Nagpur Shiv Bhojan Thali Scheme Operators Face Payment Delays Up to Nine Months
Revenue Minister Chandrashekbar Bawankule has announced that pending payments for operators of the Shiv Bhojan Thali Scheme in Nagpur, which have been delayed for up to nine months, may soon be released. This assurance came after a meeting with operators at the divisional commissioner's office on Friday, where the minister addressed growing concerns over financial hardships faced by the scheme's implementers.
Minister's Assurance and Government Action
Bawankule stated that the issue was discussed in the last cabinet meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. "After discussion with the CM, efforts are being taken to ensure the pending payments are released at the earliest. I will follow up with the CM," said Bawankule. This move aims to alleviate the financial strain on operators who have been struggling to maintain the subsidized meal service.
Operators' Financial Struggles and Mounting Liabilities
During the meeting, operators revealed that dues were pending for four months in some areas and six to nine months in others. Many centre heads, including women running kitchens, reported taking loans to keep the Rs10 meal scheme operational and were nearing closure. "How do we pay the women working here? How do we buy raw materials?" several operators asked, describing mounting liabilities and the absence of subsidy support. The minister noted that operators became aggressive during the discussion but calmed down after his assurance of prompt action.
Background and Expansion of the Shiv Bhojan Thali Scheme
Launched on January 26, 2020, by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government under then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme provides subsidized meals at ₹10. It became a crucial support system during the Covid-19 pandemic, offering affordable nutrition to many. In Nagpur, the network of centres has expanded significantly from 9 to 164 across assembly segments. Currently, each centre serves between 75 and 100 meals daily, highlighting its importance in the community.
Additional Policy Announcements by the Minister
Addressing other governance matters, Bawankule reiterated that the state has abolished the requirement for a Non-Agricultural (NA) sanad for property use. "There will be no need to visit the tehsildar or collector. By paying just 0.10% premium, NA will be deemed approved up to 10 square metres. This will make buying plots, building homes, and starting businesses much easier for citizens," he explained. This policy change is expected to streamline property transactions and boost local economic activities.
Resolution of Party Differences in Chandrapur
Bawankule also acknowledged differences among party leaders in the Chandrapur civic body, assuring that these issues would be resolved soon. This statement underscores ongoing efforts to maintain political harmony and effective governance in the region.
The pending payments issue underscores the challenges in sustaining government welfare schemes, with operators calling for timely financial support to continue their vital services. The minister's commitment to resolving this matter is seen as a positive step towards ensuring the scheme's longevity and effectiveness in Nagpur and beyond.
