The Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme, which was launched during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, has been stalled during the Mahayuti government. Since February, 1800 Shiv Bhojan center operators have been protesting in various places by going on a hunger strike as they have not received any subsidy.
Demonstrations were also held in front of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' residence. Finally, the decision to pay the two hundred crores owed to the Shiv Bhojan Kendra operators was taken in a cabinet meeting.
There are 1800 Shiv Bhojan Thali centers across the state. During the Corona period, these Shiv Bhojan Thali centers, which are available for INR 10, have provided a huge support to the poor and needy citizens and construction workers. After that, the then Maha Vikas Aghadi government decided to continue this scheme. Accordingly, a provision of INR 270 crore was made in the budget every year. However, after the Mahayuti government came to power, the issue of subsidy for the Ladki Bahin scheme arose and this scheme was neglected.
This scheme is on the verge of closure and some center operators have not received the subsidy since December and some center operators since February. The center operators of these Shiv Bhojan Thali centers were in financial trouble as they owed the government about INR 200 crore. The center operators formed the 'Shiv Bhojan Sanghatana'. Demanding that the outstanding bills for seven months be paid, these center operators warned of a strong protest in front of the houses of all ministers and MLAs.
The center operators submitted a letter to the government stating that the rent for the space, the salaries of the workers, and the outstanding grocery bills were causing difficulties in running the center.
The central leaders alleged that the government was ignoring them despite giving representations to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and MLAs. This issue was discussed in the cabinet meeting. Accordingly, Minister Uday Samant said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took the decision to pay the outstanding bills of the central drivers in the cabinet meeting. Therefore, the government will immediately take action regarding the outstanding subsidy of these central drivers.
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The government requires INR 270 crore in the budget for the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme. However, this year only INR 70 crore has been provided, but out of that only INR 20 crore has been distributed. Through this center, a plate is provided to 2.5 lakh needy people across the state every day for INR 10.
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