After hiatus, Ajit Pawar reviews schemes meant for Marathas

The Deputy CM directed there should be no hurdles in the process of granting scheme benefits, and the selection of genuine beneficiaries must be done carefully so that timely financial assistance can be provided.

By: Express News Service

Mumbai | September 11, 2025 08:11 PM IST

2 min read

Pawar emphasised that every scheme implemented by Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation must reach rightful and deserving beneficiaries in society. (Express File)

Days after being absent from developments related to the Maratha reservation agitation, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Thursday reviewed Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training, and Human Development Institute (SARTHI) aimed at providing benefits, including financial ones, to the Maratha community.

Pawar emphasised that every scheme implemented by Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation must reach rightful and deserving beneficiaries in society. He directed that these schemes are to be executed in a transparent and result-oriented manner so that the maximum number of beneficiaries can avail their benefits.

The president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was away from developments related to the government resolution (GR) issued by the Maharashtra government on September 2 regarding implementing the Hyderabad Gazette to pave way for Marathas to get Kunbi certificates, for the last few days due to health reasons. His party colleague and senior OBC minister Chhagan Bhujbal has remained firm on opposing the GR along with other OBC organisations. Even during the agitation led by Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, Pawar conspicuously remained out of media focus, raising eyebrows.

“The corporation’s primary objective is to provide self-employment opportunities to educated unemployed youth from economically weaker sections. These schemes must be carried out effectively and with transparency, with proper dissemination of information to the needy. Wide publicity of these schemes should be ensured so that more beneficiaries can avail them,” said Pawar. The Deputy CM directed there should be no hurdles in the process of granting scheme benefits, and the selection of genuine beneficiaries must be done carefully so that timely financial assistance can be provided.

During the meeting, Pawar also reviewed the initiatives of SARTHI, which include student skill development, scholarships, competitive exam training, research, Swadhar Yojana, overseas scholarships, and hostels. He stressed that skill development and training should be prioritised for the bright future of students and assured that there will be no shortage of funds for children’s education and growth.

Meanwhile, senior NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Thursday reiterated that the drafting of the September 2 GR was wrong and will be challenged in court.

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