Mumbai: NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who belongs to the ruling alliance, was critical of the Mahayuti govt’s cut-backs owing to financial strain. He asked govt to keep the Shiv Bhojan scheme going.
Initiated by the erstwhile MVA govt, the scheme was reportedly discontinued.
“Two lakh people were being fed by the scheme daily in 2,000 centres,” Bhujbal said, adding that govt did not pay for student scholarships or even RTE fees due to educational institutions. “There are newspaper articles on hostel food bills of students pending for six months. In such a scenario, one has to hang one’s head in shame,” he said, while speaking in the state assembly in a discussion on the budget.
NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil said the budget showed that the state’s contribution to national GDP reduced by 2%. He also pointed out that the budget did not mention financial outlays to schemes which were announced. “In fact, it is likely that a portion of the increased outlay to social justice is being diverted for the Ladki Bahin scheme.”
Patil was also critical of the reduction of grant-in-aid from the Centre. Opposition leaders hit out at the state govt for not hiking the Ladki Bahin dole and reducing beneficiaries. “The women did not ask for this stipend. State provided it without conducting any checks. It took the votes and now it is scrutinising beneficiaries,” said Patil.
“Govt has not fulfilled any of its manifesto promises, including hiking the Ladki Bahin dole or providing for loan waiver for farmers,” said Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar. NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar said while FDI flows came into offices in the state, the money ended up being invested in other states. “UltraTech Cement’S office is in Mumbai, but the FDI generated is being used in Raipur,” he alleged.
