Maharashtra Budget Session : Shiv Bhojan, Pollution, Farmer, and Online Gaming Issues Dominated
The third day of the state legislature's budget session was marked by various issues. There was a heated debate between the ruling party and the opposition on several topics, from the discussion on the governor's address to pollution in Mumbai, the Shiv Bhojan scheme, the Farmer Honor Fund, online gaming, and the functioning of the forest department.
Relief for Shiv Bhojan Operators
The most discussed issue in the session was the Shiv Bhojan scheme. Minister Chhagan Bhujbal informed that a supplementary demand of 55 crore rupees has been presented for the Shiv Bhojan scheme. Considering the pending payments and increasing expenses, there is a need for 150 crore rupees, while 70 crore has been approved for the current financial year, and an additional 55 crore has been requested. He clarified that this will pave the way for the scheme to resume smoothly. This will provide significant relief to Shiv Bhojan center operators.
AI's Eye on Mumbai Pollution
The issue of increasing air pollution in Mumbai also heated up in the assembly. Former minister Aslam Shaikh accused the government of inaction. Responding to this, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that strict action has been ordered against those violating construction rules. He clarified that effective monitoring of all construction projects will be done through Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based systems. In this context, Minister Pankaja Munde also indicated strict action against violators. She noted that verification will be done to check if the related statistics are fact-based.
Criticism of the Governor's Address
While discussing the Governor's address, the opposition criticized the government. MLA Jayant Patil demanded that the state government take initiative on the issue of the Manikarnika Ghat built by Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar. He suggested that the Maharashtra government should make efforts to restore the ghat to its original state and demand compensation from the Uttar Pradesh government.
Positive Indications Regarding Farmer Honor Fund
Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane expressed a positive stance on the demand that farmers who purchased land after February 1, 2019, should benefit from the 'PM Kisan' and 'Namo Shetkari' schemes. He mentioned that correspondence has been made with the central government to change the current criteria. He clarified that follow-up is ongoing to ensure justice for eligible farmers.
Task Force for Online Gaming
Technology Minister Ashish Shelar announced the establishment of a task force on February 2 to control the growing influence of online gaming. He stated that the report of this task force will be presented before the session, and further action will be taken accordingly.
Forest Department's Preparation
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik stated that a modern system is being set up to control wildfires. A system to identify wildfires through satellites has been initiated, and the participation of local representatives and voluntary organizations is being included, he clarified. On the third day of the budget session, detailed discussions took place on various social, economic, and environmental issues. The government clarified its stance on several topics such as funding for the Shiv Bhojan scheme, technology-based pollution control, relief for farmers, and control over online gaming; while the opposition tried to corner the government. Signs indicate that the session will become more intense in the coming days over budgetary provisions.