Maharashtra Government to Launch SIT to Investigate EWS Quota Violation in Nashik
The Maharashtra government is set to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged cheating by 197 developers in Nashik who bypassed the mandatory 20% reservation for the economically weaker sections (EWS) by illegally splitting large land holdings into smaller parcels. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced this on Saturday.
Bawankule said that several builders, developers, and government officials had allegedly colluded to illegally split large land holdings into smaller parcels to ensure the total development area remained below 4,000sqm, thereby evading the mandatory 20% reservation for the economically weaker sections (EWS). "After evaluating the seriousness of the case, it is clear that builders, developers, and government officials worked together to manipulate land records. An SIT comprising IPS and IAS officers will be announced soon, and no one involved will be spared," he said.
An FIR was registered at the Sarkarwada police station on March 7 against 104 landlords and 93 builders and developers for allegedly cheating, creating false documents, and committing forgery. Under EWS provisions, the housing reserved through such projects is meant to be allotted to people from the lower income group (LIG) through the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada).
Bawankule added, "The scam originated in the land records department and later involved officials from Mhada and Nashik Municipal Corporation. Investigations have revealed that land parcels were split in a single day, when entries were updated, and even layout maps were generated within hours." The irregularities were unearthed by a committee headed by the additional collector of Nashik, following which a formal complaint was filed.
If the SIT's findings warrant further action, the state government could refer the case to the Enforcement Directorate to ensure strict punishment for all those involved, including officials and political functionaries, irrespective of party affiliation. Bawankule emphasized the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in such matters.
In a separate development, Bawankule also mentioned his willingness to hold talks with Congress politicians to ensure that the Baramati byelection is held unopposed. "Late Ajit Pawar shared cordial relations with all political parties. Following his tragic demise, it is our collective responsibility to stand by Sunetra Pawar, who is contesting the bypolls from Baramati," he said, adding that he had already spoken to Congress politicians Nana Patole and Vijay Wadettiwar and would request them to reconsider their decision to contest the election.
