MUMBAI: The cash-strapped govt, which is struggling to balance its resources while trying to fulfil poll promises, has recommended that the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) extend loans worth 1,104.6 crore to nine cooperative sugar factories, most of which are linked to the ruling parties in the Mahayuti alliance. Loans from the NCDC require a state guarantee, which will add to the state’s liabilities.
The recommendations for NCDC loans were originally sent last year, and this is a revised proposal, said sources. The proposal is for margin money loans to meet the working capital gap of the factories.
The state has recommended a loan of 188.5 crore for the Sharad Cooperative Sugar Factory in Kolhapur, which is linked to MLA Rajendra Patil Yadravkar, who supports the Mahayuti alliance. It has also recommended a 39 crore loan for the Ajinkyatara Cooperative Sugar Factory in Satara, which is linked to BJP legislator and public works minister Shivendrasinh Raje Bhosale.
The state has also backed an NCDC loan of 139 crore for the Sadashivrao Mandlik Cooperative Sugar Factory in Kolhapur’s Kagal taluka. It is linked to former MP Sanjay Mandlik from the Shiv Sena. The Chhatrapati Rajaram Cooperative Sugar Factory in Kolhapur’s Karveer taluka was also picked for a loan of 165 crore. It is linked to BJP MLA Amal Mahadik, cousin to MP Dhananjay Mahadik.
The state has also recommended a loan of 153.4 crore to the Kumbhi Kasari Cooperative Sugar Factory in Kolhapur’s Karveer taluka, which is linked to Shiv Sena MLA Chandradeep Narke, and 114 crore for the Sahakar Maharishi Shankarrao Kolhe Cooperative Sugar Factory in Ahmednagar. The factory is linked to BJP leader Vivek Kolhe. The Shri Ganesh Cooperative Sugar Factory in Ahmednagar has been recommended for a loan of 74 crore. This is linked to Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat and BJP’s Kolhe.
Besides, the Vasantrao Desai Ajara Cooperative Sugar Factory in Kolhapur has been recommended for a loan of 122.7 crore. This is linked to supporters of NCP leader and medical education minister Hasan Mushrif. The Sant Shiromani Maruti Maharaj Cooperative Sugar Factory in Latur has been recommended for an NCDC loan of 109 crore.
