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Nagpur: The Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research and Training Institute (MahaJyoti) initiated a scheme to provide aviation training to youths from the OBC, VJNT, and SBC categories in Maharashtra. However, due to the inefficiency of MahaJyoti, the state government, and the Nagpur Flying Club, the careers of the selected trainees have been derailed.
In the first week of October 2024, the trainees staged an indefinite hunger strike. Following this, the government promised to collaborate with another institution to continue the training, but this assurance is yet to be implemented. According to the agreement, MahaJyoti had allocated ₹7.5 crore to the Nagpur Flying Club. Twenty students were selected, and the training began on November 1, 2022. The program was designed to last 18 months and included 200 hours of flight training. However, even after the scheduled end of the program in April 2024, the training remains incomplete.
Assurance of Quality Training
MahaJyoti’s Managing Director, Rajesh Khavale, stated that tenders were issued to finalize a new training institution. Due to a lack of response initially, a second round of tenders was issued, inviting proposals from states such as Goa and Karnataka. This time, there has been a positive response, and a new contract is expected to be finalized soon. Additionally, as per student demands, training on twin-engine aircraft will be provided.
“We are committed to providing quality training to the students,” said Khavale.
Demand for Compensation
The inefficiency of MahaJyoti and the state government has left the future of 20 trainees uncertain. Umesh Korram, coordinator of the OBC Youth Rights Forum, has demanded that MahaJyoti compensate the trainees with at least ₹1 lakh per month for the losses they have incurred.
This issue raises serious questions about the effectiveness of government schemes and the accountability of the institutions involved. There is an urgent need for decisive action to ensure justice for the affected trainees.
