Mumbai : After the ensuing controversy over the usage of the red beacon, newly-elected Mayor Snehal Ambekar reiterated her belief that the mayor of Mumbai is entitled to it since she believes her post is equivalent to that of a state minister.
Upgrading the city’s fire brigade, encouraging organ donation, stopping female foeticide, improving the conditions of civic schools etc were some of the other things which featured in her maiden press address here on Friday.
Being the first Scheduled Caste Woman Mayor of the city, Ambekar assured that she will work towards women’s empowerment and the upliftment of her community. Preserving open spaces also featured on her list of priorities, although she is yet to announce detailed measures for it.
She highlighted the need for a fire audit of skyscrapers in the city considering how much the fire brigade has to struggle in case such a building catches fire. The Mayor therefore wants to audit such buildings and also bring in better fire-fighting equipment and gear for the firemen.
Noting the meagre number of organ donors in the city, she underlined the need for creating awareness about organ donation. Also, the BMC will consider rolling out a health scheme for the poor on the lines of the Central government’s Aarogyadayi yojana.
First day – late show
Dressed in a yellow chiffon saree with a prominent sindoor on her forehead, Ambekar started off the press conference confidently, giving politically correct answers.
She first apologised for being late by ten minutes and then started battling a volley of questions coming her way.
