“My Village, Healthy Village”: A People’s Movement for a Healthier Maharashtra

April 2026 : In a major initiative to transform rural Maharashtra and ensure access to quality healthcare at the doorstep of villagers, the state government has launched an ambitious campaign titled “My Village, Healthy Village” (Majha Gaon, Aarogyasampanna Gaon). This statewide drive has been rolled out from April with the aim of turning it into a mass public movement for better health.

A divisional workshop under the campaign was organised by the Public Health Department at Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, where district-level officials and staff participated. The government envisions this initiative not merely as a government programme, but as a people-driven movement with active community participation. Under this campaign, every village will be developed into a “health-rich” village, strengthening healthcare systems from the grassroots to the state level and ensuring medical services reach even the most remote populations.

A key feature of the campaign is its focus on prevention rather than treatment. The primary objective is to bring about positive behavioural changes in rural communities and promote a healthy lifestyle. Along with treating illnesses, the campaign emphasises core public health aspects such as sanitation, access to clean drinking water, wastewater management, and nutrition.

The initiative also addresses both communicable and non-communicable diseases, along with maternal and child health and mental health. From gram panchayats to district-level health systems, all stakeholders will actively participate in implementing the programme. The government aims to build awareness around hygiene and health practices at the village level, thereby promoting the concept of “healthy villages.”

Recognition for “Healthy Villages”

To ensure effective implementation, committees have been established at three levels—from the state to the village. A state-level committee, chaired by Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, will oversee the campaign, while an action committee led by the Principal Secretary of the Health Department will handle planning and execution.

Specific criteria have been set to evaluate village health standards. Villages scoring above 70 percent will be awarded the title of “Healthy Village” and will receive recognition in the form of mementos, certificates, and cash rewards. The state government has allocated Rs 80.75 crore for the campaign.

Major Incentives Announced

Significant financial incentives have been announced to encourage participation and performance. At the state level, the top-performing Zilla Parishad will receive Rs 5 crore, the second Rs 3 crore, and the third Rs 2 crore. At the Panchayat Samiti level, prizes include Rs 2 crore for first place, Rs 1.5 crore for second, and Rs 1.25 crore for third.

Top-performing rural and sub-district hospitals will receive special awards of Rs 75 lakh. Sub-health centres will receive Rs 5 lakh at the district level and Rs 25 lakh at the state level, while primary health centres will get Rs 10 lakh (district) and Rs 50 lakh (state).

Villages themselves will also be rewarded, with prizes of Rs 25 lakh at the district level, Rs 1 crore at the divisional level, and Rs 5 crore at the state level for top performers.

The campaign will be implemented annually from April 1 to March 31, giving villages continuous opportunities to improve and earn recognition, while fostering a healthier and more resilient rural Maharashtra.