Sunetra Pawar Approves Major Hostel Project for Sugar Cane Workers' Children in Beed
In a significant development for Maharashtra's Beed district, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar chaired her inaugural meeting of the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) as the district's guardian minister on Thursday. The meeting, held virtually from Mumbai, resulted in the approval of a substantial infrastructure project aimed at supporting the families of migrant sugar cane workers.
Approval of 11 Hostels at Rs 159.4 Crore
The council gave its nod to the construction of 11 hostels specifically designed for the children of sugar cane cutters, with a total estimated cost of Rs 159.4 crore. This initiative is part of the broader Sant Bhagwanbaba Government Hostel Scheme, which had previously sanctioned 22 hostels across Beed district. The newly approved hostels will be established in key locations including Patoda, Kaij, Parli, Georai, Majalgaon, and the district headquarters of Beed itself.
Fulfilling Ajit Pawar's Vision for Educational Development
During the meeting, Sunetra Pawar emphasized the importance of realizing the vision of her late husband, former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. She appealed to local authorities and elected representatives to collaborate in transforming Beed into a developed region on par with Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Baramati. "Late deputy CM Ajit Pawar dreamed that the sons and daughters of sugar cane workers should study and come into the mainstream of education," stated an official release quoting Sunetra Pawar.
The release further detailed that Ajit Pawar had actively pursued this matter during his tenure as Beed's guardian minister, instructing the Public Works Department to model these hostels after those being constructed for Maratha community students under the 'SARTHI' initiative.
Meeting Proceedings and Tribute to Ajit Pawar
The DPDC meeting commenced with a solemn tribute to the late Ajit Pawar. Attendees observed two minutes of silence in his memory after watching a video presentation highlighting his contributions to Beed district's development. The agenda also included a comprehensive review of the current financial year's expenditures and a presentation outlining the proposed financial outlay for the 2026-27 period.
This approval marks a crucial step in addressing the educational needs of migrant labor families, ensuring that children of sugar cane workers have access to proper accommodation and facilities to pursue their studies without disruption.
