Shiv Sena objects to allotment of land to Sharad Pawar-led Vasantdada Sugar Institute

MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena today objected to Maharashtra Cabinet's recent decision to give 36 hectares of land in Pune district to Sharad Pawar-led Vasantdada Sugar Institute ( VSI) for sugarcane research on a 30-year lease at Re one.

"Please let us know the criterion for making the allotment," Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said.

"There should be transparency while making such allotments," said the Sena leader, who also hails from Pune district.

"Had this been a government institute, one could have understood it. But it is not the case. We would like to know what work has the institute done for farmers," she said.

The management of VSI vests in the Board of Trustees comprising 11 members headed by Pawar, who is the Chairman.

Formerly known as Deccan Sugar Institute, VSI is an autonomous body and a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950. It was established in 1975 by the sugarcane grower members of cooperative sugar factories in Maharashtra.

The institute performs scientific, technical and educational functions relevant to the sugar industry and is recognised as a Centre for Research by the Department of Science and Technology of the Central government.