Maharashtra Cabinet Decisions

Mobile Squad Scheme Approved for Street Children; Aims to Mainstream and Rehabilitate

In a significant decision, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the regular implementation of a comprehensive “Mobile Squad Scheme” for the rehabilitation of street children. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This initiative aims to provide education, healthcare, protection, and a new life to thousands of street children across the state, marking a crucial milestone in the protection of child rights.

The scheme will initially launch 31 mobile squads—one for each of the 29 municipal corporations and two (East and West suburbs) in Mumbai. It will later expand across the state.

Objectives:

• Reintegrate street children, including orphaned, single, and neglected ones, into mainstream society.
• Provide access to education and healthcare.
• Facilitate benefits of all relevant government schemes for holistic rehabilitation.

Initially implemented in six districts—Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik—under the Mission Vatsalya pilot, the scheme received a positive response, prompting its statewide approval.

Each mobile unit, operated via child-friendly buses or vans by selected NGOs, will include a counselor, teacher, female staff, driver, and caretaker. Vans will be GPS-enabled with CCTV cameras. Children’s social investigation reports will help develop personalized rehabilitation plans.

The scheme mandates at least 20% of the children be enrolled in schools every month. NGOs will receive quarterly funding, and implementation will be regularly reviewed by District Women and Child Development Officers.

Stamp Duty of Just ₹1,000 for ‘Home Sweet Home’ Scheme Beneficiaries Affected by Nagpur Smart City Project

The Cabinet approved a stamp duty of ₹1,000 for lease deed registrations of 28 houses allotted to people displaced by the Nagpur Smart City Project under the Home Sweet Home scheme. Without this concession, beneficiaries would have had to pay ₹40,000–₹45,000. The decision aligns stamp duty with Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana norms, offering financial relief to low-income groups.

Use of M-Sand Made Mandatory in Construction: Policy Approved

To curb environmental damage from excessive sand mining and offer sustainable alternatives, the Cabinet approved a policy mandating the use of manufactured sand (M-Sand) in construction.

Key Points:

• Reduced royalty: From ₹600 to ₹200 per brass for M-Sand.
• Permissions for M-Sand units will be granted post-environmental clearance from district administration and forest departments.
• Government and semi-government construction projects will prioritize M-Sand.
• Only BIS-compliant (IS 383:2016) quality M-Sand will be used.
• Industry incentives: Subsidies on investment, interest rates, electricity, and stamp duty to promote M-Sand units.
• M-Sand units will boost local employment and reduce reliance on natural sand.
• Monitoring Committees will oversee strict implementation across districts.

Acceptance of Khullar Committee Report on Rectifying Pay Discrepancies for Government Employees

The Cabinet accepted the Mukesh Khullar Committee report to address discrepancies in pay scales post the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission (effective January 1, 2016). Key recommendations include:

• Granting higher pay levels when revised pay is found lower than the previous scale.
• Extending revised pay scales to similar positions across departments.
• Relaxing higher scale conditions for unique posts under S-27 grade.
• Approved pay revisions will be effective retrospectively from January 1, 2016, but no arrears will be paid for the period before the notification month.

Modernization of ITIs Through Public-Private Partnership Approved

A new policy was approved to modernize government ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes) through public-private partnerships (PPP) to meet industry standards and enhance employability.

• Adoption tenure & cost: ₹10 crore for 10 years; ₹20 crore for 20 years.
• Government will retain ownership of land/buildings.
• Existing staff will continue; industry partners may hire additional faculty for advanced training.
• Partners can carry out renovations without following tender norms.
• A Monitoring Committee (IMC) will be formed per ITI, with the industry partner as chair.
• A State-level Steering Committee will resolve disputes.
• No non-training activities will be allowed by partners in ITI premises.

20.23 Hectares of Land Allotted for National Forensic Sciences University Sub-Centre in Nagpur

The Cabinet approved the allocation of 20.23 hectares in Chincholi, Taluka Kamptee, District Nagpur for the sub-centre of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar. The university currently functions on rented premises in Parsodi-Subhashnagar, Nagpur. The Union Home Ministry has sanctioned ₹120 crore for 2025–28. The sub-centre will benefit judges, police, doctors, public prosecutors, and regional forensic lab staff, enhancing the efficiency of the justice delivery system.