India - September 23, 2024

Maharashtra Cabinet Decisions

September 23, 2024

0 26 min read

Naming of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj International Airport, Pune

Mumbai : In today’s Cabinet meeting, a decision was made to rename Lohgaon Airport to Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj International Airport, Pune. The meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

As per the decision, a formal recommendation for the name change will be sent to the central government. The Warkari community had requested that Lohgaon Airport be named after Tukaram Maharaj.

Guaranteed Progression Scheme for Children’s Home Staff, Senior Selection Category for Teachers

At today’s Cabinet meeting, it was decided to implement a revised assured progression scheme for non-teaching staff in observation and children’s homes managed by district and regional probation and maintenance organizations. Additionally, the senior and selection categories for teachers were approved. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

The Chattopadhyay Commission had recommended the introduction of senior and selection categories for teachers. A budget of Rs 2.71 crore was approved to cover dues, with an annual expenditure of Rs 68.56 lakh.

Maharashtra State Cultural Policy 2024 Announced

The Maharashtra State Cultural Policy 2024 was approved during today’s Cabinet meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

A committee, chaired by Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar and led by Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, was appointed in 2022 to review the State’s 2010 Cultural Policy. The newly proposed policy, along with input from various subcommittees, was presented today.

This policy aims to enhance Maharashtra’s cultural identity globally by preserving its rich heritage and arts. Its objectives include protecting cultural assets like historical sites, art museums, and literature; ensuring community involvement in cultural policy creation; raising public awareness about cultural heritage; providing financial support for cultural programs; developing a legal framework for policy implementation; and leveraging modern technology for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage. The policy will also focus on promoting investment in cultural infrastructure and fostering economic value through cultural development strategies. It will be reviewed every five years.

Relief for Paddy Growers: Additional Freight Rate of Rs 40 Per Quintal

In today’s Cabinet meeting, it was decided to provide an additional freight rate of Rs 40 per quintal to rice millers for the 2023-24 marketing season, alongside the rate offered by the central government. The meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, approved an additional expenditure of Rs 46.55 crore for this purpose.

Approval of District and Additional Sessions Court in Junnar

The Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, approved the establishment of a District and Additional Sessions Court, as well as a Civil Senior Court in Junnar, Pune district, in today’s meeting.

Under this decision, 19 regular posts and 6 external posts will be created, alongside 21 scheduled posts and 4 additional external posts for the Civil Courts.

14,886 Crore Greenfield Expressway from Shirur to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Approved

In today’s Cabinet meeting, the new 205-kilometer greenfield expressway from Shirur to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was approved. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

The expressway, costing Rs 14,886 crore, will be developed on a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) basis. Road tax will be applied as per the Road Tax Policy 2008 upon project completion. A total of 2,633 hectares of land will be acquired for the project.

Amendments to the GST Act to Benefit Taxpayers

To protect taxpayers’ interests, the draft Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 was approved during today’s Cabinet meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Amendments to the Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017

This decision was taken to amend the Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, in order to maintain consistency with the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, and to reduce difficulties faced by both taxpayers and the Goods and Services Tax Department.

It has been decided that for the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21, any returns filed under Section 39 up to November 30, 2021, will be eligible for input tax credit. Additionally, for the years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20, there is a provision for a conditional waiver of interest and penalties on certain demand notices.

Assistance to Yarn Mills in Jalgaon and Yavatmal Districts

In today’s Cabinet meeting, approval was given to provide assistance to two cotton mills located in the Jalgaon and Yavatmal districts. The meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Cooperative Yarn Mill Maryadit, located in Shendurni (T. Jamner) in Jalgaon district, was selected for assistance under the 10:40:50 funding ratio, as it falls under Zone 2 according to the Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy, 2023-28.

Additionally, Rs 68.95 crore in government share capital and loans was approved for Babasaheb Naik Cotton Producers Cooperative Cotton Mill in Pimpalgaon (Kanha), Mahagaon, Yavatmal district, for payment of installments.

Land Allotment for Cricketer Ajinkya Rahane’s Sports Facility in Bandra

The Cabinet has approved the allotment of a plot of land in Bandra to cricketer Ajinkya Rahane for the establishment of a well-equipped sports facility. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

A 2,000 square meter plot at Bandra Reclamation will be leased to Rahane for 30 years. This same plot was previously allocated to cricketer Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for an indoor cricket training center, but due to a lack of development, the land was repossessed by the government. The area is currently in poor condition and has been misused by nearby slum dwellers. MHADA has since passed a resolution recommending the plot be allotted to former cricket captain Ajinkya Rahane.

Creation of ‘Gram Panchayat Adhikari’ Post by Merging Gram Sevak and Gram Vikas Adhikari Roles

In today’s Cabinet meeting, it was approved to merge the posts of Gram Sevak and Gram Vikas Adhikari into a new position titled ‘Gram Panchayat Adhikari.’ Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

The new Gram Panchayat Adhikari post will be in the pay band of Rs 25,500 – 81,100, the same as the original Gram Sevak position. Additionally, after ten years of service, Gram Panchayat Adhikaris will be eligible for promotion to Extension Officer (S-14), after 20 years to Assistant Group Development Officer (S-15), and after 30 years to Group Development Officer (S-20).

Doubling the Salary of Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch in the State

The Cabinet has approved a decision to double the salaries of Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch in the state. The meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Under this decision, Sarpanchs will now receive monthly salaries of Rs 6,000, 8,000, and 10,000, depending on the population category of the Gram Panchayat. Deputy Sarpanchs will receive Rs 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 per month. Previously, Sarpanchs earned Rs 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000, while Deputy Sarpanchs earned Rs 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500 per month. There are 27,943 Gram Panchayats in the state.

New Complex for Bombay High Court in Bandra Approved as Key Project

The Cabinet meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, approved the designation of the new Bombay High Court complex in Bandra as a vital state project.

A 30.16-acre plot has been allocated in the Government Colony at Bandra East for the High Court building. The controversial proposal to develop lawyers’ chambers and residential complexes alongside the High Court facility was also approved.

Transparent Selection of Anchor Units in the Green Hydrogen Policy

Revisions to the Green Hydrogen Policy have clarified the definition of ‘anchor units’ and established a transparent process for selecting these units. This decision was made in the Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Two green hydrogen production plants, each with a capacity of 10 to 15 ktpa, will be selected as anchor units in the Mumbai metropolitan area through this transparent selection process.

Development of ST Corporation Lands on BOT Basis with 60-Year Lease Agreements

In today’s Cabinet meeting, it was decided that 39 properties owned by the State Transport Corporation will be developed on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis. Additionally, the lease period for these developments will be extended to 60 years, instead of the current 30 years. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

Commercial Use of ST Corporation Plot

The mat area available on this ST Corporation plot (excluding 0.5 designated for Corporation construction) will be allowed for commercial use. Provisions under the Development Control Rules 2034, as stated in the Consolidated Control and Regulatory Promotion Rules 2020, will apply. The corporation will be exempt from paying 50 percent of the government’s share for utilizing this land commercially. Additionally, BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) tenders will be finalized at the corporation level.

Establishment of Parashuram Economic Development Corporation for the Brahmin Community

The Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, approved the establishment of the Parashuram Economic Development Corporation for the Brahmin community.

This corporation will provide financial assistance to economically weaker sections within the community, supporting youth in education and business initiatives. A share capital of Rs 50 crores has been allocated, and the corporation’s headquarters will be in Pune.

Establishment of Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Economic Development Corporation for the Rajput Community

In today’s Cabinet meeting, the establishment of the Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Economic Development Corporation for the Rajput community was approved, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presiding.

This corporation will offer financial support to youth from economically weaker sections of the Rajput community for education and business development. A share capital of Rs 50 crores has been allocated, and the headquarters will be in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Renaming of 14 Government ITI Institutes in Maharashtra

The Cabinet approved the renaming of 14 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) after notable social reformers and contributors. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

Currently, there are 419 government and 585 private ITIs in the state. The following 14 institutes will be renamed as follows:

Industrial Training Institute, Beed: Ka. Vinayakrao Mete Government Industrial Training Institute, Beed
O.P. Institute, Jamkhed, Ahmednagar District: Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Government Industrial Training Institute, Jamkhed
P.R. Institute, Mumbai: Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Government Industrial Training Institute
P.R. Institute, Yeola, Nashik District: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Government Industrial Training Institute
P.R. Institute, Jawhar, Palghar District: Bhagwan Birsa Munda Government Industrial Training Institute
ITI Kolhapur: Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Government Industrial Training Institute
ITI Amravati: Sant Gadge Baba Government Industrial Training Institute
ITI Sangli: Demokratir Anna Bhau Sathe Government Industrial Training Institute
ITI Jalgaon: Poet Bahinabai Chaudhary Government Industrial Training Institute
ITI Arvi, Wardha District: Dattopantji Thengadi Government Industrial Training Institute
ITI Belapur, Navi Mumbai: Ba.Patil Government Industrial Training Institute
ITI Kurla: Acharya Vidyasagarji Government Industrial Training Institute
ITI Bhum, Dharashiv District: Dharamveer Anand Dighe Government Industrial Training Institute

Increased Funding for Law Universities in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur

The Cabinet approved an increase in the annual grant to the National Law Universities in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur. Each university will now receive Rs 7 crores, compared to the previous Rs 5 crores. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

This amount will be disbursed in four installments between 2024-25 and 2027-28. The increased funding is in response to the growing student population and the rising costs of maintenance and security.

Senior Pay Scale for Water Resources Department Employees

In today’s Cabinet meeting, a decision was made to provide senior pay scales to Water Resources Department employees. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

The decision extends the job-wise and rank-wise pay scale, initially applied after the government decision on 29.09.2003, to additional employees. It was decided to apply this pay scale retroactively from 29.09.2003, with arrears to be paid accordingly.

Return of Agricultural Corporation Lands to Original Owners in Mauje Haregaon

The Cabinet approved the return of lands belonging to the agricultural corporation in Mauje Haregaon, Srirampur taluka, to their original owners. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

This decision comes in response to the long-standing demands of the Haregaon plantation farmers and is in the broader public interest. Similar to the return of tenant farmers’ lands, the corporation will return lands up to the ceiling limit as per the order issued by the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court. Amendments will also be made to the Maharashtra Agricultural Land (Maximum Landholding) Act.

Rs 7 Per Liter Subsidy to Milk Producers for Cow’s Milk

In today’s Cabinet meeting, a decision was made to provide a subsidy of Rs 7 per liter to milk producers. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

Previously, these milk producers received a subsidy of Rs 5 per liter. With an increase of Rs 2, the total subsidy will now be Rs 7 per liter. From October 1, 2024, milk producers will be paid Rs 28 per liter for milk with 3.5% fat and 8.5% SNF content. The government will then credit Rs 7 per liter directly to the producers’ bank accounts, ensuring that farmers continue to receive Rs 35 per liter for their milk.

This scheme will take effect from October 1, 2024, with provisions for review and potential extension. The Cabinet approved an expenditure of Rs 965.24 crores for this scheme.

Inclusion of Three Kunbi Sub-Castes in the Other Backward Classes List

Following the recommendation of the State Backward Classes Commission, the Cabinet approved the inclusion of the sub-castes “Tilori Kunbi,” “Tilori Kunbi,” and “T. Kunbi” in the “Other Backward Classes” (OBC) list of the Government of Maharashtra under Entry No. 83. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

As per the Commission’s recommendation, these sub-castes will be added to the OBC list under Entry No. 83, along with other Kunbi sub-castes such as Lewa Kunbi, Lewa Patil, Lewa Patidar, Maratha Kunbi, and Kunbi Maratha.

Full Scholarship for Sarathi and Mahajyoti Students

The Cabinet approved full scholarships for 724 permanently registered students of Sarathi and Mahajyoti institutes, as per the rules of the Barti Institute. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

This decision grants 100% scholarships to 724 students permanently registered with Sarathi from April 1 to December 31, 2022, and to eligible Mahajyoti students from their date of registration, similar to the scholarship system in place at Barti Institute.

Amendment to Direct Recruitment Policy for High-Performing Athletes

The Cabinet approved amendments to the direct recruitment policy, making it easier for highly qualified athletes to secure government posts. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting.

The decision aligns with the Government Decision dated July 9, 2024, and allows top athletes to be directly recruited into government service. Additionally, awardees of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna will be eligible for direct recruitment.

Moreover, the minimum requirement for participants in an individual sport or relevant weight group has been reduced from 12 athletes to 8, allowing more flexibility for the highest-quality athletes who compete individually.