Maharashtra mulling transparent toll collection: Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra government is positively considering bringing transparency to the toll collection process and also mulling over scrapping it for projects up to Rs 20 crore, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said here today.
Pawar, who is also Maharashtra's finance minister, said that discussions are on with Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation and Public Works Department about how to reimburse private parties involved in road construction projects.
"Budgetary provision for the same would be made in the complete budget to be presented in June," he said while replying to a query during an interim budget debate.
Lambasting the opposition for promising a "toll free" Maharashtra, Pawar said that it is a poll gimmick which has been rubbished by senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari publicly.

He also said that the budgetary outlay for district annual plans has been substantially increased from Rs 900 crore in 1999 to Rs 5,900 crore.
Pawar said the state's financial position is "sound" and all efforts are being undertaken to mobilise resources.

"Electricity subsidy has been given for industry and agriculture sectors, since tariff for industry is high as the state provides 24 hours electricity. We consider the subsidy provided as investment to boost industrial investment capacity," he said.
Pawar said the state had to face three natural calamities in a year including a drought, heavy rains and a hailstorm.

"Farmers who lost their crop need to be compensated," the minister said.