The ambitious slum redevelopment (SRD) scheme of the state government being implement in Mumbai is to be extended to Thane city.

At the first meeting of the study group set up for the purpose held at Thane today, a proposal was put to first change the cut-off date for the eligibility from January 1, 1985 to January 1, 1995.

Minister for Housing Suresh Jain presided over the meeting in which the entire scheme was discussed in detail by the members. There are an estimated 160 slums within the limits of Thane city with a population of 2.89 lakh. Of these only 20 slums have been notified and six have been given consent under the SRD programme.

Sena corporator arrested

The Nagpada police arrested Shiv Sena corporator of ward no 22, Kiran Surve, on Sunday night. Around 10.30 pm, Surve was held along with nearly eight men while playing cards in his Kamathipura office. The Nagpada police have filed a case of gambling against Surve.

Teachers day onSeptember 7

The teachers day function organised by the state government will be held on September 7. Minister of State for Cultural Affairs Anil Deshmukh said that since the the Ganapati visarjan would be on September 5, the decision to defer the ceremony was taken.

Urdu Academy award

Renowned urdu poet Kaifi Azmi has been awarded the Sant Gynaneshwar award instituted by the Urdu Academy for the year 1997-98. Cultural Affairs Minister Pramod Navalkar announced that the award comprises a cash award of Rs. 50,000. The Urdu Academy will also honour personalities in the field of journalism, education and serving the language of Urdu and Marathi. He said the date of the awards presentation ceremony will be announced at a later date. Sindhi Academy has been reconstituted.