From drought to reservation, Maharashtra will deal with all issues in its Winter Session in Mumbai

Mumbai, November 19: From drought issues to reservation quota, Maharashtra Winter Session will cover every issue targeting people of the state. The two week long winter session will be held in Mumbai for the first time instead of Nagpur.

 

The state government intends to bring 13 legislations in the ongoing session on a wide range of issues, from drought to reservation. Both the ruling and Opposition parties have traded charges while spelling out their agenda for the session.

Twenty bills will be tabled during the session. Although the opposition party is demanding to extend the duration of the session by one week, they boycotted the customary tea party yesterday on the eve of the session alleging the failure of the government on various issues.

 

The opposition has already made their stand clear to corner the government on these issues like drought situation in various parts of Maharashtra, Maharashtra backward commission’s report on Maratha Reservation, Dhangar and Muslim reservation, Corruption in Jalyukta Shivar Scheme, farmers suicides, Shiv Smarak among others.

In a veiled warning to the Opposition, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there were some sections trying to politicise the reservation issue to create division based on caste and religion, which was unfortunate. While reiterating the government’s commitment to socio-economic and political upliftment of each and every community, the chief minister said, “We are equally concerned about the quota demands of Marathas, Dhangars and Muslims. Welfare of one and all is our commitment.”

Unlike in the past when drought assessment was made after the rabi season in January-February, Maharashtra is among the first states to declare drought on October 31. A detailed proposal seeking financial aid of Rs 7,500 crore has been sent to the Centre. From deployment of water tankers to electricity and educational fee waiver have been enforced in drought hit regions. “We are ready for a debate on drought. We look forward to recommendations from the Opposition. But false allegations are unacceptable. It does not help the people who are undergoing hardships,” CM Fadnavis said.