Cabinet sub-committee for funds allocation

Mumbai: After the formation of 'Maha InvIT', a trust to attract investment in the mega infrastructure projects, a cabinet sub-committee has been formed to ensure hassle-free funds allocation to MLAs and thereby keep the power equations within Mahayuti balanced.

The cabinet sub-committee is expected to decide upon funds to be allocated to MLAs for carrying out works in their respective constituencies like the repairing of roads, street lighting and gardens on public places.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar will be heading the committee, with industries minister Uday Samant, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, rural development and water supply minister Jaukumar Gore, school education minister Dadaji Bhuse and sports and youth welfare minister Sanjay Bansod

are the members of the committee.

During MVA tenure the Shiv Sena MLAs were particularly upset with Ajit Pawar because they were never allocated enough funds even as their counterparts in NCP always got whatever they needed. The condition was better even when the NCP joined Mahayuti three years ago as Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde was heading the government back then. However, after the change of guards last December the Shiv Sena camp had been in utter disease. The sub-committee is formed in order to do away with the disease, said a senior official.

According to him, the decision means equanimous distribution of power. This decision would do away with any apprehensions anybody in power might have while assuring them justice in crucial issues like funds allocation for local works.

Curtailing powers

The decision to form Maha InvIT was being seen as infringement into the rights of the ministers handling departments like the PWD, MSRDC and urban development. It was being interpreted that the decision would adversely affect prospects of DCM Eknath Shinde. However, officials from his office perceive this as yet another opportunity to build conduits to take the benefits of power to loyal party workers.

New trust or an organization like this would mean appointment of more men to run it. When one is working as a government department there are several reatrictions to that need to be tackled. However, whenever the same work is allocated to a state owned corporation or an SPV or any similar body, the parameters change and those in charge of it get more powers to spend funds at their will. Hence, formation of Maha InvIT means a favour to Shinde, the officer explained.

However, a senior official said that decision would mean stricter financial management and would in turn mean less opportunity for corruption or in other words spend money at will. Financial discipline will have to be maintained if one has to attract more and bigger investors, the officer said stating that the decision to form Maha InvIT will mean better discipline.

"The CM did not leave any opportunity to show how he and his departments performed well. This report card brings the ‘cold war’ among the three ruling parties to the forefront, and also indicates that Fadnavis holds the upper hand."

Harshwardhan Sapkal, Chief, Maharashtra Congress