Maharashtra Minister Hasan Mushrif Addresses Key State Issues in Kolhapur
In a significant development, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Minister for Medical Education Hasan Mushrif addressed multiple pressing matters during a public engagement in Kolhapur on Thursday. The minister provided updates on the appointment of the next chairperson for the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, highlighted the plight of demonetised currency notes held by cooperative banks, and discussed the long-pending farm loan waiver issue affecting thousands of farmers.
Sunetra Pawar to Lead Selection of New Women's Commission Chairperson
Minister Mushrif confirmed that the position of chairperson for the Maharashtra State Commission for Women remains vacant following the resignation of Rupali Chakankar. Chakankar stepped down amid allegations linking her to arrested astrologer Ashok Kharat, creating a leadership void in the commission.
According to the Mahayuti alliance understanding, the responsibility for this post has been assigned to the NCP, granting the party the authority to select the next chairperson. Mushrif announced that Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Sunetra Pawar will soon convene a meeting of key party leaders to finalise this crucial appointment.
"Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar will appoint a competent individual who possesses the necessary capabilities to handle this significant responsibility effectively," Mushrif stated, emphasising the importance of selecting a qualified candidate for the role.
Rs 25 Crore in Demonetised Currency Notes Deteriorating in Cooperative Banks
In his capacity as Chairman of the Kolhapur District Central Cooperative (KDCC) Bank, Minister Mushrif raised serious concerns about demonetised currency notes with a face value of approximately Rs 25 crore that are currently lying with district central cooperative banks across Maharashtra. These notes were deposited during the 2016 demonetisation drive and have been stored unused for nearly a decade.
The currency notes have suffered significant deterioration over time due to damage caused by termites, rendering them in poor condition. Mushrif revealed that the KDCC Bank alone holds demonetised currency notes worth Rs 25 crore, and despite repeated representations, the issue remains unresolved.
"Following the Supreme Court's direction, we have approached the Union Finance Ministry regarding this matter," Mushrif explained. "If the currency notes are not accepted by the authorities, we will have no choice but to approach the Supreme Court again to seek a resolution."
60,000 Small Farmers Still Awaiting 2008 Farm Loan Waiver Benefits
Minister Mushrif also addressed the ongoing dispute concerning the 2008 farm loan waiver implemented by the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. He revealed that nearly 60,000 small farmers continue to await the benefits of this waiver, with the dispute persisting for an astonishing 18 years.
The National Bank for Rural Development (NABARD) identified that the loan waiver of Rs 112 crore intended for these 60,000 small farmers violated certain rules and subsequently seized the amount. This action has left thousands of farmers in financial limbo despite the initial intention of the waiver scheme.
"While the High Court ruled in favour of the KDCC Bank in this matter, NABARD challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court," Mushrif detailed. "The Supreme Court has directed both parties to resolve the issue through discussions, with the possibility of intervention from the Central government if necessary."
However, Mushrif expressed doubts about NABARD conceding in the matter, noting that the final hearing in the Supreme Court is scheduled for May 5. The resolution of this long-standing issue remains critical for the affected farmers who have been waiting for relief since 2008.
The minister's comprehensive address in Kolhapur highlighted several unresolved administrative and financial matters affecting Maharashtra, underscoring the need for timely interventions and resolutions to benefit the state's institutions and citizens.
