Ajit Pawar's Death: Officials Recall Weekly COVID Strategy Meetings and Ground-Level Approach
Government officials in Pune are mourning the loss of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash at the Baramati airfield on Wednesday morning. They fondly remember his unwavering commitment to public service, from patiently addressing grievances to strategizing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listening to the People: A Hands-On Leader
Whether it was a letter from a widow complaining about services at the gram panchayat or a bystander who stopped his car at the roadside, Ajit Pawar would attentively listen to the concerns and ensure the right questions were asked. This ground-level approach defined his leadership style, as recalled by officials in Pune.
Tributes from Key Officials: Directness and Dedication
Naval Kishore Ram, currently the municipal commissioner of Pune and former district collector during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ayush Prasad, now Jalgaon district collector and former Pune Zilla Parishad CEO, paid heartfelt tributes. They highlighted his directness, genuine concern for officers, strong work ethic, and tireless dedication.
Prasad shared insights into Pawar's meticulous schedule: "He would be at the Mantralaya from Monday to Thursday. Fridays were reserved for Pune and Saturday for Baramati." At meetings, Pawar personally read every petition, assigned follow-up actions through detailed Excel spreadsheets, and closely monitored routine tasks to ensure genuine issues were resolved.
Weekly COVID-19 Strategy Meetings
Naval Kishor Ram recalled the weekly meetings with Ajit Pawar to develop strategies for combating the virus. "He was genuinely concerned for the health and life of Punekars," Ram said. Even after Ram took charge as Pune Municipal Commissioner, Pawar would follow up on sanitation and traffic issues, demonstrating his persistent engagement.
Ram added, "It is not only a loss to the State but a personal loss for officers like me." Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, recently described him as a workaholic with an unwavering work ethic, humorously questioning if government top brass ever got enough sleep.
Ambitious Healthcare Initiatives in Pune
Ajit Pawar had ambitious plans to enhance healthcare in Pune, notably pushing for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the city. The facility was slated for Aundh, using the district hospital premises, and included a super-specialty dental facility. Dr. Nagnath Yempalle, Pune district civil surgeon, confirmed that land had been allocated for the project.
A health official noted that Pawar focused on upgrading at least seven sub-district hospitals, increasing bed capacity from 30 to 100 in places like Chakan and Ghodegaon, and planning a radio-therapy unit in Baramati. Dr. Eknath Pawar, Dean of Pune's B J Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, recalled a meeting where the Deputy CM insisted patients be treated with care and without financial hardship.
The tragic plane crash has left a void in Maharashtra's political and administrative circles, with officials emphasizing his impactful legacy in public service and healthcare development.
