Mumbai: Samajwadi Party’s Bhiwandi East MLA Raees Sheikh has demanded that the Chief Minister and the Education Minister should revoke the ban imposed on all schools in the state on making the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ written by ‘Bankam Chandra Chatterjee’ mandatory on October 31.

In this regard, MLA Raees Sheikh said that ‘Jan Gana Man’ written by Rabindranath Tagore is the national anthem of India. However, the government’s order to sing the song in all schools in the state on October 31 and organize a song exhibition between October 31 and November 7 in the context of the 150th anniversary of the national anthem ‘Vande Mataram’ is illegal. Any organization should write a letter to the Minister of State for School Education Pankaj Bhuyar and the Education Department should immediately declare ‘Vande Mataram’ a mandatory song for all schools in the state, this is not good governance in a progressive state like Maharashtra.

The condition of schools and education in the state is deteriorating. It is the duty of the government to provide quality education. However, the government is discriminating by including religious issues like ‘Vande Mataram’ in the education sector. Making ‘Vande Mataram’ a mandatory song is a violation of the rights granted by the Constitution. There have been many discussions on the issue of ‘Vande Mataram’ till date. MLA Rais Sheikh said in the letter that ‘Jan Guna Man..’ is the national anthem of India and the national anthem should be given a place of honor, sanctity and respect everywhere, it has been agreed upon.

For the first time in Maharashtra’s political history, the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), headed by NCP (Sharad Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, will come under state government scrutiny over the utilisation of its funds. The institute, based in Pune, is engaged in research, development, and training for the state’s cooperative sugar industry.

The VSI’s operational funds are generated through a levy of ₹1 per metric tonne (MT) collected from sugar cooperatives across Maharashtra. These contributions are meant to support the institute’s ongoing research and training activities for the sugar sector.

According to sources, the decision to review the VSI’s funds was taken during a recent meeting of the ministers’ committee, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, which oversees decisions related to the sugarcane crushing season.

The move follows dissent among sugar mills after the BJP-led Mahayuti government decided to impose an additional ₹5 per MT levy on crushed sugarcane to contribute to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Reacting to the reports, Sugar Commissioner Sanjay Kolte confirmed that during the September 30 meeting, instructions were issued to form a committee to examine the utilisation of VSI’s funds. He, however, denied receiving any complaints regarding fund misuse.

Interestingly, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar a member of the VSI’s Board of Trustees was present during the meeting where the decision to review fund utilisation was made. Other key trustees include Dilip Walse Patil, Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, Jayant Patil, and Balasaheb Thorat.

According to data from the State Cooperation Department, VSI has received approximately ₹55 crore over the last five years through the cooperative contributions.

Never before has any state government verified the utilisation of VSI’s funds, despite its significant influence over Maharashtra’s sugar industry.

Political observers view this decision as a setback for Sharad Pawar, who serves as the lifetime chairman and head of VSI’s governing council.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the move was not a probe, but a routine request for financial transparency.
“The notice only seeks financial information regarding the funds collected from sugar factories,” he clarified.

In a move to strengthen Maharashtra’s global presence, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the expansion of the Protocol Sub-Department under the General Administration Department (GAD) to include three new divisions Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Diaspora Affairs, and International Outreach.

The decision, taken in a recent Cabinet meeting, aims to enhance the state’s engagement with international investors, promote cooperation across borders, and strengthen connections with the Marathi diaspora worldwide. The expansion will also facilitate progress in foreign trade, employment generation, cultural exchange, and tourism.

As part of the restructuring, the designation of Secretary and Chief Protocol Officer has been revised to Secretary (Protocol, Foreign Direct Investment, Diaspora Affairs, and International Outreach). The Cabinet also approved the formation of three new functional units one each for FDI, Diaspora Affairs, and International Outreach.

Currently, the Protocol Sub-Department has three operational divisions. With the addition of these units, the total will rise to six. To manage the expanded functions, 23 new posts have been sanctioned, increasing the department’s total strength to 62 positions.

The newly expanded department will oversee a broad portfolio, including:

Protocol and diplomatic relations

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) facilitation

Coordination with embassies and high commissions

Management of foreign loans and international funds

Promotion of finance, trade, and technology collaboration

Engagement with overseas Maharashtrian communities

Cultural and academic exchange initiatives

Promotion of international tourism

Facilitation of foreign employment opportunities

Global publicity for Maharashtra’s initiatives

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the decision will position Maharashtra as a leading destination for foreign investment and global cooperation.

“This expansion will help the state attract greater foreign investment, deepen international partnerships, and proactively engage with the global Marathi community. It reflects our vision to make Maharashtra a globally connected and investment-friendly state,” Fadnavis stated.