RTI.
As per an RTI application filed by activist Anil Galgali it has been revealed that the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has illegally named its ground leased by MMRDA at Bandra-Kurla complex as Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy. MMRDA has clarified that lessee MCA has neither sought the permission for naming of the ground, nor such a permission was granted to the Cricket Association. Thus MCA has violated lease conditions as it had failed to obtain prior permission from MMRDA.
MMRDA had leased the plot to MCA to be used for ‘Educational purpose’. After receiving a complaint of the plot being utilised for purposes other than education, the institution had served a notice to MCA on 3rd June 2015. It had also informed MCA that several other activities are being organised there instead of cricket. Galgali had sought details on the same from Land & Properties section of MMRDA. His RTI was summarily transferred to City & Area planning department. This department has issued a clarification which mentioned,”(Recreation Ground) R.G- 2 from ‘G’ block has been alloted to Mumbai Cricket Association. No application for naming this plot/land as ‘Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy’s have been received by us nor we have granted such a permission.”
Anil Galgali also has forwarded a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pointing out the willful lapse on part of MCA and its bearing on the lease conditions.
“As per reports, more than Rs 100 crores was charged while granting permission for naming Cricket Stadium in Pune to Sahara Shree Subrota Roy. A similar charge must imposed on MCA for violating norms. Strict action must be taken against those officials for flouting rules,” said Galgali.
Meanwhile Sharad Pawar has resigned from the post of Mumbai Cricket Association’s president in the aftermath of the Lodha Committee’s recommendations that made him ineligible to continue in the post. He has stepped down adhering to the norm of age-cap of 70 years as prescribed by the Lodha panel stating that he is “hurt” by the perception that people stick around in BCCI as it is “lucrative”.
The MCA nonetheless said it had not yet accepted Pawar’s resignation. Pawar was in his third innings as president of the MCA after being elected last year for a two-year term. He had been MCA’s president between 2001-02 and 2010-11.
“He has submitted his resignation to me, honouring the Supreme Court judgment,” said MCA joint-secretary PV Shetty.
