Navi Mumbai: A proposal to transfer 59 Zilla Parishad (ZP) schools in Panvel to the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) sparked heated debate at the Raigad Zilla Parishad's general body meeting, with members across party lines opposing the move and demanding that the civic body pay compensation based on the current market value of the land.
The issue dominated the general body meeting chaired by ZP President Mangesh Wakdikar on Monday at the newly inaugurated meeting hall at Kunte Baug. The meeting was attended by Vice-President Madhukar Patil, standing committee chairpersons Vaikunth Patil, Uttam Kolambe, Narayan Damse and Rasika Keni, Chief Executive Officer Neha Bhosale, department officials, ZP members and Panchayat Samiti chairpersons.
Members questioned why the administration had initiated the transfer process without first obtaining the approval of the general body. They argued that the school properties belong to the Zilla Parishad and that any transfer should only be carried out after due consultation with elected representatives.
Several members pointed out that land values in Panvel have appreciated substantially over the years and said the Zilla Parishad should be compensated at prevailing market rates before handing over the school properties to the municipal corporation.
Concerns were also raised over the future use of the land, with members seeking assurances that the properties would continue to be used exclusively for educational purposes. They questioned who would be held accountable if the land was later diverted for any other use.
Apart from the school transfer issue, members also criticised the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, alleging poor execution of rural water supply projects and expressing concern over tender conditions that they claimed favoured contractors.
The House demanded that at least 20% of the District Planning Committee (DPC) funds be allocated directly to elected ZP members for development works in their respective constituencies.
Members also highlighted the difficulties faced by residents in securing permissions to construct new houses or repair existing ones due to multiple land-use classifications and complex approval procedures across Raigad district. They urged the administration to simplify the process.
The proposed Rs 305-crore flood mitigation plan prepared by the Public Works Department also came under fire, with several ruling party members insisting that it should not be approved without first consulting elected representatives.
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