Maharashtra Revenue Minister Advocates for Nominated Members in Rural Local Bodies
Revenue Minister Chandrashekbar Bawankule has put forward a significant proposal to introduce nominated members in zilla parishads and panchayat samitis, mirroring the system already in place for municipal corporations and councils across Maharashtra. This innovative move aims to harness the expertise of experienced individuals who can contribute meaningfully to rural development initiatives.
Enhancing Rural Governance Through Expertise
Speaking to reporters during a press conference in Mumbai on Friday, Minister Bawankule elaborated on his vision. He emphasized that in rural areas, numerous capable public figures and subject matter experts are actively engaged in excellent work within various social sectors. However, due to existing reservation policies, not all seasoned and knowledgeable individuals have the opportunity to contest elections directly.
"Their valuable experience should not go to waste," Bawankule stated firmly. He proposed that such qualified individuals could be appointed as nominated members in district-level zilla parishads and block-level panchayat samitis, thereby integrating their specialized knowledge into the decision-making processes that shape rural communities.
Positive Response from State Leadership
The minister revealed that he has formally presented this proposal to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has responded with a positive outlook. Furthermore, Bawankule mentioned that the proposal has been discussed with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, as well as the Rural Development Minister. The next steps involve placing the proposal before the state cabinet for approval, followed by the necessary legislative processes to implement this change.
Addressing Electoral Transparency and Alliances
During the same interaction, Minister Bawankule addressed other pressing matters. He firmly rejected allegations of manipulation in the recently conducted mayoral reservation lotteries, asserting that the entire process was executed in a completely transparent manner under continuous camera surveillance. He criticized Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar's objections as "unbecoming" and an attempt to cast unwarranted aspersions on a fair procedure.
On the topic of upcoming rural elections, Bawankule provided insights into political alliances. He confirmed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have successfully forged electoral partnerships in several districts, including Dharashiv, Latur, Parbhani, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. However, seat-sharing negotiations are still ongoing in some areas. The minister noted that after a gap of nearly a decade without elections, grassroots workers are particularly enthusiastic about contesting, and the BJP is making sincere efforts to form alliances wherever feasible, with decisions tailored to local circumstances.
Clarifying Political Stances and Addressing Social Issues
Minister Bawankule also took the opportunity to clarify the BJP's political stance regarding the Achalpur municipal council in Amravati district. Amid speculation about potential power-sharing arrangements, he unequivocally stated that the BJP will never align with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). With nine councillors in Achalpur, the BJP is currently in a minority, while AIMIM, Congress, and the Uddhav Thackeray group have formed separate factions.
Additionally, Bawankule expressed deep concern over a recent alleged atrocity case in Badlapur, describing the incident as "extremely serious and unfortunate" and assuring that the accused would face strict legal consequences without any leniency. Responding to remarks made by Prakash Ambedkar, the minister lamented personal attacks on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, highlighting that such criticisms are regrettable given Fadnavis's unparalleled contributions to the development and progress of Maharashtra.
