Maharashtra Cabinet Decisions

Compensation for ASHA Volunteers, Anganwadi Workers, and Group Promoters

Mumbai, Dt. 23: In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, it was decided to grant compensation to ASHA volunteers, Anganwadi workers, and group promoters. In case of accidental death, they will receive Rs.10 lakhs, and for disability, they will receive Rs.5 lakhs. A fund of approximately Rs.1 crore 5 lakhs per year has been sanctioned for this purpose, with implementation starting from April 1, 2024. Currently, 75,578 volunteers and 3,622 group promoters play a crucial role in health responsibilities. This decision aims to provide financial assistance to them in the event of accidental death or disability.

Continuation of Raje Yashwantrao Holkar Mahamesh Yojana

Mumbai, Dt. 23: The cabinet decided to continue the Raje Yashwantrao Holkar Mahamesh scheme for shepherds in the state, with funds directly deposited into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. This scheme, which started in 2017, aims to alleviate the backwardness of the Dhangar community. With some modifications to benefit more people, Rs. 29 crore 55 lakhs will be spent this year, and the scheme will continue annually as per budget provisions. Beneficiaries will receive a 75% subsidy for livestock purchase through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) within seven days. Other benefits, excluding subsidies for fodder seeds, will also be provided through DBT.

Promotion Reservation for Disabled Employees from 2016

Mumbai, Dt. 23: A decision was made in the cabinet meeting to implement promotion reservations for disabled state government employees from June 30, 2016. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting. A 4% reservation for promotions from Group D to Group A posts has been implemented since January 30, 2016. This benefit will extend hypothetically to lower levels of Group A. Disabled officers and employees eligible for promotion from June 30, 2016, will receive reservation benefits notionally, with financial benefits applicable from the actual date of assumption of charge. To address potential seniority issues, every government establishment will calculate reservations for persons with disabilities based on approved select lists post-June 30, 2016, and create surplus posts if necessary.

Updated System for Crop Damage Assessment

Mumbai, Dt. 23: The cabinet decided to develop an updated system for assessing agricultural crop damage to ensure transparent and accurate compensation. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting. Until this system is implemented, compensation will follow the current policy. A cabinet sub-committee meeting on July 1, 2024, decided to provide compensation based on the prevailing policy until the Department of Agriculture prepares an updated system using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) criteria.

51 Flats for Judicial Officers in Brihanmumbai

Mumbai, Dt. 23: The cabinet approved the provision of 51 flats for judicial officers in Brihanmumbai on a rental basis. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting. Sixteen flats in Parijat building, three in Kedar building at Mazgaon, and 32 flats aligned with newly created posts will be leased from October 2024 to October 2027. The maximum monthly rent per flat is Rs.1 lakh 20 thousand, amounting to Rs.7 crore 34 lakh 40 thousand per year for 51 flats.

16 Hectares of Government Land for MIDC in Ambad, Nashik

Mumbai, Dt. 23: The cabinet decided to provide 16 hectares of government land free of cost to MIDC for expansion at Ambad in Nashik district. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting. The land, valued at Rs. 24 crore 2 lakh 40 thousand, will be handed over to MIDC free of charge.

123 Percent of Average Rainfall in the State is Satisfactory

The state has received 123.2 percent of the average rainfall, and sowing activities have been satisfactory. The Agriculture Department presented this update at today’s Cabinet meeting.

As of July 22, the state has received 545 mm of rainfall. This is a significant increase from last year, when 422 mm of rainfall (95.4 percent of the average) was recorded during the same period. Excluding kharif sugarcane, the state covers an area of 142.2 lakh hectares, of which 128.94 lakh hectares (91 percent) have been sown. Replanting of paddy and ragi crops is ongoing, while the sowing of sorghum, millet, maize, soybean, tur, udid, moong, groundnut, and cotton is in its final stages. There is adequate availability of fertilizers and seeds.

Water Storage

Currently, the water storage in all the state’s dams stands at 39.17 percent, compared to 43.65 percent at this time last year. The lowest water storage is in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at 12.13 percent, and in Nashik at 28.34 percent. Additionally, 1,021 villages and 2,518 wadis are being supplied with water through 1,365 tankers, an increase of 326 tankers from previous counts.