Congress Legislature Party leader in Maharashtra Vijay Wadettiwar claimed on Wednesday estimate committee members were served meal in silver plates at a conclave and called it “extravagant spending” by the Mahayuti government when the state’s finances were under strain.
The former state minister also targeted the BJP-led government over “deteriorating” law and order situation in Maharashtra, and what he called “internal contradictions” within the ruling coalition which consists of the BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Mr Wadettiwar questioned the government’s priorities, stating, “When the state is virtually on the brink of bankruptcy, what was the need to serve meals in silver plates to members of the Estimates Committees in Mumbai?” He claimed each meal cost Rs 5,000 and so much money was spent by the government at a time when farmers are being denied loan waivers, bonuses are not being paid, and large sections of tribal, social welfare, and Anganwadi schemes are allegedly facing budget cuts.
Mumbai hosted a two-day conference of the Estimates Committees of Parliament and states from June 23. The event, held at Vidhan Bhavan (legislative complex) in south Mumbai, saw participation of chairpersons and members of such panels of Parliament, states and Union Territory legislatures.
These financial committees, at the central and state/UT level, examine the expenditure estimates for each administrative department in respective budgets and also utilisation of funds.
“A majority of farmers in Vidarbha have been denied fresh crop loans. Anganwadi workers (who look after child care centres) aren’t paid honorarium on time, and funds for schemes like the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana remain pending. Yet, the government chooses to serve meals to estimates committee members in silver plates,” Mr Wadettiwar said.
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