Early Life and Education
Dr. Nitin Kashinath Raut was born in Nagpur and has strong roots in the region. He pursued higher education and is a postgraduate, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence. He is deeply inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and follows Buddhist philosophy, which has significantly influenced his social and political ideologies.
Political Career
Nitin Raut is a prominent member of the Indian National Congress (INC) and represents the Nagpur North constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. He has had a distinguished political career, having been elected multiple times to the assembly:
- 1999 – 2004: First term as MLA
- 2004 – 2009: Second term as MLA
- 2009 – 2014: Third term as MLA
- 2019 – Present: Fourth term as MLA
He has held several key ministerial positions:
- 2008 – 2009: Minister of State for Home, Prison, State Labor, and Excise
- 2009 – 2014: Cabinet Minister for Horticulture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Employment Guarantee Scheme, and Water Resources
- 2019 – 2022: Cabinet Minister for Renewable Energy and Energy Department
- 2019 – 2019: Cabinet Minister for Public Works, Tribal Development, Women and Child Development, Textiles, Relief and Rehabilitation, and Welfare of OBCs and other backward classes
Major Achievements
As a Cabinet Minister for Renewable Energy, Raut played a pivotal role in advancing Maharashtra’s energy policies. He has been actively involved in initiatives to improve the infrastructure and development of the state. His tenure saw significant efforts to provide sustainable energy solutions, reflecting his commitment to environmental causes.
In 2022 then Maharashtra government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 50,000 crore with Renew Power at the World Economic Forum in Davos. This investment will focus on renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, hybrid, and hydrogen energy, over the next seven years. The initiative is expected to create 30,000 jobs.
Key Political Initiatives
Nitin Raut has been instrumental in various social welfare initiatives. He is the founder of ‘Sankalp,’ an NGO dedicated to the upliftment of Dalits and other marginalized communities. The NGO provides aid during natural and man-made disasters, and he has actively worked towards promoting education and social equality.
- Revival of Defunct Firm for Medical Purposes:
- Intervention for MSEDCL Recovery:
- Amid rising debt on the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Corporation Limited (MSEDCL), Nitin Raut sought the Chief Minister’s intervention for the recovery of ₹9,138 crore from two departments.
- In 2019 then Maharashtra Minister Nitin Raut revealed that around 30,000 women sugarcane workers removed their utreus to avoid wage loss during menstruation. He urged the Chief Minister to address this issue and protect these women’s health.
Contributions
Raut has contributed significantly to the social and economic development of his constituency. His efforts include organizing free food distribution programs, providing basic amenities during the annual Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Day celebrations at Deekshabhoomi, and supporting disaster relief operations.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Personal Life
Dr. Nitin Raut is married to Sumedha Raut, who is employed in a professional job. His family is deeply influenced by Buddhist philosophy, which is evident in his personal and professional endeavors.
Future Prospects
Nitin Raut’s legacy is marked by his dedication to social justice, equality, and sustainable development. His work in the renewable energy sector and his efforts to uplift marginalized communities have left a lasting impact. He continues to focus on these areas, promising further development and progress in his future commitments.
In June 2021, Nitin Raut, then Maharashtra’s Energy Minister, announced that no new thermal power projects were planned for the state. This decision was part of a broader strategy to shift focus towards renewable energy sources, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. (NewIndianEcpress)
Promises
Nitin Raut has made several promises during his tenure, including:
- In 2020 then Power Minister Nitin Raut announced that the state government was considering a proposal to provide free electricity to residential users whose monthly consumption is up to 100 units. (NDTV)
- Senior Congress leader Nitin Raut has accused the BJP-Shiv Sena government of deliberately halting development projects in his North Nagpur constituency. He has approached the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, alleging that the government stopped these works out of political vendetta, causing suffering to the public.
Videos and Interviews