Prepare Development Proposals and Ensure Timely Fund Utilization – Guardian Minister Meghana Sakore-Bordikar

Parbhani: Guardian Minister Meghana Sakore-Bordikar directed officials to prepare detailed development proposals promptly and ensure the timely utilization of approved funds under the 2025–26 District Annual Plan. The plan includes an allocation of ₹385 crore under the General Scheme and ₹63 crore for the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan.

Speaking at a District Planning Committee review meeting, the Minister emphasized coordinated efforts among departments to fast-track implementation. The meeting was attended by MP Dr. Fauzia Khan, MLAs Vikram Kale, Dr. Rahul Patil, Ratnakar Gutte, Rajesh Witekar, Collector Raghunath Gawde, CEO Natisha Mathur, Municipal Commissioner Dhairyasheel Jadhav, and other senior officials.

Key Instructions from the Meeting:

• Agricultural Inputs: Immediate actions were directed to ensure sufficient agricultural inputs for the Kharif season. The Agriculture Department confirmed that 90% of centers had been inspected and action had been taken against four for irregularities.
• Illegal Sand Transport: The Minister issued strong warnings to the Revenue Department, stating that inaction against sand mafia would invite disciplinary measures.
• PM Awas Yojana: Expressing discontent over complaints of non-provision of five brass free sand to housing scheme beneficiaries, she instructed strict implementation of government directives.
• Electricity Supply: She emphasized uninterrupted power supply for farmers during the monsoon and asked the electricity department to ensure preparedness.
• Smart Anganwadis: The concept of Smart Anganwadis is being introduced. The Minister reviewed progress and instructed immediate submission of new proposals.
• Heritage Site Development: Proposals for upgrading pilgrimage sites must be submitted to the government without delay.
• Solar Energy: She advocated for the transition of all government offices to solar power.
• School Infrastructure: With deteriorating school buildings in Marathwada, she instructed the Education Department to submit a comprehensive proposal to the state government.
• Water Supply: A review of the drinking water scheme covering 65 villages was conducted.

Public Representatives’ Concerns and Suggestions:

• MP Fauzia Khan and MLA Rajesh Witekar raised concerns about schools across roads posing safety risks for students and called for permanent solutions like iron bridges.
• MLA Rahul Patil suggested drainage construction at Vasmat Road and the creation of Smart Anganwadis.
• MLA Ratnakar Gutte demanded continuous electricity for farmers and stricter action against sand theft.

Crop Loan Distribution:

The District Cooperative Bank reported that only 23% of crop loans had been disbursed due to a lack of applications. Public representatives stressed the need for a policy-level intervention to expedite the process.

MLA Vikram Kale recommended implementing solar-powered government offices. He also called for show-cause notices to be issued to absent officials, a demand endorsed by the Guardian Minister.

Other Issues Discussed:

The meeting also included reviews on energy supply, education, illegal encroachments, accident-prone areas, housing schemes, and pending public petitions. The Minister stressed the importance of strong coordination between administration and elected representatives for accelerated development.

Minister Sakore-Bordikar also reviewed:

• Tree plantation planning
• Guardian Minister Task Force status
• Pending public grievances
• District Council and PWD construction work
• Jal Jeevan Mission implementation
• Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company’s progress

At the start, minutes of the previous District Planning Committee meeting (January 29, 2025) and the expenditure report for the 2024–25 Annual Plan till March 2025 were approved.