Separate Vidarbha by 2027: Roadmap planned by VRAS The Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) has intensified its campaign for a separate Vidarbha state, announcing a detailed roadmap to achieve statehood by 2027. During its quarterly national meeting in Nagpur, the organization unveiled a series of protests and public outreach initiatives aimed at mobilizing support for the long-standing movement. The plan includes large-scale demonstrations, symbolic acts of protest, and grassroots engagement to pressure the central government to address regional grievances. A key component of the roadmap is the Kranti Din Long March, scheduled for August 9. The march will begin at Deekshabhoomi and conclude at Samvidhan Chowk, serving as a major mobilization effort for supporters of the statehood movement. This event is expected to draw thousands of participants and highlight the demand for administrative and developmental autonomy for Vidarbha. Another significant protest is planned between September 24 and 28, during which copies of the Nagpur Pact will be symbolically burned across districts and talukas in Vidarbha. VRAS leaders emphasized that this act is a protest against what they describe as the continued neglect of the region and the alleged failure to honor the promises made under the pact. The Nagpur Pact, a historical agreement between the central government and Vidarbha leaders, is seen as a cornerstone of the statehood movement, and its symbolic destruction underscores the frustration over unfulfilled commitments. The state-level core committee meeting of VRAS was held at the MLA Hostel in Nagpur, chaired by former MLA Wamanrao Chatap.#vidarbha_rajya_andolan_samiti #wamanrao_chatap #nagpur_pact #kranti_din_long_march #separate_vidarbha_state
Nabard’s Fund Allocation To Vidarbha Region Biased A political dispute has emerged over the allocation of Rs500 crore by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) for rural infrastructure projects, with the Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) accusing the Maharashtra government of favoring western Maharashtra. The group claims the distribution of funds for 148 public works projects reflects a “blatant regional imbalance,” leaving Vidarbha with a “meagre share” despite its historical grievances. The VRAS criticized the state government for failing to secure equitable treatment for its own region, arguing that decision-making remains skewed in favor of western districts. According to data cited by the committee, western Maharashtra’s five districts received Rs237 crore—nearly half of the total allocation. Satara emerged as the largest beneficiary, securing Rs150 crore, or 33% of the funds. Other western districts, including Pune (Rs20.86 crore), Kolhapur (Rs26.19 crore), Sangli (Rs17.21 crore), and Ahilyanagar (Rs23.35 crore), collectively accounted for a significant portion of the allocation. In contrast, Vidarbha’s 11 districts were allotted Rs116 crore, while Marathwada’s eight districts received Rs55 crore. The committee highlighted that an equal distribution would have allocated Rs18.51 crore per district, but only Amravati in Vidarbha surpassed this average, receiving Rs23.18 crore. The VRAS described the allocation pattern as “shocking and unfortunate,” arguing that Vidarbha continues to face systemic neglect. The group accused the ruling alliance of perpetuating the dominance of western Maharashtra, a claim echoed by former MLA Wamanrao Chatap and other signatories of the statement.#maharashtra_government #vidarbha_rajya_andolan_samiti #wamanrao_chatap #nabard #srinivas_khandewale
Classrooms Turn Virtual Heat Traps: Why Are Nagpur Schools Still Open? Nagpur: With temperatures in the region hovering around 43°C, classrooms across the city have become virtual heat traps, yet children continue attending school during the peak hours of the day. This situation has sparked widespread criticism of the Maharashtra government’s inadequate response to the ongoing heatwave. Despite public health advisories urging people to stay indoors after noon, the education department has not issued any directives to close schools or adjust class timings. Parents and educators argue that this inaction puts children’s health at risk, highlighting a glaring disconnect between policy and ground realities. The lack of a statewide policy has left district administrations in Vidarbha to improvise, resulting in inconsistent and last-minute decisions. Wamanrao Chatap, head of the Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti, accused policymakers of apathy, stating, “The chief minister is from Nagpur. If leaders here cannot recognize the severity of Vidarbha’s summers, who will? Schools should have been shut from April 1. This is sheer apathy. The least they can do is keep children in mind while planning the academic session.” Public frustration has grown after The Times of India highlighted the issue, with citizens criticizing the disconnect between policymakers and local conditions. One reader blamed bureaucrats for being “unfamiliar with Vidarbha’s summers” or forgetting them after transfers to Pune or Mumbai. A school principal echoed this sentiment, suggesting, “Make bureaucrats sit in classrooms after noon. Let them endure what children are forced to. Decisions will change overnight.” Another citizen called for direct accountability from the political class, urging, “Hold the assembly session here in peak summer.#times_of_india #maharashtra_government #vidarbha #wamanrao_chatap #yogesh_pathare
VRAS’ Mission 2027: Vidarbha statehood movement set for decisive battle The Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) has declared that its 'Mission 2027' is set to mark a turning point in the long-standing struggle for a separate state of Vidarbha. The movement, which has persisted for decades, is now entering a new phase, with a focus on mobilizing the youth and building a stronger case for statehood. The group claims that their efforts over the past two years have covered 120 towns and 152 colleges, spreading awareness about the need for a separate state. Former MLA Wamanrao Chatap, who leads VRAS, emphasized that the movement is now gaining momentum. He described the process as one of "lighting a candle one-by-one and spreading enlightenment," with a focus on educating the youth about the importance of statehood for their future. Chatap noted that while the organization has made significant progress, there is still work to be done, particularly in reaching out to villages that have not yet been covered. The movement's demands are rooted in historical grievances. Chatap pointed out that the delay in forming the Vidarbha Statutory Development Board, which was supposed to be established at the time of Maharashtra's formation in 1960, had a detrimental impact on the region's development. He argued that the promises made to Vidarbha during the formation of Maharashtra, known as the Nagpur Pacts, were not honored, leading to a lack of institutional support for the region. Arun Kedar, another VRAS leader, highlighted the disparity in administrative treatment between Vidarbha and other parts of Maharashtra.#vidarbha_rajya_andolan_samiti #wamanrao_chatap #arun_kedar #tatya_mate #khandewale
