Ajit hints at changes in social welfare schemes

Nashik: Deputy CM and finance minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said financial discipline will be given priority in the state budget, which will also be in line with central govt directives.
“This time, when we present the budget, we will focus on financial discipline. The state will stick to the guidelines of the central govt, consider the income sources, the important (social welfare) schemes that need to continue, the contribution of the state through taxes etc. Based on these factors, new schemes will be designed. After all, we are answerable to the people.” He hinted there could be some unpleasant decisions as well, but clarified that the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana will continue without any change.
The NCP president, addressing the national convention of the party in Shirdi, said the govt had announced several good schemes during the assembly election campaign, but some of them will undergo changes. He, however, did not elaborate on the topic.
It was a soft warning to the party members, telling them that they could potentially face some opposition from people after the budget and that they would have to work harder for the party.
Pawar further stressed that the Mahayuti govt was stable and that there would be no changes in the near future, ensuring the govt could work properly for the state’s development.
“Often, I am asked by the people if there will be any changes in the schemes, and there are demands that some schemes be launched for select groups, etc. Let me tell you: During the run-up to the elections, the govt announced some schemes, and they will not be shut down. However, some outdated schemes have to be done away with. Some schemes will see some changes. Wherever the situation of the beneficiaries has changed, they should not be given the benefits of the scheme anymore. We intend to take some decisions and we will sit down with Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and even party office-bearers before taking the call,” said Ajit Pawar.
On the former party officials willing to join the party again and the people with a tarnished image seeking ‘shelter’ in the party, Pawar said there was no need for such people in the party. “Earlier, the party was known to belong to sardars (who led groups), but now the party will be identified as a cadre-based party. For us, party workers will be our top priority. All those who contested against the party, lost their deposits. They are seeking re-entry but are not welcome. Also, all those in the party must refrain from doing activities that may tarnish the image of the party. If found guilty, they will be kicked out at once,” Pawar said.
Deputy chief minister and finance minister Ajit Pawar hinted there could be some ‘unpleasant decisions’ in the state budget, but clarified that the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana will continue without any change.
“The state will stick to the guidelines of the central govt, consider the income sources, the important (social welfare) schemes that need to continue, the contribution of the state through taxes etc. Based on these factors, new schemes will be designed. After all, we are answerable to the people,” he said.
The NCP president, addressing the national convention of the party in Shirdi, said the govt had announced several good schemes during the assembly election campaign, but some of them will undergo changes.
He, however, did not elaborate on the topic.
It was a soft warning to the party members, telling them that they could potentially face some opposition from people after the budget and that they would have to work harder for the party.
Pawar further stressed that the Mahayuti govt was stable and that there would be no changes in the near future, ensuring the govt could work properly for the state’s development.
“Often, I am asked by the people if there will be any changes in the schemes, and there are demands that some schemes be launched for select groups, etc…. Some schemes will see some changes. Wherever the situation of the beneficiaries has changed, they should not be given the benefits of the scheme anymore. We intend to take some decisions and we will sit down with Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and even party office-bearers before taking the call,” said Pawar.