Kolhapur administration to seek Rs 1,093 crore next fiscal for development work

Kolhapur: District guardian minister Prakash Abitkar on Wednesday instructed officials to use the funds approved for the district effectively and transparently to provide quality facilities to residents.He said a demand of Rs 1,093 crore would be made before state govt for the next financial year for various development works in Kolhapur, and that a meeting would be held in Mumbai on Thursday in the presence of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in this regard.Abitkar said the proposal would include funds for the construction of six new primary health centres at Nilewadi (Hatakanangle), Takaliwadi and Sambhajipur (Shirol), Kandgaon (Karvir), Belewadi Kalamma (Kagal), and Malage Budruk (Kagal). It would also seek approval to include six new pilgrimage sites in the "C" category pilgrimage sites.Abitkar spoke at the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) meeting held on Wednesday afternoon. Co-guardian minister Madhuri Misal also chaired the meeting. Before the meeting, tributes were paid to the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.The draft plan for the District Annual Plan (general) for the year 2026-27 included renovation of primary schools, anganwadis, and office buildings under the 150-day plan received from the govt, strengthening of the comprehensive health system, infrastructure for the police department, construction of sewerage, strengthening of district and rural roads, flood control, and other works. The Samruddha School Scheme 2025-26 is being implemented for all the schools of the Zilla Parishad Primary Education Department using Rs 64 crore.There was a detailed presentation on the Mahalaxmi temple development plan and the Jyotiba hill development plan in the meeting. Issues discussed included the employment guarantee scheme, paved roads, the flood situation, protection of citizens from wild animals, the newly approved cricket stadium, and the provision of funds to schools and anganwadis, as well as schools in urban areas.The minister said that out of the budgeted funds of Rs 764 crore for this fiscal, Rs 307 crore had been spent so far, and the remaining funds needed to be spent within the stipulated period. Abitkar told officials that all development work should be completed in a timely manner with a focus on quality.Misal directed that the approved funds should be spent completely by the end of March.