On Monday, MLA Rohit Pawar from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) called on Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to refrain from using aircraft operated by VSR company. He expressed concerns over the company’s track record, particularly referencing its involvement in a plane accident linked to Ajit Pawar.
Pawar highlighted that VSR has been implicated in various malpractice allegations and has repeatedly presented evidence indicating that the company does not adhere to safety regulations, with many of its aircraft being in poor condition. He noted the significance of Gadkari’s position as a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape and suggested that, given the current dynamics within the ruling party, it would be prudent for him to avoid using VSR’s services.
In a statement shared on social media, Pawar emphasized the need for Gadkari to prioritize his safety. He advised that if Gadkari’s office had indeed arranged for this aircraft, he should issue clear directives regarding its use. Furthermore, he cautioned that if the booking was made through the Union Ministry of Aviation, Gadkari should be wary, considering the financial connections between the Aviation Minister and VSR, which may prioritize the company’s interests over his safety.
In addition to his concerns about aviation safety, Pawar also discussed the reimbursement policy for schools with Education Minister Dada Bhuse. He pointed out that under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, private schools are mandated to admit underprivileged students, but the government only compensates these institutions for tuition fees. This arrangement places a considerable financial strain on schools as they also provide various additional services to students, which complicates their financial and administrative operations.
Pawar mentioned that he, along with representatives from the Maharashtra State Educational Institutions Federation and the Private Unaided School Management Committee, met with Bhuse to engage in a thorough discussion about this reimbursement issue. The Minister has committed to organizing a meeting on April 28 to further explore and address these concerns.
