Mumbai: BJP MLC Gopichand Padalkar has written to Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, ahead of presenting the state budget, demanding from him making provisions for the Dhangar community. He pointed out the failure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government that was unable to spend Rs. 1000 crore meant for the community in the past two years.
In the letter, Padalkar has said, “Dhangar community has contributed a lot in the development of Maharashtra. They were at the forefront in fighting with the British. Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar who belonged to the Dhangar clan fought for the rights of the backward and oppressed. However, now the community is struggling for its rights for the past 30 years. And your government has failed to keep any promise with the community.”
He recalls the promises made to the community, by the earlier BJP government Gopichand said that former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was the only one who understood their problem. “In a major political change, Devendra Fadnavis government came to power in 2014. For the first time, he recognized the seriousness of the issue and assured them that the community would be entitled to 22 welfare schemes meant for tribal till they get Scheduled Tribe certificate. He had immediately announced Rs 1000 crore and sanctioned Rs 500 crore. The schemes included educational scholarships, hostels, measures to elevate social and economic status, housing benefits, etc. However, the government changed and not a single rupee has been spent on the Dhanagar community. Covid 19 pandemic, diseases of sheep and goats, lack of basic facilities at dwelling places of Dhanagar community have marred their economy,” he said.
He further requests the government to boost the morale of the community and states that they need justice. Further, he adds in his letter, that government has announced schemes for them. He said, “Fadnvis government announced the schemes for them remained on the papers during your tenure. There is anger in the community and that perhaps explode one day. I expect you to at least make some provisions for the community in the coming budget session and bring some relief in their present situation.”
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