Chief Minister Warkari Corporation

Introduction :-

To provide facilities and welfare schemes for the kirtankars and warkaris in the state of Maharashtra, the “Chief Minister Warkari Corporation” has been approved by the government resolution dated July 14, 2024. The structure, functioning, and future schemes to be implemented through this corporation will be as follows:

1. Structure of the Corporation:
1.1. The headquarters of the Chief Minister Warkari Corporation will be located in Pandharpur.
1.2. An officer from the Indian Administrative Service, either currently serving or retired, will be appointed as the “Managing Director” of the corporation.
1.3. The share capital of the Chief Minister Warkari Corporation will be ₹50 crore.

2. Functions and Operations of the Proposed Corporation:
For hundreds of years, there has been a sacred tradition in Maharashtra of warkaris undertaking the “Wari” pilgrimage on foot through the dindi to have a glimpse of Panduranga. To develop all pilgrimage sites and provide facilities such as food, shelter, security, medical assistance, insurance cover, and infrastructure to kirtankars and warkaris, the government has decided to establish the “Chief Minister Warkari Corporation.” Through this corporation, efforts will be made to provide facilities for warkaris, kirtankars, and pilgrimage sites.

3. Proposed Schemes of the Corporation:
3.1. Addressing the difficulties and issues faced by the Warkari community in Maharashtra. 3.2. Improving the routes of all palanquin processions, and planning annual financial provisions for cleanliness, health, shelter, and facilities.
3.3. Providing security and insurance protection cover for warkaris coming for the Ashadhi and Kartiki Wari.
3.4. Providing grants for bhajan and kirtan materials (such as cymbals, mridangam, veena, etc.) to Warkari Bhajani Mandals.
3.5. Implementing health insurance and honorarium schemes for kirtankars.
3.6. Providing annual grants to dindis for the Ashadhi and Kartiki Wari.
3.7. Developing pilgrimage sites such as Pandharpur, Dehu, Alandi, Muktainagar, Saswad, Pimpalner, Trimbakeshwar, Paithan, Kolhapur Sansthan, Shegaon, Tarkeshwar, Bhagwangad, Agastya Rishi, Sant Savata Mali Samaj Mandir, Aran Taluka Madha District Solapur, and other pilgrimage sites.
3.8. Taking measures to make rivers like Chandrabhaga, Indrayani, Godavari, and others pollution-free.
3.9. Implementing a “Warkari Pension” scheme for elderly warkaris who traditionally undertake the month-long Wari on foot.
3.10. Providing substantial funds for development works such as kirtan halls, educational classes, and bhajan halls to institutions like ‘Pujya Sadguru Jog Maharaj Warkari Shikshan Sanstha, Alandi,’ which propagates the Warkari sect across India and does not charge fees to students or pay salaries to teachers, nor receives any government grants.
3.11. Approving funds for a 15,000 square foot auditorium for the Sant Goroba Kaka Seva Mandal in Tera area, Taluka and District Osmanabad (Dharashiv).
3.12. Proceeding with the approved funds for the Shri Sant Muktabai Sansthan, Muktainagar palanquin route, and Samadhi site.
3.13. Developing ghats on both sides of the Chandrabhaga river at Shri Kshetra Pandharpur. 3.14. Constructing a pedestrian path or suspension bridge over the Chandrabhaga river from Mhasoba Temple to Vipradatt Ghat at Shri Kshetra Pandharpur.
3.15. Constructing large separate sections for dindis with nominal fees on 65 acres at Shri Kshetra Pandharpur, and acquiring land for dindis, phads, and their facilities on all routes leading to Pandharpur city.
3.16. Approving permanent funds for organizing all arrangements for palanquin processions annually.
3.17. Waiving toll fees for vehicles of warkaris/devotees and dindis coming for the Ashadhi and Kartiki Wari.
3.18. Providing separate accommodation, restrooms, changing rooms, and other related facilities for female warkaris.

The necessary positions (organizational structure) and financial provisions for this corporation, as well as a separate budget head, are being independently handled by the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance. Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Divisional Commissioner, Pune, has been given the additional charge of Managing Director of the Chief Minister Warkari Corporation.