Shirdi: Former MP Calls for End to Free Meal Service at Shri Saibaba Sansthan, Citing Rising Number of Beggars

Shirdi, 6th January 2025: Sujay Vikhe Patil, former Member of Parliament, has urged the CEO of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan, Goraksh Gadilkar, to halt the practice of providing free meals to pilgrims, claiming that it attracts beggars from across the state. Vikhe Patil voiced his concerns during a public event held in Shirdi on Saturday, attended by various local leaders and the CEO.

In his address, Vikhe Patil said, “We are making a collective request on behalf of the people of Shirdi to stop offering free meals. This is a united demand from our community. Instead, the funds allocated for meals should be redirected towards educational initiatives for children in Shirdi.”

According to Vikhe Patil, the free meal program is drawing an influx of beggars to the town. “People from all over the state are coming to Shirdi in search of food, which is not beneficial for the town’s image. Pilgrims visiting Shirdi can afford a small payment of Rs 10 for their meals. The Sansthan’s efforts in the medical field are commendable, but it should also focus on improving educational standards. The Sansthan has established large educational institutes here, and it should prioritize quality education for the children of Shirdi,” he added.

Vikhe Patil also proposed that the Sansthan should use its resources to create facilities for competitive exam preparation. “The Sansthan should introduce coaching facilities to help children prepare for competitive exams. Our Marathi-medium schools can be converted into CBSE English-medium schools to prepare children for the global competitive landscape. The focus should be on hiring top-quality teachers, not just infrastructure,” he emphasized.

The former MP warned that if these concerns were not addressed, protests would erupt from the people of Shirdi. “If our demands are ignored, we will have no choice but to protest,” he declared.

Currently, the Shri Saibaba Sansthan serves around 40,000 people daily in its prasadalay (food hall). Everyone, including those in the Sansthan’s hospitals, orphanages, and old age homes, receives the same meal.

Previously, a nominal charge of Rs 10 was levied on meals in the general hall and Rs 50 in the VIP hall. However, this charge was discontinued during the 2017 centenary celebrations.

A senior official from the Sansthan provided further details, saying, “Three months ago, a proposal was made to reintroduce the Rs 10 charge for meals in the general hall. This proposal was discussed at a meeting of the ad-hoc committee, which included Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Shende, Ahilyanagar Collector Siddharam Salimath, and CEO Goraksh Gadilkar. However, no decision has been made yet.”

The official further explained that reintroducing the Rs 10 fee would allow the Sansthan to establish a separate facility to continue providing free meals to those in need.