A residents’ group in Govandi has initiated a campaign, going door-to-door, urging locals to rally together to protect their sole free library and study centre. They have alleged that local MLA Abu Azmi and his party workers are illegally encroaching and misusing the centre meant for underprivileged children.  Under their campaign, the group called Govandi Citizens Welfare Forum has been distributing pamphlets and putting handbills across Deonar and Govandi to raise awareness and garner support for their cause.

Residents of the M East Ward, who predominantly live in slums with limited space at home, welcomed the centre, hoping it would benefit students in the area. However, they soon observed alleged misuse of the premises for political activities, raising concerns about disruptions that could impede students’ learning opportunities. Subsequently, the centre was divided into two parts, with the trust stating that the other part would be utilised as a skill centre for poor and underprivileged students from the area.