Early Life and Education
Deepak Vasant Kesarkar was born on July 18, 1955, in Sawantwadi, Maharashtra. He completed his education in Arts and Law from colleges in Sawantwadi.
Political Career
Deepak Kesarkar began his political journey with the Shiv Sena, a party with deep roots in Maharashtra’s politics. He was first elected as an MLA from Sawantwadi constituency in 2009, and since then, he has been a significant political figure in the state. His political acumen and dedication to public service helped him rise through the ranks of the party. Kesarkar has been re-elected multiple times, showcasing the trust and support he has garnered from his constituents.
Ministerial Posts
Kesarkar has held several key ministerial positions in the Maharashtra government. Notably, he served as the Minister of State for Home (Rural) in the Maharashtra government from 2014 to 2019. During this period, he was also responsible for Finance, Planning, and Skill Development. His role in these ministries allowed him to influence crucial policies and decisions that impacted rural development and financial planning in the state.
He currently holds the positions of Cabinet Minister for the Ministry of School Education and the Ministry of Marathi Language in Maharashtra in Eknath Shinde government. He also serves as the Guardian Minister of Mumbai City District and Kolhapur District.
Major Achievements
Kesarkar is known for his significant contributions to rural development and his efforts to improve infrastructure in the Konkan region. His tenure as the Minister of State for Home (Rural) saw initiatives aimed at enhancing the security framework in rural Maharashtra. He also played a pivotal role in financial planning, ensuring that resources were allocated effectively to benefit the underprivileged sections of society.
Key Political Initiatives
One of Kesarkar’s major initiatives was the focus on improving rural security and infrastructure. His efforts in skill development were also noteworthy, as they aimed to equip the youth in rural areas with the necessary skills to find employment, thereby reducing unemployment and promoting economic growth in these regions.
Controversy
The collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Malwan has sparked significant controversy. The statue, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fell within eight months of its unveiling. Kesarkar, along with other ministers, faced criticism for the incident. Kesarkar’s statement that “something good will come out” of the collapse was widely criticized and interpreted as insensitive.
Aspiring Teacher Incident: Kesarkar faced backlash for losing his composure during an interaction with a woman aspiring to be a teacher. The woman questioned him about significant delays in the teacher recruitment process. Kesarkar’s response was seen as dismissive and insensitive, leading to criticism from various quarters.
During a press interaction, Minister Deepak Kesarkar lashed out at a journalist after being bombarded with questions about the Badlapur case and the recent Rajkot fort incident. Kesarkar emphasized that the committee’s report on Badlapur remains confidential, stressing that all involved will be held accountable.
Social Media
Personal Life
Kesarkar is known for his humility and commitment to public service. Despite his political success, he remains grounded and continues to work towards the betterment of his community.
Promises and Future Commitments
Minister Deepak Kesarkar emphasized that only meritorious and suitable candidates will be selected for teaching positions, ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process.
The minister has promised to provide free uniforms to school students, ensuring equal access to basic necessities for all children.
School Management Consolidation: Kesarkar has proposed a significant consolidation of school management in Maharashtra. This initiative aims to centralize the administration of all schools under the School Education Department, including tribal ashram schools currently managed by the Tribal Development Department.
Changes in School Timings: Kesarkar announced changes in school timings for the upcoming academic year, with schools for students up to class II starting after 9 am.
Videos and Interviews