Mumbai, March 24 The number of unfulfilled government assurances in Maharashtra has crossed 5,200, with the legislative Committee on Government Assurances raising concerns over delays and the absence of officials in review meetings on Tuesday.
Committee chairman Ravi Rana said in the state assembly that a large number of assurances given by ministers during legislative sessions remained unresolved and stressed the need for accountability.
"The assurances given by ministers are important for the people. The officials should have a sincere approach to such meetings. If the officials remain absent, then they would face action," Rana said.
Presenting the committee's first report in the assembly, he said that of the 1,188 assurances given during the 2016 legislative session, decisions had been taken in 491 cases, while 53 were pending at the divisional hearing level.
A total of 5,204 assurances were pending with the government, Rana added.
Senior officials must remain present for meetings convened by public representatives in connection with the committee, he said, warning that proposals would be moved to initiate action against those who remain absent.
Senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar alleged that some government officials manipulate ministers and influence the withdrawal of assurances made during legislative proceedings. He claimed that not only the self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, but certain officials were also involved in manipulating ministers.
Nashik-based Kharat, who claimed to be a retired Merchant Navy officer, was arrested on March 18 for rape and other offences on the complaint of a 35-year-old woman.
Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar said the issues raised by Rana and Mungantiwar were serious and warned of strict action against errant officials.
"If officials are found ignoring such meetings called by the Committee on Government Assurances, then nothing else is more serious than this. Such an act means compromising the sovereignty of the legislature. It will not be tolerated," he said.
Complaints against any official in this connection would invite action, the speaker added.