Legislative Work
For over 25 years, the organization ‘SAMARTHAN’ has made a highly significant and consistent contribution to the proceedings of the Maharashtra State Legislature. Giving voice to the issues of the deprived, marginalized, and neglected sections of the state in the assembly through elected representatives (MLAs/MLCs) Members of the Legislative Assembly & Council) has been the core principle of Samarthan’s work.
Here is detailed information regarding Samarthan’s participation in legislative proceedings and their priority subjects:
1. Participation in Legislative Proceedings (Past 25 Years):
Samarthan does not participate directly in electoral politics; rather, it provides technical and policy support to elected representatives. This primarily includes the following:
- Budget Analysis: After the Maharashtra State Government’s budget is presented, it is analyzed in accessible language and shared with MLAs. It provides a detailed account of the exact allocations and expenditures specifically designated for Dalits, Adivasis (tribals), women, children, and minorities.
- Use of Legislative Tools: Samarthan prepares the necessary technical information, data, and drafts for MLAs to raise questions in the house. This primarily includes:
- Starred Questions: To secure direct answers from ministers regarding administrative irregularities and local issues.
- Calling Attention Motions: To draw the immediate attention of the house to urgent and highly important matters of public concern.
- Discussion on Supplementary Demands: To prepare discussion points for MLAs regarding requests for expenditure beyond the original budget estimates.
- Effective Use of CAG and RTI: Data obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act and discrepancies highlighted in the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports are simplified and presented in the assembly through representatives to maintain a check on the administration.
Advancing evidence-based legislative advocacy to amplify the voices and rights of marginalized communities.
2. Priority Subjects and Justice for Marginalized Sections
Samarthan has consistently worked to ensure that the voice of the last person in society reaches the legislature. Their main priority areas are as follows:
A) Eradication of Malnutrition:
- Child and Maternal Mortality: Samarthan has continuously raised concerns in the legislature regarding child malnutrition and maternal mortality in tribal and remote areas like Palghar, Nandurbar, Melghat, and Gadchiroli.
- Scheme Implementation and Funding: Assisting MLAs in questioning the government through Starred Questions regarding loopholes and funding gaps in the implementation of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), nutritional distribution in Anganwadis, and the ‘Amrut Aahar Yojana’.
B) Seasonal Migration and Its Impact:
- Migration of Sugarcane and Brick Kiln Workers: Samarthan has brought the critical issue of large-scale seasonal migration from Palghar and Thane District onto the legislative agenda, constantly advocating for the rights of Brick-clin, Rocklin, Sugarcane cuter and their families.
- Right to Education for Children: To prevent the educational loss of laborers’ children due to displacement, Samarthan has pressured the government through representatives to take policy decisions for setting up ‘Seasonal Hostels’ and ensuring access to education at sugar factories and brick kilns.
- A) Tribal Development and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP)
- Fund Allocation and Expenditure: Continuously raising a voice through MLAs to ensure that funds for tribal development (TSP) are allocated proportionately to their population and are not diverted to other departments.
- Infrastructure: Bringing to light irregularities in health facilities, Anganwadis, and housing schemes (e.g., Shabari, Ramai Gharkul) in tribal-dominated areas like Palghar, Thane, and Nandurbar.
- B) Public Education and Health
- Education in Rural and Remote Areas: Advocating for the effective implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, and challenging government policies in the legislature concerning the closure of classes in rural areas, teacher shortages, and the deteriorating condition of school infrastructure.
- Health Budget: Pressuring the government through MLAs to increase the state’s public health budget in proportion to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Consistently raising Starred Questions regarding the shortage of medicines and equipment in district hospitals and rural health centers.
- C) Labor Rights:
- Seasonal and Manual Laborers: Demanding policy reforms in the legislature to ensure legal protections for sugarcane workers, brick kiln workers, and contract laborers, as well as advocating for the effective functioning of their respective health and welfare boards.
- Outcomes and Significance of the Work:
- Creating Well-Informed Representatives: Thanks to Samarthan’s data and analysis, many new and dedicated MLAs have been able to present their arguments effectively and knowledgeably in the house.
- Policy Changes: Beyond merely raising questions, this advocacy has frequently resulted in eliminating budgetary discrepancies and securing increased funding for welfare schemes aimed at marginalized groups.
- Administrative Accountability: Questions raised through legislative tools compel the administration to provide formal, on-the-record answers, which has significantly helped in increasing transparency in government operations and schemes.
In summary, over the past 25 years, ‘Samarthan’ has acted as a strong, intellectual bridge through elected representatives to ensure that the Maharashtra Legislature functions not merely as a law-making body, but as a ‘platform for the rightful demands and justice of the deprived and marginalized sections.’
Former Minister and current Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Mr. Bacchu Kadu, paid a courtesy visit to the Samarthan office to discuss various social issues.
Ahead of the State Budget, Congress Legislature Party Leader and former Minister Mr. Satej (Bunty) Patil visited the Samarthan office to discuss the budget and the Opposition’s strategy with the Samarthan team.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Samarthan met then Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Mr. Vijay Wadettiwar to request urgent support for tribal communit
Samarthan representatives met the then Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Ambadas Danve, and submitted a memorandum urging focused discussions in the Legislature on tribal development, social justice, school education, and public health.