Early Life and Education
Shekhar Govindrao Nikam was born on March 1, 1966, in Chiplun, Ratnagiri district. He pursued his education at Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, where he completed his M.Sc. in Agriculture.
Political Career and Party Position
Shekhar Govindrao Nikam is a member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-Ajit Pawar). He has been serving as an MLA from the Chiplun Assembly constituency since 2019.
He has held various positions within the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, showcasing his long-standing political influence.
Major Achievements and Key Political Initiatives
Nikam’s tenure has seen a focus on infrastructure and development in his constituency. Among his major initiatives:
- Road and Transportation Projects: His efforts have led to better connectivity in the Chiplun region, facilitating improved transportation for residents.
- Local Development: Through his work, there have been significant strides in upgrading local facilities, especially focusing on water supply, education, and healthcare.
While there have been limited major publicized statewide initiatives, his localized impact is visible in the betterment of his constituency, which his voters continue to appreciate.
Contributions and Public Engagement
Nikam is known for being accessible to his constituents. His hands-on approach and engagement with the public have been crucial in ensuring the implementation of local projects. Additionally, Nikam has been a vocal supporter of initiatives that benefit his constituency, frequently addressing concerns through public meetings and local forums.
His engagement on social media, although limited, provides a platform for him to communicate directly with the public, highlighting his focus areas and ongoing projects.
Controversy
MLA Shekhar Nikam of the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP is facing backlash from farmers in Sawarde, Chiplun, over polluted water from a local spinning mill. During a recent meeting, angry villagers confronted him about the lack of action regarding the contamination of their wells and rivers, which they attribute to black water runoff from the mill.
Social Media
Promises and Future Commitments
Shekhar Govindrao Nikam has vowed to continue working on:
- Infrastructure Development: He has emphasized the ongoing expansion of roads and transportation facilities in his constituency.
- Healthcare Access: He plans to focus on improving local healthcare services, making them more accessible to the rural population.
- Youth Empowerment: His promises include skill development programs aimed at equipping young people in his region with the skills they need for employment.
MLA recently initiated repairs on the Yojana Rajewadi and Derwan water supply project, addressing severe water shortages in Sawarde and 40 nearby villages caused by leaks in the Rajewadi Dam. His efforts secured ₹14.99 crore in funding, which aims to significantly improve access to drinking water in the affected areas.
MLA completed the Bhoomipujan ceremony for a social hall in Pedhambe Kondachiwadi, Sangameshwar taluk. Responding to villagers’ requests for a community space, he secured the necessary funds through the Koyna Earthquake Scheme to support this initiative.
MLA played a crucial role in securing funding for the construction of a protective wall for a modern auditorium being built by the Muslim community in Chiplun. After persistent follow-ups with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, he successfully obtained approval for ₹1.25 crore from the 2515 scheme. The office bearers of the Chiplun Muslim Society expressed their gratitude for his efforts.
MLA Shekhar Nikam facilitated a meeting in Sawarde with members of the Chiplun Rescue Committee, the Chiplun Municipal Council, and irrigation officials to discuss a proposed flood relief plan for Chiplun. During the meeting, the Irrigation Department presented a preliminary project plan and invited suggestions for improvements. Various flood relief options were explored, and a comprehensive plan is set to be submitted to the government shortly.