Why is MahaYuti Divided Over the Science Exhibition Revamp Proposal?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Division among ruling partners in Maharashtra over educational scheme.
- Delayed approval affects students' opportunities.
- Increased prize money faces objections from the Planning Department.
- Chief Minister's assurance for implementation.
- Focus on collaboration for educational progress.
Nagpur, Dec 11 (NationPress) A division emerged among the three ruling partners of the MahaYuti coalition in Maharashtra on Thursday concerning the stalled approval of a plan to upgrade the state-organized science exhibitions, which draw the attention of schoolchildren.
During the question hour in the state assembly, School Education Minister and Shiv Sena leader Dada Bhuse criticized the Planning Department led by Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) head Ajit Pawar for not granting the necessary approval and instead raising concerns over the heightened funding requirements.
BJP legislators inquired why Minister Bhuse has not yet initiated the 'Chief Minister Vidyarthi Vigyaan Vari' scheme. This initiative aims to take students with the top 21 projects from the tehsil-level competition to visit a science center at the division level.
Additionally, the top 51 projects from the district-level competition will receive a trip to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru, while the 51 finalists from the state-level competition will embark on an educational tour to NASA.
This initiative is known as the Chief Minister Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari.
BJP legislator Ameet Satam stated, "Although Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of State (Education) in June 2025, the project has yet to commence."
The Minister of State for Education is Pankaj Bhoyar of the BJP.
Satam was supported by another BJP legislator, Devyani Farande, who questioned the reasons for the delay and whether the project would begin within the next year.
“As a responsible minister, I should not disclose everything here. However, I will clarify since it seems I am being portrayed as the one delaying the scheme,” said Minister Bhuse.
“The prize money was increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 51,000, prompting the Planning Department to question this increase and the overall budget expansion,” he explained, noting that once it is approved, the matter will be presented to the cabinet.
Congress legislator Nana Patole highlighted the ongoing tussle among the three ruling parties, stating it is now hindering the implementation of various schemes.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promised that necessary actions would be taken to ensure the implementation of the initiative.