Maharashtra CM rules out extending period of winter session

Oppn should discuss issues

in ‘given time’: Chavan

* There will not be any  demand for statehood if issue of Vidarbha region’s development is addressed properly, says Chief Minister

Staff Reporter
Virtually ruling out the possibility of extending period of winter session from two weeks to four weeks, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan expected that the the Opposition would not waste time in disrupting proceedings and raise issues of public interest in ‘given time’.
“I came to know from the meeting with the Opposition that it wants to raise several issues of importance during winter session. I expect them not to waste time in disrupting proceedings of the State Legislature, so that time available for the session was utilised effectively to discuss issues of public importance,” said Chavan. Addressing a press conference on Sunday evening at his official bungalow ‘Ramgiri’ here, after a meeting with the Opposition leaders and ministers, Chavan said that the Government would be able to do justice to the issues if the Opposition concentrated on discussing those.
Asked about the demand from the Opposition to extend the period of winter session from two weeks to four weeks, Chief Minister said that legislative business for two weeks was finalised after consulting group leaders of all parties in Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting held in Mumbai earlier. “Still, if any issue of utmost public importance comes up, we are willing to devote extra time discussing it,” he added. In effect, he ruled out possibility of extending the session period.

Publish in The Hitavada CityLine on Dec 9, 2013

Asked about the demand for statehood to Vidarbha being raised by main Opposition constituent BJP, Chavan said that the demand had its roots in neglect towards development of different regions in Maharashtra. “The demand is intricately related to development of various regions including Vidarbha. The Government is committed to removing developmental backlog in various sectors including irrigation. Once the backlog is removed, the demand for statehood will not arise,” he observed.
For removal of backlog, ‘balanced development’ strategy, and to ‘redefine’ role of Statutory Development Boards, the Government had appointed a high-powered committee headed by noted economist Dr Vijay Kelkar. “The committee has submitted its report to the Governor. It is being studied by the Government. After study, it will be placed before the Cabinet for discussion and then it will be released in public domain,” he said when asked about non-release of Kelkar Committee report. Asked about probe into irrigation scam through Special Inquiry Team (SIT) headed by water expert Dr Madhav Chitaley, Chavan said that the committee was given extended time till December 31 to submit its report. “The Government is yet to receive the report,” he remarked.
On financial assistance to persons affected by floods this Monsoon, Chief Minister told mediapersons that the Government had withdrawn fund from Contingency Fund advance and released the same. However, owing to issues involving bank accounts of beneficiaries, there was some delay. “We will do justice to flood-affected persons when Supplementary Demands are passed during winter session,” he added.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan addressing media at pre-session press conference at his official residence ‘Ramgiri’ on Sunday. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Patil also are seen.

On Adarsh scam report, Chavan said that the Government was shielding nobody. “I shall obtain necessary information about Action Taken Report also and inform the State Legislature accordingly,” he replied to a question. Asked about the Opposition’s allegation that he was shielding corrupt ministers, he quipped, “The Opposition is doing its job.”
In the Cabinet meeting held recently, some ministers had expressed strong displeasure over reports of various committees for blocking development of Western Ghats region. Commenting on the issue, Chavan said that he was discussing the matter with Prime Minister regularly. “We will ensure that there is no adverse impact on livelihood security of people in the region,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Patil, Social Justice Minister Shivajirao Moghe, EGS Minister Dr Nitin Raut, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anil Deshmukh, Animal Husbandry Minister Madhukar Chavan, Minister of State for Finance Rajendra Mulak also were present at the press conference.