Archive · 7 Oct 2026
MANS Seeks Removal of Salt Bowl from Nashik Commissioner’s Chamber
A bowl of coarse salt was reportedly found in the Nashik Municipal Commissioner’s office.
MANS, an organisation that challenges superstition, has asked for it to be removed.
The group says some people believe salt can make visitors calmer and stop arguments.
MANS says there is no scientific basis for that belief.
It also says salt stored near traders does not stop arguments from happening there.
The group believes objects linked to such beliefs should not be kept in government offices.
It says public offices should support scientific thinking and respect secularism.
MANS says people gain trust in officials when public services are fair, clear and timely.
A bowl of coarse white salt was reportedly found in the Nashik Municipal Commissioner’s chamber.
MANS submitted a memorandum demanding the bowl’s immediate removal.
The memorandum says the salt is claimed to improve visitors’ mindsets and prevent disputes.
MANS called the belief unscientific and said the practice could reinforce superstition.
The organisation said the practice conflicts with scientific temper and raises concerns about secularism in government offices.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) and the Nashik Municipal Commissioner’s office.
- What
- MANS submitted a memorandum demanding the removal of a bowl of coarse white salt reportedly found in the commissioner’s chamber.
- Where
- The Nashik Municipal Commissioner’s chamber, in Nashik.
- Why
- MANS argues that keeping the salt for purported effects on visitors’ behaviour promotes superstition and is inconsistent with scientific temper and secularism.
- Organisation
- Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS)
- Requested action
- Immediate removal of the salt bowl
- Reported item
- A bowl containing coarse white salt
- Location
- Nashik Municipal Commissioner’s chamber
- Claim about the salt
- It is said to improve visitors’ mindsets and prevent arguments or disputes.
- Memorandum signatories
- MANS State Principal Secretary T. R. Gorane and state members Krishna Chandgude, Prahlad Mistri and Mahendra Datrange