Govind Rathod

Enterpreneur & Social Activist

Working President, Ward 226, Mumbai Congress Committee
President, Banjara Colaba Seva Sangh
Working President, Slumcare Foundation (2023–Present)
Working President, Shri Ganesh Mitra Mandal (2021–Present)

I am Govind Rathod, with Mumbai as both my birthplace and my field of work. I have been actively involved in the social and political spheres for more than 20 years, with my interest in social service beginning during my college years.
Addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens, protecting workers’ rights, empowering women and youth, and seeking justice for disadvantaged sections of society have remained the central focus of my work. I have served society through organisational activities, public movements, awareness initiatives, and continuous follow-up with government and administrative authorities.
As an entrepreneur, I have the time and resources required to remain actively engaged in social service and political work, enabling me to effectively fulfil public-service and organisational responsibilities.

Educational Qualifications & Technical Skills

B.A. in Political Science
Diploma in IT & Multimedia
JavaScript, PHP, HTML
Graphic Design
2D / 3D Animation
Autodesk

Professional Experience

15 years of experience in Web Development and Graphic Design
12 years of experience in Digital and Social Media Marketing
Extensive experience in using digital technology for social awareness, public outreach, promotion, and organisational activities

Organisational & Political Responsibilities :

President, Unorganised Workers & Employees Congress, Colaba Taluka (2022–2025)
President, Mumbai, All India Banjara Seva Sangh (2022–2025)
Working President, Slumcare Foundation (2023–Present)
Working President, Shri Ganesh Mitra Mandal (2021–Present)
Working President, Ward No. 226, Colaba Taluka Congress Committee (2021–2025)
Secretary, Jai Sevalal Sassoon Dock Fishermen Workers’ Association, Colaba (2022–Present)
Secretary, Mumbai, All India Banjara Seva Sangh (2020–2022)
President, Mumbai Banjara Naka Workers’ Association (2012–2017)

Major Social Contributions & Public Initiatives :

Advocacy for VJ-NT (OBC) Reservation
Through my active role, the process was advanced towards enabling more than one million Banjara community members residing in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, who had migrated from Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, to benefit from VJ-NT reservation. A significant decision was taken during a meeting with the Hon’ble Chief Minister, and continued follow-up at the government level is being undertaken for issuance of the Government Resolution (GR).

Basic Facilities for Banjara Workers at Sassoon Dock, Colaba
Through our efforts, and after MLA Rajesh Rathod raised a Calling Attention motion in the Legislative Assembly, the government approved a two-storey building at Sassoon Dock with facilities such as a Balwadi, rest area, and toilets for Banjara women and men workers and their children.

Protest Against Relocation of More Than 200 Fishing Boats from Sassoon Dock to Uran–Karanja
In 2023, the relocation of more than 200 fishing boats from Sassoon Dock to Uran–Karanja created serious livelihood concerns for many Banjara fishing workers. A protest march was organised at Sassoon Dock through the Congress Party, followed by a protest at the residence of Rahul Narwekar. Correspondence was undertaken with the government, and a meeting was held with Hon’ble Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane to draw attention to the issue.

Awareness Campaign for Ineligible Slum Residents
Continuous awareness campaigns were conducted to help make homes of ineligible slum residents in the Cuffe Parade and Ambedkar Nagar areas eligible under applicable rehabilitation provisions. Correspondence and meetings were held with the government and SRA authorities regarding regularisation of more than 1,000 unauthorised huts along the seafront behind Ambedkar Nagar and Murti Nagar.

More Than 2,000 Biometric Identity Cards for Fishing Workers
In 2017, biometric identity cards were required for fishing workers in Colaba to board boats for fishing activities. With our initiative and support from the Fisheries Department, a special two-day camp was organised. Approximately 2,000 workers were registered and issued official identity cards.

Continuous Follow-Up for Tanda Status
Government-level correspondence and follow-up are ongoing to secure “Tanda” status for settlements comprising more than 500 households in metropolitan areas such as Mumbai and Pune.

Demand to Name Cuffe Parade Metro Station After a Community Leader
In 2021, MLA Rajesh Rathod raised in the Legislative Assembly our demand that Cuffe Parade Metro Station be named after “Vasantrao Naik” or “Sant Sevalal”.
Announcement of 1.5 Acres for Banjara Bhavan in Navi Mumbai
At a grand felicitation and community gathering organised in Thane under the leadership of All India Banjara Seva Sangh National President Shankar Pawar, I was entrusted with the key responsibility for publicity and public outreach. I played a major role in mobilising community members, with 12 buses travelling from Colaba to attend the event. At the programme, the then Hon’ble Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the allocation of land in Navi Mumbai for the Banjara community.

Library for Students
Following our proposal and continuous follow-up through Shri Ganesh Mitra Mandal with the BMC, a modern high-tech library has been established for students in Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagar, Cuffe Parade.

Building Digital & Social Platforms for the Community
Since 2007, I have effectively used social media for community awareness and established early community-focused websites and digital platforms, including GoarBanjara.com (2008) and Banjara Live (2017). I have remained actively involved in social awareness initiatives for more than 20 years.
Active Participation in Community Movements & Protests
For more than two decades, I have actively participated in various marches, protests, movements, and struggles for community rights, from Mumbai to Delhi.

Organisation of Various Social Camps
Through our office, various initiatives are regularly organised to help ordinary citizens access government welfare schemes, including government scheme camps, health camps, and public awareness programmes.