Kudal-Malvan legislator calls for timely utilisation of development funds, filling vacant posts and greater focus on roads, healthcare, education and drinking water
MLA Nilesh Rane reviewed the functioning of the Sindhudurg Zilla Parishad and expressed overall satisfaction, while calling for faster recruitment, timely utilisation of funds and greater accountability in road and development works.
Sindhudurgnagari: Kudal-Malvan MLA Dr Nilesh Rane on Wednesday conducted a detailed review of the functioning of the Sindhudurg Zilla Parishad, with particular emphasis on development works being implemented in his constituency.
Following a department-wise review meeting that lasted nearly one-and-a-half hours, the Shiv Sena MLA expressed satisfaction with the overall functioning of the Zilla Parishad.
Dr Rane, however, noted that several key departments were operating with a shortage of officers and employees because of long-pending vacancies.
He said Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Ravindra Khebudkar, the district administration and he himself were pursuing the matter with the State Government to ensure that the vacant posts were filled at the earliest.
During the meeting, Dr Rane reviewed the progress of development works undertaken during the financial years 2024–25, 2025–26 and 2026–27.
Referring to the recent District Planning Committee meeting, where he had raised concerns about unspent funds lying with the Zilla Parishad, the MLA said most of his doubts had been clarified during the detailed review.
He expressed confidence that the administration, office-bearers and elected representatives would take the necessary steps to ensure that sanctioned funds were used efficiently and did not remain unspent.
Dr Rane stressed that every rupee secured through the efforts of the Guardian Minister must be effectively utilised for development works.
He called for improved coordination among the District Collector’s office, the District Planning Committee and the Zilla Parishad to ensure timely planning, approval and implementation of projects.
Officials were also directed to maintain photographic documentation of completed works and ensure that the projects were verified by public representatives.
The meeting was convened to facilitate the timely submission of development project lists under the District Development Plan and strengthen coordination among the District Planning Department, the Collector’s office and the Zilla Parishad administration.
Those present included Zilla Parishad President Pramod Kamat, CEO Ravindra Khebudkar, Shiv Sena district president Datta Samant, Vice-President Dada Sail, committee chairpersons Santosh Satavilkar, Pritesh Raul, Ruhita Tambe and Anuradha Narakar, Additional CEO Sheetal Pund, Zilla Parishad members and heads of various departments.
Concern Over VPDA System
Dr Rane also said the VPDA financial system introduced by the Finance Department had adversely affected the Zilla Parishad’s own revenue.
He noted that several Zilla Parishads across Maharashtra were facing similar difficulties and urged their presidents to jointly take up the issue with the State Government so that the local bodies received their legitimate share of funds.
The MLA assured that he would also pursue the matter with the government. He said Zilla Parishad presidents and chief executive officers should raise the issue during state-level meetings.
Priority for Roads, Health and Education
Dr Rane said development works relating to roads, water conservation, drinking water supply, healthcare and education should receive the highest priority.
He suggested that funds from comparatively lower-priority sectors could be redirected to healthcare and education wherever permissible.
Calling for greater accountability in road works, the MLA said proper utilisation of funds must be ensured during the repair of rural and district roads. Photographic records of the works would also be examined, he added.
Dr Rane said that if nearly ₹70 crore had been spent on road repairs during the past three years, the elected representatives of the Zilla Parishad should verify the quality and actual execution of those works.
