Public communication session in Mumbai suburbs via Ganesh mandals.

Information on Government Welfare Schemes, Services, and Employment Opportunities for Ganesh Devotees

Mumbai, 21: Through Ganesh festival, promoting social enlightenment and public awareness, the “Lok Sanvad 2026” initiative, carried out on behalf of the Department of Information and Public Relations, has received enthusiastic response in the Mumbai suburbs. Through Ganesh committees, information about various government welfare schemes, services, initiatives, and available facilities is being conveyed directly to citizens. This time, direct communication was held with Ganesh devotees, residents, students, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.

While visiting various Ganesh committees in the Vandre and Khara areas, departmental contact officers and officials from relevant departments engaged with citizens. Information was provided at that time on how eligible beneficiaries can avail the schemes implemented through various government departments, the required documents, where the related services are available, and details of various government initiatives.

In Vandre East, the “Vandrecha Samrat” – Vandre Public Festival Committee, at Khervadi, communication was carried out in the presence of Chairman Sagar Reddy, Secretary Swapanil More, and Treasurer Nikhil Karande. Deputy Treasurer Sachin Chawla also supported the initiative.

“Vandrya Maharaja” – Khervadi Public Ganesh and Navaratri Festival Committee, Khervadi Road No. 4, Vandre, provided citizens with information on government schemes in the presence of Chairman Sourabh Nanavare, Vice Chairman Vishal Sahani, and Deputy Secretary Anant Borse.

At Shiv Shakti Mitra Committee in Khara, communication was held with Ganesh devotees and residents in the presence of Chairman Vijay Mishra, Secretary Anil Singh, and Treasurer Viju Menon. In the Shantilal Compound Shri Ganesh Festival Committee in Khervadi, the Lok Sanvad initiative was implemented with Chairman Pravin Shelar, Secretary Sagar Jayswal, and Treasurer Jeet BhanuShali present.

At King Dollar Ganesh Festival Committee in Khara, with Chairman Bhupendra Singh, Secretary Ravi Vaghela, and Treasurer Vinod Saroj, citizens were informed about various government services and schemes.

*Information on Schemes from the Festival Platform*

During the Ganesh festival, as a large number of citizens visited Ganesh committees, these committees were used as an effective platform for direct communication between government schemes and citizens. Rather than limiting information to pamphlets, the officials understood citizens' questions and provided direct guidance regarding the relevant schemes.

Information about government services and schemes available for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, students, and various social groups was conveyed to the relevant beneficiaries. Guidance was also provided on the procedures required for eligible beneficiaries to avail the schemes and how to contact the relevant departments.

*Information on the Employment Mahakumbh Fair on 29 September*

During the Lok Sanvad initiative, information about the “Employment Mahakumbh Fair” scheduled on 29 September 2026 in the Mumbai suburbs was also provided to youth and citizens. Youth were urged to participate in this initiative to take advantage of employment opportunities, skill development, employment guidance, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Special emphasis was placed on conveying information about the employment fair to students and job‑seeking youth. Officials communicated to ensure that youth receive appropriate guidance by providing information on available opportunities through skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship guidance.

*Coordination of Various Departments*

For the “Lok Sanvad 2026” initiative, officials from the Department of Information and Public Relations, along with those from Social Welfare, Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship, Revenue, and other departments, participated in coordination. Departmental contact officers Bridge Kishor Jhanvar and Sanjay Orke visited various Ganesh committees to coordinate the Lok Sanvad initiative.

At that time, Village Revenue Officer Ghochita Gosavi, Additional Project Officer Nandana Gajbhie of the Social Welfare Office; Tehsil Coordinator Ananda Kambale, Samtaadut Siddharth Shirsat, and District Coordinator Parash Prabhakar Apandkar of the District Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Guidance Center engaged with citizens.

By linking the festive atmosphere of Ganesh festival with public awareness of government schemes, an effort is being made to broaden the dialogue between the government and citizens through “Lok Sanvad 2026”. The public festival platform is being used to convey information on welfare schemes, available services, and employment opportunities to citizens, and officials of Ganesh committees have also supported this initiative.

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