Eknath Khadse not Vacate 'Ramtek' nor yet to paid Rs 15.50 Lakhs due rent

Former Minister Eknath Khadse may have resigned from Maharashtra cabinet, but has no qualms on using facilities given to a Minister. Khadse has till to vacate spacious sea-side 'Ramtek' Bungalow, Also not pay Rs 15.50/- Lakhs, the rent arrears due to the Public Works department, An RTI query by RTI Activist Anil Galgali revealed.

Anil Galgali had put up an RTI application demanding to know status of occupation and rent arrears of much sought-after "Ramtek' bungalow on Narayan Dabholkar Road. Public Works department informed Galgali that Ekanath Khadse has not vacated the bungalow, Since he had first occupied it on the afternoon of 19th November 2014. He has been charged rent since his resignation as Minister but has not paid up. These rent arrears due from him have mounted to 15.50/- lakhs and he has not made any payment, Malabar Hill division of PWD informed to PWD Higher Authority.

After his resignation as Revenue Minister, Anil Galgali First who had publicly raised the issue of Khadse illegal occupation of official bungalow. It was imperative for him to vacate the bungalow on 19th June 2016 as he had resigned on 4th June 2016. A minister can use his official residence free for a period of 15 days, from the date that he ceases to be a Minister. After that on obtaining Government permission he can retain the residence for three months on a payment of Rs 25 per square foot. After three months this charge is to be doubled to Rs 50 per sq foot. Khadse had till then not even bothered to obtain necessary permission for his extended stay. Following Galgali's previous intervention, Khadse had been granted permission valid for a period of 3 months. Not much seems to have changed and Khadse has not vacated the Government bunglow, neither has he paid the rent due for it. Arrears due from him as rent stood on Rs 15,49, 975/- as on 19th November 2016.

Anil Galgali has written to the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking action against the GAD officials failing in their duty to protect prime Government property from illegal occupation of a politician & Ex Minister. They must be held liable for dereliction of duty and the rent arrears must be deducted from their salaries, Galgali argued.