Bill for trifurcation of MSEB may not be presented during winter session — CM

visit of a high-level World Bank team, Deshmukh had convened a special meeting to approve the proposal to trifurcate the MSEB, since it was the Bank’s pre-condition for financial aid.

In an interview to The Indian Express on the eve of the winter session, Deshmukh said despite opposition from a section of his own partymen, his Government was determined to bring in a comprehensive legislation for the protection of the slum-dwellers prior to January 1, 1995 and eviction of those, who have come after January 1, 1995. “Senior leaders, Murli Deora and Sunil Dutt, have asked me to take a fresh look at the proposed legislation on the ground that it will render lakhs of people homeless. No doubt, I will consider their views, but at the same time, we will also introduce the bill,” Deshmukh added.

Deshmukh made it clear that his Government has dropped the scheme to provide free houses to 40 lakh slum-dwellers, a dream project of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. “We feel that such schemes are not viable. Even the earlier government was unable to implement the same. I feel the beneficiaries of such schemes must bear a part of the expenditure,” the Chief Minister added.

On the financial situation, Deshmukh said after his Government presented a white paper on the economy during the last winter session, though certain measures were taken to tighten the situation, he was not happy with the situation. “Our ways and means position is not that satisfactory. We are not in a comfortable position, we will have to take stern measures. We are reviewing our resource mobilisation process to garner additional funds,” he said.

Elaborating on his contention, Deshmukh said at the moment there are three main proposal to mobilise funds to tackle the resource-crunch. Firstly, withdrawal of the financial assistance being given to municipal councils in lieu of octroi, secondly, auctioning of the liquor shops and thirdly, regularisation of illegal transport services in the rural parts. “No final decision has been taken, however, if a decision is taken, it will not be difficult to mobilise at least Rs 1000 crore from these three areas,” he added.

On leader of opposition Narayan Rane’s demand to revoke the suspension of Shiv Sena legislators, Deshmukh said the proposal was discussed at length in the Coordination Committee meeting and the general view was that no leniency should be shown to the legislators in view of serious nature of complaints against them. “The Coordination Committee has outrightly rejected the proposal. In addition, the same has already been challenged in the court and as such it is sub judice,” he said.

Deshmukh described as baseless the charge against him that he has completely surrendered to the NCP president Sharad Pawar. “There is no question of my surrendering to him. In a coalition government and that too of nine parties, the Chief Minister has to consult major constituents before taking any policy-decision. Under such circumstances, it will be wrong to say that I have surrendered to Pawar,” he added.

On the demand for separate Vidarbha vis-a-vis the resolution moved by Rane, Deshmukh said any decision on the demand has to be taken by the high command. Since his party high command was seized of the proposal, it will be improper for him to make any comment, he said, adding, Rane’s resolution will be taken up for discussion subject to the permission granted by the speaker.