NEW CABINET AND STATE MINISTERS TRIBUTE: BALASAHEB THACKERAY FORT: 'S PRIDE

VOL.9 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2020 ` 50 PAGES 52

HUGE RELIEF TO FARMERS

Mahatma Jotirao Phule Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme

An Easy, Simple and Transparent Loan Waiver Scheme to Give Relief to Farmers HUGE Government of Maharashtra RELIEF TO FARMERS Mahatma Jotirao Phule Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme

Loan Waiver to Farmers with Crop Loan up to `2 lakh No need to apply. No conditions laid for repaying outstanding amount.

Benefits to Farmers

Loan waiver of up to `2 lakh to each Outstanding dues of short-term crop farmer; the State Government to loan as on September 30, 2019 and credit the amount directly to the short-term crop loan taken between farmer’s bank account April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2019 as also the short-term restructured crop loan will be waived The crop loans taken from nationalised banks, commercial banks, district central cooperative banks, rural banks, and various multipurpose cooperative Benefits of debt institutions to be waived relief to be extended to every farmer unconditionally Farmers should connect their Aadhaar number to their bank loan account number and get it verified

An Easy, Simple and Transparent Loan Waiver Scheme to Give Relief to Farmers

Co-operation Department, Government of Maharashtra Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Government of Maharashtra Chief Minister Deputy Chief Minister Hon'ble Minister CONTENTS What’s Inside

06 LOAN WAIVER FOR FARMERS The Government of Maharashtra, in its latest initiatives, has waived off crop loans up to `2 lakh outstanding till 30 Sep- tember 2019, giving relief to farmers affected by adverse climate and production problems. The Government has also announced a programme to make available food at a reasonable rate of `10, to be first available in all district headquarters of the State as a pilot. The announcements made by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in the Nagpur Legislative Assembly were given approval in the cabinet meeting held soon after.

09 OUR NEW MINISTERS On 30 December 2019, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray expanded his council of ministers. Governor administered the oath of Deputy Chief Minister to Ajit Pawar and other 25 Ministers and 10 Ministers of State at Vidhan Bhavan in .

34 THE CHARISMATIC LEGEND On his birth anniversary, we pay tribute to supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, one of the Ajit Pawar taking the oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra from tallest and multifaceted Honourable Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. personalities of Maharashtra.

The promise of progress 40 26 SHIVNERI, Updates 36 MAHARASHTRA’S PRIDE The moment a Maharashtrian Cabinet approvals 38 enters any fort that is related Registration and Stamp Duty gets to Chhatrapati Maharaj, easier and faster one tends to slip into the 44 State's glorious past, more Ensure safe online banking 46 so in the case of Shivneri, the fort where Shivraya was born. On a winning trail 48 The fort enjoys special status Butterfly, what’s thy name? 50 amongst all the other forts related to him.

DISCLAIMER: VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MAGAZINE ARE THOSE OF WRITERS

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 3 VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2020 `50 PAGES 52

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHIEF MINISTER APPLAUDS LOKRAJYA Brijesh Singh Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was mighty pleased on reading the MANAGING EDITORS rare editions of the monthly Marathi publication. Ajay Ambekar Suresh Wandile Lokrajya has been an influencing factor for the people of Maharashtra for EDITOR Anil Aloorkar the past 71 years. The different editions of the Marathi monthly, published EXECUTIVE EDITOR time after time, are not only worth collecting, but also make for good refer- Kriti Lalla ence material for various subjects. These special issues have always been SALES AND CIRCULATION in demand among the masses. Every year, a special exhibition of these rare Mangesh Warkad issues is held in Nagpur during the winter session of the State Legislature. (Astt. Director) This year too, the exhibition of the rare issues of the monthly mouthpiece Ashwini Pujari of Government of Maharashtra, Lokrajya was held in the premises of the (Sub-Editor) COVER DESIGN Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray visited the ex- Seema Ranalkar hibition and went through a few editions. He expressed satisfaction on the Sushim Kamble content of the magazine. He also appreciated the efforts of the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations behind organising the exhibi- BIPL MEDIA ASSOCIATES tion. He was of the opinion that these rare editions should be preserved and MANAGING EDITOR made available to youth to read and get inspired. Member of the Parliament Jyoti Verma CONSULTING EDITOR was also present at the exhibition. Deepika Khurana ART DIRECTOR Lakeer Studio DIRECTOR Xavier Collaco

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Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray reading the rare editions of Lokrajya. Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut was also present on the occasion. Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Government of Maharashtra GUEST EDITORIAL NEW YEAR, NEW DREAMS, NEW RESOLVE

I am extremely delighted to ous policies and schemes for social welfare and improv- extend my best wishes for ing the quality of the day-to-day life of people. The im- the New Year to the people plementation of these schemes will be done effectively of Maharashtra through this and in a timely manner. edition of Maharashtra Ahead. Due to its richness and prosperity, Maharashtra is Maharashtra has become rightly considered the jewel in ’s crown. Our State a democratic State in the true also leads on various fronts and has a rich legacy of lead- sense with the formation ers like Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule of the new Government of and Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, to name a . The Gov- few. Our aim is to build a new Maharashtra that will be Jayant ernment has already paved socially united and economically fair to everyone. We Hon'ble Minister the way for Maharashtra’s want to build a State that will generate new educational growth and development. opportunities for its youth and create numerous op- The Maha Vikas Aghadi Government is all geared up to portunities in industrialised employment and self-em- work diligently to fulfil the aspirations of its people. ployment for its people. The formation of Maha Vikas In the past few years, our farmers have faced many Aghadi Government is the first step in that direction. challenges, some natural and some due to other factors Our emphasis is on removing all the hurdles in the that have distressed them a lot. Increasing production path of growth and development and making necessary costs and shrinking incomes have pushed them into fi- processes fast and transparent. All-inclusiveness will nancial crisis. Since ours is an be our forte. We believe that agrarian economy, their de- the people of the State should spair is deplorable, consider- get equal opportunities and ing these hands not only run rights. We will leave no stone the ploughs, but also our econ- unturned to ensure that every omy. It’s only when the plough person in Maharashtra enjoys in their hands runs consistent- all basic and constitutional ly, farming can thrive, flourish rights they are entitled to. and come alive, giving the rest Of course, to achieve this, of us a new lease of life too! the support of the people is Hence, our paramount duty is equally important. For this, the to strengthen their ability and Government will have to care- resolve. With this in mind, we fully and strictly plan and man- have made farmers our top- age available resources. And at most priority and have started the work from the day times we may have to take some tough decisions. Such one. In our very first Cabinet meeting, we decided to decisions are taken only in the interest of the State and implement the Mahatma Jotirao Phule Loan Waiver the well-being of its people. We can achieve every goal Scheme under which loans up to `2 lakh will be waived with mutual understanding and cooperation. off. We have ensured that the scheme is not complicat- As we embark on this New Year, let us all join ed but is transparent, simple and hassle-free. The farm- hands and pledge to take Maharashtra to newer pin- ers will not have to go through unnecessary paperwork nacles of success. and can avail the benefits easily. I hope you will like this issue of Maharashtra Ahead. Very soon we are going to launch the Shiv Bho- Once again wishing everyone a Happy New Year. jan Thali scheme on an experimental basis. It will of- fer healthy meals at just `10. After reviewing the re- sponse, we will launch it all over Maharashtra. Guest Editor We are focused on planning and implementing vari-

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 5 Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Minister, Finance and Planning Jayant Patil, Minister, Home, being felicitated by farmers. LOAN WAIVER FOR FARMERS Following the untimely rainfall in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, during his visit to the farmers’ fields, had promised to relieve them from debt and worry. While facing the floor test in the State Legislative Assembly, he kept his promise to work for the benefit of farmers and announced a farm loan-waiver of up to `2 lakh. He has also arranged for affordable food provision for the labour class by announcing the Shiv Bhojan thali priced at `10 only. He made it clear that the State administration will run according to the ideals of the welfare state of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The announcements made during the legislative assembly were given approval in the cabinet meeting soon after.

6 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 farmers by offering them relief. He insisted on this during the floor test as well, and emphasised that the - Govern ment’s aim is to work for the all-round development of farmers. He also stated that even though loan waiver is one of the measures taken to solve farmers’ problems, which he ensured will be provided, making the farmer worry-free by implementing various schemes for the development of the farming sector and farmers is also part of the agenda. He has also directed the concerned to speedily complete the crop insurance cases, while ensuring that not a single farm- er faces injustice. While making an announcement of the farm loan-waiver scheme in the winter session of the State Legislative As- sembly, Nagpur, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray assured that the Government will take decisions for the benefit of farmers. In the cabinet meeting, he also approved the plan of Mahatma Jotirao Phule Shetkari Karj Mukti Yojana (Farmer Loan-Waiver Scheme).

BENEFIT OF LOAN WAIVER According to Mahatma Jotirao Phule Shetkari Karj Mukti Yojana, if the arrears and the unpaid loan amount are less than `2 lakh in more than one account for the short-term crop loan taken between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2019 and short-term restructured crop loan till 30 September 2019, then all such accounts will be given the benefit of loan waiver of up to `2 lakh. It has been estimated that lakhs of farmers will benefit from this scheme. Most im- portantly, while offering loan waiver, the land ownership of the farmers will not be taken into consideration, which means that apart from small landowners who will receive the benefit of the scheme, farmers who are not small land- owners will also benefit. According to the loan waiver scheme, if the arrears and the unpaid loan amount along with the principal and the in- terest amount are more than `2 lakh till 30 September 2019 for the short-term crop loan accounts and short-term re- structured crop loan accounts, then the information regard- ing such loan accounts will be demanded from the banks, fol- aharashtra has about one crore 53 lakh farmers lowing which efforts will be made to provide relief to such and most of them depend on farming, for which farmers through a proper, suitable scheme. at some time or other they take loans from dis- Similarly, to provide encouragement to the farmers, who trict central co-operative banks or commercial regularly repay their short-term crop loan amount, a new banks.M From 2015 to 2018-19, a drought-like situation pre- scheme will be announced soon. vailed in the State, leading to less than 50 per cent paisewari. A farmer is the backbone of the rural economy. Hence After the drought-like situation, farmers were affected by the policy of the new Government is focused on bringing untimely rains. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was of the agriculture-centric development. Chief Minister Uddhav firm opinion that farmers should get immediate help from Thackeray paid special attention to all the aspects related the State Government. The Chief Minister visited the farm- to farming during a meeting to take an overview of Vidarb- ers' fields to take review of the crop loss. ha. Along with strengthening the purchase system of farm produce, it is the policy of the Government to rid the farmer FULFILLING ASSURANCE of other aspects such as irrigation and financial deficits. Soon after taking the oath of office, Uddhav Thackeray said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has directed that while that the Government will give topmost priority to support implementing the loan waiver scheme is a great responsibil-

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 7 ity for the revenue machinery, the concerned officials should Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was insistent upon im- treat the farmers with affection and respect. plementing this scheme. Accordingly, it was approved in the State Cabinet meeting that the Shiv Bhojan will be provided LIST OF ACCOUNTS in every district at `10 only. It is expected that the State The loan accounts that have not been linked with Aadhaar Government will incur an expenditure of `6,48,00,000 in will be published by 7 January 2020. The farmers can get three months to start the scheme on an experimental basis. their accounts linked with Aadhaar afterwards. This Government stands firmly with poor people of the State. It has brought the Shiv Bho- jan scheme to ensure that nobody remains hungry in a progressive and modern State like Maharashtra. In the first phase of the implementa- tion of the scheme, on a pilot basis, the Government has approved mini- mum one eatery at every site of the district headquarters and maximum 500 plates in every eatery. Depend- ing on the response, the scheme will be implemented in other parts of the State.

WHAT WILL THE THALI HAVE? The Shiv Bhojan meal will include two chapattis (30 grams each), one bowl of vegetable (100 grams), one bowl of rice (150 grams) and one bowl of dal curry (100 grams). These eateries Now, the Internet will not be required to will be open from 12 noon to 2 pm. verify Aadhaar. The farmers from inacces- In the first phase, the pilot sible locations without Internet facilities can project of Shiv Bhojan AVAILABILITY OF SUBSIDY complete their Aadhaar verification and other thali will be carried out in The rate of a Shiv Bhojan plate will be `50 in matters from an Aaple Sarkar Centre in the vil- the headquarters of each urban areas and `35 in rural areas. Apart from lages nearby. The Chief Minister has issued or- district of Maharashtra. the amount of 10 from customer, the remain- ders that bus facilities to and from the centres The Government has ` will be available to farmers so that they do not approved starting a ing amount will be given in the form of subsidy have to make unnecessary trips. maximum of 500 thalis from this department to the district officer in each kitchen of the directly, through whom it will be distributed LOAN ON 7/12 REDUCED district headquarters. to the concerned persons. The subsidy will be It is essential that farmers are aware about the The thali will cost `50 `40 per plate in urban areas and `25 per plate initiative and the district administration should in urban areas and `35 in rural areas. arrange for ways to carry this information to in rural areas. Based on farmers through various media. The accounts the feedback of the pilot WHO CAN START THE EATERY? of the farmers should be linked with Aadhaar. project, the scheme will A person who wants to start Shiv Bhojana- Under the supervision of the District Collec- be implemented in other laya should have his own suitable place. To parts of the State. tor, the information should be uploaded to participate in the scheme, eateries that are ef- the portal. Biometric facilities should be made ficient and currently in operation will be select- available in remote, inaccessible regions. The ed. These may include a diner, women self-help group, eatery, Chief Minister suggested that the village-level administra- tion should accept this responsibility and, under the control restaurant and non-government institutions. A committee of the District Collector, reduce the loan on 7/12 extracts of will be formed under the chairmanship of the district officer the farmers, who are free from loans. at the Municipal Corporation level and tehsildar at the taluka level. The plates will be sold at places where the poor and la- SHIV BHOJAN THALI FOR `10 bourers are present in high numbers, such as district hospi- The Government of Maharashtra has given approval for imple- tals, bus-stops, places around railway stations, markets and menting Shiv Bhojan scheme in the State to ensure that poor Government offices. and needy citizens can get a meal at an affordable rate. —Team Lokrajya

8 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 Ajit Pawar taking the oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra from Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. OUR NEW MINISTERS On 30 December 2019, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray expanded his council of ministers. Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered the oath of Deputy Chief Minister to Ajit Pawar and other 25 Ministers and 10 Ministers of State at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai.

Ajit Anantrao Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister

Born: 22 July 1959 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, 1991-95 (bye-election), Place of Birth: Devlali-Pravara, taluka Rahuri, Ahmednagar 1995-99, 1999-2004, 2004-2009, 2009-2014, 2014-2019; Education: B.Com Languages known: Marathi, , English 28 June 1991-November 1992: Minister of State for Agri- Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Sunetra Children: culture, Horticulture and Power; November 1992-February Two (sons) Occupation: Agriculture, Party: Nationalist Con- 1993: Minister of State for Water Conservation, Power and gress Party Constituency: 201-Baramati, Planning: 27 October 1999-25 December 2003, Minister, Ir- Other information: Trustee, Vidya Pratishthan, Baramati; rigation (Krishna Valley and Irrigation Corporations) Director, Chhatrapati Shikshan Sanstha, Bhawaninagar, In- and Horticulture; 26 December 2003-31 October 2004: Min- dapur; Director, Shri Chhatrapati Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana ister, Rural Development, Water Supply and Sanitation, and Ir- Ltd, Bhavaninagar, Malegaon Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana and rigation (Krishna Valley and Konkan Irrigation Corporations); Someshwar Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd., Pune; Director, 9 November 2004-7 November 2009: Minister for Water Re- Maharashtra Rajya Sahakari Sangh, Mumbai, Vasantdada sources (except Krishna Valley and Konkan Irrigation Corpo- Sugar Institute, Pune; March-August 1991 and December rations), Watershed Development, Water Supply and Sanita- 1994 to December 1998, Chairman, Central Co- tion; 7 November 2009-9 November 2010: Minister for Water operative Bank; 11 December 1998-17 October 1999, Chair- Resources (except Krishna Valley and Konkan Irrigation Cor- man, Maharashtra Rajya Sahakari Bank, Mumbai; Director, porations) and Energy; 11 November 2010-September 2014: Maharashtra Rajya Sahakari Doodh Utpadak Sangh since 19 Dy. Chief Minister of Maharashtra (Finance and Planning December 2005; Chairman, Pune Zilla Shikshan Mandal since and Energy); re-elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly 28 September 2006; September 2005-23 March 2013; Chair- in October 2019; Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, 23-26 man, Maharashtra Rajya Kabaddi Association; from 13 August November 2019. 2006, Chairman, Maharashtra Rajya Kho-Kho Association; Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Brief Member, , 17 June-18 September 1991; Member, bio-data of the members

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 9 Ashokrao Shankarrao Chavan January 2003-October 2004; Minister for Industries, Mines, Cultural Affairs and Protocol, November 2004-4 December Born: 28 October 1958 2008; Chief Minister, Maharashtra, 8 De- Place of Birth: Mumbai cember 2008-26 October 2009; took oath Education: B.Sc., M.B.A. as Chief Minister for the second time on Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English 7 November 2009; elected to Maharash- Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Amita tra Legislative Assembly in October 2019; Children: Two (daughters) Occupation: Chairman, Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana, Agriculture and Industry Nanded City, 1985; 1987-1989: Member, Party: (I) Consultative Committee, Union Ministry of Constituency: 85-Bhokar, Nanded Environment and Forests, Ministry of Per- Other information: General Secretary and sonnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Di- VP, Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress visional Railway Users Committee, Hyder- Committee, 1986-1992; General Secre- abad, and South Central Railway; 1991-92: tary, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Com- Member Consultative Committee, Censor mittee, 1995-1999; Member, Lok Sabha, Board of India, Chief Convener, Bhaurao 1987-89; Member, Maharashtra Legisla- Chavan Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana, Laxmi- tive Council, 1992-1998; Member, Maharashtra Legislative nagar, Degaon-Yelegaon, Nanded. This factory received first Assembly, 1999-2004, 2004-2009; Minister of State, Public prize from on three occasions. Also, In- Works Department, Urban Development and Parliamentary ternational Quality Crown Award by Business Initiative Di- Affairs, March 1993-September 1994; Minister of State, rections, Madrid, Spain; Chairman Sharda Bhavan Shikshan Home and Parliamentary Affairs, September 1994-March Sanstha, Nanded; Chairman Sai Sevabhavi Trust, Nanded. 1995; Minister Revenue and Protocol, October 1999-January Reference: 12th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, 2003; Minister Transport, Ports Cultural Affairs and Protocol, Brief bio-data of the members

Dilip Dattatray Walse-Patil sembly by Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Maha- rashtra in 1998-99; Minister, Higher and Technical Education, Born: 30 October 1956 October 1999-December 2002; Minister for Energy and Higher Place of Birth: Nirgudsar, taluka Ambegaon, Pune and Technical Education, December 2002-November 2004; Education: B.A. (Hons), D.J., L.L.M. Minister for Energy (excluding Non-Convention- Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English al Energy) and Medical Education, November Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Kiran 2004-March 2005; Minister for Energy (excluding Children: One (a daughter) Non-Conventional Energy) and Medical Educa- Occupation: Agriculture and Industry tion and Higher and Technical Education, March Party: Nationalist Congress Party 2005-December 2008; Minister for Finance and Constituency: 196-Ambegaon, Pune Planning, December 2008-October 2009. Other information: Participated in politics and Noteworthy Decisions: Setting up Maharashtra cooperative movement from his college days; Knowledge Corporation Limited; implementation Founder-Chairman, National Centre for Rural De- of Electricity Act 2003; division of Maharashtra velopment, Pune through which he implemented State Electricity Board into MSEB Holding Com- initiatives for educational, social and economic pany, Mahanirmiti, Mahapareshan and Mahavita- development of people from rural, remote and ran; roadmap for energy development; work on tribal areas; developed a network of dairy institu- 6,000 MW projects and creation of basic infra- tions in rural areas and worked for the empowerment of com- structure for electricity; 2009-2014: Chairman, Legislative As- mon people, especially women; Trustee, Yashwantrao Chavan sembly; organised Amrut Mahotsav of Maharashtra Legislature Pratishthan, Mumbai and connected with many social and edu- in the presence of Former , Pratibhatai Patil cational institutions; Director, Pune District Central Coopera- during 2012-13; organised exhibitions and discussion forums tive Bank; Founder-Chairman, Bhimashankar Sahakari Sakhar on the occasion of birth centenary of Yashwantrao Chavan and Karkhana; Member, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, 1990- Vasantrao Naik; re-elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly 95, 1995-99, 1999-2004, 2004-2009, 2009-2014, 2014-2019; in October 2019. Committee Chief Legislature Estimates Committee, 1992-93; Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, felicitated as Best Parliamentarian, Maharashtra Legislative As- Brief bio-data of the members

10 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 Dhananjay Panditrao Munde rural areas, more than 200 bore wells were undertaken at many villages; unemployment and anti-terrorism youth rally in 2001; Born: 15 July 1975 lead role for Maharashtra Youth at Yuva Place of Birth: Mumbai Kranti Yatra in New Delhi in 2008; organ- Education: B.S.L. ised Yuva Sankalp Rally at Pune in 2009; Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, Chief of Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Wing English of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, 1997-98, Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Vice-Chairman, 1998-2001 and General Rajshree Children: Two (daughters) Secretary, 2001-2007; President, Bharati- Occupation: Agriculture, Industry and ya Janata Yuva Morcha, 2007-2010; Social Service Member (2002-2007) and Vice-Chairman Party: Nationalist Congress Party Zilla Parishad, Beed (2007-2010); Director, Constituency: 233-Parli Sant Jagmitra Sahakari Sootgirni Maryadit, Other information: Chairman, Nath Tokwadi, Parli Vaijnath; 2006-13, 2013-16: Pratishthan, Parli Vaijnath through which Member, Maharashtra Legislative Council, various initiatives such as community mar- December 2014-July 2016, Leader of Op- riages, tree plantation, health check-up position, Maharashtra Legislative Council, camps, sports events, and distribution of July 2016; re-elected to Maharashtra Leg- school materials to students are organised; islative Council, Leader of Opposition, Ma- in 2003, 12 persons were rescued from a rail accident at Ghat- harashtra Legislative Council; elected to Maharashtra Legisla- nandur; to mitigate serious issue of drinking water shortage in tive Assembly in 2019.

Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar Gadchiroli; President, Semana Vidya Va Vanvikas Prashikshan Sanstha, Gadchiroli; efforts for establishment of Nagar Pari- Born: 12 December 1962 shad at Chimur and Sindewahi; special efforts for Shiv Sena's Place of Birth: Karanji, taluka Gondpimpari, Chandrapur power through Nagar Parishad elections at Gadchiroli, Wadsa Education: H.S.C. (De), Bhadravati, Warora, Chandrapur and Brahmpuri. Shiv Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English, Telugu Sena came to power at Panchayat Samiti at Kurkheda, Armori, Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Kiran Children: Four (one Wadsa, Gadchiroli, Chamorshi, Dhanora and Mulchera; partici- son and three daughters) pation in Gadchiroli district creation agitation, Occupation: Agriculture and Industry arrest and jail; Gadchiroli District Shiv Sena Party: Indian National Congress (I) Chief from 1986; 1995-98 President, Forest Constituency: 73-Bramhpuri, Development Corporation, in this the difficul- Chandrapur ties of the forest workers and forest workers Other information: Founder-President, Se- co-operatives, the corporation, which were in mana Van Vikas Shaikshanik Sanstha; Vidarb- loss were brought over to profit making were ha-level one-act play competition, poetry addressed; established Shiv Sena branches conferences, sports competitions; all possible in 550 villages; conquered many of the Gram help to poor students; health check-up camps, Panchayats in Gadchiroli and Chimur area blood donation camps, eye check-up camps since 1997. Working for Congress Party and free distribution of spectacles through since 2005; Member, Zilla Parishad, Gad- the medium of Shiv Sena; guidance to unem- chiroli; 1998-2004: Member, Maharashtra ployed and agitation for justified demands of Legislative Council; 2004-2009, 2009-2014, farmers, farm labourers and forest workers 2014-2019: Member, Maharashtra Legisla- and efforts for bringing justice to them; leadership at the agi- tive Assembly; Member, EGS, Public Accounts, and Assurances tations for lift irrigation schemes at Karwafa, Tultuli and Dina Committee of the Legislative Assembly; November 2009-No- in Gadchiroli and help for the flood-affected people; started vember 2010: Minister of State for Water Resources and Par- a dairy production and processing centre (Shivani Dairy) and liamentary Affairs, Planning and Energy; looked after the work made available cows and buffalos to poor, tribal and farmers of Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly; re-elected to provide them employment; President, to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in October 2019. Central Co-operative Bank, Director, Maharashtra Rajya Saha- Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, kari Bank, President, Swadeshi Kukut Palan Sahakari Sanstha, Brief bio-data of the members

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 11 Anil Vasantrao Deshmukh 9 July 1992-12 March 1995; Member, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, 1995-99, 1999-2004, 2004-2009, 2009-2014. Born: 9 May 1950 He has served as the Minister of State for School Educa- Place of Birth: Nagpur tion, Higher and Technical Education and Cultural Affairs, Education: M. Sc. (Agri) March 1995-July 1999; Minister of State Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, for School Education, Information and Pub- English lic Relations, Sports and Youth Affairs, Oc- Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Aarti tober 1999-March 2001; Minister of State Children: Three (two sons and one for State Excise, Food and Drug Adminis- daughter) tration, March 2001-October 2004; Minis- Occupation: Agriculture ter for Public Works (Public Undertakings), Party: Nationalist Congress Party November 2004-December 2008; re-elect- Constituency: 48-Katol, Nagpur ed to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Other information: Anil Vasantrao in October 2019. He has made valuable con- Deshmukh is closely connected with many tribution to the areas of agriculture, educa- social and cultural institutions; he has made tion and . He has been special efforts for raising the standard of ed- associated with many social initiatives under ucation; from 1970 to 1999, he worked for Vasantrao Deshmukh Pratishthan like com- the Congress party, and since 1999 is work- munity weddings and the welfare of farmers ing for the Nationalist Congress Party. He and youth. has served as Sabhapati, Panchayat Samiti, Narkhed, Nagpur, Reference: 12th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, 23 May 1972-9 June 1992; President, Zilla Parishad, Nagpur, Brief bio-data of the members

Hasan Miyalal Mushrif Chairman, Maharashtra State Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited (Mahanand), Goregaon, Mumbai; Vice Chairman, Born: 24 March 1954 MP Sadashivrao Mandlik Kagal Taluka Place of Birth: Kagal, Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana, Hamidwada; Education: B. A. (Economics) Member, Kagal Taluka Sahakari Kharedi Languages known: Marathi, Hindi and Vikri Sangh; Founder-Director, Chhatra- English pati Shahu Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Sahera Ltd, Kagal; Vice Chairman, Kagal Taluka Children: Four (three sons and one daugh- Sahakari Soot Girni Ltd, Kagal; Director, ter) Occupation: Agriculture Sahakari Krishi Udyog Party: Nationalist Congress Party Sahakari Sanstha; Vice Chairman, District Constituency: 273–Kagal, Kolhapur Congress Committee, working for NCP Other information: Participated in stu- since 1999; Member, Maharashtra Legis- dent agitations; President, Adarsh Shik- lative Assembly (1999-2004, 2004-2009, shan Sanstha, Kagal; President, Bhai Mad- 2009-2014, 2014-2019); Minister of State havrao Bagal Shikshan Sanstha, Kolhapur; for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Develop- President, Nagnath Shikshan Sanstha, ment (March 2001-July 2004); Minister of Ekondi; made efforts for the development of farmers, State for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, School weaker sections and backward classes; under the leader- Education, Wakf (July 2004-October 2008); Minister of ship of Sharadraoji Pawar, active participation in the Ma- State for Urban Development, Animal Husbandry and Dairy harashtra– border issue; active participation in Development, Fisheries, Minorities, Wakf, Law and Judicia- farmers' agitation for increasing the rates of tobacco and ry (November 2008-November 2009); Minister for Labour milk; Member and (1997-98) Sabhapati, Panchayat Samiti, (November 2009-June 2014); Minister for Water Resources Kagal; Member, Zilla Parishad, Kolhapur; 1986-2015: Di- (Krishna Valley Corporation) (27 June 2014-October 2014); rector and Vice Chairman and Chairman, Kolhapur District re-elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in October Central Co-operative Bank; many innovative schemes for 2019. Foreign travel: Study tour of Europe, New Zealand, the benefit of the members were implemented through the Australia, China, Geneva and other countries. bank, for which it was felicitated. He served as President, Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana, Kagal; Director and Vice Brief bio-data of the members

12 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad is the recipient of the Best Parliamentarian Award at the Maharashtra Legislative Born: 3 February 1975 Assembly, bestowed by Commonwealth Parliamentary As- Place of Birth: Mumbai sociation, Maharashtra Branch for the year Education: M. Sc. (Maths), B. Ed. 2006-2007. She served as the Minister of Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English State for Medical Education, Higher and Marital status: Married, husband Raju Technical Education, Tourism and Special Babu Godse Assistance (7 November 2009-10 November Occupation: Social work 2010) and Minister for Women and Child Party: Indian National Congress (I) Development (11 November-26 September Constituency: 178– (Scheduled 2014) in the Government of Maharashtra. Caste) She was re-elected to Maharashtra Legisla- Other information: Chairperson, Nirmal tive Assembly in October 2019. Mahila Magasvargiya Audyogik Sahakari Foreign travel: Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad Sanstha, Vikhroli, Mumbai; started educa- participated in the delegation appointed for tional and social initiatives through institutes the observation of US President’s election. such as Rayat Mahasangh and Abhay Shik- She participated in the US study tour organ- shan Kendra; Executive Committee Member, ised by Commonwealth Parliamentary As- Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee; Member, Maha- sociation, Maharashtra Branch in 2008, and the study tour of rashtra Legislative Assembly (2004-2009, 2009-2014, 2014- Australia, New Zealand and Singapore in 2009. 2019); Member (2004-2008) and Committee Chief (2008- Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, 2009), Women Rights and Welfare Committee. Brief bio-data of the members

Dr. Rajendra Bhaskarrao Shingne 2005) Sahakar Maharshi Late Bhaskarrao Shingne Nagari Sa- hakari Patsanstha Maryadit, Buldhana, President (since 2015): Born: 30 March 1961 The Vidarbha Co-operative Marketing Federation Ltd., Nagpur; Place of Birth: Dongar Shewali, Buldhana Member, Public Accounts, Public Undertakings and Estimates Education: B.A.M.S. Committee of Maharashtra Legislature (1995-1998); Minis- Languages known: Marathi, Hindi and English ter of State for School Education, Marketing, Information and Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Rajni Public Relations (March 2001-July 2002), Children: One (a daughter) Minister of State for School Education and Occupation: Agriculture Party: Na- Marketing (July 2002-January 2003), Min- tionalist Congress Party Constituency: ister of State for School Education (January 24-Sindkhed Raja, Buldhana 2003-July 2004), Minister of State for Rev- Other information: President, Siddheshwar enue, Rehabilitation, Information and Pub- Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Sakharkherda, lic Relations, Earthquake Rehabilitation and Rashtramata Jijau Kanya Vidyalaya, Sind- Assistance Work, Sports and Youth Wel- khed Raja, Buldhana; Chief Administrator, fare and Welfare of Ex-servicemen (No- Maharashtra Rajya Kapus Panan Maha- vember 2004-December 2008); Minister sangh, Jijamata Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana for Public Health and Family Welfare (De- Ltd, Dusarbid, taluka Sindkheda, Director, cember 2008-October 2009); re-elected to Painganga Sahakari Soot Girni, Sakharkher- Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in Octo- da, taluka Sindkheda; President, Buldhana ber 2019. He did substantial work in the District Central Co-operative Bank – 1992- areas of education, society, culture and 2001; 1993-Director Maharashtra Rajya co-operation, and laid the foundation Sahakari Bank; 2007-Director (unopposed) for various co-operative institutions so Maharashtra State Marketing Federation, Mumbai; 1985 – that youth could get employment. Armed with a fine un- President, District Youth Congress; General Secretary, Maha- derstanding of issues of farmers, he implemented various rashtra Pradesh Rashtravadi Congress since July 2004; Mem- schemes and programmes for them. He also made employ- ber, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly-1995-99, 1999-2004, ment available to women and youth. 2004-2009, 2009-2014; President: Rajmata Jijau Military Reference: 12th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, School for Girls, Chandhai, taluka Chikhali; President (1990- Brief bio-data of the members

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 13 Nawab Mohammed Islam Malik in Vidyarthi Sansad agitation; 1993-95, organised various pro- grammes for social unity-integrity, religious understanding and Born: 20 June 1959 caste brotherhood; 1998: active participation in Rail Roko in Place of Birth: Dhuswa/Itai Rampur, taluka Utraula, Balram- Mumbai Central Railway Station; Efforts for `187 crore flyover pur () proposal sanction; started Kamani Junc- Education: F.Y.B.A. tion fire brigade office at Kurla (W); help Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, Eng- for photo pass for slum dwellers; efforts lish, Urdu for providing free homes for slum dwellers; Marital status: Married, wife Smt. help for rehabilitation of railway line slum Mehjabeen Children: Four (two sons and dwellers; special efforts for monthly hono- two daughters) rarium for transgenders under Special As- Occupation: Business sistance scheme. He was elected as a Mem- Party: Nationalist Congress Party ber, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in Constituency: 172-Anushakti Nagar, 1996-99 (Bye-election), 1999-2004, 2004- Mumbai Suburban 2009, 2009-2014. He was also Minister Other information: Substantial contribu- of State for Housing, Slum Improvement, tion to social and educational areas, espe- House Repairs and Reconstruction, Special cially the issues of students; special efforts Assistance and Wakf from October 1999 for making available rightful and qualita- to October 2004; Minister for Special As- tive education to students from deprived sistance and Technical Education from July and neglected constituents of society; President, Human Wel- 2004 to October 2004; Minister for Labour from November fare Organisation, blood donation camps, students agitation, 2004 to March 2005; re-elected to Maharashtra Legislative agitation against university fee increase, active participation Assembly in October 2019.

Rajesh Ankushrao Tope Congress (I); working for NCP since May 1999; Member, Ma- harashtra Legislative Assembly (1999-2004, 2004-2009, 2009- Born: 11 January 1969 2014, 2014-2019); Minister of State for Water Conservation, Place of Birth: Aurangabad Trade and Commerce, and Environment (March 2001-January Education: B. E. (Mechanical) 2003); Minister of State for Environment and Industries (Janu- Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English ary 2003-July 2004); Minister of State for Ur- Marital status: Married, wife Smt. ban Development, General Administration, Manisha Children: One (a son) Urban Land Ceiling, Water Conservation and Occupation: Agriculture Parliamentary Affairs (November 2004-De- Party: Nationalist Congress Party cember 2008); Minister for Higher and Tech- Constituency: 100-Ghansawangi, Jalna Oth- nical Education and Medical Education (De- er information: 1991-95: Senate Member, cember 2008-October 2009); Minister for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Vidy- Higher and Technical Education (November apeeth, Aurangabad; Secretary, Matsyodari 2009-September 2014); re-elected to Ma- Shikshan Sanstha, Jalna; President, Kholesh- harashtra Legislative Assembly in October war Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha, Ankushnagar, 2019. Jalna through which community marriages He toured London and Australia in 1994 were organised; Chairman, Samarth Sahakar and 2010, respectively. He made huge con- Sakhar Karkhana Ltd., Ankushnagar since tribution to education, made available job 1997; Founder-Chairman, Yashwant Saha- opportunities to youth through various in- kari Soot Girni Limited, Ambad since 1994; Director, Maharash- stitutions, and implemented skill development programmes. tra State Co-operative Housing Finance Corporation, Mumbai By setting up various educational institutions, he made high- since 1995; Chairman, Samarth Sahakari Bank, Jalna; Member er education options available to people. Through co-opera- and Leader of Opposition (1996 to October 1999): Zilla Pari- tive institutions, he made efforts to improve the standard of shad, Jalna; participation at the Jail Bharo Agitation under the living of farmers. He laid emphasis on women empowerment leadership of National Youth Congress; arrested during unem- and did special work in improving rural credit supply. ployed youth agitation 1997; 1992-96: President Jalna District Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Youth Congress (I); 1996-99: VP, Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Brief bio-data of the members

14 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 Sunil Chhatrapal Kedar milk federation in Nagpur; organised camps to address issues of Nagpur farmers, farm labour and workers; made efforts for Born: 7 April 1961 electricity issues and fair price for agricul- Place of Birth: Nagpur tural produce; organised youth initiatives Education: B. Sc. (Agri), M.B.A. and established arts, sports and cultural Languages known: Marathi, Hindi and Eng- mandals; made efforts for making avail- lish able facilities such as water supply, roads, Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Anuja health and others for rural population; help Children: Two (daughters) for poor patients; President, Nagpur Zilla Occupation: Agriculture and Small Kapus Utpadak Sahakari Sut Girni, Patan- Industries Sawangi; 1993: Chairman, Party: Indian National Congress (I) Central Cooperative Bank; Director, Barris- Constituency: 49-Savner, Nagpur ter Sheshrao Wankhede Trust. He was elect- Other information: 1992- Member, Zilla ed as Member, Maharashtra Legislative As- Parishad, Nagpur; 1992- President, Ganesh sembly (1995-99, 2004-2009, 2009-2014, Prasadik Shikshan Sanstha; four second- 2014-2019); Minister of State for Energy ary schools and one college started by this and Transport (March 1995 to June 1995); sanstha; constant efforts in resolving issues Minister of State for Energy, Transport and of drought-affected farmers; Director, The Ports (June 1995 to 1996); re-elected to Vidarbha Cooperative Marketing Society, Nagpur; Director, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in October 2019. Babasaheb Kedar Ginning Pressing Society, Savner; Direc- Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, tor, Barrister Sheshrao Wankhede Trust, Nagpur; established Brief bio-data of the members

Sanjay Dulichand Rathod vation Sahakari Sanstha, Kharedi-Vikri Sahakari Sanstha and Krishi Utpanna Bazar Samiti; worked for Shiv Sena from Born: 30 June 1971 1991; Zilla Pramukh, Shiv Sena Yavatmal Zilla 1997; actively Place of Birth: Yavatmal participated in all Shiv Sena agitations, Vidarbha-level tribal Education: B. Com., B. P. Ed. conference, Banjara Samaj Camp and in the organisation of Languages known: Marathi, Hindi and Banjara Sarpanch Parishad; he participated in the sit-ins for arranging Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Sheetal grants for destitute, water and farmers’ is- Children: Two (a son and a daughter) sues, and in agitations against injustice and Occupation: Agriculture atrocities; Member, Maharashtra Legisla- Party: Shiv Sena tive Assembly (2004-2009, 2009-2014, Constituency: 79-Digras, Yavatmal 2014-2019); Member, Panchayat Raj Other information: Instead of contesting Committee and By-legislation Committee; elections of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Minister of State for Revenue, 5 December Samiti or Zilla Parishad, he contested Leg- 2014; Member, Maharashtra Legislative islative Assembly election and won the Assembly, 2014-2019; re-elected to the Darwha seat in 2004. He served as Secre- Assembly in October 2019. tary, Chhatrapati Shivaji Kala, Shikshan, He set up Maa Arogya Seva Samiti for pa- Kreeda, Krushi and Gramin Vikas Pratish- tients and built fully facilitated Matoshree than, Shivpuri, Kalamb, Yavatmal; distrib- waiting rooms and rest house for the rela- uted school materials to economically tives of the patients in the campus of the backward students; organised dance and medical college; organised eye camps in 234 folk-dance competitions for tribal commu- villages in the constituency, distributed spec- nity; organised camps for the freedom from plastic and mos- tacles to 34,000 patients; took leadership of social work such as quitoes; distributed milk powder and biscuits to malnourished regularly organising Maha-Health Camps in the constituency. To children; gave financial assistance to suicide-affected farmer ensure that the administration follows good governance and the families; help to needy patients; special efforts for people issues of people are resolved immediately, he held Janata through cooperation; participated actively in Gram Vikas or Samadhan Divas in the district at sub-division level. Sahakari Sanstha, Sahakari Sanstha, Vividh Karykari Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Sanstha, Ginning Pressing Sahakari Sanstha, Taluka Obser- Brief bio-data of the members

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 15 Gulabrao Raghunath Patil Jalgaon; Director, Krushi Utpanna Bazar Samiti, Dharangaon from1995-97; Member-MHADA Nashik Division, 1996-99; Born: 5 June 1967 Shakhapramukh, Up-Taluka Pramukh, Shiv Place of Birth: Borkheda, Dharangaon, Sena, 1984-89; Shiv Sena Zilla Pramukh, Jalgaon 1996; working as Upneta, 2003. Education: H.S.C. Gulabrao Patil was chosen as the Mem- Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, Eng- ber, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly lish and Marwadi for the terms 1999-2004, 2004-2009 and Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Maya 2014-2019. He was the Member, Pan- Children: Three (two sons and one chayati Raj, Employment Guarantee, and daughter) Estimates and Assurances Committee. He Occupation: Agriculture and business was re-elected to ther Maharashtra Legis- Party: Shiv Sena lative Assembly in October 2019. Constituency: 14-Jalgaon (Rural), Jalga- As a member of the State Cabinet, on Other information: All possible help Gulabrao Patil took many important de- for the education and progress of poor cisions. He made efforts to resolve the and handicapped students so that they issues of people. He insisted that the are empowered; organised blood donation camps; partici- issues before the farmers should be resolved through pated actively in peoples’ agitation against social injustice. modernised agriculture. He also implemented welfare He served as Member, Panchayat Samiti from 1992-97; schemes effectively. Member and Sabhapati, Panchayat Samiti, Erandol from Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, 1997-98; Member and Sabhapati, Krishi Samiti, Zilla Parishad, Brief bio-data of the members

Amit ly weaker sections; facilities for environment conservation, tree plantation and drinking water kiosks made available; or- Born: 21 March 1976 ganised community marriages, guidance camps for youth and Education: B. E. (Chemical) health check-up camps; organised various competitions for Languages known: Marathi, Hindi and English the personality development of students, such as elocution, Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Aaditi essay, debate, rangoli, fancy dress and oth- Occupation: Agriculture and industry ers; organised State-level P. L. Deshpande Party: Indian National Congress (I) drama competitions; organised music, dra- Constituency: 235-Latur City, Latur ma, folk arts, folk dances and bhajans. Other information: Amit Vilasrao Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh made efforts Deshmukh has been working for Youth for making available employment to youth Congress from 1997; since 2000, Found- to go in various fields to reduce unemploy- er-Chairman, Vikas Sahakari Sakhar ment, such as industry, business, agro-ancil- Karkhana Ltd, successful in receiving nine lary business, support business, agricultural State-level awards in seven years for the mechanisation, dairy business and others. factory; only factory in the country to He organised cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, have received ISO and environment cer- kho-kho, track and cycling competitions, tification; 2002 and 2008: Vice President, and made special efforts for women, minor- Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress (I); ities, backward and other backward classes. in-charge of Sangli and Solapur districts; He was elected as Member of Maha- played important role with responsibility rashtra Legislative Assembly from 2009- in Latur during Lok Sabha and Assembly 2014 and 2014-2019, served as the Min- elections; 2002: Founder Chairman, Vikas ister of State for Tourism, Food and Drugs Co-operative Bank Limited; 2008: Founder Chairman, Vikas Administration, State Excise, New and Renewable Energy, Co-operative Agro Industries Limited; 2008: President, Latur Government of Maharashtra from 2 June-October 2014, and Taluka Coordination Committee; 2006: played an important was re-elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in role in getting the elections to the Krishi Utpanna Bazar Sami- October 2019. ti unopposed; distributed school materials to poor and needy Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, students; distributed family items to people from economical- Brief bio-data of the members

16 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 Dadaji Dagdu Bhuse to 15,000 beneficiaries; forest lands were regularised through Forest Rights Committee; help for people below poverty line; Born: 6 March 1964 efforts for starting Additional Collector office at Malegaon; Place of Birth: Malegaon, Nashik implemented Aam Aadmi Vima Yojana and Education: D.C.E. Swarn Jayanti Rural Employment Scheme; Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Dam built through people Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Anita participation; made available homes for the Children: Two (sons) poor at low costs; implemented water supply Occupation: Agriculture and business Par- scheme under Bharat Nirman and National ty: Shiv Sena Constituency: 115-Malegaon Drinking Water Mission; organised commu- (Outer), Nashik nity marriages, help to needy patients, blood Other information: Shiv Sena Taluka Pramukh, donation, health check-up camps and ambu- Malegaon; active participation in all initiatives lance; distributed school materials; started of the party; provided information on various computer training centre, gym; implemented schemes of the Government to common peo- de-addiction and cleanliness movement; for- ple through Jagar Shivshaahicha; delivered est lands regularised through Forest Rights the benefits of schemes like Sanjay Gandhi Ni- Committee; made available caste certificates radhar Yojana, Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension through Jagar Shivshaahicha; MLA (2004-09, Grant Scheme and Shravan Bal Paksh Yojana to people; carried 2009-2014, 2014-2019); Minister of State for Co-operation; re- out the social works; made available employment opportuni- elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in October 2019. ties to women through Mahila Bachat Gat; Government fallow Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, lands and Government lands from Gaonthan was made available Brief bio-data of the members

Dr. Jitendra Satish Awhad ana; President, Maharashtra Baseball Association; Indian Pilot Guild Staff Association; honoured with Jeevan Gaurav for social Born: 5 August 1963 work by Nawa-e-Fun; elected to Constitution Sub-Committee, Place of Birth: Nashik Mumbai Cricket Association, President, Thane Zilla Kho Kho Education: B. A., Master of Labour Studies (M.L.S.), Ph. D. Sanghtana; 1988-91: General Secretary, Maharashtra Pradesh (Mumbai University) NSUI, 1991-93: General Secretary, All India NSUI; 1993-98: Languages known: Marathi, Hindi and English President, Thane Municipal Corporation Education Committee; Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Ruta 1993-96: President, All India Rashtravadi Yu- Children: One (a daughter) vak Congress Committee; since 2006 National Occupation: Agriculture and business Secretary, NCP; since 2008 President, Thane Party: Nationalist Congress Party City NCP; 2012: Spokesperson, NCP; 2013- Constituency: 149-Mumbra-Kalwa, Thane 14: Executive President, Maharashtra Pradesh Other information: Participated in social ac- NCP; Member, Maharashtra Legislature Assur- tivities since school years; selected as Prime ances Committee, MLA Accommodation Com- Minister in School Parliament at St. John mittee; 2008: Chief Whip, Maharashtra Legis- School, Thane in 1977; Gymkhana Secretary, B. lative Council NCP Legislative Party; 2009 and N. Bandodkar College, Thane 1980-81; 1981: 2014 Whip (Legislative Assembly) NCP Legis- General Secretary, All India Students Associa- lative Party; 2010: Member of the Committee tion; 1987-88, University representative, Ma- constituted by the Government to decide the harashtra Institute of Labour Studies; received new youth policy; Member, AIDS Forum Com- Doctorate on 8 October 2013 from University mittee; 2011: Member, Ad-hoc Committee of Mumbai for thesis, Social and Religious Movements in Maha- for Inspection of private and charitable hospitals; 2012: Com- rashtra; Member, Senate, Mumbai University; Founder, Sang- mittee Chief, Upa-Vidhan Committee, December 2009: Chair- harsh Sewabhavi Sanstha, Thane; started Aeronautical College person, Legislative Assembly; MLC (2002-2008, 2008-2009), in Aurangabad and D. Ed. College at Mukhed, Nanded through MLA (2009-2014, 2014-2019); Minister, Medical Education K. Lilavati Satish Awhad Education; President, Akhil Bharatiya and Horticulture, May-September 2014; re-elected as MLA in Vanjari Yuvak Sangh; President, Yoga Associa- October 2019. tion, Chief Consultant, Castribe Jeevan Pradhikaran and Health Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Services staff and Rajya Mathadi and General Kamgar Sanghat- Brief bio-data of the members

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 17 Sandipanrao Asaram Bhumre Lezim team and Vyayam Shala, and made efforts for increas- ing team spirit among youth. Born: 13 July 1963 In 1989, he served as Shiv Sena Place of Birth: Pachod (Bu), taluka Pai- Shakhapramukh and Circlepramukh, Pa- than, Aurangabad Education: S.S.C. chod; 1989-94, as Member, Gram Pan- Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English chayat, Pachod; 1992-94, as Up-Sabhapa- Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Push- ti, Panchayat Samiti Paithan; Director, pa Children: Three (one son and two Aurangabad District Central Coopera- daughters) Occupation: Agriculture tive Bank; 1993-2014, as Director, Sant Party: Shiv Sena Constituency: 110-Pai- Eknath Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana, Pai- than, Aurangabad Other information: than. Sandipanrao Asaram Bhumre participated Sandipanrao Asaram Bhumre has been in literacy movement programme. a Member of the Maharashtra Legisla- He made efforts for starting primary tive Assembly from 1995-99, 1999-2004, school in rural areas, implemented anti- 2004-2009, 2014-2019. He was re-elect- dowry movement, organised community ed to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in marriages, encouraged artists from rural October 2019. areas; organised drama, kabaddi, cricket Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative As- and volleyball competitions, and started sembly, Brief bio-data of the members

Shamrao alias Balasaheb Pandurang Patil Board; since 2005, Executive Trustee, Venutai Chavan Chari- table Public Trust, since 2013, President, Shree Shivaji Born: 29 July 1961 Education Society, Karad; since 2014, President Yashwantrao Place of Birth: Karad, Chavan Pratishthan, Mumbai Regional Center, Karad; Director Education: F.Y.B.A. since 1992 and Chairman, Sahyadri Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Languages known: Marathi, Hindi and English Ltd, Yashwantnagar; this factory received second position in Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Jaymala the Cane Development Award from National Sugar Federation Children: One (a son) Occupation: Agriculture and social work for 1998-99, Best Financial Management 1st Position Award Party: Nationalist Congress Party 2011-12; third for 2012-13 and third position award for cane Constituency: 259-Karad (North), development for 2012-13; 1994-96, Chair- Satara man, Sahyadri Cane Growers and Cutters Other information: Shamrao alias Bala- Transportation Sanstha. saheb Pandurang Patil has made efforts He served as Chairman, P. D. Patil Sahakri for the welfare of farmers and sugarcane Bank Limited, Karad; Chairman, Sanjeevani cutter labour and modernisation of agri- Nagri Sahakari Pat Sanstha, Karad; Chair- culture. He has made efforts for reduc- man, Krushnai Sahakari Doodh Utpadak ing agriculture expenses and increasing Sanstha, Karad; since 2010, Director, Na- productivity, and has been active in the tional sugar Co-operative Factories Fed- welfare of students from deprived and eration, New Delhi; since December 2003, neglected constituents of society for Vice President, Maharashtra Rajya Sahakari their rightful and qualitative education. Sakhar Karkhana Sangh, Mumbai; 1992- His other works have been in the areas of 99 worked for Congress Party; since 1999, empowering women and youth, special working for Nationalist Congress Party; efforts for resolving rural issues, institu- Member, Maharashtra Legislative Assem- tional work for rightful credit supply to bly (1999-2004, 2004-2009, 2009-2014, farmers and labour so that investment 2014-2019); 2012-14 Committee Chief for in agriculture and rural cottage industries increases, and Estimates Committee; re-elected to Maharashtra Legislative As- making available employment for unemployed youth. sembly in October 2019. Since 2008, Shamrao alias Balasaheb Pandurang Patil has Foreign travel: He has travelled to Mauritius, Brazil, Eng- been the President, Sahyadri Shikshan Sanstha, Yashwant- land, Italy, Australia, Singapore and other countries. nagar; since 2002, President Maharashtra Education Sanstha, Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Karad; since 1994, Governing Council Member, Education Brief bio-data of the members

18 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 Adv. Yashomati Thakur (Sonawane) sultation and help for needy; help for earthquake-affected people; organised social programmes for community enlight- Born: 17 May 1974 enment and sports guidance and sports camps for increasing Place of Birth: Amravati team spirit among children; help for poor Education: B. A., LL. B. patients; women empowerment through Languages known: Marathi, Hindi and Bachat Gat; development of Kshetra Kaun- English dinyapur, maternal home for Rukmini and Marital status: Married, Husband Late started Government Pooja here on Kartik Rajesh Sonawane Children: Two (a son and Ekadashi; carried out development of work a daughter) area and Nirvana Bhumi of Sant Tukdoji Occupation: Agriculture Maharaj and Sant Gadgebaba; 2004-2008: Party: Indian National Congress (I) General Secretary, Maharashtra Pradesh Constituency: 39-Tiwsa, Amravati Youth Congress; since 2007 Secretary, Ma- Other information: 1989 Recipient of Duke harashtra Pradesh Congress Legal Consul- of Edinburgh Bronze Medal; recipient of tant Committee; since 2008 General Secre- Gold Medal in shooting in the 1993 All In- tary, All India Youth Congress; 2010-2014: dia NCC Leadership camp; participated General Secretary, Maharashtra Pradesh in the 1994 Republic Day parade at New Congress Committee; since 2004 Member, Delhi; distribution of school materials to Maharashtra State Women Commission; poor and needy students from rural areas Member, Maharashtra Legislative Assem- for qualitative improvement in education and distribution of bly 2009-2014, 2014-2019; 2010-12: Committee Chief for books on essential subjects to 262 secondary schools in ru- Women Rights and Welfare Committee; re-elected to Maha- ral area; organised cultural programmes for personality de- rashtra Legislative Assembly in October 2019. velopment of children; made efforts to resolve various daily Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, issues for women and children from rural areas; legal con- Brief bio-data of the members

Adv. Anil Dattatray Parab guidance camps for competitive examinations; Shiv Sena Vibhag Pramukh since 2001; responsibility for legal issues Born: 31 December 1964 of the party; active participation in all agitations of the Place of Birth: Mumbai party; Member, Maharashtra Legisla- Education: B. Com., LL. B. tive Council, 2004-2010, 2012-2018; Languages known: Marathi, Hindi and re-elected to Maharashtra Legislative English Council in July 2018. His most impor- Marital status: Married, wife Smt. tant work has been to bring issues of Sunita Children: Two (daughters) common people to the fore through Occupation: Industry various questions in Maharashtra Leg- Party: Shiv Sena islative Council. Constituency: Elected through MLAs. He is known for his studious atti- Other information: Social and cultural tude and excellent knowledge of the work by organising and distributing strengths and issues of the State. He is school materials to poor and needy insistent on resolving issues for Mum- students; all possible help to poor bai and known as a leader to follow-up patients; organised Dahihandi, Gane- the issues of development for the hut- shotsav, Navratrotsav programmes ments and neglected habitats at Mum- so that the organisational skills of the bai, and has been working for students youth get an opportunity and their organisations since his student life. social realisation increases; health Parab has carried out many social check-up, blood donation camps; free and cultural works through youth fo- legal consultation for common people rums. With a superb understanding of and helping them receive their rights; organising various the urban issues, his solutions have been quite important. sports competitions and cultural events; made efforts to He has a huge fan following, as he is always ready to help resolve the issues of Bandra Government Hostel; organised the deprived and poor.

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 19 Uday Ravindra Samant hikaran Office for tap water scheme for Nachne village; help for hurricane-affected people of Purngad; organised District- Born: 26 December 1975 Place of Birth: Education: Di- level marathon; efforts to resolve the issues of Konkan Rail- ploma in Automobile Engineering Languages known: Marathi, way project affected persons; organised Science Exhibition in Hindi and English Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Jaya Chil- Kotawada High School; efforts for asphalting of Dabhilwadi dren: Two (daughters) Occupation: Agriculture and business Road; made computer software available for New English High Party: Shiv Sena Constituency: 266-Ratnag- School, Pali, Madhyamik Vidyamandir, Nanij, iri, Ratnagiri Other information: President, A. A. Desai High School, Hatkhamba, New Cricket Association; Sai English School, Tembhe, Adarsh Vidyman- Aniruddha Society (started an English-me- dir, Kurtade, Mahalaxmi Madhyamik Vidya- dium school, ITI and a college); Pali Panchk- mandir, Khedshi and Jagushte Madhyamik roshi Vividh Karyakari Society and Ratnagiri High School, Kuwarbanv; organised cricket District Arts and Cultural Organisation; VP, tournaments in Ratnagiri; Member, Akhil Ratnagiri District Auto Chalak-Malak Sang- Bharatita Marathi Natya Parishad Niyamak hatana; Founder, Shantadurga Urban Co- Mandal, Mumbai; President, Akhil Bharatita operative Credit Society, Ratnagiri; 2000- Marathi Natya Parishad, Ratnagiri; organ- 2003: President, Ranjeet Gramin Bigar Sheti ised Bal Mahotsav Drama Competition, one- Sahakari Patsanstha Maryadit, Pali; Founder act play competition and Rang-sammelan; Member, Abhinav Swayamrojgar Seva Saha- received Kokanratna Award from Maha- kari Sanstha; Founder, Dnyanjyoti Sarvajanik rashtra Patrakar Sangh for 2003-2004 and Granthalay, Pali; Chief Convenor, proposed Yuvaratna Award from Ramzan Mubarak for Ratnagiri Swayamrojgar Seva Sanstha Federation; Consultant, 2004-2005, Bhaskar Award from The Pride of India for 2007, Sahyadri Swayamrojgar Seva Sahakari Sanstha; Founder, Shri Sahitya Mitra Sanman Award from Konkan Marathi Sahitya Dev Laxmi Pallinath Grahak Sahakari Sansthan and proposed Parishad in 2013; active participation in NSUI (1996-99); VP, Ratnagiri Taluka Handicapped Rehabilitation Service Institute District Youth Congress, February 1995-1999; 1999-2000 Ltd., organised Khadi Gramudyog camp in Ratnagiri on behalf Secretary; July 2010-2012: President, Rashtravadi Yuvak Con- of NCP in 2000; participated in a rally against Chate classes; set gress (RYC); 1996-99 President, Pali Yuva Manch; 1999-2001: up Jai Hind Sanstha and organised blood donation camp and Observer, Kolhapur RYC; 2002-2003: President, Ranjeet Jakhadi Competition at district level; help to poor patients; or- Gramin Sahakari Pat Sanstha, Pali; President, Ratnagiri RYC; ganised Swami Vivekanand Lecture Series; distributed school working for Shiv Sena from 2014: MLA (2004-2009, 2009- materials to poor students; distribution of Diwali food to poor; 2014, 2014-2019); Minister of State for Urban Development, organised tree plantation, Inter-collegiate Youth Festival; felic- Forests, Law and Judiciary, Ports and Fisheries (June 2013-Sep- itation of freedom fighters and meritorious students; organised tember 2014); Member, EGS and Panchayat Raj Committee of Yuvak Jodo programme in 80 villages in Ratnagiri; constructed the Legislature; re-elected as MLA in 2019. dams at Khanu, Joyshiwadi, Pathrat, Pawas, Tonde and Kasheli Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, villages through Shramdaan; organised a rally on Jeevan Prad- Brief bio-data of the members

Adv. K. C. Padvi Mogra Shikshan Sanstha, Asli – two Ashram- shalas and three high schools have been started Born: 3 March 1957 by this organisation in tribal area; awareness Place of Birth: Asli, Akranimahal, Nandurbar programmes in tribal community with emphasis Education: B.A., LL.M. on organisational work; organised Holi-Diwali Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English festivals; Chairman, The Hill Valley Food and and Adivasi Fruit Processing Co-op Society Ltd, Asli, Akrani, Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Hemlata Nandurbar; work till 1990; Congress Children: Two (a son and a daughter) party work from 1991; Member, Maharashtra Occupation: Agriculture and legal practice Par- Legislative Assembly, 1990-95, 1995-99, 1999- ty: Indian National Congress (I) Constituency: 2004, 2004-2009, 2009-2014, 2014-2019; re- 1-Akkalkuwa (Scheduled Tribe) Other informa- elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in tion: Founder President, Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi October 2019. Vidyarthi Sanghtana; President, Satpuda Manav Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Mukti Kendra, Asli Astamba; President, Mata Assembly, Brief bio-data of the members

20 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 Shankarrao Yashwantrao Gadakh Sonai; Trustee, Mula Education Society, Sonai; led many agita- tions for irrigation and electricity for formers from Newasa ta- Born: 29 May 1970 luka; Wholesale Onion Market started at Education: B. Com. Ghodegaon sub-campus of Newasa Taluka Party: Shiv Sena Market Committee; efforts for activation Constituency: 221-Newasa of Pandharipul MIDC; organised Mahila Other information: Member, Maharashtra Bachat Gats in the district; leadership in Legislative Assembly 2009-2014; Director, Golden Jubilee decisions in education and A. Nagar District Central Co-op. Bank Ltd, Mahila Bachat Gat at District Co-operative A. Nagar 2007-2016; Chairman, A. Nagar Bank; leadership in co-generation electric- District Central Co-op. Bank Ltd, 2007- ity project of 30 MW for Mula factory; Best 2008; Chairman, Mula Sahakari Sakhar Financial Management Award for two years Karkhana Ltd, Sonai 1994-2005; Founder, during the Chairmanship of Mula factory; Mula Sahakri Bank Limited, Sonai; Founder, ran fodder camp for 6,000 animals during Mula Bazar Mula Madhyavarti Sahakari drought 2003; youth and farmers camps; ef- Grakah Sanstha, Ltd, Sonai; Founder, Newa- fective public relations; efforts for resolving sa Taluka Sahakari Doodh Sangh Limited, the issues of people.

Aslam Ramzan Ali Shaikh Other information: Chairman, Vision Founda- tion, Mumbai; Secretary, Ramzan Ali English Born: 5 November 1968 High School and Junior College; Help for poor Place of Birth: Mumbai persons; Distribution of school materials to Education: Eighth standard students; Corporator- 2002-2012, President, P Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English, North Ward Committee, Municipal Corporation Gujarati and Urdu of Greater Mumbai—2007-2008; Active partici- Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Rizwana pation at all initiatives of Congress party; Mem- Children: Three (one son and two ber, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly—2009- daughters) 2014, 2014-2019. He was re-elected to Maha- Occupation: Social work rashtra Legislative Assembly in October 2019. Party: Indian National Congress (I) Constitu- Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative ency: 162-Malad (West), Mumbai Suburban Assembly, Brief bio-data of the members

Aditya Uddhav Thackeray in politics as well. Today, he is fiercely plac- ing the issues of youth and carrying out a Born: 13 June 1990 valuable work of bringing them their rights. Education: B.A., L.L.B. Through his special work culture, he is con- Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English stantly striving to bring a radical change to Marital status: Unmarried the education sector. Party: Shiv Sena While making his special contribution to Constituency: 182-Worli the comprehensive development of school Other information: Elected to the State students, he lays special emphasis on be- Legislative Assembly 2019 from Worli Leg- ing receptive for technology-developed islative Constituency. Presently, Chief of education systems. Apart from educational Yuva Sena and President, Mumbai District reforms, he is making special efforts for Football Association in 2017; his collection youth employment. He is a Shiv Sena leader of poems titled, My Thoughts in White and since 23 January 2018. Black was published in 2007. He was elected to Maharashtra Legisla- He has penned eight songs for a private tive Assembly in October 2019. Apart from album, Umeed. From his college years, he has made an im- youth, he is dedicated to work for the development of farm- pression with his leadership qualities, which he later proved ers and working class.

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 21 MINISTERS OF STATE

Abdul Nabi Sattar Parishad, Sillod–5 March 1994 to 9 January 1996, 29 August 1998-4 March 1999 and 15 February 2000-6 September 2001; Born: 1 January 1965 Chairman, Vividh Karya Sewa Society, Sillod; Place of Birth: Sillod, Aurangabad Director, Krishi Utpanna Bazar Samiti, Sillod; Education: B.A. Director, Mhasoba Maharaj Telbiya Utpadak Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English Sahakari Sanstha; Director, Doodh Utpadak Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Nafija Sahakari Sanstha, Sillod; Director, Aurang- Begum Children: Seven (two sons and five abad District Central Cooperative Bank; daughters) Member of Maharashtra Legislative Council Occupation: Business Party: Shiv Sena from 2001 to 2006; Member, Maharashtra Constituency: 104-Sillod, Aurangabad Legislative Assembly, October 2009-2014 Other information: President, National Edu- and 2014-2019; Minister of State for Food cation Institute; President, Pragati Shikshan and Civil Supplies and Customer Protection Sanstha; President, Priyadarshani Kreeda and Public Works Department from 2 No- Mandal, Sillod; organised public Ganeshot- vember 2009-December 2010; Minister for sav and blood donation camps as well as Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and community marriages in tribal and Dalit com- Fisheries from 2 June-September 2014; re- munities; help for earthquake-affected people from Killari, La- elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in October 2019. tur and Bhuj, and flood-affected people from Mohadi; Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Member, Gram Panchayat, Sillod, 1984-1990; President, Nagar Brief bio-data of the members

Satej alias Bunty D. Patil ganised health camp; 10,000 trees planted in a single day at Karveer taluka; help for flood-affected people from Kolhapur; Born: 12 April 1972 blood donation camp through D. Y. Patil Educational Complex; Place of Birth: Kasba Bawda, taluka Karveer, Kolhapur organised women skill training camps and AIDS awareness Education: D.B.A. campaign; adoption scheme of poor and needy students, per- Languages known: Marathi, Hindi and English sonality development camp, felicitation of meritorious stu- Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Pratima dents; organised initiatives for personality Children: Two (one son and one daughter) development of students; help to sportsper- Occupation: Agriculture sons on international level; distribution of Party: Indian National Congress (I) school materials to Zilla Parishad and Mu- Constituency: Kolhapur local self-govern- nicipal Corporation school students; in mem- ment institutes ory of Prof. Sanjay Desai and through Trust Other information: 1992-93: President, and Fighters Sports Club, started an Ideal Shivaji University Students Council; 2004- Joint Family Award from 2002 so that the 2010: Senate Member, Shivaji University, joint family system of India should survive; Kolhapur; Chairman, Padma Dr. D.Y. Patil organised a festival to encourage and guide Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd, Gaganbawda; Mahila Bachat Gats; efforts for Government President, Mouni Vidyapeeth, Gargoti and to implement testing for AIDS must before Hanuman Mitra Mandal Kasba Bawda; VP, marriage; distributing exercise books to stu- Dr. D.Y. Patil Education Society, Pune and dents as an encouragement on the occasion Kolhapur; VP, Kolhapur District Mature Box- of birthday registered in the Limca Book of ing Association, Kolhapur; working for In- Records in 2014 and in World Records of India dian National Congress (I) Party; Party Observer at Jambusar, in 2016; Member, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, October district Bharuch, Gujarat; Director, Kolhapur District Central 2004-2009 and 2009-2014; Minister of State for Home, Rural Co-op bank consultant; Member, Telephone Advisory Commit- Development, Food and Drugs Administration and Horticul- tee, Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Pune; work of Shriram Sewa ture from 2010 to 2014; elected to Maharashtra Legislative Society; help to poor patients through D. Y. Patil Hospital; or- Council in January 2016.

22 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 Shambhuraje Shivajirao Desai operative sector, he was elected as the youngest Chairman at the age of 19 in entire Asia; 2000, Founder, Shivdaulat Saha- Born: 17 November 1966 kari Bank, Malharpeth; Member, National Federation of Co- Place of Birth: Mumbai operative Sugar Factories, New Delhi; 2002-2004 Central Education: B. Com. Representative, Bank of Maharashtra; Di- Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English rector, Maharashtra Rajya Sahakari Sakhar Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Smita Karkhana Sangh. Children: Two (one son and one daughter) He played an active role in social work Occupation: Agriculture since 1986; organisational work for Shiv Party: Shiv Sena Sena in Patan taluka and Constituency: 261-Patan, Satara since 1997; 1992-1997: Member, Panchayat Other information: Chief Trustee since 1986, Samiti, Patan; 1992-2002: Member, Zilla Daulat Industrial Training Institute; Polytech- Parishad, Satara; Member, Maharashtra Leg- nic College, Junior and Senior College and an islative Assembly 2004-2009, 2014-2019; English-medium school started through Morna Member, Library Committee; felicitated with Shikshan Sanstha Ltd, Daulatnagar, Marali, ta- Best Parliamentarian Award for 2007-2008 luka Patan. from Commonwealth Parliament Associa- He organised medical camp and tree plan- tion, Maharashtra Branch by the President tation; medical service work started in rural hilly areas; of India, Smt. Pratibhatai Patil. He was re-elected to Maha- since 1986, Director and 1986-96, Chairman, 1996-2014 rashtra Legislative Assembly in October 2019. Mentor-Director, Loknete Balasaheb Desai Sahakari Sakhar Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Karkhana Ltd, Daultanagar, Marali, Patan, Satara; in the co- Brief bio-data of the members

Omprakash alias Bacchu Babarao Kadu Amravati and Medical College, Nagpur; himself donated blood 70 times; distribution of cycles to handicapped; served as Chief, Born: 5 July 1970 Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena 1989-92; 1992-98- Shiv Sena Taluka Place of Birth: Belora, taluka Chandurbazar, Amravati Pramukh, Founder President, Prahar Vidyarthi Sanghtana; Education: B. Com. Member, Satyashodhak Bahuuddeshiya Sanghatana, Tongla- Languages known: Marathi, Hindi and English pur, taluka Chandurbazar, Amravati; Founder, Prahar Kamgar Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Nayna Sanghatana, Prahar Mahila Doodh Utpadak Sangh, Prahar Children: One (a son) Krushi Prakriya Niryatdar Sangh, Prahar Audyogik Vikas Occupation: Agriculture Sanstha, Belora, taluka Chandurbazar, Am- Party: Independent ravati; Founder, Prahar Yuva Shakti Sanghat- Constituency: 42-Achalpur, Amravati ana 1999; 2013-14: Sahyadri Channel Arya- Other information: Agitation for prohibition Chanakya Award for notable social work on on Tamasha, while studying in 8th class; 1994: behalf of Prahar Sanghtana party; chosen agitation for school students’ admission; for the Best Elected Representative Award Dera agitation for cotton and electricity is- from MIT, honoured with Maharashtra Gov- sues; Ardh-daphan agitation for tribal lands; ernment Rakt-Mitra Award in 2011-12, and saving from his own marriage expenses, got 96 members elected to Gram Panchayat, provided three-wheeler cycles and artificial Panchayat Samiti, Zilla Parishad and Nagar organs to 250 handicapped persons during Parishad. In 1993-98, he became Member, marriage; prepared a book-bank for stu- Gram Panchayat; Member (1997-2002) dents; organised cultural programmes dur- and Sabhapati (1997-98), Panchayat Samiti, ing Purna Festival; organised Vidarbha-level Chandurbazar; Member, Zilla Parishad, Am- wrestling and kabaddi competitions; treat- ravati, 1997-98; Member, Maharashtra Leg- ment and surgery for 1,500 adopted heart islative Assembly, 2004-2009, 2009-2014, patients; all possible treatment for 200 brain tumour patients 2014-2019; Member, Legislature Panchayat Raj Committee, in Mumbai; medical assistance and all possible help to 100 Library Committee; re-elected to Maharashtra Legislative As- cancer patients; cataract surgery for 2,000 patients; organised sembly in October 2019. 1,000 blood donation camps, 15,000 bottles of blood supplied Reference: 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, to blood banks at K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai, General Hospital, Brief bio-data of the members

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 23 Dr. Vishwajeet Patangrao Kadam to Deccan Eleven Club; elected as President, Maharashtra Pradesh Yuvak Congress in September 2011 and January Born: 13 January 1981 Education: B.E., 2014. Dr. Vishwajeet Kadam has looked af- M.B.A., Ph.D., Languages known: Marathi, ter the work of Bharati Sahakari Bank Ltd, Hindi and English Marital status: Married, Pune, a multi-state scheduled bank with wife Smt. Swapnali Occupation: Social 27 branches. He has worked as a Mem- work Party: Indian National Congress (I) ber, AICTE, New Delhi, Union Ministry of Constituency: Palus–Kadegaon Human Resources Development (MHRD), Other information: Secretary, Bharati Government of India; he was nominated as Vidyapeeth; working as Executive Presi- a member for teaching, research, hospital- dent of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress ity and business at Indian Grape Process- Committee since August 2019; appointed ing Board of the Food Processing Indus- as member of the Board of Directors of tries Board, Government of India; Member, Rayat Shikshan Sansthan and elected to Study Group on Technology of the Plan- Executive Council; Pro-Vice Chancellor, ning Commission under the MHRD, Sub- Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University; education group. He is a Managing Trustee working as Director at two co-operative in- at Abhijit Kadam Memorial Foundation, dustries: Sonhira Sahakari Sakhar Karkha- which works in education, society and com- na and Sagareshwar Sahakari Soot Girni; Kadegaon, San- munity. He was elected as Member, Maharashtra Legislative gli; VP–Western India Football Association, Pune; elected Assembly at the by-election held in 2018 and re-elected to President of District Football Association and connected Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in October 2019.

Dattatray Vithoba Bharane dapur; Director since 1996, 2002-2003: Chairman, Pune District Central Co-opera- Born: 1 June 1968 tive Bank; 1991-99 work for Congress par- Place of Birth: Anthurne ty; since 1999 working for NCP; Member Education: B. Com. (2012-14) and President (March 2012-Sep- Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English tember 2014), Zilla Parishad, Pune; re- Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Sarika ceived Handicapped Welfare State Award Children: One (a son) for 2013 from Social Welfare Department Occupation: Agriculture for excellent work; elected to Maharashtra Party: Nationalist Congress Party Legislative Assembly, 2014-2019; re-elect- Constituency: 200-Indapur ed to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in Other information: Director since 1992, October 2019. 2003-2008: Chairman, Chhatrapati Saha- Reference: 12th Maharashtra Legislative As- kari Sakhar Karkhana, Bhawaninagar, In- sembly, Brief bio-data of the members

Smt. Aaditi Congress, the women wing of Nationalist Congress Party, in 2012. Education: B.A., M.A. As an active member of the National- Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English ist Congress Party, she started working as Party: Nationalist Congress Party Konkan Regional Coordinator; Member, Constituency: 193-Shriwardhan Raigard Zilla Parishad from Varse, Roha Other information: Smt. Aaditi Sunil group on 23 February 2017. Tatkare worked as Professor at Jai Hind Smt. Aaditi Sunil Tatkare was elected College, Mumbai from 2002-2009. She as President, Raigad Zilla Parishad on 21 also worked for UPSC examinations March 2017 and stayed on the position from 2002-2009 as a Supervisor. From till 25 November 2019. She was elected 2002-2009, she was active in social and po- to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in litical work, and joined Rashtravadi Yuvati October 2019.

24 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 Sanjay Baburao Bansode lage level; constantly strives for resolving issues of common people; organised youth Born: 1 July 1973 and made efforts towards bringing change Education: Class 12 at village level; special efforts for resolving Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English various issues while working for the student Marital status: Married, wife Smt. Shilpa organisation. With his fair understanding on Occupation: Agriculture/Politics rural Maharashtra, Bansode has made im- Party: Indian National Congress (I) portant efforts towards implementing Gov- Constituency: 237-Udgir (Scheduled ernment schemes for the welfare of deprived Caste) and poor. He is always making efforts so that Other information: Elected to Maharash- youth from poor and deprived sections of tra Legislative Assembly in October 2019. society improve their standard of living and He enjoys huge number of followers at vil- bring about social change.

Prajakt Prasadrao Tanpure shad; highly educated Tanpure has excellent understanding of the issues of both rural Born: 13 September 1976 and urban populations and lays emphasis Education: B.E., M.B.A., M.S. on working with the people; he is known as Languages known: Marathi, Hindi, English a leader who looks for organisation of youth Marital status: Married and brings a change through them. Various Occupation: Agriculture initiatives implemented by him for carrying Party: Nationalist Congress Party various Government schemes for poor and Constituency: 223- Rahuri deprived constituents of society are impor- Other information: Chairman, Prasad tant. Agriculture and farmers is a subject of Sakhar Karkhana; President, Nagar Pari- his studies and he is making efforts to bring shad elected by the people; special efforts a positive change to the life of farmers. He for resolving various urban issues of Rahuri has been elected to Maharashtra Legislative through the post of President, Nagar Pari- Assembly in October 2019.

Rajendra Shamgonda Patil (Yadravkar) tional: President, Sharad Institute of Technology, College of Engineering, Yadrav; Sharad Institute of Technology (Poly- Born: 5 May 1970 Education: Diploma (Civil) Languages technic) Yadrav; Sharad Agriculture College, Jainapur, Shi- known: Marathi, Hindi, English Party: Na- rol; Shamrao Patil (Yadravkar) ITI, Yadrav; tionalist Congress Party Constituency: Dnyan Ganga High School and Prathamik 280-Shirol Other information: Chairman, Vidya Mandir, Jaysingpur; Danling Vidya- Sharad Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd., lay, Umalwad, Shirol; Sharad English Me- Narande, Hatkanangale; President, Parvati dium School, Yadrav; Sharad Play Group Co-op Industrial Estate Ltd, Yadrav, Shirol; and Nursery, Yadrav; Sharad Computer President, Parvati Sahakari Soot Girni Ltd, Institute, Yadrav under Shamrao Patil Kurundwad, Shirol; President, All India (Yadravkar) Educational and Charitable Federation of Co-op. Spinning Mills Ltd, Trust, Jaysingpur; Financial: President, Mumbai; President, Padmavati Machine Yadrav Co-op. Bank Limited, Yadrav; Po- Loom Audyogik Sahakari Sanstha Ltd., litical: Executive President, Kolhapur NCP; Yadrav; President, Parvati Co-op. Housing President, NSUI, Shirol; VP, Kolhapur Youth Society Ltd, Yadrav; Director, Maharashtra Congress (I), Secretary, Maharashtra Youth State Co-op Industrial Estate Federation Congress (I) (1995-99); General Secretary, Ltd.; Director, Kolhapur District Central NCP (1999-2005); elected to the Legisla- Co-operative Bank Limited, Kolhapur; Di- tive Assembly in October 2019. rector, Kolhapur District Shetkari Vinkari Ref: 12th and 13th Maharashtra Legislative Sahakari Soot Girni Ltd., Yadrav; Educa- Assembly, Brief bio-data of the members

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 25 THE PROMISE OF PROGRESS In his first-ever winter assembly at Nagpur, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray informed that the focus of the Government is on building a new progressive Maharashtra that’s free from all woes. Issues raised in the assembly were looked into in detail for which some optimistic solutions were given as well. The Chief Minister expressed his objective of building a people-centric Maharashtra, which can also become an inspiration to other States while attaining success. The new Government will emphasise on the welfare of farmers and common man, creating ample employment opportunities, increasing irrigation capacity and encouraging infrastructural development.

eople should not develop The implementation of the Citi- the prevalent misconceptions. He also any misconception about zenship Amendment Act (CAA) has added that as Chief Minister, he will the Citizenship Amendment created an atmosphere of fear, dis- fulfill his responsibility of communi- Act, advised Chief Minister ruption and confusion in the country. cating and transparently interacting PUddhav Thackeray in the Nagpur As- There have been protests against the with various sections of society. sembly Session. He also assured that Act which is also causing violence in People should not fear, as the Act no harm will be caused to any citizen, a few areas. It is important for us all is yet to be discussed at the Supreme be it from any caste, religion or region. to stay calm and united, and clear all Court level. If they want to raise their

26 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 voice against the Act, they should do it SAMRUDDHI MAHAMARG democratically and lawfully. Peaceful At the Nagpur assembly, Chief Minis- discussions are also encouraged. ter Uddhav Thackeray informed that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb also appealed to the people to adopt Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi non-violent ways to protest and en- Mahamarg will be completed well in sure that there is no loss of life and advance of its stipulated time as the property during the process. project is important not only for Vi- darbha but entire Maharashtra. A PROMISE TO FARMERS Earlier, a loan of `28,000 crore was COMPENSATION A promise to ensure that all necessary needed to be taken on which an inter- As an aid to farmers who measures will be taken to safeguard est of `6,400 crore would have been bore losses due to un- farmers’ interests was one of the early incurred. However, the loan amount predictable rainfall, the assurances given by Chief Minister Ud- has been reduced by `3,500 crore Government has sanctioned dhav Thackeray. and, thus, `2,500 crore will be saved `6,600 crore out of which In his first-ever assembly, he de- overall. As many as 20 Krushi Samrud- `2,100 crore have already clared a loan waiver for farmers. Ma- dhi Kendras (new towns) will be set been disbursed. The State hatma Jotirao Phule Shetkari Karj up along the expressway. Along with Government has also ap- pealed to the Centre for Mukti Yojana 2019 was announced, this, agro-treatment industries will be `14,600 crore as com- thus proving that the Government is set up. Once completed, this highway pensation to the farmers standing strongly in support of farm- will generate direct employment of affected by untimely rainfall ers. Farmers with crop loans of up to around five lakh through sectors such and floods. This informa- `2 lakh outstanding up to September as industries, tourism and entrepre- tion was shared by Finance 2019 will benefit under this scheme. neurship. Minister Jayant Patil in the This initiative will come as a relief Vidhan Sabha. The money for farmers and take a big burden off BHAT SHETI MISSION is being disbursed by the their shoulders. Gondia, Bhandara, Gadchiroli and Government. Around Chandrapur districts from Vidarbha `2,100 crore out of the SHIV BHOJAN YOJANA are popular for their rice cultivation. sanctioned `6,600 crore has been disbursed through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a Bhat Sheti Mission will be imple- the district collectors. The leader of masses. People considered mented to encourage this sector and process for disbursing the him their God, as he cared for the well- promote the cultivation of brown rice. remaining amount is still in being of even the smallest section of This will also promote the agro-treat- progress. society. Keeping his ideology in mind, ment industry. As a relief to the farm- the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Gov- ers, the Government had sanctioned FACILITIES AT THE ernment under the leadership of Chief `500 per quintal, which has now been AIRPORTS Minister Uddhav Thackeray has an- increased by `200. Chief Minister announced nounced the Shiv Bhojan Yojana, which that the long pending is- provides a meal at `10. This scheme FOOD-PROCESSING CLUSTERS sues of the airports will be will be initially implemented in the ar- Employment will be generated by pro- resolved soon. eas of every district headquarter, and moting small, medium and large-scale around 50 centres are expected to set cotton industries by treating the cot- AID TO EARTHQUAKE up in the first phase. ton produced in Vidarbha. The Chief AFFECTED Minister also informed about setting has faced earth- IMPETUS TO IRRIGATION PROJECTS up of food-processing clusters to pro- quakes multiple times As many as 52 projects from Vidarbha mote the food-processing industry. in the past two years. under the Baliraja Jal Sanjivani Yojana Earthquake Rehabilitation Minister Subhash Desai are pending. These projects will be pri- SPECIAL OFFICES informed that all the neces- oritised and completed in phases by The Government is planning to set up sary steps are being taken June 2023. Around 100 projects were special offices at the district level to to make people aware of undertaken in Amaravati to clear the save the time, money and efforts of earthquakes and provide backlog in irrigation. Out of those, 46 people travelling to Mumbai from re- them with disaster man- projects are still incomplete and will be mote areas in order to solve their is- agement training. completed by 2022. sues. Primarily, as an experiment, this

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 27 will be done on a divisional level. These occupations. Good roads that in- offices will not only solve the griev- crease connectivity to remote tribal ances of the common man, but will also areas will ensure their development. have an independent medical cell. Special programmes are also being implemented for the same. Central- ROADS WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY ised kitchens will be set up in areas The Hybrid Annuity Model, which in- of to make sure that adivasi tends to repair and strengthen roads, children get balanced meals, thus has not met with the expected re- curbing malnutrition. Fishery hubs sponse from banks. To solve this prob- will be created to promote fisheries lem, new strategies of funding will be and related occupations in east Vi- adopted through international finan- darbha. Tap water will be provided to cial institutions. every household in villages by 2024. FOODGRAINS To ensure that foodgrains- producing farmers get the right pricing for their produce in Gondia and Bhandara districts and fill the gaps so far, `13.8 crore is being disbursed, Civil Supplies and Consumer Rights Protection Minister informed.

DISHA INSPIRES MAHARASHTRA Minister for Home, Eknath Shinde informed that the Government is putting serious thought into imple- menting a scheme inspired by Andhra Pradesh’s DISHA law to empower women and girls against all Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray guiding officers in a review meeting at Washim. oppression and to ensure their safety and security. HONORARIUM TO ASHA WORKERS Vanvidya will be set up in Chandrapur. Accredited Social Health Activist MAHA PORTAL (ASHA) is the backbone of our health INVESTMENTS IN MIHAN There have been many management. The previous Govern- MIHAN project in Vidarbha is capable applications to fill up the ment had announced an additional of changing the face of the region, vacant seats in the Wildlife `2,000 for ASHA workers; however, a but its effect has not been up to the Conservation Depart- Government resolution for the same mark so far. The Government is go- ment. The current capacity was not passed. This resolution will be ing to offer a time period of five years of the Maha portal is not immediately passed now. for investors to pay the amount. To enough to conduct online increase the investment in MIHAN, examinations for so many OVERALL PROGRESS the development process of Nagpur applications. Therefore, the admission process has been A mega steel plant, inspired by the airport will be done through public- stalled until this issue is one in Jamshedpur–Bhilai, will be private partnership. resolved. The Government set up to increase employment and respects the emotions make optimum use of the mines in SHARAD of the applicants and is Vidarbha. Effective schemes will be ARVIND BOBDE working to make necessary implemented to ensure that the land In the Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan changes. obtained through Forests Rights is Parishad, respectively, Chief Minis- used optimally for farming and other ter Uddhav Thackeray and Minister

28 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 Subhash Desai moved the resolution is not satisfactory. Thus, crop insur- of congratulation to Sharad Arvind ance schemes have been improvised. Bobde on being appointed as the The Government will ensure that the Chief Justice of India. Praising him farmers are benefitted to the -maxi the Chief Minister said, “It is a matter mum. And, to make sure that the farm- of immense pride that Sharad Arvind ers get the benefits at once, the- re Bobde, originally hailing from Maha- ports, reviews and statistics prepared rashtra, has been appointed as the by the Government will be considered. Chief Justice of India. It is a pleasant Efforts are being made to ensure that STUDY GROUPS coincidence that he belongs to Nag- the loan waiver amount reaches the CANCELLED pur, and here we are congratulating farmers through various banks along Minister for School Educa- him in the Nagpur Assembly itself! with the district-level banks. Individ- tion, Balasaheb Thorat in- Bobde is the face of a new era. He has ual benefit schemes are being -imple formed that 33 study groups formed by the Education Commissioner to study the funds received per student in schools and other issues have been cancelled.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE CELL Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has directed reopening of the medi- cal assistance cell in Chief Minister's Secretariat at Nagpur’s Hyderabad House to make provisions for the patients from Vidarbha. The cell was closed during the Presidential rule. Dr. Sonpure, Medical Of- ficer, Indira Gandhi Govern- ment Medical College, will be in charge of this cell. For Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray guiding officers in a review meeting at Washim. the assistance of the Chief Minister Medical Assistance always worked for the betterment mented through Pokhra Yojana. They Cell, a committee of Nagpur of farmers.” are supported by the group benefit Divisional Commissioner, schemes. Group farm ponds scheme Deputy Director Health DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN will be implemented so that water is Services and district surgeon AMRAVATI available for the rabi season. This will has been formed. Reviewing the development works ensure that enough water is available of Amravati, Chief Minister Uddhav even in case of scarce rainfall and the CURBING ILLEGAL Thackeray said that with the partici- farmers are assured of their livelihood. MONEY-LENDING pation and coordination of the peo- Under the Mukhyamantri Gram Sa- Minister for Co-operation, ple’s representatives, the projects of dak Yojana, 41 roads of around 256.42 Jayant Patil announced the roads and water conservation and km length have been built. Around 90 formation of a committee others will be implemented on prior- road works of 362.15 km length are in under the chairmanship of ity, and those pending will be com- progress. The grants for comprehen- Vidhan Parishad member pleted at a quicker pace. sive improvisation of road projects will Vidya Chavan to stop illegal Farmers who bear loss because also be increased. Around 28,594 TCM money lending and take proper action against of untimely rainfall have the support of water storage capacity has been cre- Government officials of crop insurance. However, the re- ated through 105 schemes of water who encourage fraudulent sponse of the companies expected to conservation. All the schemes will be practices. provide relief through crop insurance reviewed and necessary improvisations

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 29 Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur. Cabinet Minister Dr. Nitin Raut was also present on the occasion. will be made to maximise their ben- in accidents with wild animals. politan Region Development Author- efits. The talukas of Varud and Morshi ity. At the Legislative Council, Minister are not included in the unpredictable A VISIT TO DEEKSHABHOOMI for Social Justice, Chhagan Bhujbal in- rainfall affected area covered for ben- Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray formed that the money will be given to efits. When informed about this, Chief visited Deekshabhoomi. He paid Deekshabhoomi’s development work Secretary Ajoy Mehta assured that the his humble tribute to Bharat Ratna as and when required. matter will be discussed with the con- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar by offering cerned district collectors and neces- his bust a garland of flowers. He also IRRIGATION PROJECTS IN sary steps will be taken. paid tributes to his urn kept in the YAVATMAL The Government also plans to stupa and paid homage to the idol of While reviewing the development proj- implement Samuhik Kumpan Yojana Gautam Buddha. ects in Yavatmal, Chief Minister Uddhav to curb the losses caused by wild ani- In 2018, works of `100 crore were Thackeray informed that priority will be mals. He also informed that Nilgai will given in-principle approval for Deek- given to irrigation projects in the district be included in the criterion, which shabhoomi, out of which `40 crore has as well as funds will be made available provides assistance to those affected already been given to Nagpur Metro- to complete the pending projects. The

30 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 the works will be completed as planned earlier. The Chief Minister has informed that a meeting will be conducted to solve the problems faced by 14 disput- ed villages on the border of and Maharashtra and to resolve the issues of agro-pumps in the left-wing extremism affected villages of Chan- drapur, Gadchiroli and Gondia. This information was shared by him during PENDING SRA the review meeting for Chandrapur PROJECTS district. The administration has been Minister Jayant Patil in- advised to follow the positive and use- formed in the Vidhan Pari- ful suggestions given by people's rep- shad that the Slum Rehabili- resentatives. Funds for Chandrapur’s tation Authority (SRA) will Babupeth Bridge will be released soon. undertake redevelopment The development plan for the Mahakali projects in Mumbai city and Temple will also be completed soon. suburbs, and a committee of experts will be formed for SURJAGAD IRON EXCAVATION the same. According to SRA, many projects get necessary Surjagad Iron Excavation Project is approvals, but problems crucial for the development of the surface in later stages and, entire Gadchiroli district. This project thus, some projects remain will help improve other facilities in the pending. Such projects will be district, such as rail services and power identified by the committee supply, and curb left-wing extremism. and necessary decisions will This is why it is important to prioritise be made. The committee will this project, opined the Chief Minister. also look into the quality of The Chief Minister studied the construction. various issues of Gadchiroli district, after which he ordered for immedi- ASSISTANCE TO SUGAR ate emphasis on its unemployment is- FACTORIES sues, connectivity problems and agri- Cooperative Minister Jay- cultural issues, among others. He has ant Patil informed that the also advised to take all the necessary Government is making con- stant efforts to improve the precautions before starting the sale of economic condition of sugar foodgrains so that the process remains factories and bring sustain- hassle-free. able development to the field. It has been noticed that a few tribal Efforts are also being made by financial assistance for farmers affected groups from Gadchiroli have been af- sugar commissions to try and by untimely rainfall has been sent to the fected badly by the Medigadda Irri- give the farmers the correct respective districts. In the first phase, gation Project undertaken at Kalesh- price according to Fair and `102 crore has been disbursed in Ya- waram in Telangana. To solve this Remunerative Price (FRP). vatmal, which will be followed by `222 issue, the Chief Minister has ordered Around 84 per cent of the crore in the second phase. The process the officials to prepare a test report total `1557.59 crore from the for the same has been started at the ta- for the project. kharif season before 2018-19, i.e. `1304.44 crore, has been luka level. The Chief Minister added that paid. The process is under funds reserved for the development of DEVELOPMENT OF SALINE progress to provide the re- minority groups will also be provided. WATER REGIONS maining amount as well. The After reviewing the development State Government will take PROGRESS REPORT OF plans for , Chief Minister all necessary steps to revamp CHANDRAPUR Uddhav Thackeray has ordered for a the sugar industries and make No developmental project from Chan- combined development plan to be de- it sustainable. drapur district has been stalled and all vised to ensure water supply for saline

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 31 water regions of Akola, Amravati and the mainstream. Although Washim’s The Chief Minister has asked the Buldhana districts. It is important to geography limits the setting up of Water Conservation Department to immediately provide clean drinking huge irrigation projects, funds will be submit a proposal for additional funds, water to these saline regions and all provided to set up smaller projects to if needed. The Chief Minister has also necessary steps will be taken to ad- solve its irrigation issues. This limita- advised the Water Supply Department dress these issues. tion, however, adds extra pressure on to look into the Buldhana Khadak- The Chief Minister has also ordered the smaller irrigation projects. Around purna water supply scheme. He asked the officials to look personally into the three barrages have been proposed the concerned officials to look into the completion of the Purna Barrage Project on Adan river. About 5,000-hectare incomplete constructions of drama as it is crucial for Akola in terms of irriga- land will be brought under irrigation theatres. The issues of Khamgaon– tion. He directed the officials to prepare once the canals in small irrigation proj- Jalna Railway have been pending with a State-level report on the work done. ects are repaired. While reviewing the the Railway Infrastructure Board.

Former President Pratibhatai Patil was felicitated on her 85th birthday by senior leader and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on behalf of Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan divisional centre, Nagpur.

The Chief Minister directed to solve Buldhana district, the Chief Minister These issues will be given priority and the issues under Pradhan Mantri Awas informed that the Janori Project will be resolved soon. The Chief Minister has Yojana. He has also asked the officials to completed soon with all necessary per- also urged completing the development ensure the quality of houses built at Bala- missions provided on priority. plan for Lonar and Sindkhed Raja. pur under the scheme before handing them over to the beneficiaries. The Chief FUNDS FOR JIGAON PROJECT CLEAN WATER FOR BHANDARA Minister told the officials to resolve all The Jigaon project is extremely impor- Immediate steps will be taken to en- technical issues related to the provision tant in terms of irrigation in Buldhana sure clean water supply for Bhandara of grants for wells. district. The Government is positive district and Pauni taluka. The Chief about its completion and additional Minister has asked the district collec- IRRIGATION PROJECTS IN WASHIM funds will be provided, if required. An tor to prepare a proposal for the same Funds will be provided under various independent meeting will be held at and present it to the Government. schemes to bring Washim district into Mantralaya to discuss the same. He has also asked respective authori-

32 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 ties to look into a combined tourism that fishermen who bore losses during development plan for Bhandara–Gondia storms or floods will be immediately and implementation of the sand policy. disbursed a relief of `5 crore or more The wastewater from Nagpur has if required. polluted the Vainganga River. Thus, Bhandara city and a few villages from DUMPING GROUND Pauni taluka receive contaminated wa- While speaking in the Vidhan Pari- ter. Planning is under progress to set shad, Urban Development Minister up a `1,500 crore wastewater treat- Eknath Shinde said that the problems ment plant in Nagpur to address the is- and complaints of the residents re- BOOSTING sue. There is a huge scope for tourism lated to Adharwadi Dumping Ground, EMPLOYMENT in Bhandara and Gondia. A combined which comes under the –Dom- The State Government tourism development plan will, thus, bivali Municipal Corporation will be intends to provide train- be prepared for both the districts. discussed with the administration and ing for competitive exams The Chief Minister has asked all addressed on priority. Along with this, for students from Vidarbha concerned authorities to work in coor- committees will be set up to address and Konkan so that they get dination with each other for the same. similar issues around the State. employed in public sector jobs. Industries Minister In addition, there are some issues re- Subhash Desai said that they lated to the highway passing through CASHLESS HEALTH SCHEMES FOR are working on a programme the cities of Bhandara and Tumsar. The TEACHERS that matches the current work of ring roads for both the cities is School Education Minister Balasaheb standards for the same. in progress and will be given priority, Thorat informed that cashless health said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. scheme will soon be implemented for GRANT TO UNAIDED the families of full-time teachers and SCHOOLS DHAPEWADA IRRIGATION PROJECT non-teaching staff of accredited and School Education Minister As many as 227 villages from nine ta- aided private, primary, secondary, high- Balasaheb Thorat informed lukas will be benefitted by the Dhape- er secondary and teachers’ schools. that the Government is plan- wada Irrigation Project. The project is ning to implement the already inspired by the Gosikhurd project and SCHOLARSHIP THROUGH introduced scheme of provid- the Government aims to complete the SARTHI YOJANA ing grants to unaided schools. project soon, informed Chief Minister No scholarship given by the Chha- BIGGER PLANS FOR Uddhav Thackeray in a Gondia district trapati Shahu Maharaj Research, review meeting. Training and Human Development In- HOSTELS Dhapewada Project will bring about stitute has been stalled and will con- Inspired by Karnataka and 90 hectares of land under irrigation. tinue to be implemented as before, in- Telangana, Maharashtra will utilise 100 per cent of the The Chief Minister has also asked to formed Minister Dr. Nitin Raut. Under funds provided by Union and review the issues of the district related Sarthi, a scholarship is given to stu- State Governments for the to uneven rainfall and crops, and has dents from the community Scheduled Castes and Sched- asked the officials to make quicker de- for preparing for competitive exams. uled Tribes, said Tribal De- cisions regarding the same. The work The scholarship scheme will be imple- velopment Minister Dr. Nitin of the medical college in Gondia will be mented like before. The circular re- Raut. The funds will be utilised done in a time-bound manner. On the lated to it, which was released earlier, in solving the issues of hostels lines of Gadchiroli, appointments will has been cancelled. The Government for tribal students. Member be made for the vacant posts in Gondia does not intend to put any restric- Ravindra Phatak also submit- district, said the Chief Minister. tions on the institutions in their work ted a proposal in the Vidhan of empowering students from the Parishad on the subject. MAHARASHTRA MARINE FISHERIES Maratha, or Kunbi–Maratha REGULATION ACT AMENDED communities. The Government is try- Necessary changes have been made ing to ensure that the institution func- in the Maharashtra Marine Fisheries tions as per Government regulations Regulation Act, 1981 to stop fishing and students from the community with LED bulbs and paracasein nets, get employment and are brought into informed Minister Balasaheb Thorat in the mainstream. the Vidhan Parishad. He also assured —Team Lokrajya

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 33 Birth Anniversary 23rd January

THE CHARISMATIC LEGEND Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray is one of the tallest and multifaceted personalities of Maharashtra. He was an excellent cartoonist, an excellent orator and a mass leader who cared for the underprivileged. Though he never directly participated in governance of the State, he always fought for the issues of people. His bold and unique stands on various national issues gave jitters to many State and National leaders. He was an inspiration not only for the Shivsainiks, but also many others. He will always be remembered for his feisty and roaring leadership, says Nikhil Panditrao.

hiv Sena supremo Balasaheb his people alive and the flame inside style of oratory, no matter how huge Thackeray founded Shiv Sena them burning to keep working for so- the crowds were at the rallies, the on 19 June 1966. Since the cial causes and welfare. His excellent Shivsainiks were left spellbound and very beginning, he addressed oratory skill was innate and played an went home recharged and motivated. Severy party worker of Shiv Sena as important role in keeping this spirit This was his biggest power! Shivsainik—inspired by the way the alive. His ability to directly connect great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shiv- and communicate with the audiences NEVER SPARED ANY WRONGS aji Maharaj addressed his soldiers, as and the spontaneity of his speeches Shiv Sena Pramukh always helped the mavales (soldiers). By giving them the kept the Shivsainiks riveted. With his Shivsainiks to counter the wrongs in title of Shivsainik, he kept the spirit of voice modulations and a bit dramatic society, and supported them in tak-

34 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 ing up the right causes. His unique ay and Minister Aditya Thackeray. architect of growth and development,. style of speeches came to be known as He always took initiatives for the Drawing inspiration from his vision, the ‘Thackeray style’. The cartoonist inside welfare of the underprivileged. He was party has taken developmental works him often influenced his speeches. the first one to start the medical care to many villages of Maharashtra. Vi- In fact, many of his famous speeches centre on wheels for the poor in Mum- sion of 80 per cent social service was stemmed from his ability and talent as bai and many people benefitted from realised by Shivsainiks on the ground. a cartoonist. He expressed his views it. In times of national crisis or natural Shivsainiks took various initiatives re- vehemently with the help of this tal- calamities such as earthquakes, Shiv- garding the day-to-day matters con- ent. With his brushstrokes, he may sainiks are the first ones to help. It is cerning the common man to make his have slammed many people, but he a mark of their attachment to social life easier and better. They never hesi- also firmly stood by many! When- se causes. It is only due to his vision that tated to help anyone, be it helping the nior actor Amitabh Bachchan was hos- today we see so much development in poor with PAN cards, ration cards and pitalised after the accident on the sets Mumbai. He had vowed to follow the even small items such as spectacles. of the film Coolie, he drew a cartoon footprints of Chhatrapati Shivaji Ma- After the alliance came to power, his depicting Yama—the God of Death— haraj’s governance which he managed concept zunka bhakar (where individu- asking him to not come anywhere to achieve when he got the power. als were given stalls to sell zunka bha- near the hospital where the actor was Balasaheb believed that a new chap- kar, a Maharashtrian meal of gram flour undergoing treatment. With this car- ter of development is possible only if and jowar at a cash subsidy) for a rupee toon, he showed the bond he shared a firm infrastructure is in place. With was implemented. This helped in mak- with the actor. this belief, he started many infrastruc- ing subsidised food available to all the tural projects in Maharashtra after the underprivileged, hardworking labour MASTER OF LANGUAGES coalition Government came to power. class and weaker sections of society. Balasaheb is known as a leader pro- This is how development started in These centres were set up at many ficient in languages and lines. He the State. places so as to create a network of sub- shared a special bond with Shiv- There is a famous incident from sidised food, and these efforts didn’t go sainiks and the doors of his Mumbai that is often quot- unnoticed by the poor, who appreci- residence, Matoshree were always ed where one person died in a small ated the initiative. open to them. He was a very gener- village due to lack of proper road and ous person and his every act showed infrastructure. As there was no facility AN INSPIRATION the graciousness of his heart. He was to take him to the hospital, Balasaheb Balasaheb inspired every Shivsainik to always compared with his legendary offered his car to take him there. Such take up social work and public service father, Prabodhankar Keshav Thac- incidents made him realise the impor- and to stand up against injustice and keray, and undoubtedly, the Shiv Sena tance of good infrastructure and facili- atrocities. He inspired many people supremo was greatly influenced by ties, and he diligently worked for such from ordinary families to join politics him. The only difference between the developmental projects. and gave them important designa- two was that though Prabodhankar’s tions. Shiv Sena has many such leaders thinking was formidable he could not TRUST AND LOVE DEFINED HIM who have risen from grassroots. Their build an organisation around them, Balasaheb’s bond with the Shivsainiks leader spotted their political acumen while Balasaheb Thackeray not only was based on love and trust. They and gave them the right platforms to gave society an ideology, but also idolised him and gave him the same grow. These same leaders are playing built a huge organisation based on love and respect that many South In- important roles in the State Cabinet it and managed to win tremendous dian leaders enjoyed in many local today and are serving people. public support. households, with people worshipping Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb these icons. His fighting spirit was Thackeray went beyond politics and A STRAIGHTFORWARD LEADER there for all to see during Karnataka– left his mark in many cultural fields Balasaheb was known for his straight- Maharashtra border agitations, and such as art, theatre and cinema and forward position on issues of national it continues to inspire people even enjoyed fan following everywhere. He and social importance. He showed re- today. After spending hundred days genuinely loved artists and ensured markable organisational skills in cre- in the jail for the same, he expressed that their art was duly appreciated. ating Shiv Sena that were comparable his views through his cartoons based No wonder, even today he is respected to many of the top national leaders on the memories there and managed by the people as a multifaceted leader, of his time. The same organisational to convince people of his stand on and will continue to be remembered skills can now be seen in his succes- the issue. and loved as one. sors, Chief Minister Uddhav Thacker- Today, Balasaheb is considered the —Resident Editor, Sakal, Kolhapur

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 35 Updates

IMPORTANT EVENTS OF DECEMBER 2019

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray accepting the guard of honour from the passing out parade of the 117th batch of Mumbai Police Academy, Nashik.

CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF the completion of the training, ev- SUBSIDY TO PADDY CULTIVATORS 117th BATCH OF MAHARASHTRA ery Sub-Inspector of Police should To give some relief to farmers, Chief POLICE ACADEMY be ready to accept challenges. The Minister Uddhav Thackeray has ap- "Police should resolutely shoulder police uniform is not merely a dress, proved a subsidy of `500 per quintal their responsibility to create a robust it’s a big responsibility. Former police for paddy cultivators. The Union Gov- society. The police uniform is hard- officers had done excellent work to ernment has decided a minimum sup- earned, hence the Police Department raise the honour of the department. port price (MSP) for paddy cultivators should take utmost care that their This batch too must take this glorious for the season of 2019-20. There has uniform and character must not be tradition ahead, he said. He presented been a rise in the production cost of dishonoured,” said Uddhav Thackeray, awards to the police officers who had paddy farming and it was important to Chief Minister of Maharashtra. performed brilliantly. Santosh Ka- comfort the farmers, who were wor- The Chief Minister was speaking mte was honoured with the Sword of ried that they would not get sufficient at the convocation ceremony of the Honour and Silver Baton in the cat- returns from rice cultivation. Hence, a 117th batch of Sub-Inspectors of Police egory of Best Trainee and Best Ca- proposal of giving subsidy of `500 per at the Maharashtra Police Academy, det Indoor Studies, respectively. Vi- quintal in limitation of 50 quintals to Nashik. Minister for Home, Eknath jaya Pawar received the Ahilyabai paddy cultivators had been submitted Shinde, Director General of Police, Holkar Cup Best All Round Women to the Chief Minister. The proposal, Subodhkumar Jaiswal and Director Cadet and Second Best Trainee of now approved, aims to give some relief of the Academy, Ashwathi Dorje were the batch, while Sagar Sable was to paddy farmers as this subsidy will also present on the occasion. awarded the Gold Cup for Best Cadet give them big financial support during The Chief Minister said that after in Outdoor. the market season of 2019-20.

36 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 AROUND 190 FREE SYMBOLS are included in this list according to the between human and wild animals, it be- FOR ELECTIONS notification of 30 November 2019, and comes necessary to identify and catch The Maharashtra State Election Com- the number of free election symbols the animal responsible. Earlier, this mission (MSEC) has registered a total has reached up to 190. identification was based on the animal’s of 260 political parties, of which 16 are footprints, and dots and wounds on the recognised parties holding specific elec- MAHARASHTRA ON TOP POSITION body of the human. There is now a need tion symbols. But now the State Election IN TREE COVER for exact identification of the animal Commission has decided to give 190 According to the Forest Survey of India through DNA testing. The State For- free election symbols to the remaining 2019 report, published by the Govern- est Department, therefore, sends the 244 registered parties and indepen- ment of India, Maharashtra holds the sample for DNA testing either to Hy- dent candidates, informed U.P.S. Madan, first position in India in tree cover on derabad or Wildlife Preservation So- State Election Commissioner. other than forest field. In 2017, the ciety of India, Dehradun. According to U.P.S. Madan said that excluding tree cover was 9831 sq. km., which has Section 11 of Wildlife Act 1972 and gram panchayats, other local self-gov- been increased up to 10.806 sq. km. in rules of National Tiger Conservation ernment bodies of the State contest the 2019. Tree cover is believed to be in- Authority, one must possess an autho- election at party level. Hence, it is oblig- creased by 975 sq. km., while the forest rised order to catch any wild animal. atory for all related parties to register cover has increased by 96 sq. km. Due to the lack of exact identification, their names at the MSEC. The Forest Survey of India is published forest workers cannot capture the ani- Election symbols of the recognised after every two years to inform about for- mal responsible for the death of the hu-

ABOUT 16 SQ KM EXPANSION IN FOREST AREA As reported in the Forest Survey of India 2019, along with the tree cover, there is also a considerable growth in mangrove forests in Maharashtra. This increment is observed especially in Raigad, Mumbai, Thane, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. Maharashtra stood second in the country in the growth of mangrove forests. The Forest Survey of India has mentioned the name of Maharashtra very prominently, as the State has reserved more than 1,47,814 hectares for the forest sector. This survey has taken note of this remarkable addition and contribution of the State in the area of ecological balance and conservation. Ma- harashtra uses information technology for forests and wildlife protection, and conservation. This survey praised this initiative of the State and took note of other works such as My Plant app, Maharashtra Harit Sena (Green Soldiers) and Hello Forest 1926 to raise the green cover. parties that got registration at the est field and tree cover. All the above in- man being, as they cannot get the DNA MSEC through the Election Commis- formation is published in the recent sur- test report on time. Taking this need sion of India remained reserved for vey, which has a progress report of forest into consideration, the Forest Depart- the election for State local bodies. The condition of India from 2017 to 2019. ment decided to set up an independent MSEC has a registration of 16 such rec- forensic laboratory for DNA testing. ognised parties of which six are nation- A FORENSIC LAB TO TEST The DNA test will help in exact and fast al parties, two are State-level parties of ANIMALS’ DNA identification of the animal responsible Maharashtra, and eight are State-level Maharashtra Forest Department has for human death. parties from other States. The remain- decided to set up a wildlife forensic ing 244 symbols are registered political laboratory aimed at performing DNA SAHITYA AKADEMI AWARD TO parties that don’t have any specific elec- analysis of animals. The State Forest KADACHIT AJUNAHI tion symbols. Around 48 free election Department has become the first in The Sahitya Akademi has declared Ka- symbols were fixed according to the the country to have its own such fo- dachit Ajunahi, a poetry collection of Anu- notification of the MSEC on 18 January rensic lab. radha Patil, as the best book for the award 2017. Today, more than 142 symbols When a human life is lost in a conflict in the category. .

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 37 CABINET APPROVALS.... Many people welfare schemes are first approved by the cabinet. Here is a detailed review of the decisions taken recently.

SAMRUDDHI MAHAMARG crore, whereas, till now, a loan amount the decision to provide funds worth A decision was taken in the cabinet of `24,500 crore for this project has `3,500 crore as a share capital, as meeting that the Government will pro- been sanctioned as special purpose lesser the loan amount the more will vide an additional fund of `3,500 crore vehicle NMSCEW Ltd. At present, be the financial security of the project. as share capital for the Maharashtra `27,335 crore is the total amount of Samruddhi Mahamarg. As a result, the the part capital of the Government, INCREASE IN THE LIMIT OF THE interest on the loan amount for the which includes `3,500 crore from the CONTINGENCY FUNDS highway will be reduced by `2,500 Maharashtra State Road Develop- Approval was given in the State Cabi- crore. Similarly, there will be no need ment Corporation, `5,500 crore from net meeting to increase the limit of the to provide a guarantee for the loan the public works in the State, `2,414 Maharashtra Contingency Fund and amount of `16,500 crore. According to crore as part of royalty on the prices make funds worth `5,350 crore avail- this, approval has been given to make of minor minerals, `6,396 crore on able. The contingency fund of the State changes in the sanctioned financial account of the interest on the loan of Maharashtra has been established plan for the highway. amount during the construction pe- under the Mumbai Contingency Rule, The revised rate of the Maharash- riod, and `9,525 crore owing to the 1956. Its permanent limit is `150 crore, tra Samruddhi Mahamarg is `55,335 price of land. The Government took which needs to be increased temporar-

Nagpur

Mumbai

Length of the proposed expressway: 710 km, speed limit: 150 kmph, travel time: only 6 hours ily from time to time owing to circum- ADDITIONAL POSTS stantial reasons. THE 'BEST TEAM' WHO The cabinet took a decision to create In the kharif season, the farm crops HAS A GOOD KNOWLEDGE approximately 5,298 additional posts incurred damage due to the retreating, OF PEOPLE'S ISSUES for the scheduled caste (SC), as much untimely rainfall in the State and Kyarr as the number of officers and staff who cyclone. Primarily, rice, sorghum, pearl Today, there are experienced have lost or going to lose their jobs due millet, maize, groundnut, soybean, pi- and excellent leaders in our to non-submission of their caste valid- geon pea, cotton, vegetable crops and State Cabinet, who have a great ity certificates, and as a humanitarian fruit crops incurred heavy damage. knowledge of people's issues and perspective, provide temporary place- Owing to this decision, it will be- this is the Best Team, said Chief ment of 11 months to them. come possible to make available funds Minister Uddhav Thackeray in Orders were given to adminis- of `5,000 crore for distribution to the the first cabinet meeting after trative departments to determine affected farmers on an immediate ba- the expansion of the cabinet. the number of SC officers and staff sis and `350 crore for court cases or "Even though parties of category-wise working in govern- proceedings through advance. ment/semi-government offices under different opinions have come their jurisdiction, shift their services together here, we are united on ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING to additional positions, and vacate their the question of solving people's To restrict illegal mining and trafficking current positions by 31 December 2019. of minor minerals, the State Cabinet issues, as the people have It was also decided that all has granted approval to transform the elected us. We have to work administrative departments should ordinance of giving rights to any rev- as one family, even if there are fill in the above-mentioned vacant enue officer, authorised by the District different views/stands on some positions of the SC category with Collectors, into an act. issues, we have to only think candidates, who have caste valid- about the interest of the State. ity documents, as per the prescribed Our Best Team will win on every method and placement rules, in a stipu- front and take the State on the lated period. further path of progress," added IMPLEMENTING GST ACT the Chief Minister. Nagpur Both Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and State Goods and Services Tax Presently, there is a provision of (SGST) are levied on transactions taking ownership rights of the Government place within Maharashtra. On 1 August on mines and minerals under Section 2019, amendments were made to the 48 of Maharashtra Land Revenue CGST Act. Since the two taxes (CGST and Code, 1966. According to Sub-Section SGST) were levied on a single transaction (8), if an officer at a lower rank than and it was necessary to have uniformity that of a tehsildar confiscates equip- in both the laws, the State Cabinet gave ment and machinery to restrict illegal approval to make 22 amendments in the mining and trafficking of minor - min Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax erals, the concerned individuals used (Amendment) Act, 2019. to challenge him in court. Hence, this Amendments have been made to resolution has been made. the CGST Act, 2017 and Integrated In the current situation, if any rev- Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act enue officer at a lower rank than that 2017. Accordingly, it was necessary of a tehsildar confiscates or hands over for the State of Maharashtra to make equipment and machinery used for ille- the relevant amendments in the SGST gal mining of minor minerals, it is against Act. Proposals of various kinds are the provision in section (8), Part 1. To re- included in this amendment, such as strict illegal mining and trafficking of mi- a mutual plan for taxpayers, estab- nor minerals, it was necessary to amend lishment of National Appellate Tribu- the content “having a lower ranking than nal, easy process for taxpayers and that of a tehsildar in Sub-clause (8), Part providing relief after solving prob- 1”. The cabinet has given approval to lems and formulation of the law and this amendment. technical corrections. .

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 39 Shivneri Fort SHIVNERI, MAHARASHTRA’S PRIDE For a Maharashtrian, visiting a fort is neither a recreational activity nor tourism. Instead, it is a matter of great pride, as the visit is a way to pay homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We have grown up listening to the ballads of the valour of the great leader and his soldiers or Mawlas. The moment we enter any fort that is related to the legend, we tend to slip into our glorious past, more so in the case of Shivneri, the fort where Shivraya was born. The fort enjoys special status amongst all the other forts related to him, says Sarang Khanapurkar.

hivba or Chhatrapati Shivaji Ma- tablished during such difficult times. aji Maharaj by paying a visit to his birth- haraj was born in Shivneri in Even though Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj place—the Shivneri Fort. 1630. Two years later, in 1632, had spent only two years in the Shivneri Jijau (Jijamata, Shivba’s mother) Fort, his admirers still believe it to be of A BRIEF HISTORY OF Sleft the fort taking him along. In 1637, immense significance as it was also his SHIVNERI FORT Shivneri Fort fell into the hands of the birthplace. Shivraya ignited the flame of Jirnanagar, or Junnar, was the capital city Mughals. These incidents help us under- valour in the hearts of the Marathi people of the Shaka king, Nahapana. Gautamipu- stand the changing situations at the time because of which even today we are living tra Satavahana Satakarni defeated the of Shivba’s birth and the importance of in this world with dignity. Hence, it is our Shakas and established his supremacy Swarajya (self-rule), which Shivraya es- duty to pay homage to Chhatrapati Shiv- over Junnar and the surrounding region.

40 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 FORT TOURISM

Naneghat (a mountain pass) was dug dur- ing the Satavahana period. And because trade took place on a large scale through Naneghat, the fort of Shivneri was built to keep an eye on the commercial activities. Of course, this is not the only fort protect- ing Naneghat. Notable forts such as Na- rayangad in the east, in the north, , Chavand, Jeevdhan, Bhairavgad in the west, and Rajmachi, Dhak, Gorakshagad, Machhindragad and Siddhagad in the south stand tall on all sides like gatekeepers. After Satavahanas, Shivneri was in the possession of Chalukya, Yadav, Bahamani and Nizam. It came under the control of Malojiraje Bhosle in 1595. In 1630, Jijau, Bhosle’s daughter-in-law, gave birth to Shivba, setting Maharashtra on the path of victory and glory for centuries to come. Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj In the fort there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Shivai after who the child was

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 41 AMBERKHANA It was used to store food grains in the fort. Dr. John Fryer of the East India Company had visited the fort and recorded that this fort can store food grains, which can provide for 1,000 people for up to seven years.

named Shivaji. After Shivneri was cap- is called thus because one has to hold a and upon entering through the Soldier’s tured by the Mughals, Chhatrapati Shivaji chain link to climb up to the fort gate. Gate, there’s a temple of Goddess Shivai. Maharaj made several efforts to regain it The seven gates, or saat darwaja, are Behind the temple are about six to seven but that did not happen in his lifetime. In very strategically built from the view- rock-cut caves. However, these are not 1716, Shahu Maharaj captured the fort point of security. The route is made up of accessible. The temple is a rock-cut sculp- and brought it under Swarajya. It was in convenient-to-climb stairs. The names of ture. From the temple, returning by the the fort of Shivneri that on the occasion the gates are Maha Darwaja, Pir Darwaja, Soldier’s Gate, one can climb upstairs to of birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj, Parwani Darwaja, Hatti Darwaja, Shipai reach the top of the fort from where one the independent State of Maharashtra Darwaja, Fatak Darwaja and Kulabkar can see the Amberkhana (grain store). was created on 27 April 1960. Darwaja. There are pictures of Sharabh Water Cisterns: There are water cis- on both sides of the Parwani Gate. Shar- terns in the fort, namely Ganga and Ya- PLACES TO VISIT abh is a mythological creature that looks muna. They contain water throughout The Shivneri Fort is triangular-shaped like like a lion or tiger. Here, an elephant has the year. Besides, there are around 50 big the tip of an arrow which points north. been shown beneath the foot of Sharabh. and small water ponds in the fort. There is Its expanse is about 1.6 km, and it takes There is also a picture of a mythological enough water in these ponds as well. about two to three hours to tour the fort. bird named Gandabherunda. There are Shivkunj: It has a splendid sculpture Entry Routes: There are two ways to pictures on the arch of the Soldier’s Gate of young Shivaji with a sword in his hand, enter the fort—chain route, or sakhlichi as well. The fortified wall of this gate indi- describing his dreams to his mother, Ji- vaat, which is a bit difficult, and the Sat- cates why this fort is called the protector jaumata. Nearby, a book by Ramchandra avahana-period route through the seven of Junnar. Amatya named Aadnyapatra is on display. gates that is comparatively easier. The Shivai Goddess Temple: While pass- The first Chief Minister of Maharashtra, chain route is on the side of the fort and ing through the seven gates of the fort Yashwantrao Chavan had laid the founda-

42 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 FORT TOURISM

HOW TO REACH SHIVNERI? From Pune: The fort is located at Junnar in Pune district. Shivneri is at a distance of 105 km from Shivkunj Pune city. One can reach Junnar by State transport buses. From Mumbai: One can reach tion stone for Shivkunj. Right in front of them to Shivneri and massacred them. Junnar by Mumbai–Thane–Kaly- Shivkunj is a double-storeyed building. At The raised platform where the an–Alephata route. After cross- the ground floor of this building, Shivba were beheaded is called Koli Chauthara. ing Malshej Ghat on the Kalyan– Nagar highway, the route to was born. A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji The Kamnawaza Mosque is situated to Shivneri is at a distance of about Maharaj has been built here. the right side in front of the birthplace. Ad- 8 km. The fort is at a distance of Idgah and Koli Chauthara: These are lo- jacent to this mosque is the fort’s escape 19 km from there. cated on the right-hand side of Ambarkha- route (secret route) which leads straight From Nashik: Junnar via na. In 1650, when the fort was under the into Junnar. Narayangaon control of Mughals, people from the Koli Badami talav lies at the north of the One can visit the fort and return community of Junnar region revolted birthplace. This man-made lake has a raised in a single day even if travelling against them. The Mughals crushed the platform and arch. Following an attack by from Mumbai or Pune. revolt, captured the Koli people, brought the British, the spring water in this pond

got choked and later the pond became dry. There is a prison facility behind the pond which is now in a dilapidated condition. Kadelot Kadaa is situated just behind the prison facility. Criminals were pushed down from this cliff into the valley. There are strong, gusty winds at this cliff, which is at a height of about 2000 feet. One should be very careful while visiting the site. The fort of Shivneri remained in ob- scurity for a long period. In 1925 restora- tion work on the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was undertaken. After the creation of Maharashtra, a road was con- structed till the gate of the fort. Even to- day, the work of beautification of the fort is being carried out.

SALIENT FEATURES OF SHIVNERI: Height from sea level: 3500 feet Height from base level: 1000 feet Base village: Junnar Tourist places near Shivneri: One of the Lenyadris or caves of Ashtavinayak, Naray- angad, the world-famous radio telescope at Khodad, Harishchandragad, Otur village Kadelot and Vighneshwar temple at Ozar. .

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 43 REGISTRATION AND STAMP DUTY GETS EASIER AND FASTER Registration and Stamp Department has implemented vari- ous initiatives to speed up processes in the service areas of Registration of Documents and Stamp Duty Management. The purpose of this article is to carry information about these initiatives so citizens can use them effectively, says Nayana Bondarde-Gurav.

he Registration and Stamp Department of the Govern- ment of Maharashtra has implemented various initia- Ttives with a view to get the work of concerned citizens done in an easy, transparent and swift manner in the service areas of Registration of Docu- The first in the series of PREVALENT METHOD ments and Stamp Duty Management. articles on Registration and When individuals carry out transactions, The purpose of this article is to trans- Stamp Duty, the current article they generally prepare a document for mit information about these initiatives the deal or get the same prepared by to citizens and to engage them in using shares information about experts such as advocates. Following the these to the maximum. the online digital document payment of appropriate stamp duty, the This time we are focusing on the On- submission initiative documents are signed. For registering line Digital Document Submission ini- of the department. the document, the facility of public data tiative started by the department. The entry at the department website is used initiative is connected to the method of to enter the data. The original docu- document registration carried out at the ment is then submitted to the concerned Deputy Registrar Office. Deputy Registrar Office for registration. The Deputy Registrar checks the docu- ment and, if considered eligible, it is ac- cepted for registration. The process of registration is completed by obtaining photographs and thumb impressions of the parties. Afterwards, the complete document with attached copies, photos and pages, where the thumb impres- sions are obtained (known as Goshwara- Abstract Part 1 and Part 2), are merged together and the pagination is done. A stamp of the Deputy Registrar Office is affixed on the document. This integrated document is then scanned and returned to the parties.

CHALLENGES While a review of the method from the point of view of professional ease was carried out, the department re- The data entry and the uploaded draft out the pagination of pages with signa- alised that when the parties arrive at of the document will be received by the tures of parties, other documents at- the Deputy Registrar Office for docu- Deputy Registrar Office online and the tached and abstract part 1 and part 2, ment registration, the Deputy Reg- Deputy Registrar will verify the docu- affix the stamp of the Deputy Registrar istrar has to verify the evaluation of ment. If there are certain objections in Office and scan these pages. The draft property, decide on the stamp duty, accepting the document for registration, sent by the parties will be stamped and check any laws or restrictions im- the office will share its comments. The pagination will be done in the system posed by the court on any transfer of concerned parties can see these com- itself. The draft and scanned pages will the registered property, among oth- ments from Deputy Registrar at the pub- be merged into the system. ers. Considering the format of these lic data entry section of the website. They verifications, it is natural that it would ADVANTAGES take some time and the concerned With this new facility, the verifica- parties would have to wait at the of- tion of the proposed documents can fice till then. be completed before the parties The lack of any particular doc- visit the Deputy Registrar Of- ument may become a reason fice. They will receive pre-in- for the Deputy Registrar to timation if there are certain defer registration and the discrepancies. Thus, the concerned parties have time for verification by to come back to the of- Deputy Registrar as well fice some other day after as waiting period will be complying with the rules. reduced. The manpow- If the discrepancies are er and time required for known in advance, the the pagination, stamp- trip of the concerned par- ing and scanning of the ties can be saved. original document will It is necessary to re- be reduced. This will duce the time taken for accelerate the work. As pagination of the original the scanning data size will document, affixing Deputy be limited, the challenges Registrar Office stamp on related to data storage will the same and scanning of the be reduced. document. The facility is currently available With the scanning, the data size with only certain offices in Mumbai increases tremendously and future and will be made available in the near handling of such large data is going to will also receive an SMS about the same. future in other cities as well. It has be a challenging task from the point of This action will be carried out within been recently activated and is in the expenditure and technology. three working days from the day of filing primary stage. The department will Considering all these aspects to- the application/documents. be making efforts for expansion and gether, the department has developed Compliance from the concerned upgrade of the initiative for the inclu- Online Digital Document Submission parties to the discrepancies, if any sion of features such as documents is- facility and the same has been made informed by the Deputy Registrar, is sued earlier, preparation of documents available to citizens from 1 April 2019. expected. In case no discrepancies are using departmental drafts, and auto received, the concerned parties can scrutiny of documents. FORMAT visit the office of the Deputy Registrar We encourage citizens to utilise While using this facility, the parties on the day appointed and get the docu- this facility and share any suggestion have to prepare their document ac- ment registered. or difficulty they face in using the facil- cording to the prevalent method only. While registering the document, ity on the number 8888007777. The However, instead of issuing the same the Deputy Registrar will provide the response will empower the depart- (signing on the same), the word file of parties with a print out of the draft ment to make the facility more people the same is to be converted to a pdf document received online. The parties oriented and easier to use. document. This pdf file is to be up- will sign the same. This will complete —Joint Registration Inspector General loaded on the website of the depart- the document registration process. Af- and Stamp Duty Superintendent (Head- ment after the data entry is done. ter this, the Deputy Registrar will carry quarters), Pune

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 45 ENSURE SAFE ONLINE BANKING Generally, online banking refers to the ability of managing money online with your mobile device or computer. There is no need to visit a bank branch, and you can do what you need to do when it is most convenient for you. Online banking services are easier to use, often free or inexpensive, and have other qualities, making these a favourite among all customers. Initially, the service used to be limited to banks that operated exclusively online; now, even big brick-and-mortar banks and local credit unions offer online services. That said, you can still use an online-only bank keeping in mind the pros and cons of different choices listed below, says Adv. Prashant Mali.

here are numerous benefits to Technology issues: If you are not even belong to networks with free online banking, and it is worth comfortable with technology, online ATM access. at least having the option banking may be more trouble than it From 24-hour access to your to bank online. However, is worth. Plus, glitches happen, and if account, anytime fund transfers and Ttraditional banks and credit unions also your computer or the bank’s computer bill payments, it’s no surprise that over have their place. Here are some pros is not working, then there is not much half of our population prefers online and cons of online banking services: you can do. For complex situations banking to traditional banking. But, if In-person services: Banks do more like pesky customer service issues or you are not careful, banking from the than just hold money and shuffle it discussions about different types of comfort of your living room exposes around. They can also provide notary loans, it might be best to have a face-to- you to several security risks that can services, safety deposit boxes, and face conversation. be avoided if you are very careful. Here official checks in an instant. You might are 10 practical online-banking security not need those services often, but NO CASH? tips that will help you have a safer when you do, it is typically during an There is also the issue of getting online banking experience: important event. Evaluate whether cash. Online-only banks typically or not it makes sense to keep a local provide a debit card that you can MONITOR YOUR ACCOUNTS account open. use to withdraw cash, and they may It might seem simple, but avoiding

46 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 online fraud also means doing your bit by checking your bank statements every CREATE STRONG PASSWORDS month and contacting them if you notice AND CHANGE THEM REGULARLY any suspicious charges, credits or debits. The very first rule of safe banking comes down to creating a strong USE A SECURE LOCATION/SITES/ password and changing it on a regular NETWORK WHEN BANKING ONLINE basis. Always use random strings of lowercase and uppercase letters, Free and public Wi-Fi networks are numbers, and symbols when asked to often not encrypted, making you an create a strong password. Be safe easy target for hackers to steal your and never use anything personal, personal information. Ideally, leave viz., no birthdays, pet's names or all your financial workings for when favourite foods. you are on a secure network at home and, when possible, use a dedicated complaint is raised, the bank will always official numbers/email addresses from browser for banking. But, if you are in a contact you personally and verify it is your bank's website or via their other pinch, find a private spot and use your you by asking your account number and authentic handles and authorised smartphone data hotspot to transact. personal questions around information channels. Another thing to watch out for is you have submitted earlier. making sure your bank’s website has Phishing scams are just one kind of USE ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE the lock symbol in the web address One of the simplest things you can do bar and begins with ‘https’. This means to safeguard your personal information that the site is definitely encrypted and Today, over half of our population prefer is to set up, run and regularly update all data is converted into unreadable online banking to traditional banking due to anti-virus software that will screen gibberish before it is sent, thus keeping its convenience and promptness. However, if everything from your emails and your private information safe. one is not careful, online banking from the browsers to even your pop-up ads. comfort of one's living room exposes one to several security risks. These risks can be ALWAYS LOG OUT UPDATE YOUR OPERATING SYSTEMS Avoid falling prey to session hijacking avoided if one is careful. Software updates can feel a bit tiresome and cross-site scripting exploits by but they often include necessary always logging out of your online frauds that asks for your bank details security upgrades that prevent infection banking session when you are done. so that they can deposit millions as a by newer computer malware. Never skip Computer or cell phone, you can add prize you have just won or as incentive suggested updates and try and install the another layer of protection by using a to help someone in need. Ideally never latest edition of your operating system private browser that clears its cache at respond to any of these emails. But, to ensure your data is safe. the end of every session. if you want confirmation on what to do next, contact your bank using the ONLY USE OFFICIAL BANKING APPS ENABLE MULTI-FACTOR Much like the original Trojan horse, AUTHENTICATION vicious malware can sneak in and cause You can prevent identity theft and all its USE BANKING some serious damage if unintentionally many complications by simply using an NOTIFICATIONS downloaded. The good news is that Most banks provide extra layer of security also called multi- customers with text your bank's encrypted mobile app is factor authentication. Many banks and email alerts for probably the most secure place you can natively offer two-factor authentication various purposes. It transact. Just do not forget to install where, whenever you try and log in, the ranges from getting a notification updates with latest security features bank sends you a text message or email when there is a transaction over and only use apps from known or a certain amount, when your with a unique verification code to be balance dips below a certain authorised sources. input on the bank’s website along with amount, and more. Use these As technology develops and gets your username and password. notifications to alert you every ever savvier, so do the risks you face time your account is accessed. online. By staying vigilant and following BEWARE OF EMAIL SCAMS Always keep your bank’s the tips above, you can ensure you assistance numbers handy, in case No bank worth its salt would ever you see a transaction you did not have a safe and easy Internet-banking ask you to share sensitive, personal initiate and need to stop experience. Safe banking! information or account details over an it immediately. —The writer is a cyber law and cyber email or a text message. Whenever a security expert.

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 47 ON A WINNING TRAIL The life of Hemant Keshav Patil, Indian Administrative Service, Rank 39, Year 2018, is an inspirational story of hard work, dedication and human spirit. A student of an Ashramshala and later of Indian Institute of Technology, he focused on studying with a clear and firm strategy to achieve his goal of becoming a civil servant and serve the country.

sually, people find their my father's support. Throughout examinations from Pune. Their guidance heroes in celebrities and my journey, they have stood by me, helped me a lot. For a couple of days, I public figures, but if you encouraging me whenever I lost track attended a few classes too, but kept the ask me, my proverbial or felt demotivated. emphasis on self-study. Even though my guidingU light has been my father. I first two attempts were unsuccessful, I grew up watching his random acts PREPARATION AND SUCCESS took the results as a learning experience of kindness. To bring a difference to After quitting the job at Ankleshwar, I and did a self-analysis to overcome such the lives of poor tribal children from decided to prepare for the Union Public debacles in future. Shilottar village in , he Service Commission examination and As luck would have it, in the took a tough decision of quitting his devoted all my time to it. Some of my third attempt, I succeeded in the full-time job with a good salary and friends were preparing for competitive preliminary and main examinations became a teacher in the ashram and the interview round. I was school there. Since childhood, selected for the Indian Revenue I understood what it meant to Service, but wanted to join the live for others and society at Indian Administrative Service large. Therefore, even while (IAS). I started preparing for the growing up, I was clear about examinations yet again. In the having a career that could give meantime, I was appointed as a me financial stability, and at the Trainee Assistant Commissioner. same time allow me to fulfil my Before I could complete the social responsibility. training at the National Academy of Direct Taxes, my efforts were TURNING POINT rewarded and I cleared the IAS I finished my schooling from exam with 39th rank. an ashramshala. I acquired IPS officer Mahesh Bhagwat my B.Tech (Chemical) degree from Hyderabad was a guiding from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar force. He prepared a group Technological University, of deserving candidates from Lonere (district Raigad). After Maharashtra and gave individual getting an IIT degree, I worked attention to each one of us. Many as an engineer in Ankleshwar, good officers in administration are Gujarat. But I always wanted to willing to take a lead, but there is a do something meaningful in life. lack of leadership. I hope to fill that I wanted to follow in my father’s Hemant Keshav Patil gap someday. footsteps, to continue his legacy IAS, Rank 39, Year 2018 to serve society. This realisation STUDY VERSUS STRATEGY became a turning point in my career. Success is one per cent luck and ninety-nine Cracking the IAS is tough but if you With a strong urge to bring about a per cent perspiration holds true if prepare well and study hard, it can change in the lives of common, poor you aspire to clear the Indian Administrative be done. Definitely, it requires a lot and deprived people, I decided to Service exam. Every topper has studied the of preparation, but how much, is appear for a competitive examination. same set of books as lakhs of aspirants do something that an individual needs My elder brother based in Pune every year. The difference lies in planning and to strategise depending on one's is an M.Tech from IIT Kharagpur. I executing those plans well. stamina and capability. You need to am fortunate to get his as well as plan the study strategy, such as how

48 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 LEARN FROM MISTAKES Recognising your flaws while preparing for examinations is important but what’s most crucial is to correct those mistakes. Not correcting mistakes is also one of the reasons for failure. Even if you are confident about being successful, it’s advisable to keep your plan B ready. Being practical is always a good idea, as in most cases, after the second or third attempt, aspirants tend to get depressed and demotivated. If you are ready with plan B at the back of your mind, it will help you handle failure in a pragmatic way.

much you need to prepare and which course needs more attention. When it is done, set a time target—long term or short term—to accomplish it. In the first two attempts, I had opted for geography as an optional subject, but later I found it monotonous and chose anthropology. Coming from a impact. But, if someone wants to give tribal area and with friends knowing My only suggestion to aspiring an interview in Marathi, that is also a other vernacular dialects, it became candidates is don’t give up because that’s the good option. easy for me to prepare for this subject. easiest thing to do. I never gave up after my Hence, I reiterate that preparation three failed attempts. Giving up is something USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA for this examination can change one’s that even an ordinary person can do. So to While appearing for competitive exami- personality. Reading the newspapers be extraordinary, you have to learn to rise nations, it’s important to analyse the regularly is one of its aspects. Your above the ordinary. Accept these difficulties as impact of social media and consider ability to form an opinion and analyse challenges and keep moving ahead. its pros and cons. I stayed away from various issues is greatly enhanced by . Facebook, but used WhatsApp to my reading the newspaper daily. advantage. I had joined few study groups CRACK THE INTERVIEW on WhatsApp and that enabled me to DIFFICULTIES AS CHALLENGES The interview is comparatively easier remain updated. However, make sure it Struggles and challenges are a part of because it is usually based on the doesn't cause any kind of distraction or life; for some, it could be a struggle content of your bio-data. Hence self- create hindrance in your studies. Always for money, while for others it could analysis is a must before you appear for remember, the Internet should be used be about emotional, personal or social your interview round. I would suggest as a medium to get information. issues. In my case too, I remember, staying away from giving politically after the failure of my second and correct replies. Instead, keep your SUCCESS MANTRA third attempts, my relatives started replies simple, concise and honest. As they say, there’s no shortcut to asking if I intended to try again. I recall, during my first interview success, so work hard. Don’t get So, my only suggestion to aspiring attempt, I gave a couple of false burdened by the syllabus and try to candidates is don’t give up because answers, but the next time I made enjoy studies and be successful. Hard that’s the easiest thing to do. Giving sure to keep my replies simple. The work definitely is the key to success. It up is something anyone can do. To be interview was in English, so I would doesn't matter to which class or caste extraordinary, you have to learn to suggest having a direct dialect you belong. If you are ready to sweat rise above the ordinary. Accept these without counting or depending it out, there's nothing that can stop difficulties as challenges and keep on a translator. Simple and lucid you from being a winner. moving ahead. replies in English can have a better —Rajaram Devkar

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 49 Yamini Mayuresh

The State Butterfly of Maharashtra, Blue Mormon is now called Neelvant.

Nayak BUTTERFLY, WHAT’S THY NAME? English names were assigned to 1,500 species of butterflies from India and 279 from Maharashtra. In an interesting initiative, Chairman of Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board, Vilas Bardekar and his colleagues have given these species Marathi names.

ave you ever heard the name Neelvant? This is the Depending on their food habits, names such as Yamini and Marathi name of Blue Mormon, the State Butter- Ruikar came. The butterfly which sits on grass was named as fly of Maharashtra. The name has been given by Trunasur. The habitat of the butterflies was also studied from Vilas Bardekar, Chairman, Maharashtra State Bio- which names such as Ratnamala originated. Names such as Hdiversity Board, and his colleagues. Neelvanti, Talwar, Puchha, Gadad Sardar, Bhatkya, Mayuresh Names in English were given to the 1,500 species of but- are based on their appearances. The Yamfly butterfly gener- terflies found in India and 279 from Maharashtra. With the ally feeds on plants and flora and is, therefore, named Yamini. thought of having names in Marathi for them, Bardekar and Grass Demon has been renamed as Trunasur, which is the lit- his colleagues renamed the species. These butterflies now eral translation of its English name, and Blue Oakleaf butterfly have beautiful Marathi names such as Trimandal, Tarang, Man- has been renamed as Neelparna. mauji, Yamini, Ruikar, Ratnamala, Talwar, Puchha, Gadad Sardar, Not only have the butterflies been renamed in Marathi, Bhatkya, Mayuresh and Nayak. This is the first of its kind initia- but the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board has also estab- tive in India. Before naming the species, a lot of thought was lished their groups (butterfly family) in Marathi. Thus, Nym- put into choosing names that relate to their appearances and phalidae has been renamed as Kunchalpad, Hesperiidae has habits. Then, five types of categories were made. These were been renamed as Chapalkul and Lycaenidae is called Neelkul. based on colour, appearance and the wings of butterflies, Similarly, family names such as Puchha, Mugdhapankhi and Kul which led to names such as Trimandal and Tarang. Features have been established. The Forest Department has recently such as habits, style of wing flapping and resting positions published a book of the new Marathi names of all these but- were also considered, from which names such as Manmauji terflies along with their details and beautiful photographs. were finalised. —Dr. Surekha Mulay, Departmental Liasoning Officer

50 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD JANUARY 2020 TRIBUTETRIBUTE TOTO MAHAMANAVMAHAMANAV

On Mahaparinirvan Day at Chaityabhoomi, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Legislative Assembly Speaker , Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and other dignitaries paid their tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Nana Patole, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and others paid tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at BIT chawl in Parel. R.N.I No. MAHENG/2011/75502 R.N.I.No. 14140/57/Postal Registration No. MCS-072/2018-20 Date of Publication : 10th of Every Month h Every Month MaharashtraDate of Publication Ahead, : 10th of Every Always Month Ahead Magazine with HIGHEST CIRCULATION in INDIA Know about India’s leading State and the opportunities it offers in five languagesLOKRAJYA Authorised and accurate information

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