Special registration drive for sugarcane cutters across Maharashtra planned, says Sanjay Rathod

Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod has announced that the government will initiate a special registration drive for the state's sugarcane cutters. Many workers are unable to benefit from government schemes because their names are not enrolled with the corporation.

Rathod visited two sugar factories in Kopargaon tehsil of Ahilyanagar district: Karmaveer Shankarrao Kale Sahakari Sugar Factory, Kolpewadi, and Sahakar Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Sahakari Sugar Factory, Sanjivaninagar. He went into a cane field and tried the cutting work himself. He spoke to the workers to understand their difficulties. Ration kits were also distributed to the workers on the occasion of Diwali.

During the visit it emerged that many cane workers have not been registered with the concerned corporation. As a result, they do not get the benefit of government schemes despite being eligible. Rathod said an effort would be made to take a policy decision on running a special registration drive across the state through the Revenue Department, the Rural Development Department and the corporation.

The government will also focus on the education of workers' children. They will be given school and hostel facilities. If a child does not get admission to a hostel, financial assistance according to eligibility is also being considered.

Health camps will be held at cane-cutting sites. Emphasis will also be laid on providing workers with the necessary safety equipment.

The workers put their problems before the minister. They said there is not enough lighting during night-time cane cutting, and they often have to work without a battery or light. This leaves them exposed to the threat of leopards, snakes and other wild animals. The workers also said they do not have safety kits. Rathod assured them that these issues would be discussed in the Cabinet and concrete measures taken.

Work on water conservation will also be speeded up. This includes desilting dams, spreading silt on farms, deepening streams, and stopping water and letting it percolate into the ground.