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Hindustan Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Income concerns, staff shortage hamper natural farming push: Parliamentary panel
Despite the government's efforts to scale up natural and climate-resilient farming, a parliamentary panel has flagged persistent income concerns among farmers, gaps in implementation, and staff shortages as key challenges that threaten long-term sustainability. The parliamentary Estimates Committee tabled its report in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. (Sansad TV) The parliamentary Estimates Committee, in a report tabled in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, observed that despite the government making significant strides in awareness programmes, 'financial security remains a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of Natural Farming (NF).' The committee noted that while financial aid of ₹31,500 to ₹46,500 per hectare over three years is a welcome move, it falls short in covering transition losses from chemical to organic farming. 'The ₹31,500 to ₹46,500 per hectare over three years, although a step in the right direction, might not be sufficient to fully alleviate the financial strain farmers experience during the first three to four years, a period in which yields tend to be lower and the economic burden heavier,' the report said. It called for 'a more robust and expanded' support system, and flagged the scarcity of bio-fertilisers as a key hurdle in replicating the Sikkim model of chemical-free cultivation. The committee praised government outreach to 11.37 lakh farmers and stakeholders through awareness drives but said the benefits of certification schemes like the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and Participatory Guarantee System (PGSIndia) remain underutilised due to poor farmer awareness. It also flagged budgetary constraints that have hit the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-led NICRA project, which promotes climate-resilient farming practices. It noted a lack of programme implementation in several districts that are at significant risk from climate change. 'Due to budget constraints, NICRA's adaptation activities have only been implemented in only 151 of 310 high-risk districts, leaving a large number of vulnerable areas unaddressed,' the panel said. It added that poor adoption of new seed varieties, low awareness, weak distribution, lack of coordination with states and missing large-scale assessments are hampering results. 'The Committee express their concern to note that so many regions are being neglected due to financial constraints, particularly when the very survival of agricultural livelihoods in these areas is at risk,' the report said. As Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are being used to scale natural farming, the report said funding and staffing shortfalls persist. 'This staff shortfall is significantly impairing the KVKs' ability to effectively carry out their core functions,' it noted, citing 3,500 vacant posts. It also raised concerns about unequal service rules between ICAR and non-ICAR KVKs. 'The service conditions for employees in ICAR KVKs differ from those in non-ICAR KVKs, creating an unequal work environment,' the report said. The NMNF was approved by the Union Cabinet on November 25, 2024, as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to promote chemical-free farming using livestock and plant inputs. In Parliament, Union minister of state for agriculture Ramnath Thakur recently said more than 10 lakh farmers had joined the initiative.
News18
26-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Meal In Silver Plates' At Maharashtra Govt's Mumbai Conclave Raises Eyebrows
Last Updated: The platinum jubilee of Parliament's Estimates Committee in Mumbai sparked controversy as Maharashtra Congress and activists accused the state government of extravagant spending. The platinum jubilee meeting of Parliament's Estimates Committee in Mumbai has sparked controversy, with Maharashtra Congress and social activists accusing the state government of extravagant spending. The government allegedly hosted a 'lavish" party, serving guests on silver plates, despite the state's financial constraints. The two-day event welcomed around 600 guests from across the country. According to the Maharashtra Congress, the guests were allegedly served meals worth Rs 5,000 each on silver dinner plates rented for Rs 550 each. Calling the event an 'extravagant spending", Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said to the reporters in Nagpur, 'When the state is virtually on the brink of bankruptcy, what was the need to serve meals on silver plates to members of the Estimates Committees in Mumbai?" He also alleged that around Rs 5,000 was spent on each guest's meal, while, on the other hand, loan waivers were being denied to farmers, bonuses were not being paid, and budget cuts were made for several welfare schemes. The Estimates Committee reviews and evaluates the budget estimates and expenditure of each administrative department at both the central and state/UT levels, ensuring effective utilisation of funds. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal also attacked the state government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and echoed his party colleague Wadettiwar. 'They (Estimates Committee delegation members) feasted on a Rs 5,000 meal served on Rs 550 worth of silver plate each. Was the fund spent linked to the money found in the Dhule government guest house when the state estimates committee was touring?" he asked. 'Extravagant splurge of public money! Mumbai's Vidhan Bhavan hosted a lavish feast for Budget Committee members from across India, costing Rs 4,500 per person. Served on silver plates (Rs 550 each), the meal for 600 guests totalled Rs 27 lakh! The same committee preaching austerity indulged in this wasteful display, sparking public outrage," he wrote in a long post on X. Calling the event a spectacle of excess, Kumbhar said the guests mocked their responsibility for prudent budgeting. 'With 40-foot banners, stays at Taj Palace and Trident, AC dining tents, chandeliers, and red carpets, this was a royal mockery of taxpayers' money!" First Published:
India Today
25-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
'Silver dinner plates, Rs 5,000 per meal': Maharashtra government event sparks row
The platinum jubilee meeting of Parliament's Estimates Committee in Mumbai has landed in controversy, with the Maharashtra Congress and social activists alleging blatant splurge by the state government, throwing a "lavish" party by serving guests on silver plates, despite the state facing financial two-day event, inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at Mumbai's Vidhan Bhavan complex, welcomed around 600 guests from across the country. The Maharashtra Congress alleged that the guests served meals worth Rs 5,000 each on silver dinner plates rented for Rs 550 Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar called it "extravagant spending". "When the state is virtually on the brink of bankruptcy, what was the need to serve meals on silver plates to members of the Estimates Committees in Mumbai?" he told reporters in Nagpur. He also alleged that around Rs 5,000 was spent on each guest's meal while, on the other hand, loan waivers were being denied to farmers, bonuses were not being paid and budget cuts were made for several welfare Estimates Committee, at the central and state/UT level, evaluates the expenditure estimates for each administrative department in respective budgets and spending of Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal also attacked the Devendra Fadnavis-led government and echoed his party colleague Wadettiwar."They (Estimates Committee delegation members) feasted on a Rs 5,000 meal served on Rs 550 worth of silver plate each. Was the fund spent linked to the money found in the Dhule government guest house when the state estimates committee was touring?" he social activist Kumbhar claimed that the money spent on 600 guests totalled to Rs 27 lakh. "Extravagant splurge of public money! Mumbai's Vidhan Bhavan hosted a lavish feast for Budget Committee members from across India, costing Rs 4,500 per person. Served on silver plates (Rs 550 each), the meal for 600 guests totalled Rs 27 lakh! The same committee preaching austerity indulged in this wasteful display, sparking public outrage," he wrote in a long post on the event a spectacle of excess, Kumbhar said the guests mocked their responsibility for prudent budgeting. "With 40-foot banners, stays at Taj Palace and Trident, AC dining tents, chandeliers, and red carpets, this was a royal mockery of taxpayers' money!"However, sources privy to the matter told India Today TV that the guests were served on a plate with a silver coating and not silver plates as claimed. The cost per plate meal was not Rs 4,000 but lower than that, they was no official comment from the state legislature on this issue.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Maharashtra#Mumbai
India Gazette
23-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Estimates committee has emerged as effective mechanism for financial oversight: Sanjay Jaiswal
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 23 (ANI): Sanjay Jaiswal, Chairman of the Estimates Committee of Parliament, on Wednesday highlighted the Estimates Committee's pivotal role in ensuring effective governance. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Conference of Chairpersons of Estimates Committees of Parliament and State Legislatures in Mumbai, Jaiswal said, 'The Estimates Committee is an effective platform for scrutinizing government expenditure estimates and improving administration, efficiency, and economy, reflecting its crucial role in safeguarding public interest.' Over the years, the Committee has emerged as a robust mechanism for financial oversight, not only scrutinizing financial allocations but also recommending transformative reforms. Jaiswal noted that the Committee's formation on April 10, 1950, marked a transformative step in India's parliamentary democracy, driven by the need for strict financial oversight. He mentioned that the Committee was conceptualized to scrutinize government expenditure, ensure prudent use of public funds, and serve as a guide for future estimates and policies. He underscored the Committee's commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in public financial management. Jaiswal, while mentioning the Committee's important reports, said that several significant policies have been shaped based on its recommendations. He said that the committee has consistently worked towards improving government efficiency and economy since its inception. The committee's recommendations have not only streamlined administrative processes but also improved the functioning of important national institutions. It has made significant contributions to improving the operational capacity and connectivity of Indian Railways and played a role in infrastructure development. The committee has actively worked with public sector undertakings and made recommendations to ensure reporting and accountability, thereby increasing transparency in parliamentary debates. The Committee focused on budget reform initiatives aimed at improving transparency and management in government expenditure. It has made several recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of public services and make them more citizen-centric. The Committee has recently focused on contemporary challenges such as climate change and rejuvenation of the Ganga River, demonstrating our adaptability and commitment to addressing critical environmental issues. Jaiswal said that the recommendation for the formation of a strong authority for the Ganga River has showcased Committee's ability to shape policy decisions and contribute to national progress on various issues. He said that the Committee's constructive approach to working with government officials is crucial, and its members engage in open and participatory discussions to identify areas for improvement and enhance administrative efficiency. He further said that the Committee has continuously refined its working methods and established detailed rules of procedure and practice to ensure smooth functioning. The comprehensive internal rules of procedure, approved in 1968, guide the committee's functioning and demonstrate its commitment to remaining relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of governance, he informed. Jaiswal further said that this conference is a historic event where the Estimates Committees of Parliament, State Legislatures, and Union Territories have come together for the first time. It provides an opportunity to share experiences, exchange best practices, and explore innovative ways to strengthen financial oversight. He appreciated the guidance of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in organizing this conference. (ANI)
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Decode Politics: Why a Fadnavis govt initiative has got stuck in Room 102 of a Dhule guest house
BARELY TWO days after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated legislative committees that are meant to provide oversight and accountability to state governance, one of them finds itself in a controversy. On Wednesday, Rs 1.84 crore worth of cash was seized from a room in a government guest house, which was allegedly booked by the personal assistant of Estimates Committee chairman Arjun Khotkar. The Opposition has alleged that the money was intended as a bribe for members of the Estimates Committee, which is tasked with examining government spending and recommending measures for improved financial management. * What is the present controversy? The Estimates Committee is currently on a visit to Nandurbar and Dhule districts to examine work being done there. On Wednesday, a former MLA from Dhule city, Anil Gote, alleged that ₹5 crore was stashed in Room 102 of the state guest house in Dhule. He claimed the room was booked under the name of Kishore Patil, the government-appointed personal assistant to committee chairman Khotkar. Gote alleged that the money had been pooled by government officials as a bribe for the committee. He then staged a protest outside the room, prompting the district administration to break it open. Inside, officials recovered Rs 1.84 crore in cash, stored in 12 bags. The money was handed over to the Income Tax Department, and an investigation has been initiated. Gote has alleged that Kishore Patil had been calling officials and demanding money in the days leading up to the committee's visit to Dhule. 'Patil had set up base in Dhule from May 15. He was calling government officials from the Resident Deputy Collector's office and asking them for money. A thorough probe needs to be conducted,' Gote said. Khotkar has called the allegations an 'attempt' to malign his committee. 'Gote has a habit of making wild accusations. My personal assistant was not staying in the said room. He was in the adjacent one… Hopefully, the truth will come out,' Khotkar said. * How has the government reacted? The incident has come as an embarrassment to the government, especially after Fadnavis's acknowledgment while announcing the committees that these had been misused in the past. While Patil has been suspended, the Maharashtra government has ordered a formal probe into the matter. 'The whole truth must come out. This episode raises serious questions about a legislative committee, which cannot be tolerated. The honour and dignity of the state legislature must be upheld. Therefore, an SIT will be formed to investigate the money trail,' said Fadnavis. * The need for legislative committees in Assemblies Committees play a crucial role in scrutinising legislation, examining government policies, conducting inquiries, and overseeing departmental functioning. The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has 30 different committees. The most important among them in matters of finance and government spending are the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Estimates Committee. The PAC is responsible for looking into government spending and to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. The Estimates Committee examines the budget estimates of ministries to ensure that funds are used effectively for their intended purposes. The committee can also suggest cuts in inefficient or unjustified spending, though it cannot propose new expenses. For example, it can recommend ways to reduce waste, improve the effectiveness of government programmes, prevent overspending, and highlight cases of mismanagement or poor financial planning. It also evaluates whether government schemes are delivering the expected results and can seek explanations from government officials for any shortfalls. While committees are considered a key component of the legislative process, their power to summon officials and request information and reports exposes them to potential misuse. There have been accusations in the past of committee members overlooking irregularities in exchange for pecuniary gains. * The latest Estimates Committee in Maharashtra The Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly and the Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council jointly appoint the Estimates Committee. The current committee, consisting of 28 members, was appointed on April 29, with representation from both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. Shiv Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar was appointed as the head of the committee. On May 19, Fadnavis presided over the joint inauguration of the Maharashtra legislature committees 2024–25. Admitting instances of misuse in the past, the CM said 'a collective decision was made to guide and retain these committees'.
