On May 6, the Committee members from the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena government took potshots at Bagde who is going to Carnegie Mellon University between May 14-31.
The Committee members of BEST raised tough questions to the Undertaking's General Manager Dr Surendrakumar Bagde, who will be going on an 18-day study leave to the United States of America. On May 6, the Committee members from the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena government took potshots at Bagde who is going to Carnegie Mellon University between May 14-31.
The General Manager, who has already got sanction from the Maharashtra government for his research study leave, had sent a note to the Committee members informing them about the same. Bagde has undertaken additional research on the subject 'Labour Market Outcome of Engineering Graduate, Entry of Private Schools and its impact on Academic Achievement'.
However, this turned into a full-fledged discussion as Committee members — who represent various political parties — felt that the topic of research would not benefit the BESTUndertaking which is in a financial mess. "We wish him luck. But the fact is that the BEST is in doldrums and there are quite a few unresolved issues that need attention. We do not know if the research subject will be of any help in reviving the BEST," said Sunil Ganacharya, member, BEST Committee from BJP.
He listed out issues regarding financial trouble faced by BEST, employees not getting salaries on time, bus fleet depleting, ITMS getting delayed etc. "It is good that the General Manager is going to the US for further studies. We hope that it can be replicated here for the well-being of BEST," said Anil Kokil, member, BEST Committee from Shiv Sena.
The Congress, on the other hand, blamed Sena led the civic body for BEST's condition. "We cannot blame the General Manager for everything. It is the fault of the ruling parties who have failed to control the administration," said Ravi Raja, member, BEST Committee from Congress.
By then Bagde was visibly upset over these remarks. "BEST has been in trouble for many years now. In the past, there was improper planning in managing funds. There will be frictions between Committee members and administration but they cannot pass such comments. The BEST Committee has no role to play if I take leave," replied Bagde as the discussions went on for nearly 20 minutes.
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