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STATE CABINET ON DEVELOPMENT IN MAHARASHTRA MUMBAI CCTV PROJECT THE NUMBER ONE STATE

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2016 `50 PAGES 646102RE ` 050 46SEGAP

After the unfortunate26/11 terrorist attack onthe city of Mumbai, the

Government of Maharashtradecided to put up world-class,highly efficient CCTV camerasacross its territory to strengthensecurity. Accordingly, 4,717cameras have been placed at1,510 locations in the city.The CCTV project will helpMumbai Police with surveillanceof sensitive spots and enablefaster response.

Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis dedicated the CCTVproject to the public in aceremony in Mumbai onOctober 2. Also present on theoccasion were Padma BhushanAnna Hazare, Cabinet and StateMinisters, senior bureaucratsand other dignitaries.

The CCTV network includes3,727 fix box cameras, 970 PTZcameras, 20 thermal cameras (tomonitor coastal security even atnight) and five mobile videosurveillance vans. All cameras,command and control centreand mobile vans are connectedto each other through ultra-modern network connectivity offiber optics, wireless and V-Sat.

—Vilas Bodke

MUMBAI POLICE’S THIRD EYEThe CCTV surveillance network goes live in the city, ushering in theera of smarter, better policing and traffic management

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launching Mumbai’s CCTV project in presence of Cabinet Ministers Vinod Tawde andSubhash Desai, Ministers of State Vijay Deshmukh and Deepak Kesarkar, Chief Secretary Swadheen Kshatriya, AdditionalChief Secretary (Home) K.P. Bakshi and other dignitaries

Salient points�� The video surveillancenetwork will supportMumbai Police andinvestigating agencies inmaintaining law and order,managing traffic andimplementing basicinfrastructure in MCGMmore competently.�� The police have set uptwo additional controlrooms in Worli and Kalinato view the footage roundthe clock, and 120 viewingcentres across the city. TheMumbai Police top brasswill also have direct accessto the feed. �� Surveillance cells havebeen formed at 92 policestations, 13 Police DeputyCommissioner Offices, fiveAdditional PoliceCommissioner offices, RajBhawan, Mantralaya,Girgaon Chowpatty,Sessions Court and MCGMheadquarters. ��A high-tech feature ofthe system is a facialrecognition software,which can scan faces in thefootage with the policedatabase. The MumbaiPolice have linked CCTVnetworks of severalcommercial and residentialset-ups to the control room.�� Vehicle number platedetection, video analyticsand GPS tracking by 1,000police vehicles willfacilitate immediate actionby Mumbai Police.��A 24x7 assistance andservice centre has been setup for technical and otherassistance. The centrewill streamline technologyand manpower forsmooth functioning.

D I S C L A I M E R : V I E W S A N D O P I N I O N S E X P R E S S E D I N T H E M A G A Z I N E A R E T H O S E O F W R I T E R S

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD � OCTOBER 2016 03

05 CHIEF MINISTERGREAT CHANGES,NEW CHALLENGESWhile assuming office on October 31, 2014,the Government of Maharashtra resolved to givea transparent and efficient governance to thepeople of the State. On the completion of twoyears, the Government has achieved the objectivein a true sense. An account of the key decisionstaken and the glorious moments the State saw onits path to comprehensive development

COLUMNS

CABINET MINISTERSChandrakant Dada Patil 08Sudhir Mungantiwar 10Vinod Tawde 12Prakash Mehta 14Smt. Pankaja Munde 16Vishnu Savra 18Girish Bapat 20Girish Mahajan 22Diwakar Raote 24Subhash Desai 26Pandurang Fundkar 28Ramdas Kadam 30Eknath Shinde 32Chandrashekhar Bawankule 34Babanrao Lonikar 36Dr Deepak Sawant 38Rajkumar Badole 40Prof. Ram Shinde 42Jaykumar Rawal 44Subhash Deshmukh 46Mahadev Jankar 48Sambhaji Patil-Nilangekar 50

STATE MINISTERSDilip Kamble / Smt. Vidya Thakur 55Vijay Deshmukh / Sanjay Rathod 56Dadaji Bhuse / Vijay Shivtare 57Deepak Kesarkar / Raje Ambrishrao Atram 58Ravindra Waykar / Dr Ranjit Patil 59Pravin Pote-Patil / Gulabrao Patil 60Arjun Khotkar / Madan Yerawar 61Sadashiv Khot / Ravindra Chavan 62

05 08 10 12

14 16 18 20 22

24 26 28 30 32

34 36 38 40 42

44 46 48 50 55

58 58 59 59 60

60 61 61 62 62

55 56 56 57 57

CONTENTS What’s Inside

VOL. 5 ISSUE 10 � OCTOBER 2016 � `50 � PAGES 64

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFBrijesh Singh

ASSIGNMENT EDITORDevendra Bhujbal

EDITORMeenal Joglekar

EXECUTIVE EDITORKriti Lalla

TEAM CO-ORDINATIONEDITING

Suresh Wandile(Deputy Director)

ADMINISTRATIONDigamber Palve

(Sr. Assistant Director)

SALES AND CIRCULATIONAshwini Pujari

(Sub-Editor)

COVER DESIGNSeema Ranarkar

MEDIA TRANSASIAASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jyoti Verma

ASSISTANT EDITORPallavi Singh

DEPUTY ART DIRECTORSachin Jain

CHAIRMANJ.S. Uberoi

PRESIDENTXavier Collaco

Maharashtra Ahead is printedon behalf of the Directorate Generalof Information and Public Relations,

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Government of Maharashtra

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Martin Luther King said, “All progress is precarious, and the solution of oneproblem brings us face to face with another problem.” This statement impliesthat the pace of change and development brings us both opportunities andchallenges. The State of Maharashtra has witnessed this for decades. A leader in

many sectors today, the State is one of the most favoured investment destinations of India.This distinction has become possible only through Maharashtra’s continuous drive to getbetter every day and the significant initiatives it took for comprehensive development.

One of these initiatives was the successful Make in India Week organised in Mumbai thisFebruary, where the State attracted an investment of `8 lakh crore, enough to create 30lakh employment opportunities in coming years. In July, Maharashtra successfully plantedover 2 crore trees on a single day. The event was recorded in Limca Book of Records andlauded by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mann Ki Baat on Akashwani.Another State initiative that has been registering consistent success is Jalyukta ShivarAbhiyan. An ambitious programme of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, it is beingimplemented efficiently in the State and has created water storage capacity of more than11 lakh thousand million cubic feet so far. The water sustainability achieved through theflagship project has ensured irrigation facility for crops on a large area. Many rural areas in

the State now have surplus water throughJalyukta Shivar Abhiyan.

Maharashtra is performing equally well when itcomes to Centre’s welfare schemes. An exampleis the excellent work done in its rural and urbanareas under cleanliness. The SwachhMaharashtra Abhiyan is being acclaimed at thenational level. Many of Maharashtra’s citieshave been included in Smart Cities Mission.With funds allocated to the project, the urbandevelopment planned will help transform thesecities in future.

Transformation of rural areas throughinfrastructure and other developmental workshas been taken up on a large scale inMaharashtra. Smart Gram Yojana has been

implemented very effectively. Women empowerment and safety has been given attention.Efforts are being made to eradicate malnutrition in women and children from tribal andother remote areas. With infrastructure such as roads and bridges in place in next two tothree years, Nagpur–Mumbai Super Communication Expressway will be completed. Thehuge road project will open new avenues for development in Maharashtra.

The Government has taken many initiatives for effective implementation of welfareschemes for minorities, deprived and neglected classes. The work has given solace andconfidence to these communities. The Home Department is diligently fulfilling its duty toprotect the State. It is being modernised and empowered with cyber laboratories set upacross districts and mobile forensic labs made available. Maharashtra is the first State inIndia to implement Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems effectively.Maharashtra has also progressed in e-governance with Aaple Sarkar. A people-friendlyinitiative, the web portal has seen good response from people.

The current issue of Maharashtra Ahead is an attempt to reflect the important effortsmade during the State Government’s journey of two years, and will prove to be ofimmense value to our readers.

On the festive occasion, we wish our readers, subscribers, writers and everyonea happy and safe Diwali.

Brijesh SinghEditor-in-Chief

THE JOURNEY OFPROGRESS CONTINUES

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column / Chief Minister

We took charge of Maharashtra at the timewhen a grave, drought-like situation wasprevailing in the State. To face and overcomethis challenge, our first, big step was the

launch of flagship water conservation scheme, JalyuktaShivar Abhiyan. The scheme was implemented on priorityto bring perennial water supply to the State’s parchedregions. The step we took to make 5,000 villages droughtfree every year has firmly stabilised in the second year,with the campaign becoming a mass movement.

Under Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan, 2,14,536 works havebeen completed in around 11,500 villages of Maharashtra,and 14,925 works are in progress. These works have led towater storage to the tune of 11,61,626.41 TCM and

assured irrigation facilities for one crop on 11,84,347.41lakh hectares and for two crops on 6 lakh hectares. Thesuccess of the programme is being recognised all over thecountry, and I would like to proudly mention that it isconsidered as the ‘ideal pattern of drought mitigation’ inthe country. I am happy that nature has also respondedpositively and showered rains in the form of blessings.Maharashtra is going in the direction of Sujalamsuphalam.With adequate water in the State, farmers arecomfortable and agriculture is excellent.

MAKE IN MAHARASHTRAWhile working for Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan, weresponded spontaneously to the Make in India appeal byHonourable Prime Minister of India for increasingcountry’s industrial base. We launched Make in Maha -rashtra on the lines of Centre’s ambitious manu facturingmission Make in India. I am proud and happy to mentionthat Mumbai was honoured to organise the Make in IndiaWeek in February 2016 as part of our efforts to increasethe industrial base and investment in the country. Seizingthe opportunity, Maharashtra registered stupendousinvestment of the order of `8 lakh crore at the businessconclave, paving way for more than 30 lakh employmentopportunities.

The memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signedduring the Make in India Week are at various levels ofdevelopment. Till now, MoUs worth `32.377 crore havebeen realised and the process of setting up the projectsis going on. The realisation of MoUs to the tune of `1.23

DEVENDRA FADNAVISChief Minister

GREAT CHANGES, NEW CHALLENGESWhile assuming office as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on October 31, 2014, I resolved togive transparent and efficient governance. On the completion of two years of our Government,I am happy to say that our resolution has been achieved in a true sense. While entering thesecond year, we had taken many decisions and implemented them in letter and spirit. The yeartoo has come to an end, adding a few glorious moments to our ongoing journey...

SMART AND BEAUTIFUL CITIESTo bring global standards to cities under Centre’sSmart Cities Mission, the Government has takenplanned steps. Pune, Solapur, Nagpur, Aurangabad,Nashik, Thane and Kalyan–Dombivali havebeen selected for the project. The honour of theinauguration of the urban developmentprogramme came to Maharashtra. The firstMaritime India Conference was also held in theState. The three-day conference witnessedindustrial MoUs worth `83,000 crore. The initiativeof connecting ports has been undertaken, and dryports are being established at Wardha and Jalna.

lakh crore is in progress and the invest ment will arrivesoon. The number of MoUs signed for medium, smalland micro enterprises (MSMEs) stood at 2,512, andthe investment through these would be `28,869 crore.Out of these, work on 474 MoUs has already begun andan investment of `6,247.38 crore has been made.

Large-scale investment was made in the Statethrough various MoUs signed with pioneer industrialgroups such as Blackstone, Cisco and Coca Cola duringour visit to the US. The Russia tour led to MoUs inmining and railway, and further investments inindustrial sectors. An important pact signed was withSwerdlowesk Province for building a technicaluniversity. Recently, at the Oracle Open World 2016International Conference in the US, an MoU was signedwith Oracle for technical assistance for Smart CitiesMission. All these trade pacts have not only led to ahuge investment in Maharashtra, but also ushered in anew era of prosperity.

TOWARDS A RADICAL CHANGEThe State Government has taken special efforts to getsupport from industrial houses through corporate socialresponsibility and participation in welfare schemes.With the help of corporate houses, an innovativeprogramme, Village Social Transformation Mission hasbeen planned for comprehensive development ofvillages. Already launched in 100 villages, radicalchange will be brought in 1,000 villages in the initialphase of the programme. Along with industrial houses,religious institutions, organisations from the fields ofart and sports, and dignitaries have contributed

06 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD � OCTOBER 2016 M

COMPETENT AND MODERNThe State Police force has been modernisedkeeping in mind development and law and order.Police recruitment, modern equipment,weapons and vehicles, building police stationsand residences, special training programme forimproved conviction rate, setting up of forensiclaboratories, Police Mitra app and many otherremedial measures are being implemented.CCTV cameras are being placed at importantlocations in major cities of Mumbai, Pune,Nagpur and Nashik. On August 15, 42 cyberlaboratories were launched to prevent cybercrimes. The State will train 1,000 policepersonnel to man these cyber cells. SSppeeeeddyy aanndd ttrraannssppaarreenntt:: While creating basicinfrastructure like roads, railway, ports andothers, a total of 369 public services are beingprovided online through Aaple Sarkar. Theportal has made the State administration fastand transparent. All the services under thePublic Service Guarantee Act have been madeonline on October 2. By December, all GramPanchayats will be connected digitally.

(From top) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Oracle CEO Safra A. Catz at the MoUsigning ceremony in California, USA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching SmartCities Mission projects in Pune, Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari with the PrimeMinister and Chief Minister at Maritime India Summit 2016, and Governor Ch.Vidyasagar Rao, Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu and the ChiefMinister at BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave in Mumbai

column / Chief Minister


substantial funds to the programme.While Maharashtra is attracting large-scale foreign

investment, it is essential that the State has facilities andcivic amenities of international level. Delivering to the need,infrastructure facilities such as world-class internationaltrade centre at Bandra–Kurla Complex in Mumbai,Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, Mumbai Coastal roadproject, Shendra–Bidkin, Delhi–Mumbai IndustrialCorridor, Nagpur–Mumbai Super Communi cation Express -way, Navi Mumbai International Airport, metro projects atMumbai, Pune and Nagpur, under flyover bridges on 12routes, nine main railway projects, and others are givenimpetus through Central assistance.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and theproposed Navi Mumbai International Airport will beconnected. Once the route is up and running, 70 lakhcommuters will be benefitted. The work on Mumbai Metro-3 Colaba–Bandra–Seepz (length 33.5 km), which will betotally underground, has begun. The ground-breakingceremony of Dahisar–Charkop and Andheri (E) to Dahisar(E) was performed by Honourable Prime MinisterNarendra Modi. The work on the project has alsostarted. The test of monorail from Sant GadgeMaharaj Chowk to Wadala has been done,and it will be opened for commuters soon.

SWACHH MAHARASHTRAIn order to make the cities andvillages of Maharashtra clean andbeautiful, a lead has been takenthrough Swachh MaharashtraAbhiyan. Five cities, 16 talukas and7,800 Gram Panchayats have beendeclared open defecation free.Sindhudurg has become India’s firstdistrict to be free from open defe cation.I would like to make a special mentionhere that, according to the merit list ofSwachh Bharat Abhiyan survey con ducted byQuality Council of India, five districts fromMaharashtra have found a place in the top 10 cleandistricts of India.

SOCIAL JUSTICEWhile Maharashtra is on the path to become a progressiveState, the Government is committed to provide justice toall sections of society. With this in view, we have taken anumber of decisions during the past two years.Maharashtra has become the first State in India toprovide a direct grant of 5 per cent funds to GramPanchayats in scheduled areas under Tribal Sub Plan.This has accelerated the development of rural areas andempowerment of tribal people.

Maharashtra has implemented special initiativessuch as Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Amrut Ahar Yojana forpregnant women and nursing mothers and India’s firstcentral kitchen to provide nutritious, balanced, freshand tasty diet in time to Ashramshala students. Apart

from the decision of building 50 hostels for ScheduledCaste students, it has been decided to build workingwomen hostels in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, andmemorials of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Indu Mills inMumbai and London. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar SamataPratishthan and others are helping to bring the sociallydeprived consti tuents into the mainstream. The Govern -ment is optimistic on the demands of Maratha commu -nity. Our contention is to bring justice to the weakersections of society.

The Government has placed a special emphasis onwomen safety and empowerment. Punyashlok AhilyabaiHolkar markets have been established across districts.Under Skill Development Mission, 7 lakh persons aregetting skill training. Currently, 40,000 women areundergoing training. About 1,500 courses in 42disciplines have been started. These courses will lead tolarge employment opportunities for the unemployed.

In order to comply with the concept of Housing for All,the State housing policy is being drafted. The Governmenthousing schemes have been amalgamated and stream -

lined to make affordable homes available to lowand medium income group sections.

GREEN MAHARASHTRAOn 1 July, 2016, a total of 2.84 croretrees were planted in Maharashtra.The feat has been recognised byLimca Book of Records. The Govern -ment now plans to plant 40 to 50crore trees in next three to fouryears to increase State’s green coverto 33 per cent. The first Tiger

Corridor in the world is being builtin Maharashtra. Through this, the

number of tigers as well as the foodchain of the area will be conserved.

Maharashtra continues to hold its positionin the field of tourism and many decisions are

being taken with a view to celebrate 2017 as VisitMaha rashtra Year.

INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENTWe believe that the assuring steps taken in the last twoyears would be immensely precious for the State on itsjourney towards comprehensive development. In recenttimes, efforts have been made by certain sections to createtensions on the basis of caste and religion. Theadministration has been asked to be vigilant so thatAtrocity Act is not misused. Our line of reasoning isthat all sections of society must come together to find asolution to the problem.

I would like to emphasise that we are making effortsto resolve the issue and have an intention to implementconcrete remedial measures. I would like to further assurethe people of Maharashtra that the interest of the State isour foremost priority.

—As told to Meenal Joglekar

With ease of doing business, permissions required to

set up an industry have been broughtdown from 76 to 25. With remedialmeasures like removal of obstacles

in land acquisition and special attentionto workers’ interest, the identity

of Maharashtra asMaha-Industry-Nation

has been establishedC

With Maharashtra at theforefront of investmentscoming to India,Honourable Prime

Minis ter Narendra Modi hasprioritised on the availability ofinfra structure in the State. As aresult, the length of nationalhighways in the State has increasedby 984.5 km, and there is an approvalon other national highways for lengthof 10,581 km. The Centre has sanctioned254 works under Central Road Fund and21 railway flyovers to overcome trafficobstacles due to railway crossings. Works for1,000 roads were started concurrently in Maharashtra inOctober 2015. Out of these, 40 per cent have beencompleted, while the rest are in progress.

A proposal has been sent to the Government of Indiafor financial assistance for constructing 168 railway

flyovers at 68 level crossings, where the traffic is inexcess of 1 lakh vehicles. After the incident of Savitririver bridge collapse, it has been decided to carry outinspection of 2,200 big bridges in Maharashtra. E-tendering process, e-measurement and e-bills systemhave been made compulsory for buildings, roads andbridges with construction cost above ̀ 1 crore.

Emphasis will be laid on building all Governmentbuildings and plans keeping in mind environment andusing green building concepts. Stress will also be laid onremedial measures to be implemented while under -taking building repair. In the first stage, 12 out of 91 tollplazas were completely shut from May 31, 2015. At 53toll plazas out of the 79 with Public Works Department,there is no toll for car, jeep, and ST and schoolbuses. On the occasion of Simhastha Kumbh Mela atNashik–Trimbakeshwar, 43 works, including ring road,bridge on river Godavari, railway flyover, circuit houseand hospitals, were completed.

BALIRAJA CHETANA ABHIYANTo prevent farmer suicides, Baliraja Chetana Abhiyan isbeing implemented in the State. The districts of Yavat -mal and Osmanabad have been selected to implementthe remedial measures under the prog ramme. Thecommittees in the villages have been given an amount of`1 lakh to help financially distressed families andprevent suicides. A district-level committee has beenestablished under the chairmanship of GuardianMinister to support farmers, encourage them andprevent them from committing suicides. The committeewill make efforts to counsel people. Special cells havebeen established at District Collector Offices atYavatmal and Osmanabad to deal with various issues ofdrought-affected farmers.

We have placed a demand with the UnionGovernment for funds in connection with

kharif harvest in Vidarbha villages(`2,017 crore), rabi harvest in

villages in Ahmednagar andSolapur (`1,269.73 crore), watersupply by tankers (`416.93 crore)and fodder camps (`565 crore).In other important initiatives, astamp fee of `200 has beenfixed in case residential oragricultural assets are gifted to

husband, wife, son, daughter,grandson, granddaughter and

wife of a dead son. The fee has beenin place since April 1, 2016.

For documents related to agricultureand crop loans such as mortgage or

guarantee, up to `2.5 lakh has been waived off forthe period of April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017. Theamount of documentation in respect of money transferhas been reduced according to the provisions of MOFAAct 1963 in case of Cooperative Housing Societies.

08 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD � OCTOBER 2016

Roads and other basic infrastructure depict the paceof development. Keeping this in mind, we haveprioritised development of roads in Maharashtra.The department has also undertaken reconstructionand building new highways

CHANDRAKANT DADA PATILMinister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Public Works (excluding Public Undertakings)

Under Public Service Guarantee Act, notifications

have been issued for 48 servicesunder the Revenue Department

through District Collector offices. Outof the total services under the Act, 15 services have been made online

on Aaple Sarkar for theconvenience of citizens

MAKING BETTERCONNECTIVITY

M

column / Cabinet Minister


BETTER ADMINISTRATIONTo ensure that the information required by entrepreneurs isavailable at one place, an Industrial Non-agricultural UserAssistance Committee has been set up at district level underthe chairmanship of Additional District Collector. As thecondition of pre-permission for agricultural land pur chasesale for industrial and non-agricultural use no longer exists,the industrial and economic development is set to seeacceleration. Lands in urban areas have been exemp tedfrom piece-based land parcel control.

In order that semi-judicial cases are disposed ofwithout any delay and to make available the status of theadmitted/to be admitted/appeal/review cases to people,the Revenue Department has started e-DISNIC (DistrictInformation System of National Informatics Center) websystem across the State.

Under Public Service Guarantee Act, notificationshave been issued for 48 services under the RevenueDepartment through District Collector offices. Out of thetotal services under the Act, 15 services have been madeonline for the convenience of citizens.

Maharajasava Abhiyan was implemented between

August 1, 2015 and July 31, 2016. During this campaign,various activities were carried out. Exactly 40,53,688documents were distributed; 5,57,182 were extendedSamadhan scheme; there was a disposal of 4,834 semi-judicial cases; 78,017 cases were resolved with e-pherpharadalat with e-pherphar made available in 35,596 villages;24,625 village record entries were updated; and 8,633roads with a length of 12,632.88 km were freed andencroachments on 6,204.94 hectares land were removed.

A survey was undertaken in districts for local cableoperators and channel operators. After the survey, thecable connections rose by 3.67 lakh, and there was anincrease of ̀ 11,989.21 lakh in entertainment fees.

The rates for minor minerals have been revised. Now,it will not be necessary for purchasers to obtain advancepermission from District Collectors for residential orcommercial or non-agricultural areas from Regionalplan for purchase of agricultural lands for non-agri -cultural holders. Post this, the Revenue Department hasmade land available for Mumbai and Nagpur Metro andother ambitious projects.

—As told to Vilas Bodke

ASSISTANCE TO FARMERSKeeping in mind the drought-like conditions, theState Government has implemented variousfacilities for villages with less than 50 per centaanewari. For kharif 2015, 15,747 villages, for rabi2015-16, 1,991 villages and from Amravati andNagpur divisions, 11,862 villages for kharif 2015were declared drought-affected. We haveplaced a demand to the Centre for funds forkharif harvest in Vidarbha villages, rabi harvestin Ahmednagar and Solapur villages, watersupply by tankers and fodder camps.

(From left) Baliraja Chetana Abhiyan, for prevention of farmer suicides, andincreasing the length of highways are priorities of the State Government

In 2015, the Government of Maha -rashtra began its journey towardsthe goal of increasing the speed ofeconomic development, while

expanding the horizon of social aware -ness, creating an equal and justsociety, widening the path of outreachand helping weaker sections ofsociety. It started with HonourablePrime Minister Narendra Modi’sPradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojanafollowed by Pradhan Mantri SurakshaBima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri JeevanJyoti Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana andMudra Yojana. These initiatives, besides creat -ing skill-based, trained manpower to address thecall of Make in India, guided us towards our aim.

RISE IN GROWTH RATE To begin with, the Government of Maharashtra has beensuccessful in raising the growth rate of the State to 8 per

cent despite several challenges. Concepts like Fundingthe Unfunded, Pension for the Unpensioned were putforth by the Prime Minister. This helped us achieve aunique revolution of social equality. His call of Make inIndia took the nation towards Make India One throughthe unified acceptance of Goods and Services Tax Bill. Itis an important step towards creating an equal society.

Under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, more than1.45 crore bank accounts have been opened inMaharashtra and an amount of `2,353.13 crore hasbeen deposited in these bank accounts. Of the new bankaccounts, more than 1.69 lakh accounts have beenaligned with Aadhar. Under the scheme, RuPay cardswere distributed to over 1.20 crore account holders.

Similar efforts have been made to empower the youththrough Mudra Yojana, a support pillar to create SkilledMaharashtra. Loans worth `3,566.82 crore were distri -buted to 8,99,376 unemployed youths through theirMudra bank accounts in 2016-17.

CLARION CALL FOR SOCIAL CHANGEEconomic and social transformation has received impetuswith the three social security schemes launched by theUnion Government. Approximately 1.12 crore peoplehave insured themselves in Maharashtra under PradhanMantri Suraksha Bima Yojana at a premium of `12 perperson per year; more than 73 lakh have benefitted fromPradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana with anannual premium of `33 per person; and over 26 lakhcitizens have benefitted from Atal Pension Yojana.

For social welfare, the State Government hasstressed on giving family retirement pension to theparents of the deceased Government employee, who hasdied unmarried or without family and the parents arecompletely dependent on him. There has been an

amendment in the provision of travelconcessions to Government employees

during regular leave (native place/Maharashtra Tour). From April 1,

2014, there is a 10 per cent in -crease in the pension of pen -sioners above 80 years.A decision has been taken toallot pension of army and civilservants to the families offormer army personnel, whoafter retirement were appointed

on a civilian post in the StateGovernment before November 1,

2005, and passed away in service orretired. If a widow re-marries,

pension of her deceased husband willcontinue. The condition of minimum service

duration has been relaxed while allotting full-paymaternity leave to employees, who have been appointedin the service through approved employment procedure,but have been in service for less than two years.

There is also a decision to extend a special leave of 180


In order to implement policies that will imparteconomic and social security to the underdeveloped,we must create comprehensive employmentopportunities by adding to one’s skills and developthe State in an eco-friendly manner

SUDHIR MUNGANTIWARMinister for Finance and Planning, Forests

Approval has been given for creating a

Nature Tourism Council andMaharashtra State Animal Museum.

Efforts towards Nature Tourismand Forest Tourism are being

accelerated. We are building an international

animal museumat Gorewada

SUSTAINABLE ANDEQUITABLE GROWTH

M



days for female employees, who have babies throughsurrogacy. There is an increment from 25 to 50 per cent forclass IV employees. The Group Personal Accident InsuranceScheme benefit is now extended to employees. There is alsoa facility of Digital Life Certificate for pensioners.

FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENT There are six tiger projects in the State. Vidarbha isemerging as the Tiger Capital of India. There were 103tigers in 2006. In 2014, the number grew to 190. Melghat,Pench and Tadoba–Andhari tiger projects received‘excellent’ remark in 2014-15. Special Tiger ProtectionForce has been set up in Tadoba–Andhari, Navegaon–Nagzira and Melghat tiger projects.

The Forest Department had resolved to plant 2 croretrees on 1 July, 2016, and 2.8 crore trees were planted ona single day in the State. The feat has entered into theLimca Book of Records. The tree revolution was achievedthrough people’s participation. The department has nowresolved to plant 3 crore trees on a single day on July 1,2017, and 50 crore trees in three years.

In order to reduce dependency of people living in thevillages in the buffer zones of the tiger projects, ShyamaPrasad Mukherjee Jan Van Vikas Yojana has beenstarted in 166 villages. The Forest Department hassuccessfully implemented Vanyukt Shivar Yojana on thelines of Jalyukta Shivar Yojana. A huge amount of `75crore was spent in 2014-15 for 4,376 works and ̀ 202 crorewere spent in 2015-16 for 12,765 works.

The Government has decided to form Bamboo Researchand Training Centre at Chichpalli in Chandrapur district.There is also an exemption from royalty for those intomaking bamboo-based products. Maharashtra added BlueMormon butterfly to the list of State symbols. Thane CreekFlamingo Sanctuary, proposal for an extended KarnalaSanctuary, Toranmal Conservation Reserve and AnjneriConservation Reserve have been approved. The State willalso set up a Wildlife Development Fund.

Uttamrao Patil Forest Park will make a high-technursery in every district of Maharashtra. A botanical gardenwill also be built in Visapur on Chandrapur–BallarpurRoad. The State is also implementing the Green City Policyin urban areas and building a basil garden in Pandharpur.

Maharashtra also aspires to build a Green Brigade. There isa decision to have at least 10 lakh volunteers for the same.

The State Government plans to connect JalyuktaShivar Yojana with State Bamboo Mission. UnderVanyukt Shivar Abhiyan, we will implement the conceptof planting trees that attract birds. For conservation ofMarathwada, an eco-battalion has been requested fromthe Ministry of Defence.

—As told to Dr Surekha M. Mulay

INCREASE IN AIDThe State Government has raised the financialhelp to the family of the deceased in a wild-animal attack from `5 lakh to `8 lakh. In cases ofdestruction of crops due to animal attacks, thefinancial help has been doubled. The service hasbeen included under the Right to Services Act,due to which the person or family affected willget the help faster. We are implementing aprogramme of rehabilitating villages underreserved or protected forest areas.

(From top) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Minister for Finance andPlanning, Forests Sudhir Mungantiwar launch Tiger Conservation Projectand the mega plantation drive recognised by the Limca Book of Records

The development plan of a city isrevised every 10 years. On thesame lines, I believe that theeducation plan must be revised

every five years as per curriculum anddemand of students. It is the need ofthe hour that guardians change theirway of thinking. It is essential to notjust enhance the intelligence quotientof children, but also improve theiremotional quotient.

SCHOOL EDUCATIONAccording to the Right to Education, schooleducation has been made compulsory for everystudent. Larger emphasis is being laid onpractical approach in the sphere of education. InMaharashtra, we have laid stress on reducing the burdenof school bags. For admission of a child to school (class I),we have decided the minimum age to be six years. Foradmission of students from deprived or economically

weaker sections, in class I or pre-primary section ofunaided private school, we have fixed first admissionlevel criterion for 25 per cent seats as per Right toEducation Act. To ensure that teachers are experiencedand experi ment-oriented, Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)has been made compulsory. Special teachers are beingappointed to impart modern education in Madrasas.Delayed for years, the decision on Government grants tonon-aided schools has now been taken. The permanentlyunaided private schools will get 20 per cent grant fromthe State Government. The State also exempted theexamination fees of students from 14,708 drought-affected villages, where the kharif and rabi harvestpaisewari was below 50 per cent.

The State Government has taken a decision to holdre-examination of classes X and XII within a month ofthe declaration of results. The State Government hasdecided to provide question papers to secondary andhigher secondary students 10 minutes before the start ofthe examination and the answer sheet in time. Aptitudetests for class X students are helping them understandtheir aptitude for a specific stream and decide on theirfuture course. A decision has been taken to the effect thatstudents failing even in the re-examination of classes Xand XII will be given admission in beneficial vocationalcourses based on their inherent skills. The districts withhigh proportion of out-of-school students are the primefocus of the department.

HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION To regularise the admission and fees of private andunaided vocational courses, an ordinance has been issued.Indian Institute of Management has been set up inNagpur, and approval has been given to set up IndianInstitute of Information Technology in Nagpur and Pune.

Freeship scheme based on merit and income hasbeen formulated and is being computeri -

sed. It will be imple mented from thenext academic year.

Efforts are being made to startnational law universities inNagpur and Aurangabad.Under Private University Act,two private universities arebeing set up. The choice-basedcredit system is in place. Onthe guidelines of University

Grants Com mission, universi -ties have to implement the

choice-based credit system. TheState is also implementing Rash -

triya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan.

SPORTS AFFAIRSUnder the 5 per cent reservation in employment forsportspersons, the process of verification of sportscertificate has been made online. Selected sportsfacilities will be developed to inter national standards.

M

The State Government is working towardsenhancing the emotional quotient of children apartfrom intelligence quotient. It is focusing onpractical approach and making efforts to prioritiseskill-based courses in future

A

VINOD TAWDEMinister for School Education, Sports and Youth Welfare, Higher and TechnicalEducation, Marathi Bhasha, Cultural Affairs, Minorities Development and Wakf

LEARNING TODAY,LEADING TOMORROW

I


Indian Institute of Management has been set up in Nagpur, and approval

has been given to set up Indian Institute of Information

Technology in Nagpur and Pune.Freeship scheme based on merit

and income has been formulated and is being

computerised



An action plan is being developed in Maharashtra forachieving the targeted medal objective for Olympics2020. It has been decided to provide State-level status tothe sports competition organised by Tribal Develop mentDepartment to encourage the inherent sports acumenof tribal students.

MARATHI LANGUAGE A proposal for grant of Classical Language status to Marathiwith recommendations to the Union Ministry of Culture hasbeen submitted by the Sahitya Academy, New Delhi. TheLanguages Consultative Com mittee has been reconstituted,and is working on the final draft policy. The policy for thenext 25 years will be formulated once the committee submitsthe revised final draft policy. Forts Conservation and

Development Com mittee has been set up for the conser -vation of State’s forts. Gherapalgad (Khed), Mahipat gad(Sangameshwar) and Bankot (Mandangad) forts have beenrecognised as protected monuments. It has also beendecided to pay honorarium online to elderly artists, whohave served theatre in districts.

MINORITIES DEVELOPMENTTo bring Madrasas students into the mainstream ofsociety, it has been decided to include subjects of Science,Maths, Social Studies, Hindi, Marathi, English and Urdu,alongwith religious education into their curriculum.Implemen tation of Dr Zakir Hussain Madrasa Moderni -sation Scheme has begun in the State. It has also beendecided to include Urdu as an optional subject in non-Marathi schools and to teach Marathi in Urdu schools.

A decision has also been taken to award scholarshipsfrom `5,000 to `25,000 to minority students pursuingtechnical and vocational education and for courses afterclass XII. The amount of honorarium for judges examiningthe works of Urdu language writers/poets has beenincreased. The award amount for books by Urdu languagewriters/poets has also been increased. Compu terisedonline loan management system has been developed foreducational loans provided through Maulana AzadMinorities Development Corporation.

Permission has been granted for building Urdu Gharat Jalgaon, Bhiwandi, Nashik and Malegaon. A decisionhas been taken to register the properties in the name ofconcerned Wakf institutions on Gaon Namuna and 7/12extract to protect Wakf properties in Maharashtra. M. M.Shaikh was appointed to enquire in connection with Wakfproperties and an action report has been prepared on thereport submitted by him. The Government has begun theimplementation of centrally sponsored Bahukshetra VikasKaryakram (Multi-sectoral Development Programme) innine districts in the State.

—As told to Varsha Phadke

IMPORTANT INITIATIVESWhile sportspersons from Maharashtra areperforming well at national and internationallevels, a study is being undertaken on theschemes that can be implemented to encouragethem further. A sports map for Maharashtra isunder preparation.

The districts where the proportion of out-of-school students is highest are being givenattention by the department. Special efforts havebeen made to bring the children of brick-kilnlabour, sugarcane cutter labour and labourworking in the stone mines to school. For this, amega-survey of out-of-school students wasundertaken. The survey has now been made acontinuous exercise.

Differently-abled students have beenprovided educational supplementary facilitiesfrom I to XII classes under the learning–teachingprocess. An opportunity has been made availablefor them to study in regular schools alongwith common students.

(From left) The State Government has taken important decisions for encouraging sportspersons and students for giving Maharashtra a bright future

With rapid industrialisation and urbani -sation in Maharashtra, it has becomeextremely difficult for one to buy a house.Keeping the common man at core, the

Govern ment of Maharashtra, in past two years tookmany decisions to help individuals get their much-deserved homes. A prime decision was to implement thenew housing policy, which makes purchasing a homeachievable for every strata of society. Among the manygroups of beneficiaries are the mill workers of closed andsick textile mills of Maharashtra. The Government hasprovided them houses and is committed to doing thesame with other workers. The new housing policy willtransform the dream of Mumbaikars into reality. It willalso pave way for people living in old chawls anddilapidated buildings to own a house. The policy will helptransform the landscape of Mumbai.

The housing problem of the metropolis had becomeacute due to the redevelopment held up by the old policy ofredevelopment of Maha rashtra Housing and DevelopmentAuthority (MHADA) colonies. For years, many elected

represen tatives demanded framing of a new housing policyto solve the issue. Now, with the formation of the newhousing policy, Mumbai is set to undergo a radical change.The housing policy of the State Government is runningconcurrently with Centre’s Housing for All 2022 scheme.The policy will benefit citizens living in 22,000 oldbuildings. The Suburban District has been givenpermission for cluster development. People from transitcamps will be totally rehabilitated.

Housing policy is a snapshot of Mumbai’s forth -coming comprehensive development, as more than 1crore people will be benefitted from the 37 per centavailable lands in the metropolis. The Government willtake a concrete decision on the matter of Dharavi’sdevelopment, which has been cited as the largest projectin Asia. Cluster development scheme will be imple -mented for redevelopment of residential colonies inMumbai suburbs. While developing the airport, 50,000people from the area will be rehabilitated.

REDEVELOPMENT OF MHADA COLONIESMHADA colonies were constructed in Mumbai during1950-60. At present, these buildings are dilapidated andneed redevelopment. The old, original residents of thesebuildings need to be given a larger size tenement. Witha view to redevelop these colonies as per the amendedpolicy, it has been decided to provide MHADA colonies afloor space index (FSI) of 4.

Three FSI based on above par value will be distri -buted for plots of land up to 2,000 sq. m. The remaining1 FSI will be distributed to MHADA on tenement basis.To create more housing stock, if for any reason, the FSIreceived is more than 3, it will be compulsory fordevelopers to provide housing stock for FSI exceeding 3to MHADA. On plots with an area of more than 2,000sq. m., 4 FSI will be distributed to MHADA on the basisof housing stock partnership.

With cluster development, the dilapidated oldbuildings will be redeveloped and original residents willget tenements with larger area. It will also createadditional housing stock, and due to the above par value,


HOMES IN THE CITIESThe Government of India sanctioned Housingfor All (Urban) Scheme, Prime Minister AwasYojana on June 17, 2015. The scheme is beingimplemented in Maharashtra in selected 51cities, including Mumbai. The scheme will beimplemented in planned areas of these cities.The move is part of State’s housing policy thataims at building 11 lakh affordable houses bythe year 2022. Through MHADA, the StateGovernment has made homes available to2,634 mill workers of Bharat Mill, Western Mill,Century Mill, Prakash Cotton Mill, Ruby Milland Swan-Jubilee Mill.

In these two years, the State Government has takenconcrete decisions to bring alive the dream of thecommon man to have his own home. The newhousing policy will be implemented effectively tomake homes available to everyone by 2022

fPRAKASH MEHTAMinister for Housing

DREAM HOMESGET AFFORDABLE



H

funds will be available to the Government for various(affordable) housing schemes, especially for the projects inMumbai Metropolitan Region under Pradhan MantriAwas Yojana. Due to additional 1 FSI, housing will becreated for low and micro income group tenements ataffordable rates. A decision has been taken to theeffect that if the eligible original tenants/residents at MHADA transit camps areinterested in rehabilitation in the sametransit camps where they are staying andin transferring their original resident/tenant rights to MHADA, they will berehabilitated in the camps only.

CENTRAL SCHEMESUnder Union Government’s PradhanMantri Awas Yojana-Housing for All2022, land will be used as a resource andthe hutments located there will beredeveloped there itself. Through loan-related interest grant, affordable homes willbe built for economically weaker and low-incomesections. Affordable homes will be constructed throughprivate partnership. Grant will be provided to economicallyweaker section beneficiaries for building homes.

In case of using land as a resource and re developing

hutments there, the Government of India will provide agrant of `1 lakh for each home. For building affordablehomes for economically weaker and low-income groupsthrough loan interest subsidy, the subsidy has been kept

at 6.5 per cent with loan period fixed as 15 years.For homes of economically weaker section

built through public-private partici -pation, the amount of grant per home

will be `1.5 lakh.Under this scheme, if a demand ismade for land for a housingproject, the District Collector/Divisional Commissioner hasthe power to take the call. Out ofthe proposals approved by theState-level approval and control

committee, the Central approvaland control committee has in

principle approved 32 projects with1,07,874 tenements.

The State Government has decided torehabilitate workers and their heirs

through a home of their own. The objective is tobestow a roof to every worker, protect his self-esteem andhonour his contribution to society.

—As told to Sunita Kuperkar

Through loan-related interest grant, affordable homes

will be built for economically weakerand low-income sections. Affordablehomes will be constructed throughprivate partnership. Grant will beprovided to economically weaker

section beneficiaries for building homes

D

Housing policy is a snapshot of Mumbai’s development, as more than 1 crore people will benefit from the 37 per cent available land in the metropolis

c

Rural development is one of the mostimportant factors for the eco -nomical growth of a State.In the last two years, the

Rural Development Department hastaken many development-orienteddeci sions, and is determined to makeall the Gram Panchayats ‘smart’. Withthis vision, a Smart Village Scheme isbeing undertaken.

A distinct prototype for villagedevelopment is being planned throughdevelopment plans for Gram Pancha -yats. Apart from making available basicfacilities and amenities to villages liketechnology, roads, housing, toilets and others,employment generation through skill development andacceleration to rural economy are being provided throughschemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PanditDeendayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana,Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Umed Abhiyan,

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Gharkul Jaga KharediArth sahayya Yojana, Our Village, Our DevelopmentScheme, Aaple Sarkar Service Centre and others.

RURAL TRANSFORMATION Under Grameen Jeevanunnati Abhiyan, loans to thetune of `1,586 crore have been distributed through thebanks to around 1.13 lakh self-help groups in the last twoyears. Apart from making employment available towomen from these groups, the initiative has given afillip to rural economy. With an objective of providingskill training to unemployed youth and employmentthereafter, Deendayal Upadhyay Grameen KaushalyaYojana has been initiated under Grameen JeevanunnatiAbhiyan. The scheme is presently imparting training toabout 1,774 youth. In the current year, 58,000 youth areto be trained under the programme.

In order to connect rural roads, MukhyamantriGram Sadak Yojana has been initiated on the lines ofPradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. The target of theState scheme has been set at constructing 730 km newroads and upgrade of 3,000 km of roads. So far, 333roads have been sanctioned, with construction of mostroads begun. The detailed report for 5,200 km roads setas target for 2016-17 is being prepared.

PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJANA-RURALThe Government of India sponsored Pradhan Mantri AwasYojana-Rural has to be implemented from 2016-17. The listof eligible beneficiaries after the Gram Sabha held onIndependence Day and the resolution therein is beingprepared. Under this scheme, financial assistance of ̀ 1.20lakh will be provided for construction of houses in generalareas and `1.30 lakh for construction in Naxal-affectedareas. An assistance of `18,000 will be available through

MGNREGA in the form of unskilled labourcharges. Under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a

fund of ̀ 12,000 will be provided. A target of constructing 1,72,264

homes has been set for 2016-17. Forthose eligible for the scheme, but donot have land to construct thehouse, the Centre has launchedPandit Deendayal UpadhyayGharkul Jaga Kharedi Arth -sahayya Yojana. The schemeprovides grant for purchasing the

land for the house. An assistanceup to ̀ 50,000 per person is provided

for land purchase. A target of 5,000beneficiaries has been set for 2016-17

with a provision for ̀ 25 crore.

SMART VILLAGE SCHEMEWith the objective of well-planned development ofvillages, Smart Village Scheme has been started withcertain improvements in the Environmentally Sustain -able Village Development Plan. Interest-free loans will be


Digital empowerment of villages, making availablecivic amenities to people, employment generationthrough skill development, and boosting ruraleconomy are some initiatives of the Government for village transformation

p

PANKAJA MUNDEMinister for Rural Development and Women and Child Development

I have resolved tomake all Gram Panchayats inMaharashtra smart. This will

change the face of rural areas inthe State. Apart from enhancing

the birth ratio for girl childand making Maharashtra

malnutrition free,my priority is women

empowerment

SMART VILLAGES,EMPOWERED WOMEN

O



provided to women self-help groups, and Sumati TaiSukhalikar Udyogini Mahila Sakshamikaran will belaunched soon. Amdar Adarsh Gram Yojana has beenstarted in the State, and planning is in place to achieve1,000 model villages in next five years.

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMENWomen and Child Development Department is imple -menting various initiatives for raising the birth rate of girlchild, creating malnutrition-free Maharashtra and em -power ing women. To enhance the birth rate of girl childand prevent female foeticide, Mazi Kanya Bhagyashreescheme has been started. The Government of India’s BetiBachao, Beti Padhao scheme is being implemented in 16districts of Maharashtra. Manodhairya scheme is beingimplemented in the State for financial assistance to thewomen and child victims of rape, child abuse and acidattack, and their rehabilitation. Through the scheme, the

affected are provided financial assistance between ̀ 50,000and ̀ 3 lakh. The State provided financial support to 1,999cases under the scheme till March 2016.

FREEDOM FROM MALNUTRITIONA special programme is being implemented in Maharashtrato address the cases of malnutrition. To curb its cases, atotal of 553 projects are running in the State. Through the88,272 Anganwadis working on the mission, a supple -mentary nutritious diet is given to children in the age groupof 0-6 years, and pregnant and nursing women. Currently,86,31,910 children get food through the scheme.

It has now been decided to develop 5,000 ideal Angan -wadis every year. The honourarium of an Angan wadiworker, helper and Mini-Anganwadi worker has been raisedby ̀ 950, ̀ 500 and ̀ 550, respectively. Their salaries will nowbe deposited to their bank accounts directly.

Several MoUs have been signed to promote backyardfarming, and improve pre-school education of childrenand children’s homes in deprived and drought-affectedareas. An MoU has been signed with I Care Institute fortraining women to become commercial vehicle drivers.Around 200 women have been trained so far, while 122women are under training.

A decision has been taken to set up a Hirkani Cell sothat woman employees in large Government offices andwomen visitors have a space to breast-feed newborns. Inthe first stage, a cell has been opened at Mantralaya inMumbai. A decision has been taken to construct protectionwalls at girls’ hostels in Maharashtra in next three years bydoubling the funds for these hostels. To bring highertransparency and qualitative improvement, the childrenhomes are now graded A, B and C.

—As told to Irshad Bagwan

OUR VILLAGE, OUR DEVELOPMENTUnder this scheme, villages will be developedin a well-planned manner. For this, five-yearand one-year development plans for everyvillage are being prepared through publicparticipation. Training programmes have beenconducted in almost all the Gram Panchayatsfor this. By the end of August, 23,712 GramPanchayats organised Gram Sabhas to sanctionthe draft plans. The Gram Sabhas at 7,447Gram Panchayats gave final approval to thesedevelopment plans.

In order to connect rural roads, Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana has been initiated on the lines of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

c

The Government of Maharashtrahas taken special efforts in lasttwo years to bring tribalcommunity into the main -

stream through schemes forphysical, infrastructure, progress,health and other aspects instru -mental in enhancing their lifestyle.I am happy that planned stepshave been taken to resolve theissues facing the tribal communityin India and Maharashtra. Initiativessuch as implementation of PESA Act,admission of tribal students in renownedEnglish-medium residential schools, estab -lishing state-of-the-art central kitchen, launchof Bharat Ratna Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Amrut AhaarYojana, radical changes in the working style of TribalDevelopment and Research Institute, and developmentof tribal padas through innovative methods have beentaken by the Government in the past two years.

IMPLEMENTATION OF PESA ACTUnder the Act, various works such as building GramPanchayat office, health centre, Anganwadis, digitalschools, godowns, internal roads in villages, maintainingcleanliness at public places, construction of gutters fordrainage, solar lamps, supply of pure drinking water andothers have been carried out. Out of the 23,751 workssanctioned during 2015-16, 6,250 have been completed.So far, 2,873 Gram Panchayats and 5,979 villages andpadas from Scheduled Areas have been selected,benefitting 44,16,024 tribal people.

GOOD SCHOOLS, BALANCED DIETTo ensure that tribal students are able to pursueeducation just as city students, they are being providedadmission to renowned English-medium residentialschools through Tribal Development Department.Earlier, 2,500 students were given admission in theseschools every year. The number has now increased ten-fold with 25,000 students being admitted to renownedEnglish-medium residential schools. During the acade -mic year 2015-16, 122 schools were selected and around21,000 students were given admission.

In another important initiative, after receivingcomplaints that the students of Government Ashram -shalas and Government hostels not getting good-quality,adequate, healthy and nourishing diet, we signed anMoU with Tata Trusts and Akshaypatra Foundation forstarting a central kitchen. Today, the kitchen calledAnnapurna, located at the Government English-mediumresidential Ashramshala at Mundhegaon, Igatpuri inNashik, provides nutritious, balanced, fresh and tastydiet to the students of Ashramshalas and hostels.Currently, students of 11 Ashramshalas situated in acircle of 40 km in Nashik and Igatpuri are being served

food from this kitchen. To curb the cases of malnutrition in

Scheduled Areas and increase the propor -tion of calories and proteins in the diet

of pregnant women and nursingmothers, Bharat Ratna Dr A. P. J.Abdul Kalam Amrut Ahaar Yojanawas started by the State. Underthis scheme, a pregnant womanduring the last trimester ofpregnancy and nursing mothersduring first three months after

delivery are provided one timesquare meal daily. The one-time full

diet consists of chapati/bhakari, rice,sprouted grains, pulses, soya, milk with

sugar, peanut laddu, eggs/banana/ nachanihalwa, fruits, green leafy vegetables, cooking

oil, jaggery, sugar, iodised salt and spices.The scheme has since been extended. Under the

extended scheme, the food for pregnant women has beenincreased. Now, these women are provided one-timesquare meal from the date of registration to the date of


The Government has been working incessantlyto bring development to the State’s tribal areas andbring the tribal population into the mainstream.The initiative has ushered in positive changesand prosperity in their lives

d

VISHNU SAVRAMinister for Tribal Development

An important decision of the State

Government has been to makethe entire process of casteverification for Scheduled

Tribes simple, fasterand transparent through the

use of informationtechnology

MAINSTREAMINGTHE MARGINALISED



delivery. Breast-feeding mothers are provided one squaremeal for six months after delivery.

Similarly, in order to provide additional diet to allchildren from the Scheduled Areas and additional tribalsub-scheme areas and in the age group of seven months tosix years, phase two of Bharat Ratna Dr A. P. J. AbdulKalam Amrut Ahaar Yojana has been launched. Throughthis, the health of a nursing mother and the weight andheight of the newborn child are monitored, which helps inpreventing malnutrition. In the first phase of the scheme,64,436 pregnant women and nursing mothers werecovered. In the extended period, 1,04,887 pregnant womenand nursing mothers are receiving the benefits.

ADI PRAMAN SYSTEMAn online system has been developed for verification ofcaste validity certificates for State’s tribal population.The application is first of its kind for any State in India.The system is helping resolve obstacles in the process ofcaste verification. An important decision has been takento make the entire process of caste verification forScheduled Tribes simple, faster and transparent throughthe use of information technology and online operation. Ashuman interference reduces, time is saved and efficiencyand transparency increased. The use of Adi Pramansystem began on May 1, 2016. The system is available onwww.etribevalidity.mahaonline.gov.in.

APPROVAL OF FOREST RIGHTSIn order to provide proper justice to cases under ForestRights Act, the hearing is held at the taluka level. Afterproper action, the applicants are provided a document(patta) with their names registered on the 7/12 extract. Toimprove the lifestyle of these applicants, apart fromindividual rights, community rights are provided. If avillage/wada/pada files a community case, it is given theoption of increasing the income from tree plantation,minor forest produce, fisheries and others.

SMART RURAL DEVELOPMENT The development of 1,000 tribal padas, where basicinfrastructure is not available, will be carried out through

Climate-Smart Agriculture method. The State Government has decided to develop 1,000

tribal villages as ‘climate smart’ villages. The project willbe taken up with the help of Borlaug Institute for SouthAsia (BISA). Apart from the adivasi villages of Punedistrict, tribal hamlets from Palghar and Gadchirolidistricts will be taken up for the project.

The farmers will be trained in harnessing solar energyand setting up farming pattern according to the climate oftheir village. If the climate of the village is suitable forgoat farming or dairy production, then the villagers will beadvised to do those. BISA will also carry out soil testing ofthe village and suggest crops. It will study the sunlight,soil, climate and ecology of the village. Based on the study,apt agri-based businesses will be decided and locals will betrained. Ten people from each village will train others,helping in the development of 1,000 villages.

—As told to Kashibai Thorat

BETTER EDUCATION FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTHTribal students are being given admission inrenowned English-medium residentialschools. During 2015-16, a total 122 schools wereselected and 21,000 students were givenadmission to these schools.

A retail platform for Warli: The State Governmentis setting up Warli Tribal Haat in Manor, Palghar.The haat will not only make available employmentopportunities to locals, artists and youth, butalso conserve traditional tribal arts and promotethe sale of the artefacts made by tribal artists.

(From top) A Warli artist makes products for sale at an exhibition anda Malhar Koli girl

c

The position of Minister, Food and Civil Suppliesis closely linked to the daily lives of people.Many bold decisions have to be taken keepingpeople’s interests in mind while balancing

the responsibilities. Last year, Maharashtra had adrought-like situation in 14 districts of Marathwadaand Vidarbha. The farmers in these regions had to gothrough a tough time. Some of the farmers resortedto suicide. In order that such incidents should nothappen in future and farmers get support from theGovern ment throughout, the Government of Maha -rashtra decided to provide all farmers from these 14districts the benefits of foodgrains on the lines ofNational Food Security Scheme.

The said 14 districts were Aurangabad, Jalna,Nanded, Beed, Parbhani, Osmanabad, Latur andHingoli from Aurangabad division, Amravati, Washim,Akola, Buldhana, Yavatmal from Amravati, and Wardhafrom Nagpur division. For the 68 lakh farmers inthese divisions, we made available rice at `3 per kg andwheat at ̀ 2 per kg.

COMPUTERISATION OF RATION CARDSThrough the Department of Food and Civil Supplies,foodgrains are distributed to the poor and commoncitizens at fair price shops. However, due to lacunae inthe system, there were faults in the ration cards, andinstead of reaching the beneficiary, the foodgrains werediverted. A project for computerisation of publicdistribution system (PDS) to provide ration to eligiblebeneficiaries regularly, on time, and in a transparentmanner was started after surveying the links. Under theproject, information on ration cards was collected andfed into the computers. At the same time,computerisation was done in approximately 54,930 fairprice shops across districts, 60,049 kerosene licenses,488 godowns and gas agencies. At present, the work ofincluding the Aadhar number, mobile number and bankaccount number in the PDS database is being done.

The seeding of Aadhar cards is in progress. Underthe National Food Security Act, the seeding of 5.92 croreout of 7 crore beneficiaries has been carried out. Toprovide information on foodgrains and kerosene availa -bility directly, the facility of sending an SMS toconsumer’s mobile number has been started.

A biometric-based point of sale will be placed at everyfair price shop now. With this, the ration will be given onlyafter the biometric identity is checked. The system is goingto be installed in all shops in a few days’ time. It will be usedto identify authentic beneficiaries and catch blackmarketers using bogus ration cards immediately.

DIRECT BENEFIT TRANSFER SCHEMEModified Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme (DBTL) forLPG consumers was started in 54 districts of India. Inthe beginning of 2014, Wardha and Amravati districtswere selected for the scheme. From 1 January 2015, thescheme was launched in all districts of Maharashtra. Sofar, 90.47 per cent beneficiaries have registered theirparticipation in the scheme.

The State Government took a decision to purchase thesugar required for distribution to below poverty line(BPL) and Antyoday beneficiaries through e-auction atopen markets. The decision has led to transparency in the


PIGEON PEA PULSE FACILITATIONThe Government has taken stringent steps tocontrol the prices of pigeon pea. The draftlegislation for pulses rate control has beenprepared and approved by the legislature. It hasnow been sent to the Government of India forapproval. Taking a lead, the Government decidedto purchase pigeon pea pulse from the Centre forsale in the open market. We have registered ademand of 3,500 tonnes, and through NAFED andFood Corporation of India, 776 tonnes of pulseshas reached the State Government. This has beenmade available at `95 per kg.

Departments of Food, Civil Supplies and ConsumerProtection and Food and Drugs Administration areusing e-governance to serve citizens better andround the clock. The Government is committed toprovide transparent and efficient service to people

p

GIRISH BAPATMinister for Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Food andDrugs Administration, Parliamentary Affairs

FOOD SECURITY WILLBECOME A REALITY



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process, and due to increased competition, the sugar isavailable at lower rates than market. This has helped theState save ̀ 25 crore. The efficiency of the process adoptedby the State Government has made it popular and manyStates have sought information about it. A few Stateshave already begun purchase of sugar through e-auction.

For the convenience of citizens, the hearings are nowheld and settled at divisional level. This has saved timeand money of concerned persons, their advocatesand Government officers from making trips toMumbai for appeals. Through divisionalhearings in last two years, 925 caseshave been sorted out.

RETAIL OF PULSES The Government has taken manystringent steps to control theprices of pigeon pea (tur dal). Thedraft legislation for pulses ratecontrol has been prepared andapproved by the legislature. TheAct has now been sent to theGovernment of India for approval.Taking a lead, the Government decidedto purchase pigeon pea pulse from theGovernment of India for sale in the openmarket. We have registered a demand for 3,500tonnes of tur dal. The State Government has received 776tonnes of tur dal through NAFED and Food Corporationof India. This has been made available at ̀ 95 per kg by theGovernment of India.

Pigeon pea selling centres are functioning activelyacross the districts of Thane, Raigad, Latur, Amravati,Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune and Vashi.Along with selling the pulses through open market, theState for the first time has decided to sell it through rationshops. For this, around 7,000 tonnes of dal was purchased

and sent to fair price shops for sale. The Government ofIndia has recognised and admired the remedial measuresimplemented by the State Government. Due to themeasures taken by the Government, the prices of tur dalin the market are falling.

CONSUMER AWARENESSThe Department of Weights and Measures has constituted

precaution committees to curb cheating of consumers.Consumer redressal cells have been set up at the

headquarters and regional offices. E-mail,Facebook and WhatsApp are being used

for consumer complaints. Collectively,the platforms have led to filing of 3,895cases. It has been observed that thenumber of cases filed during the lastfew years has increased by 52 percent. To encourage and strengthenthe consumer movement, StateConsumer Welfare Consultative Com -

mittee has been re-energised. A DraftPlan Committee has been set up to

decide the State Consumer Policy. FDAservices have been made online in the last

two years under Digital India for transparentfunctioning. Various licenses, certificates and

documents are now available online.For transparency in the inspection of medical stores,

the department has started Randomised system, whichhas helped shopkeepers. Four services from this depart -ment have been made online under Public ServiceGuarantee Act. This includes registration of food busi -nesses, permissions issued to them, licenses for retailmedical stores, licenses for wholesale medical stores andothers. A decision has also been taken to establish alaboratory for food and drug testing.

—As told to Nandkumar Waghmare

As a response to the‘Give it up’ appeal by Prime

Minister Narendra Modi, a total of17,11,058 consumers from the State

have renounced the cookinggas subsidy. Maharashtra is

in the forefront withmaximum renouncement

of gas subsidy

Through the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, foodgrains are distributed to the poor and common citizens at fair price shops

The Government of Maharashtra hasundertaken many remedial mea -sures to serve its objective ofincreasing irrigation capacity

across the State. During 2014-15, thenewly created irrigation coverage wasto the tune of 44,000 hectares. Besides,350 MCM water storage units werebuilt by the department. This included107 MCM water storage created withtrench-filling of 21 projects. A total of 26projects were completed in 2015-16.

The State Government has decided tomake available full-budgeted provision toirrigation projects. During 2016-17, funds tothe tune of `7,857 crore have been madeavailable to the Water Resources Department.Appropriate planning to use these funds has beencarried out to achieve 1.68 lakh hectares of irrigationcapacity, create 767 MCM of water storage and complete28 projects during the current financial year.

LAND ACQUISITIONThe State Government has given revised administrativeapprovals to 98 projects (including 32 from Vidarbhaand seven from Marathwada). Considering that it takestime to process the revised grant, the Governmentapproved the increased expenditure over and above thesanctioned administrative approval within the limits ofthe funds distributed under the Budget provisions for2015-16, as well as within the limit of unspent financialprovisions of 2014-15. To overcome the obstacles in thepath of land acquisition, the State Government decidedto go for direct purchase through private negotiations.The land acquisition process for projects has seenacceleration since.

With the revision in the norms of repair of ex-Malgujarilakes in Vidarbha, works have been undertaken by anengineering organisation to re-establish irrigated capacityin eastern Vidarbha. The work on Gunjawani project wason hold since March 2009. With a positive decision takenby the Government in connection with rehabilitation, thework on the dam has restarted from May 15, 2015; effortsare being made to have water storage this year.

The norms for all important saline lands from Konkanhave also been revised. The issue of project-affected peoplefrom inter-state projects in Konkan that was dragged foryears has been resolved with a decision to provide peoplewith a lump sum grant in lieu of employment.

PROJECT APPROVALSUnder Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, requiredfunds are being made available for completing the projectsin Waghur, Lower Panjhara, Bawanthadi, Lower Dudhna,Tillari, Nandur Madhameshwar and Lower Wardha byMarch 2017. After special efforts, we have been successfulin receiving approval on various issues in connection

with forest lands. Forest land proposals forVimalkasa and Pindkepar projects have

got final approval. Four projects insanctuary-affected areas of Arka -

cheri, Alewadi, Khindsi supple -mentary canal and Patia havereceived appro val from NationalBoard for Wildlife.

An ambitious project ofMarathwada, KrishnaMarath wada project has beenapproved by the EnvironmentDepartment, and Lendi Inter-

state project has been grantedexemption from environment

approval by the Centre. CentralWater Commission has granted

tech nical approval for Jigao project andSulwade Jamphal Lift irrigation project.

BOOST TO IRRIGATION CAPACITYThe State Government has accorded first priority toprojects from four districts in Amravati region. Canal


Water storage and irrigation capacity increasedsubstantially in Maharashtra in the last two years.There is now a huge responsibility on irrigationprojects, which are expected to bring benefits tofarmers in the next three years

w

GIRISH MAHAJANMinister for Medical Education, Water Resources and Command Area Development

To create waterliteracy, a permanent centre will

be established at Yashada,Pune. It is also planned to createsub-centres at Forest Academy,

Chandrapur, Walmi, Aurangabad,and Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh

Administrative TrainingPrabodhini, Amravati

BOLD DECISIONS,FASTER MOVES



works have been undertaken to create irrigation capacity.For conceptualisation of canals, a new and independentCanal Concept Board has been set up.

In future, it will be essential to plan the use of everydrop of water. To create water literacy in every strata ofsociety, a permanent centre will be established atYashada, Pune. It is also planned to create sub-centres atForest Academy, Chandrapur, Walmi, Aurangabad andDr Panjabrao Deshmukh Administrative TrainingPrabodhini, Amravati. Initiatives for water literacy andwater awareness and training programmes will beregularly organised at these centres.

Three irrigation project accords have been madebetween Maharashtra and Telangana. Under these,30,000 hectares of land from Yavatmal, Chandrapur andGadchiroli will be brought under irrigation. The entireexpenditure on this account will be borne by Telangana.The rights of water in accordance with Godavari WaterTribunal, fisheries and river transport will remain withMaharashtra. None of the villages or gaothans will besubmerged due to this project, and the villages located onriver banks will not face any danger of floods.

FOR A CAUSELed by the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi totake up organ donation campaign, after I took charge ofMinister for Medical Education, I planned a State-levelprogramme to accelerate organ donation.

Various programmes were organised under MedicalEducation and Drugs Department through Director,Medical Education and Research, Mumbai, Governmentand Private Medical Colleges District Civil Surgeon andDistrict Health Officers.

To ensure that needy persons are benefitted by organdonation and dangers related to a transplant are reduced,paving way for safe organ transplants, proper medicaltreatments and no business sales, the Government ofIndia enacted Human Organ Transplant Act 1994. Tillnow, a total of 11,364 kidney, 468 liver, 19 heart, threelung and 479 eye transplants have been carried out,giving a new lease of life to many patients.

OTHER DECISIONSFrom academic year 2015-16, new colleges have been setup in Chandrapur district with admission capacity of 100and at R. N. Cooper, Mumbai with admission capacity of150. The negative marking scheme followed for CommonEntrance Test for medical entrance has been cancelledfrom 2015-16.

Another important decision taken by the Governmenthas been to allow students under the categories of Personsof Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India(OCI) to appear for MHCET 2015 Examination foradmission to MBBS and BDS courses.

—As told to Sambhaji Kharat

The Government of Maharashtra has undertaken many remedial mea -sures to serve its objective of increasing irrigation capacity across theState. Canal works have been undertaken to create irrigation capacity

FUND FOR IRRIGATION PROJECTSDuring 2015-16, a fund of `7,272 crore was fullydisbursed for irrigation projects. A review of lastfive years states that 20 to 30 per cent cuts weredone in budgeted provisions. Considering theimportance of irrigation projects, the currentState Government never resorted to any cut.

AAPPPPRROOVVEEDD PPRROOJJEECCTTSS Forest land proposals forVimalkasa and Pindkepar projects have got finalapproval. Four projects in sanctuary-affectedareas of Arkacheri, Alewadi, Khindsisupplementary canal and Patia have receivedapproval from National Board for Wildlife.

Looking back over the last twoyears, it is noticeable that thewheels of development andpublic service have become

smoother. To ensure safe and com -fort able rides for women, especiallyin case of shared taxi cabs, we havetaken a decision to reserve the frontpassenger seat in the black-and-yellow shared taxi cabs for them. Thedecision is being implemented underBhagini Samman Yojana. There is alsoa decision to reserve 10 seats for ladies inShivneri air-conditioned buses.

The citizens had to face huge difficultiesdue to the drought-like situation in various partsof Maharashtra. A girl from Marathwada committedsuicide, as she couldn’t afford a bus ticket. I was movedby this incident. An emergency meeting was convened atthe Mantralaya, wherein it was decided to provide freeST pass to Marathwada students of class XI to

graduation under Swati Abhay Pass Yojana.

FOCUS ON ROAD SAFETYIn the last two years, the Transport Department hasemphasised on implementing various remedialmeasures for road safety, as too many people die due toroad accidents. Many of these deaths are due to non-compliance with traffic rules, such as not wearing ahelmet. Loss of life can be averted if these mistakes areavoided. Awareness on safety has been spread throughRoad Safety Fortnights observed at various places inMaharashtra.

From the safety point of view, it is crucial for two-wheeler riders to wear helmets. It has been noticedthat deaths in case of two-wheeler accidents are mostlydue to driving without the helmet. The Government hasdecided to get a bond signed by a two-wheeler licenseapplicant on wearing helmets while issuing a learninglicense. It has also been decided that petrol pumpoperators report to the concerned Regional/Sub-Regional Transport Officer the vehicle numbers of two-wheeler drivers not wearing helmets when they comefor a refill. Our objective is to enlighten the public aboutthe use of helmets and avoid unnecessary loss of life inroad accidents.

The proportion of indiscipline among drivers whiledriving is on the rise. To control this, it has been decidedto increase the fine in such cases under the provisionsof Motor Vehicles Act.

The Government is committed to ensure propertraining of vehicle drivers. For this, testing tracks will becreated in all districts of Maharashtra. Considering thecomplexity of the issue of accidents on highways, it isnecessary to start a scheme for setting up vehicle licensetesting centres with private partnership. The Central

Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) has beenentrusted with this work and asked to

prepare a detailed project report.The State Road Safety Council

(SRSC) has been constituted forimplementation and control ofroad safety policy and essentialremedial measures. Varioussteps have been taken toprevent accidents on Mumbai–Pune expressway.The State Government has also

decided to implement surchargeup to 10 per cent on Motor Vehicle

Tax payable after the purchase of anew vehicle. It is expected that about

`500 crore in the form of surcharge willbe received annually from this. The amount

will be used for road safety measures and creatingawareness.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIESThe State Government has extended the date to renew


In last two years, road transport has been made safe inMaharashtra. With State Transport now modernised,the passengers can experience smart travel. Therailway network has been augmented and new taxipermits have created self-employment avenues

c

DIWAKAR RAOTEMinister for Transport and Khar Land Development

State Road SafetyCouncil has been constituted

for implementation andcontrol of road safety policy and

essential remedial measuresfor the same. Various

measures have been undertakento prevent accidents

on Mumbai–Puneexpressway

THE RIDE GETS SAFE,SMOOTH AND COSY

S



cancelled and expired taxi permits to October 31, 2016.The date was extended keeping in mind the demand oftaxi associations.

The number of auto rickshaw permits cancelled andexpired in Maharashtra stands at 1.4 lakh. It has beendecided to renew these permits. Similarly, issuing new taxipermits was stopped in 1998. The issue of 25,000 newpermits in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is now inplanning stage. These permits will lead to about 50,000employment opportunities. To bring these opportunities tothe youth from MMR, it has been decided to distribute1 lakh new autorickshaw permits through lottery system.

COMPENSATION AND ALLOWANCEPeople of Maharashtra prefer State Transport (ST) for asafe journey. Its compensation to people in unfortunateaccidents and resulting casualties was just `3 lakh—asum highly inadequate to console the affected family. TheGovernment addressed this and decided to increase theinsurance amount to ̀ 10 lakh.

A decision was taken to provide ST Corporation `352crore for 2000-04 and 2004-08 on account of ST Workers’Pact. The dearness allowance for ST workers has beenincreased regularly. Recently, this allowance was made125 per cent. In 1998, when I was the Transport Minister,I gave a Diwali gift to ST workers. Then in 2015, a decisionwas taken to give ST workers a Diwali gift of `2,500 andofficers worth `5,000. An amount of `75 crore has beenspent on festival advance and ex-gratia payment toeligible ST workers.

A decision has been taken to give appointment lettersto those tribal candidates who were refused employmentin 2012. On the vacant posts of drivers in ST Corporation,the process of recruitment of 7,400 drivers has beencompleted. Also, a policy with respect to transfer of drivershas been declared. To modernise the services of thedepartment, new bus ports will be established at 13locations. There is also a decision to renovate andmodernise all bus stations with best of infrastructure.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTSThe natives of Konkan visit the region annually on the

occasion of Ganeshotsav. Most of them choose to travel byState Transport or trains. For the first time last year, theGovernment made available 2,500 buses to these travel -lers. This year as well, same numbers of buses were runfor Konkan Ganeshotsav. Similarly, in Nashik, on theoccasion of Simhastha Kumbh Mela last year, 3,000additional buses were made available to visitors. Duringthe Kumbh, 4,865 ST buses completed 39,715 trips andtransported 14.76 lakh passengers.


SWATI ABHAY YOJANAFree ST Pass scheme was implementedfor students of class XI to graduation in thedrought-affected region of Marathwada. Thescheme benefitted 4.6 lakh students.RRaaiillwwaayy RRoouuttee DDeevveellooppmmeenntt:: With integratedparticipation of Union and State Governments,the work of building some importantrailway routes such as Ahmednagar-Beed-Parli-Vaijnath, Wadsa-Desaiganj-Gadchiroliand Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded hasbeen accelerated.

(From top) In the last two years, the Transport Department hasstreamlined traffic, launched new vehicles and emphasised onimplementing various remedial measures for road safety

c

It should not be out of place to say that 2016 wassignificant for Maharashtra in terms of industrialdevelopment. As Minister for Industries, it thusbecomes my duty to deliver to the expectations of

investors and the confidence they have shown in theState. I shall strive to earn their confidence further aswell as maintain the rate of investment in Maharashtra.

MAKE IN MAHARASHTRAFrom the first year, our Government made the rightmoves under the State’s mega manufacturing mission,Make in Maharashtra. Our mission was to bring ‘MahaIndustries Nation’ status to the State. The sincere effortsof the whole team showed good results with severalmemorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed duringthe Make in India Week held in Mumbai from February13-18. Immediately after the event, an action group wasset up under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary toimplement the signed pacts.

So far, MoUs worth ̀ 32,377 crore have been broughtto reality and the process for project establishment is in

progress in the State. The process of transforming MoUsworth `1.23 lakh crore to reality is going on, andinvestments will be made soon. A total of 2,512 MoUshave been signed for medium, small and microenterprises (MSMEs), which will bring investment of`28,869 crore. The work on 474 MoUs has started and aninvestment of `6,247.38 crore has already been made,resulting in employment to 21,404 persons. The actionon 292 MoUs is in progress.

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS The Government of Maharashtra has taken manydecisions to bring ease of doing business. Earlier, a goodnumber of licenses were required to start an enterprisein the State. Now, we have reduced this number from 76to 25. Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation(MIDC) has reduced the number of permissions requiredfrom 14 to 5. The Government has closed the RiverRegulation Zone (RRZ) policy, helping many industriesto set base in Maharashtra.

To provide non-agriculture permission to industriesfast, committees have been set up through RevenueDepartment in every district under the chairmanship ofAdditional District Collector. Under Shop and Establish -ment Department, permission has been granted forkeeping shops open 365 days of the year and extendingthe work timing of women employees to 9.30 p.m. Wehave made a provision, whereby the permission ofDepartment of Environment will not be required if theindustrial construction is more than 20,000 sq. metres.

Earlier, many licenses—on constituent investment,production process, location and others—were requiredfor establishing industries in Maharashtra. With push on‘ease of doing business’, the number of these licenses hasreduced. For inspection of industries, randomised risk-based inspection system through software-based tools isbeing followed with the Labour Department andMaharashtra Pollution Control Board. The control onInspector Raj in Maharashtra has been recognisedglobally. According to Asia Competitiveness Institute ofthe Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore,Maharashtra is the first Indian State to accomplish this.


A SUCCESS STORYThe State Government inked 2,603 MoUs duringthe Make in India Week in various sectors,resulting in an investment of `8.04 lakh crorewith estimated employment for around 30 lakhpersons. Out of the total MoUs signed, 2,097were aimed at the MSME sector. Twenty MoUswere in the field of skill development, while therest were in the sectors of informationtechnology, textiles, agriculture and foodprocessing, energy, housing, tourism, maritime,city planning, health and animal husbandry.

The Make in India Week proved that Maharashtra isthe most preferred destination for investments inIndia. The Department of Industries has focused onstrengthening the State’s position, while keeping aneye on investments made in other States

M

SUBHASH DESAIMinister for Industries and Mining

MORE INVESTMENTSENHANCE OPTIONS



A

MAITRI TO ASSIST INVESTORSMaharashtra Industry, Trade and Invest ment Facili -tation Cell (MAITRI) serves as a single point of contact forGovernment to Business (G2B) services offered acrossthe business cycle for setting up a new industrial unit inthe State. It provides all critical investment-relatedinformation. The cell accepts applications online andhelps investors for all sanctions at one place. Under easeof doing business in Mumbai, the permissions neededfrom municipal bodies to start industries have beenreduced to 11 from 27. The time taken to secureconstruction permits has come down to 50days from the earlier 162. The time takenfor a new electricity connection has beenreduced from 67 days to 15 days, and thenumber of licenses for this has reducedfrom seven to three.

Municipal Corporation of GreaterMumbai has introduced singlewindow clearance for constructionpermit with Building Proposal Depart -ment as the nodal agency. Buildingcompletion and occupancy certificate areissued within seven days from the date ofapplication. Now, with only 11 permissionsrequired, the construction permit can beobtained in 60 days.

DISTRIBUTION OF PLOTS The process of distributing plots in industrial areas,carried out by the MIDC, is being made more transparentthrough special measures taken. For example, tendersystem will be used for the distribution of remaining plotsunder MIDC industrial estates. More than 80 per cent ofthe plots have already been distributed. Similarly, thedistribution of plots in MIDC areas, where the plotsdistributed are less than 80 per cent, will be carried outonline. A period of 15 days will be given for online

application system, and the initiative will be extensivelypublicised. A recent decision has been to keep 20 per centplots reserved for MSMEs in these industrial estates.

To encourage entrepreneurs from the under-privileged section of society, the Government hasannounced Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb AmbedkarSpecial Group Incentive Scheme through which indus -trialists from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribeswill be given industrial plots in MIDC areas at

concessional rates and on priority basis. Theentrepreneurs will also have special

facilities. Entrepreneurs in commodi -ties and service sectors will be able to

benefit from the scheme.

DELHI–MUMBAIINDUSTRIAL CORRIDORUnder Delhi–Mumbai Indus -trial Corridor—India’s firstindustrial park planned atShendra and Bidkin—has been

set up on 4,000 hectares. Manybig companies are keen to invest

in the park. The infrastructurework here is in its last leg.

A decision has been taken to make theprocess of distribution of MIDC plots online.

With extension and expansion of Udyog SanjeevaniYojana, commercial, residential, prioritised class andbusiness expansion plots will be benefitted. The decision ofreserving plots for MSMEs has helped build anenvironment for industrial expansion. Industrial areasdeveloped by the MIDC earlier will also have 20 per centreservation in plots for these enterprises. A decision hasbeen taken to construct galas (estates) for MSMEs in fiveindustrial estates of Pimpri–Chinchwad, Jalgaon, Hingna(Nagpur), Ahmednagar and Wagle Estate (Thane).

—As told to to Nandkumar Waghmare

Earlier, around 64-66licenses were required forestablishing industries in

Maharashtra based on constituentinvestment, production process,

location and others. With push onease of doing business,the number has come

down to 46-48

M

(From left) Auto and information technology are two prominent sectors of Maharashtra that contribute substantially to India’s industrial strength

c

With a mission to bring perennial develop -ment to agriculture, the Government ofMaha rashtra implemented many im -portant schemes in past two years. Along

with Agriculture, the Departments of Cooperation,Marketing, Relief and Rehabilitation, Revenue andEnergy also took important decisions in the area offarmer welfare and empowerment. The period alsowitnessed the launch of several innovative schemes forthe sector and farmer welfare. It has been around fourmonths since I took charge as Minister for Agriculture.During this period, I have tried to accelerate theseinitiatives and schemes for the development of agri -culture and everyone associated with it.

WELFARE SCHEMES FOR FARMERSAs Maharashtra faced drought situation for four yearscontinuously, the growing water scarcity left an overallimpact on its agriculture and lives of farmers.Disappointed farmers began to choose death over life.Under such circumstances, we began with boosting the

morale of our farmer brothers. Our efforts to bring waterto drought-affected villages started with Jalyukta ShivarYojana. Today, irrigation works under the mega waterconservation campaign is going on in around 11,000villages, and there is good water storage in the reservoirsbuilt under the scheme. The areas, where the rains werenot favourable, instructions have been issued forsupplying 12-hour electricity to agricultural pumps, sothat crops can be watered regularly. Hence, it has nowbecome possible to water the crops during daytime.While addressing the problems of agriculture sectormarred by irregular weather for years, the StateGovernment did not wait for Centre’s assistance. Itdistributed `4,000 crore to farmers, with funds directlytransferred to their bank accounts. In the last two years,we have helped the drought-affected farmers with a fundof `9,500 crore. I assure my farmer brothers that therewill not be any dearth of funds for their development.

To prevent farmer suicides in the districts ofYavatmal and Osmanabad, Late Motiramji LahaneKrishi Samrudhi Yojana is being implemented by theState. Under the scheme, area development and sourcesof perennial family income for distressed persons will bedeveloped. A weather-suitable agricultural project willalso be implemented in 4,000 drought-affected villages ofVidarbha and Marathwada, as well as 900 villages fromthe saline belt of Purna river valley in Vidarbha withfinancial assistance from World Bank. This will benefitthe farmers tremendously.

Under National Crop Insurance Scheme, an enor -mous amount has been credited to the bank accounts offarmers. The State Government followed up with theGovernment of India for an extension of time so thatfarmers can participate in the scheme. The Governmentalso launched the Late Gopinath Munde Farmer Accident


PERENNIAL AGRICULTURESoil health cards have been distributed toaccelerate perennial agriculture throughbalanced use of fertilisers; 7.74 lakh soil samplesout of the targeted 10 lakh for year 2015-16 havebeen tested and 33,000 soil health cards havebeen issued with recommendations. Planninghas been done for 5 lakh solar agro-pumpsproject. So far, 2,065 centres have been set upfor giving up-to-date information on weather tofarmers at taluka level.

During kharif harvest 2015, help to the tune of`4,205 crore was distribursed to 71 lakh farmers.From kharif 2016, 53 lakh farmers have regis ter -ed their participation in Pradhan Mantri KrishiBima Yojana. To keep a check on profiteering, therate for BT cotton was reduced by `100 perpacket. This has helped 50 lakh farmers. Specialefforts have been made for successfulimplementation of drip irrigation programme.

For continuous agriculture develop ment andfarmer welfare, the State Government launchedand implemented many im portant schemesin the past two years. An important area of focushas been value chain development

I

PANDURANG FUNDKARMinister for Agriculture and Horticulture

FOCUS ON FARMERS, AGRARIAN GROWTH



P

Insurance Scheme. So far, 1.37 crore farmers from theState have been insured under this scheme. In an attemptto free the farmers from indebtedness, the period ofrepayment of converted crop loans of calamity-affectedfarmers has been raised from three to five years. Adecision has been taken to convert District Bank croploans with interest similar to commercial banks.

SPECIAL FOCUSA mission has been undertaken for helping thefarmers with food security, health servicesand children education. Through VasantraoNaik Sheti Swavalamban Mission, specialattention has been given to the 14districts affected by farmer suicides.The farmers in these districts will alsoget the benefits of Rajiv GandhiJeevandayee Yojana. The number ofhospitals providing services under thehealth scheme in these districts isbeing increased. At the same time,students from farmer families pursuinghigher education are being exempted frompayment of fees.

Under food security, farmers are receivingwheat at `2 and rice at `3. So far, 68 lakh farmerfamilies have been benefited from the initiative. Witharound 20 to 35 kg food grains per family per month, 34,000metric tonnes of food grains are being distributed to farmers.

The criterion for paying the compensation in case ofdrought situation and natural calamity has been changed.For losses accrued in natural calamities such as heavydownpour, storms and hailstorms, the condition of 50 percent loss has been brought down to 33 per cent forpayment of compensation. New electrical connectionshave been provided in the said 14 districts.

To keep a check on profiteering, the rate for BT cotton

was reduced by `100 per packet. This has helped 50 lakhfarmers. Special efforts have been made for successfulimplementation of drip irrigation programme.

VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT We have undertaken value chain development programme,covering everything from productivity to marketing. Twentyprojects have been sanctioned under the prog ramme.

Sixty private companies have come forward forcreating marketing arrange ment for farmers

through value chain system and en -hancing invest ment and partnership

of private sector in the sector. Theprogramme is being implementedon around 2 lakh hectares. M-Kisan system has been startedto provide agri-consultancy tofarmers. The farmers haveresponded well to the initiative. Afirst of its kind service in India, M-

Kisan saw the registration of 51lakh farmers till end of March 2016.

Last year, 34.70 lakh new farmersregistered. Weather-based agricultural

advice through SMS and direct facili -tation for modern agricultural techno logy

has also been made available.As a path-breaking project, a crop survey scheme

based on satellite technology is being implemented in 500villages of Maharashtra. This will facilitate accuratesurvey of crop losses and help farmers receive propercompensation. A decision has also been taken to regularisedaily wage labour and skilled and semi-skilled staff. Led bythe positive results of the work done in last two years, theState Government is enthusiastic to maintain the pace andkeep no stone unturned in providing relief to farmers.

—As told to Ajay Jadhav

Under food security,farmers are receiving wheat at ̀ 2

and rice at `3. So far, 68 lakhfarmer families have been

benefitted from the initiative. Witharound 20 to 35 kg foodgrains

per family per month, 34,000 metrictonnes of foodgrainsare being distributed

to farmers

F

With a mission to bring perennial develop ment to agriculture, the Government of Maharashtra implemented many impor tant schemes in the past two years

Various projects and schemes have beenlaunched and important decisions have beentaken by the Government of Maharashtra inlast two years to maintain environmental

balance in the State. To begin with, the EnvironmentDepartment takes immense care to see that naturalresources are not depleted when the State prepares aproject plan for any new industry or construction.

NAMAMI CHANDRABHAGANamami Chandrabhaga programme of the StateGovernment is an excellent example of a campaign madesuccessful through public participation. Keeping in mindthe importance, sanctity and purity of the holy riverChandrabhaga, funds to the tune of ̀ 20 crore have beensanctioned for the first phase of the campaign. The workis already in progress. To ensure that the river does notget any unprocessed water, CSIR-NEERI has beenappointed as the nodal agency for technical support forthe third stage of present drainage water processingproject. The State Government has resolved to make

Chandrabhaga river pollution free by 2022.A basil garden will be established on the 8-acre

Forest Department land allotted to the river cleanlinessand beautification project. Other important features ofthe project are converting used basil garlands and staleflowers into fertiliser and tree plantation on one of thebanks of the river.

CURBING RIVER POLLUTIONThe purification and conservation work of Mithi river inMumbai is in progress and various meetings have beenorganised under Mithi River Development project to get tothe work report. The river will undergo a complete make -over soon and eventually become an identity of Mumbai.

There are 183 active industrial estates in Maharashtraset up by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corpo -ration (MIDC) to boost industrial development. Concertedefforts are being made so that Water Pollution Control Actis implemented scrupulously in the issues of environmentand pollution due to industrialisation. Strict measureshave been taken to ensure that polluted, drainage water isnot released in rivers and lakes. A system to preventpollution of Mumbai rivers such as Ulhas, Oshiwara,Poisar, Walbhat and Dahisar is in place.

Considering the immense importance of lakes andwater bodies in maintaining ecological balance, StateLake Conservation Scheme is being implemented. TheCoastal Regulation Zone has also approved the proposalof Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link after considering theaspects of environment and atmosphere. Recom -mendation has been made to the Government of India forapproval of the proposed Mumbai ocean highway.

REDUCTION IN NOISE POLLUTIONAn authority has been appointed to control noise pollutionduring various festivals and other events and maintainhealthy lifestyle through effective imple mentation ofNoise Pollution Rules. Officers of the level of DeputyCommissioner of Police, Assistant Com missioner of Police,Superintendent of Police and Deputy Superintendent ofPolice have been appointed as noise pollution inspectors.For use of loudspeakers and amplifiers, concessions have


A UNITED AND CONCERTED EFFORT Environment Department will maximise its effortsto work in coordination with departmentsassociated with constituents affecting theenvironment such as Industries, Forests, CRZ andCoastal protection and maintain ecological balance.

RRiivveerr cclleeaannlliinneessss:: An MoU will be signed shortlywith NEERI—a Government of India institute—forimproving the quality of water of Chandrabhagariver and related studies. The State Governmenthas resolved to make the holy river pollution free by 2022.

While approving projects, the EnvironmentDepartment considers aspects like depletion ofnatural resources. To see that citizens lead a healthylifestyle, the department has focused on increasingpublic participation in environmental projects

b

RAMDAS KADAMMinister for Environment

ENVIRONMENT,THE GAME CHANGER



A

been given for 15 days in a year. The sound must be withinprescribed limits and between 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Instructions have been issued for reserving 25 percent funds for management of urban solid waste anddrainage water on the lines of Municipal Corporations.After issuing orders for closing 66 unauthorised slaughterhouses, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board(MPCB) has gone ahead to shut them. The useand production of plastic carry bags of lesserthickness that endanger the lives ofanimals have been prohibited.

ONLINE RENEWALWith many services offered by theMPCB made online, the per missionsrequired for establishing, workingand renovating industries can nowbe obtained easily. Once theseapplications are uploaded, theapproval on all key aspects can beattained conveniently by industries.

The eight-page permission appli cationfor industries classified Green has beenmade simpler and in only two pages. The self-renewal system has been implemented for allindustries. The period of permission for all sections ofindustries has been made five years minimum.

It has been made compulsory for small industriesclassified Orange and industries classified Green to visit theboard before setting up and starting operations. Anindependent timetable according to pollution surcharge hasbeen prepared at the headquarter level through a software.For this, a random system has been accepted. The report onthe visit to industries will be made available on the internalofficial software program of the board within 48 hours.

BETTER COORDINATIONEnvironment is an important issue concerned with the lifeof citizens. Due to increasing population and urbanisation,there are disturbances in ecological balance and citizensare facing water and air pollution. The EnvironmentDepartment is committed to step up its efforts in

coordination with Departments of Industries,Forests and CRZ to achieve development

without disturbing environment.Participation of people is also an

important factor. I believe that none ofthe works or campaigns can besuccessful without the support ofpeople. Considering the geo -graphical location of Maha rashtraand changing lifestyle of its people,I believe all of us should worktogether to maintain State’s

environmental balance for ourhealthy future. The citizens should

go for tree plantation and avoid cuttingor hurting trees for any of their festival

or tradition. Forests are an important aspect of environ -

ment. Items such as disposables, glasses andnapkins used in family or during events should beavoided as far as possible. If these are used, one shouldtry to use them again. We should see that more water isabsorbed in the soil. Polythene bags should be avoided.We must separate wet and dry waste and burn the wastethat is possible. Paper needs to be reused. We shouldavoid spreading dirtiness in public places, as this leadsto social loss. It is necessary that each one of us work forconservation of environment.

—As told to Shraddha Meshram-Nalawade

There are 183 activeindustrial estates in Maharashtra

set up by MIDC to boostindustrial development. Concerted

efforts are being made so thatWater Pollution Control Act is

implemented scrupulously in theissues of environmentand pollution due to

industrialisation

E

The State Government plans to sign an MoU with NEERI—a Government of India institute—for improving the quality of water of Chandrabhaga river

c

Development of any nation or State depends onits transport facilities. If its network of trains,roads and waterways is extensive, its indus -triali sation and urbanisation become faster. It

also brings employment to thousands of people. In thesetwo years, all of these benefits led the Government ofMaharashtra focus on all-around development of roadsand building basic road infrastructure in the State.

SAMRUDDHI SUPER-EXPRESSWAYThe work on Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Super-Expressway will begin from January 2017. This road willbe 750 km in length and constructed by MaharashtraState Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). It willconnect 24 districts of Maharashtra, even as the distancebetween Nagpur and Aurangabad could be covered inthree hours and from Aurangabad to Mumbai in anotherthree hours. Hotels, malls, tourism centres, agro-ancillary industries, banks, ATMs, warehouses, smalland large industries and manufacturing plants will beestablished along the way.

One of the prime characteristics of the super-express -way will be the establishment of 21 townships. It is a`50,000 crore project for which 5,000 hectares of land willbe acquired. The compensation for the land would behuge and on the lines of Andhra Pradesh pattern.Planning has been done so that the process of landacquisition is completed in next four months.

The State Government has geared up to complete theproject by 2019. The project is expected to provideemployment to around 25 lakh people. Countries thathave evinced interest in the project include China,Malaysia and Korea. Given that big industries fromIndia and abroad will set up their units along the super-expressway, there will be a huge financial turnover,resulting in an all-round development of Maharashtra.With the completion of the project, the State will beidentified as the most progressive State in India withdevelopment rate much higher than any other. Thetransport of agricultural produce from Nagpur toMumbai and Pune and from other parts to Mumbaiwill be made easier and safer.

AGRO-ANCILLARY INDUSTRIESThe townships to be established along the Nag pur–Mumbai Samruddhi Super-Expressway will also accele -rate agro-ancillary industries. These industries will beagro-prosperity centres providing facilities to ruralareas. Through the super-expressway, 24 districts fromMarathwada, Vidarbha and North Maharashtra will belinked to Mumbai, the financial capital of India. The six-lane road will be complete with safety measures andlanding facilities for helicopter and aeroplane in case ofan emergency. There will be flyovers, small and largebridges and subways at the rivers, streams and villageson the way. At some places, the super-expressway willrun through tunnels.

An important element of the project is connectingreligious places and tourism locations. The Governmentplans to develop information technology parks, smartcities and education complexes along the expressway.

The Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Super-Expresswaywill become a project bringing a huge communication


THE MEGA PROJECT Through Nagpur-Mumbai SamruddhiSuper-Expressway, 24 districts of Marathwada,Vidarbha and North Maharashtra will beconnected to Mumbai. The expresswaymoving through 30 talukas and 355 villageswill also be connected to the National Highway.The mega road project will boost theeconomy of Maharashtra tremendously andmake it competent. The MMRDA is slated tocomplete the project by 2019 for theconvenience of people.

The Mumbai–Pune Expressway has shown us thatfinancial turnover increases with increased marketconnectivity. This expressway became a highwayto development. On similar lines, we have plannedNagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Super-Expressway

r

EKNATH SHINDEMinister for Public Works (Public Undertakings)

HIGHWAYS, THEENGINE OF GROWTH



T

revolution to Maharashtra. It will become a unique symbolof transport system in new and modern Maharashtra. TheGovernment officers have started counselling the farmers,land holders and other citizens on land acquisition for theproject, connecting roads and new townships, based ontheir willingness, consent and without any struggle.The officers are assimilating the issues andproblems of the landholders.

Considering the land-pooling scheme,benefits accrued at Navi Mumbai Inter -national Airport and Amravati, thenew capital of Andhra Pradesh, thepeople here will be given highercompensation than the CentralLand Acquisition Act and moreprofitable benefits.

OTHER ROAD PROJECTSThe MSRDC completed many impor -tant projects in past two years. Some ofits projects are in progress. The work ofPune flyover, vehicle subway and pedes -trian subway has been completed, and the roadwas opened for traffic on May 27, 2016. The cost ofthe project is ̀ 157 crore, and so far ̀ 88 crore has been spent.

Under Aurangabad City Integrated Road Develop mentProject, a flyover at Mondha Naka, a railway flyover atSangram Nagar, a flyover at Mahavir Chowk and otherswere built in last two years. All of these flyovers were openedfor traffic in June 2016. The first stage of the new six-lane,cable-stand bridge (Ramjhula) in place of three 100-year-oldbridges has been completed with the new bridge opened fortraffic. For the cons truction of Ramjhula Stage 2, the work

of demolishing the old flyover has been done.The project report of the 41-km-long Wakan–Pali–

Khopoli State Highway No. 93 is in final stage. The reportwill soon be submitted to the Centre for approval.

RAILWAY FLYOVERSThe Maharashtra State Road Development

Corporation has been appointed as theimplementation agency to accom plish

railway flyover works worth `870 crore.The work is to be undertaken througha 50:50 partnership with IndianRailways. The Cabinet Committee onInfrastructure in Maharashtra gaveapproval to the third bridge at ThaneCreek on Sion–Panvel expresswayand 11-km-long Tikujiniwadi to

Borivali tunnel project. It also gavenod to the elevated road on

Bhiwandi–Kalyan–Shilphata road withMSRDC as imple menting agency.

The construction work on the 9.89-km-longVersova–Bandra sea link as an extension to

the presently operational Bandra–Worli sea linkfor decon gestion of south Mumbai will also be done by theState road development agency.

In order to reduce pollution and decongest traffic, PublicWorks Department has entrusted the work on the PuneRing Road to MSRDC. The Ministry of Road Transport andHighways has entrusted the work on newly announcedroads of about 3,900 km to the corporation. Consultantshave been appointed to prepare the project report.

—As told to Sambhaji Kharat

The Nagpur−Mumbai Samruddhi Super-Expressway will become a project bringing a huge

communication revolution tothe State. This 750-kilometre-longexpressway will become a unique

symbol of the transport system in new and modern

Maharashtra

H

Better road connectivity not only leads to indus triali sation and urbanisation, but also employment generation for thousands of people

c

The State Government aims at balanced develop -ment of Maharashtra. With planned work in allthe three stages of generation, transmission anddistribution of electricity, we can proudly vouch

for total illumination of Maharashtra. We have taken adecision to supply constant electricity to agro-pumps for12 hours daily for the next three months. This will enablefarmers to take water for agriculture during the day fromfarm ponds built under Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan. Thedecision will bring relief to farmers who had to sufferdrought conditions in the State. Mahavitaran has takenup the work of providing con nections to agro-pumps inVidarbha and Marathwada on a war footing.

Maharashtra is the only State in India to provideGovernment land at negligible rates to public sectorcompanies, Mahavitaran and Maharashtra StateElectricity Transmission Company Limited for makingavailable basic infrastructure. With this decision, boththe PSUs are no longer required to purchase land forbuilding electricity facilities and sub-stations. Thedecision will control project costs and increasing

electricity rates will not be needed.

GRAM JYOTI YOJANAThe Government of India has started DeendayalUpadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana for building basicinfrastructure in the electricity sector in rural areas.Through this scheme, decentralisation of agriculturaland non-agricultural lines will be in place. Non-agricultural consumers will receive 24x7 electricitysupply through an independent line.

The electricity distribution system will provide newelectricity connections to those who do not haveelectricity supply and to below poverty line (BPL)families. The initiative will strengthen the objectives ofSansad Adarsh Gram Yojana for the development ofmodel villages. (Under this scheme, each Member ofParliament is responsible for developing the socio-economic and physical infrastructure of three villages by2019, and a total of eight villages by 2024.)

FOCUS ON NON-CONVENTIONALWith ample availability of new and renewable energysources in Maharashtra, the State Government has atarget of establishing 14,400 MW capacity projects forelectricity generation in next five years. Electricitygeneration would be possible through sugarcanemolasses, agricultural wastes, organic wastes, medicalwastes, mineral wastes, industrial wastes and othersources. There would be no need for a no-objectioncertificate from the Pollution Control Board and otherformalities for setting up such projects. These projectswill be exempted from electricity charges for 10 years.

Registration with MahaUrja will be made simpler,and a competitive tendering will be applicable forpurchase of electricity produced from wind, solar energyand industrial wastes. With these projects, the con -sumers will be benefitted with better rates.

PEOPLE-FRIENDLY APPROACHA district-level Complaint Redressal Committee hasbeen set up to supervise the complaints or irregularitiesin electrical connections for agro-pumps. The scheme


INITIATIVES UNDER MAHAVITARAN In cooperation with MahaUrja, a project for10,000 solar agro-pumps is being implementedin 20 districts of Maharashtra throughMahavitaran. The initiative has been of immensehelp for farmers from poor families.

Mahavitaran has also developed a mobile appthrough which facilities like sending the meterreading oneself by clicking a photo (if the meterreading has not been taken), applying for newconnections, bill payment, complaints about theservice and others are now a click away.

The Government is determined to make the Stateself-sufficient in terms of energy. With the interestsof farmers and consumers our topmost priority, weare making efforts to ensure that electricity isavailable at economical rates and throughout

w

CHANDRASHEKHAR BAWANKULEMinister for Energy, New and Renewable Energy, State Excise

FOR AFFORDABLE,ACCESSIBLE POWER



I

will facilitate justice for consumers and bring in speed andtransparency in the system.

Mahavitaran has developed and started a mobile appfor consumers for services such as bill payment and securityamount, applications for new connection, payment ofnecessary fees, and receiving bills on e-mails. The con -sumers can pay the bill through credit or debit card or netbanking. They can also register their complaints online.

If electricity transmission and distri bution can bemanaged at lesser cost and if commercial lossescan be reduced, electricity rates can belessened. Seventy per cent of theelectricity currently available in Maha -rashtra is generated by coal. The rateof coal in Maharashtra is `1,900 pertonne, while in Chhattisgarh it is`1,100 per tonne. After following upthe matter with the Centre, we haveaccrued Gare-Palma 2 Mines lo -cated on Maharashtra border.

With the new mine, we will beable to generate around 4,000 MW ofelectricity for the next 30 years. We areconsidering setting up a plant at themines itself, so as to generate electricity ateven cheaper rates. If the cost of electricitygeneration is reduced, the rates for electricity willautomatically come down.

FEEDER MANAGEMENT It is an innovative scheme, wherein an electrical engineer ora retired engineer is appointed as Feeder Manager. TheFeeder Manager will undertake works such as meter read -ing, distribution of electricity bills, replacing faulty meters,help in investigation of electricity thefts and daily main -tenance and repairs, and help increase Mahavitaran’sreven ue. Energy audit is important given that it will help to

upgrade, strengthen and empower rural electricity distri -bution system while gauging losses in the system, andplacing a proper capacity meter with the consumer, villageelectricity distribution trans former and feeder.

CONCESSION TO INDUSTRIESThe industrial electricity consumers from Vidarbha andMarathwada will be given a concession in electricity

rates. The concession will be 75 paise to 50 paise perunit. The State Government has made a

provision of `1,014 crore for the initiative.Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory

Commission has declared the newelectricity rates, which are for thefirst time, much lower as comparedto the rates in 1999. The Govern -ment has been successful in re -ducing the electricity rates. The work on making the householdelectricity feeders independent is in

progress in villages, where there areno separate feeders still. The State is

equipped with adequate electricity tomeet the needs of its people.

A WHATSAPP NUMBERFOR REGISTERING COMPLAINTS

The State Excise Department has made arrangements forregistering a complaint on WhatsApp if illegal liquortrade and transportation is observed. The complaint canbe lodged on 8422001133. The name and information ofthe informant will be held confidential. The facility hasbeen made available so that one can complain freely andwithout fear. The complaints will be handled at theCommissioner and higher levels. The move will help curbillegal liquor trade in Maharashtra.


The State Government plans to establish 14,400 MW

capacity projects for electricitygeneration in the next five years.Electricity generation would be

possible through sugarcane molasses,agricultural waste, organic waste,

medical waste, mineralwaste, industrial waste

and other sources

F

(From left) Electricity generation through wind energy is an objective of the State Government, and the app launched by Mahavitaran

c

Maharashtra has been facinga severe drought for lastfew years. As the rainsstaged an early re treat,

many villages had to be providedwater through tankers. About4,000 tankers were put in service inMarathwada alone. Water wassupplied to the city of Laturthrough trains to give relief topeople. About `700 crore werespent on implementing various watersupply schemes in State’s drought-affected areas.

In the past two years, Maharashtra alsodelivered brilliantly in the areas of sanitation andcleanliness. Besides the whole district of Sindhudurg,7,771 Gram Panchayats across the State attained opendefecation freedom (ODF). It is our mission to providedrinking water and toilet facility to every family in theState in coming three to four years.

DRINKING WATER TO VILLAGESIn order to provide adequate and pure drinking water toMaharashtra’s rural population, the State Governmenthas launched Mukhyamantri Gramin Pani PurvathaYojana. Already being implemented, the programme willrun for four years, from 2016-17 to 2019-20. TheGovernment has allocated `2,500 crore to theprogramme, which will lead to 1,003 new rural watersupply schemes, rejuvenation of 83 regional rural watersupply schemes, and repair and maintenance of 531rural schemes. Provision of ̀ 400 crore has been made forthe programme, i.e. ̀ 100 crore for each year.

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION (RURAL)The Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) is beingimplemented as per the guidelines of the Government ofIndia. Maharashtra is implementing the campaign veryeffectively. The efforts are showing good results, as theState is No. 1 in terms of number of ODF GramPanchayats. Out of the total 35,791 ODF GramPanchayats in India, 7,771 Gram Panchayats are fromMaharashtra—a share of 22 per cent.

To make all the Gram Panchayats open defecationfree, Maharashtra has created its own plan and concepton changing the mindset and habits of people. The samehas been implemented successfully all over the State.For 2016-17 annual action plan, open defecation work in11,708 Gram Panchayats is in progress. Despite waterscarcity in the State for last two years, the Governmenthas been successful in building individual toilets for81,88,160 beneficiaries out of the total 1,18,49,481eligible beneficiaries estimated in the basic survey ofSwachh Bharat Mission (Rural). The State hasregistered a leap of 18 per cent—from 45 per cent to 63

per cent—in achieving its target.

WITH A CLEAN RECORDThe whole district of Sindhudurg is

now free from open defecation.Fifteen talukas in the State, namelyBallarpur (Chandrapur), Ajara,Bhudargad, Gaganbawda, Pan -hala, Radhanagari (all districtsof Kolhapur), Mulshi (Pune),Lanja (Ratnagiri), Mahabalesh -war (Satara), Devgad, Kanaka -

vali, Malwan, Sawant wadi andVengurla (all districts of Sindhu -

durg) have become totally opendefecation free.

During the ensuing year, we haveresolved to make 13 districts of

Maharashtra open defecation free. These areKolhapur, Ratnagiri, Satara, Thane, Sangli, Pune,Wardha, Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur,Palghar and Jalna. Special attention has been given tofactors such as construction of toilets, their usage,awareness, movement among people for open defecation


The Water Supply and Sanitation Department hasimplemented various initiatives to assure perennialsupply of drinking water and cleanliness. With itsconsistent efforts, Maharashtra has taken a lead inIndia’s cleanliness campaign

f

BABANRAO LONIKARMinister for Water Supply and Sanitation

Sindhudurg has becomethe “cleanest” district of India.The list of 10 cleanest districts

of the country includesSatara, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and

Thane from the State. This is a bigleap for Maharashtra

and Swachh MaharashtraAbhiyan

FOR A CLEAN ANDWATER-RICH STATE



freedom, and solid waste and drainage management. Iwould like to appeal to the people of Maharashtra toparticipate in the work and make the entire State opendefecation free, clean and healthy.

GRANTS FOR BENEFICIARIESThe Water Supply and Sanitation Department iscurrently implementing ‘18 lakh gifts for Swachh Maha -rashtra’ initiative. Under this, grants will be given toconstruct 18 lakh new toilets in a year. The grant to builda toilet has been enhanced to `12,000. The sanction hasbeen received through Mahatma Gandhi National RuralEmployment Guarantee scheme.

WATER QUALITYAll the six divisional laboratories of the State, which monitordrinking water quality in rural areas, have receivedaccreditation from National Accreditation Board for Testingand Calibration Laboratories (NALB). Maha rashtra is firstin the country to receive such accreditation within a year.Also, water quality monitoring programme in four districtsand 137 sub-divisional laboratories is in progress. Thiswill help bring water quality to villages.

JALSWARAJYA: WATER FREEDOMMaharashtra has been a frontrunner in India in buildingan institutional base in terms of water supply andsanitation and demand-based supply of water. Con -sidering the rate of urbanisation, Jalswarajya-2 Projectwill be implemented during the period 2014-20 undera partnership of the State Government with theWorld Bank.

Through Jalswarajya-2, about 10 million citizens willget the benefits of water supply and sanitation. Increasingthe number of household water connections, qualityimprovement of facilities and safe and pure water supplyto rural population are its salient features. Theprogramme is being implemented in 12 districts ofMaharashtra. Administrative approval has been grantedfor six schemes for water supply to semi-urban cities.

STRUCTURAL CHANGESDue to vertical organisational structure of MaharashtraJeevan Pradhikaran, the Chief Engineer’s offices werebased in Mumbai and Thane, making it inconvenient forpeople from other parts of the State. Hence, RegionalChief Engineer offices have been set up at regionalrevenue headquarters. There was no additional financialburden due to this. The change has helped in accelerationof technical approval and Project Advisory Services inurban and rural local self-governments in the area ofwater supply and sanitation.

WATER GRID SCHEMEA water grid scheme will be implemented in Marathwadaso that the region does not face drought conditions infuture. A draft plan is being prepared by the Water SupplyDepartment for the grid. The State of Telangana isimplementing the ̀ 42,000-crore Mission Bhagirath WaterGrid Scheme. Work on the grid has begun. Once this gridis active in Marathwada, we are optimistic that the regionwill be free from the vicious circle of water scarcity andwater tankers.


(From top) A civic body vehicle collecting solid waste and a well-keptschool in Maharashtra

SWACHH MAHARASHTRA, A SUCCESS STORY So far, 51 towns across Maharashtra havesucceeded in getting rid of open defecation bymaking provisions of adequate toilet facilities inindividual households and community. UnderSwachh Maharashtra Abhiyan, the State has atall target to cover 265 local bodies. It includes8.31 lakh families. The success of the campaigndepends on the dedication of local bodies. Itmeans mobilisation of these bodies toaccomplish the mammoth objective. Solid wastemanagement, which entails segregation ofwet and dry waste, complete with treatment hasbeen enforced in three towns of Panchgani,Vengurla and Devlali.

Aconsistently progressive State,Maharashtra has seen severaladvancements in the areas ofsocial development. As far as

health sector is concerned, it has tried toearn a name for itself through its qualitymedical services and healthcare delivery.Its swine flu prohibition campaign wasimplemented effectively, curbing themenace of one of the biggest health scaresof the globally connected world. Thesuccess of the campaign was even re -cognised by World Health Organisation.

In the same way, the diligent efforts ofState’s Public Health Department on prevention ofmalaria have led to a decline in the number of cases.Significant modifications have been made in RajivGandhi Jeevandayi Arogya Yojana to make it morebeneficial to people. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan ArogyaYojana will commence from October 2016. There is alsoa decision to start Bal Thackeray Upgath Vima Yojana,

an insurance scheme for highway accident victims. The focus of the Government is to provide quality

healthcare to each of its citizens. Taking healthcareservices to people living in remote areas, Shiv ArogyaTelemedicine Yojana has been started on an experimentalbasis in Melghat. The scheme has made it possible forMaharashtra to bridge the distance between thespecialised doctors of Mumbai and the tribal populationliving in State’s remote areas. With this facility of moderntechnology, there is no urban–rural divide. The StateGovernment recently digitalised 500 Gram Panchayats.Telemedicine services will now be provided through theseGram Panchayats to more remote areas.

Organ donation has been given impetus in Maha -rashtra. The Government conducted Maha-Organ-Donation Campaign from August 30 to September 3. Itreceived huge response from all over. A software is beingdeveloped to make kidney transplantation and organdonation transparent. Soon, information of the organdonor will be aligned with Aadhar. With collective effortsof all stakeholders, the process of organ donation will notonly become easy, but also free from malpractices.

Till date, 10 lakh patients have received the blessingof life with number 108. The number of State’sambulance service was launched to provide medical careto people in the golden hour of emergency. To make itmore convenient, a mobile app has been launched. Now,the people in need can just make a call from this app,which will help the medical team locate the person. Thedecision of launching Bike Ambulance to give medicalcare within the platinum hour in a mega city likeMumbai has been taken.

BETTER HEALTH SCHEMESThe Government of Maharashtra has decided to

relaunch Rajeev Gandhi JeevandayiYojana as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule

Jan Arogya Yojana. The oldscheme involved 971 proce -

dures, but 111 of the proce -dures were never utilised.Now, new treat ments suchas for cancer, children,elderly, knee trans plan -tation, sickle-cell anae mia,dengue and swine flu have

been included along with1,110 procedures under 31

specialised services and aspecialised service of blood-

disease science. Expenditure limitper family has been made `2 lakh,

while expenditure limit per family for kidneytransplant has been made ̀ 3 lakh.

The Cabinet has approved Bal Thackeray UpgathVima Yojana. Under the scheme, free medical treatmentfor 72 hours after an accident or an expense of `30,000will be borne by the Government. The scheme will be


In past two years, medical services in the State haveseen many advancements. A successful swine fluprohibition campaign, telemedicine for tribal areas,and lower infant and maternal mortality rates areamong the many high points

a

DR DEEPAK SAWANTMinister for Public Health and Family Welfare

The Cabinet has approved Bal Thackeray

Upgath Vima Yojana. Under the scheme, free medical treatment for

72 hours after an accident or anexpense of `30,000 will be borne by

the Government. The scheme will be applicable to

anyone injured in a road accident in Maharashtra

HEALTHCARE, NOWIN A PREMIUM MODE

S



applicable to anybody injured in a road accident inMaharashtra. It has also been decided to link the birth ofa newborn child in any Government or private healthcentre in the State with Aadhar number.

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTSThere has been an improvement in the State Health Index.There has been a decrease in infant mortality rate from 24to 22. The infant mortality rate in the country is 40 per1,000. The maternal mortality rate during childbirth is 167per 1 lakh in the country. In Maharashtra, the rate hasreduced to 67 from 87 and further reduction is expected.

Isolation wards have been created in all hospitals of thePublic Health Department for swine flu patients. Also, inview of the cost of treatment of this disease, a decision hasbeen taken in March 2015, to bear the hospital expenditureof below poverty line patients who are on ventilatortreatment. The campaign of vaccinating pregnant womenwith free swine prevention vaccine has been undertaken.An action plan to curb epidemic diseases is being prepared,and Maharashtra Emergency Services Act & MaharashtraPublic Health Act is being formulated.

Operation Kayapalat has been undertaken in order tomake the network of Primary Health Centres moreefficient, provide quality healthcare to citizens throughthese centres, and make these centres high class.

A patient’s life can be saved with blood in emergencysituations. So, for the convenience of public, the rates ofblood bags have been reduced from `1,050 to `850. It hasbeen proposed to implement the decision of doing NucleicAcid Test (NAT) in blood banks of Government hospitalsat regional level to reduce the risk of diseases spreadthrough blood transfusions.

A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTMaharashtra has done remarkable work in preventingcases of maternal and infant mortality. Pregnant womenare being tracked in Melghat, and there has been nomaternal death in the area in past six months. With thehelp of tracking in the area on specific days, the ambulancereaches the place to take pregnant women to PrimaryHealth Centres for check-ups. They are also offeredtreatment if needed. The decision on building a State-levelEmployees State Insurance Corporation has been taken inthe Cabinet meeting. Novel schemes such as Real-timeTelemedicine in remote areas, e-health centres at fiveplaces (Khapar in Akkalkuwa of Nandurbar, Potegaon inGadchiroli district, Gora in Palghar, Harisal in Amravatiand Gopnathgad in Parali, Beed), Boat Ambulance inremote locations of Nandurbar and Bike Ambulance indensely-populated areas have been undertaken. Today,937 fully-equipped ambulances are in service under Maha -rashtra Emergency Service.

Janani Suraksha and Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojanaare being implemented effectively for safe motherhood. Inthe last two years, various camps have been organised underChild Health Campaign. Improving the health of children,providing needy children with healthcare, vaccination andsuch other schemes have been undertaken.

—As told to Ajay Jadhav

SUPPORT TO FARMERS Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayi Yojana is beingimplemented as a special case in the 14 farmersuicide-affected districts. Farmers are offeredcounselling through Manobal helpline number 104.Novel schemes like Real-time Telemedicine inremote areas, e-health centres at five places,Boat Ambulance in remote locations of Nandurbarand Bike Ambulance in densely-populated areasof the State have been undertaken. Today, 937fully-equipped ambulances are in service underMaharashtra Emergency Service.

Operation Kayapalat aims to make Primary Health Centres more efficient and provide quality healthcare to people through these centres

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An enormous lively environment hasbeen created by various people-centric decisions taken by theDepartment of Social Justice

in last two years. In these two years,we ensured that students frombackward communities receive theirscholarship amount in time. We alsoconcentrated our efforts on groomingmaximum number of backward classyouth to become entrepreneurs. Incoming years, we plan to place moreemphasis on this aspect. The Govern -ment has also decided to raise the incomelimit of the guardians of students fromVimukta Jati, Nomadic Tribes, Other Back -ward Classes and Special Backward Classes. Theamount has been revised to `6 lakh from `4.5 lakhand is to be used for reimbursement of students’ schoolfees. The decision will benefit around 1,79,377 studentsfrom the State.

STATUE OF EQUALITYThe issue of building a monument in the memory of theChief Architect of Constitution of India, Bharat Ratna DrBabasaheb Ambedkar at Indu Mills was delayed forquite some time. We resolved the matter after coming topower in the State. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavisappointed a committee under my chairmanship forplanning the monument. The committee has recentlyfinalised the plan. The Statue of Equality will now bebuilt in Mumbai. The work on the monument will be onschedule very soon.

In its first two years in office, the State Governmentpurchased the house at 10, King Henry Road, Londonwhere Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar stayed as a student.The building was dedicated to the nation by HonourablePrime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief MinisterDevendra Fadnavis. The work of converting this houseinto a monument is in progress.

The residence of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar atTalegaon Dabhade will also be developed as a historicalsite. There is a proposal of building monuments ofSahitya Samrat Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe at Vate -gaon in Sangli and Chiragnagar in Ghatkopar, Mumbai,and a monument of Krantiveer Lahuji Salve at Sangam -wadi, Pune. We also have in mind the restoration ofSiddharth Vihar Hostel that has been a historic centre ofAmbedkar movement.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEIn order to keep the students of Maharashtra informedabout the immense contribution of Dr Babasaheb Am -bedkar in the fields of economics, women empowerment,development, national security, foreign policy, waterpolicy, social welfare, education, politics and other areas,an international conference on the thoughts of Dr

Babasaheb Ambedkar was organised in MumbaiUniversity on April 14-15, 2016. November

26, 2015 was celebrated as ConstitutionDay with fervour in Maharashtra.

Around 1.25 lakh students werepresent at the Constitution Dayevent in Nagpur. On theoccasion of Equality and SocialJustice Year, various prog -rammes were organised atdistrict level for building anenvironment of social harmony.

FOCUS ON STUDENTSThe Government of Maharashtra

has taken a decision to establishhostels in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur

for working women from ScheduledCastes. Hostels of Mumbai and Nagpur have

already been started in rented accommodations. ThePune hostel will start soon.

To ensure that the education of girls from backwardclasses does not remain incomplete due to non-


The Department of Social Justice is seen as a ray ofhope for the deprived. Therefore, in the last twoyears, I have tried my level best to resolve issuesfaced by people living in remote areas. Our main objective is to create equality in society

a

RAJKUMAR BADOLEMinister for Social Justice and Special Assistance

A student scholarship has been started in the name

of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.A senior fellowship of ̀ 28,000 and a

junior fellowship of ̀ 25,000 have been launched in the name of

Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule for 50women from Scheduled Castes to pursue M.Phil

and Ph.D.

SOCIAL HARMONY,INCLUSIVE GROWTH

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availability of accommodation, the Social Justice Depart -ment decided to construct 50 hostels in Maharashtra.These hostels will be built at divisional and taluka levels.Currently, the hostels have been started in rentedaccommodations in 31 districts. These hostels also havefood arrangement for girls.

There is a decision on preparing an inclusive develop -ment scheme for habitats of selected Scheduled Casteand Neo-Buddhist sections and to transform them intoreality. It has been decided to translate Pali Tipitaka toMarathi, for which a committee has been set up.

The State Government has from time to time issuedinstructions for scholarship amount to reach backwardclass students and to their bank accounts directly. Specialefforts are being made so that the amount provided by theGovernment of India is available promptly to students.The scholarship amount delayed for a few years will reachthe students soon.

I have continuously followed up on the issue of availa -bility of Central concessions in terms of employment, edu -cation and other schemes for the Scheduled Castes peoplewho have converted to Buddhism. The way to resolution ofthe issue delayed for last 26 years is now clear.

The Government of Maharashtra has taken a decisionon the admission of Engineering and Polytechnic studentsto Government student hostels for backward classes. Thiswill benefit the students taking admission directly tosecond year. Similarly, under Foreign ScholarshipScheme for Scheduled Caste students, approval has beengiven for a period of maximum four years for Ph.D. courseor actual period that is less. A total of 123 privateresidential and non-residential schools and workshopsfor differently-abled students have been approved ongrant-in-aid basis.

A scholarship for students has been started in thename of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. A senior fellowshipof `28,000 and a junior fellowship of `25,000 have beenlaunched in the name of Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule for50 women from Scheduled Castes to pursue M.Phil andPh.D. A fellowship has also been set up in the name ofLokshahir Annabhau Sathe for 50 students pursuing higher studies of M.Phil and Ph.D.

On the huge demand for caste verification certificatesfrom students and employees and for elections, which theDivisional Verification Committees were unable to handle,a decision has been taken to set up District VerificationCommittees. A policy decision has been taken to enhancethe grant to destitute persons from `600 to `700 underSanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana in a special assistancescheme. To encourage greater number of youth to join theIndian Administrative Services and get proper guidance,free residential training centres have been set up for 50Scheduled Castes youth at Aurangabad, Pune andNagpur. The centres will prepare the youth for UnionPublic Service Commission examinations. Free training to50 students every year is also being given at theprestigious Sairam-Vajiram Institute, Delhi. The traininghelped three youth clear the IAS examination this year.


EQUALITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE YEARThe 125th birth anniversary year of Bharat RatnaDr Babasaheb Ambedkar, 2015-16 was celebratedas Equality and Social Justice Year. During theyear, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar SamataPratishthan was set up in Maharashtra. Theimportant places related to the life of the nationbuilder are being developed as tourist spots.

Free residential training centre has beenstarted for 50 Scheduled Castes youth atAurangabad, Pune and Nagpur to prepare themfor Union Public Service Commission exams. Freetraining for 50 students has been started atSairam-Vajiram Institute, Delhi.

(From top) TRIBUTE TO THE MAHAMANAV: Prime Minister NarendraModi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the London memorial of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, the ChiefMinister and Cabinet Ministers Vinod Tawde and Rajkumar Badoleat Chaityabhoomi, Shivaji Park at Dadar in Mumbai

An ambitious scheme named Jalyukta Shivarwas launched in December 2014 to makeMaharashtra drought-free. A boon fordrought-affected regions of the State, the

flagship water conservation scheme is to be implementedin 25,000 villages in five years. Every year, 5,000 villagesare to be covered. For 2015-16, a total of 6,202 villageswere selected for the programme. The year saw 2,14,536water conservation works completed in the chosenvillages, while about 14,925 works are in progress. About15,243 works of de-sedimentation, deepening andwidening have been completed. Through these works,935.10 lakh cu.m sedimentation was removed. Thedeepening and widening works helped the villages getwater sources attain length of 2,633.7 km. Last year,a special fund of `2,000 crore was disbursed throughthe campaign.

An important aspect of the Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyanis public participation. The cost of works completed withpeople support was `394.37 crore. The participationcame through direct help from people, temple trusts,

social organisations and companies. Today, the prog -ramme is not just a Government-run campaign, but alsoa people’s movement.

The Government of Maharashtra has decided toimplement Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan in 5,281 villagesthis year. So far, 26,562 works have been completed and16,995 works are in progress in the chosen villages. Theprojects include 3,719 works of de-sedimentation,deepening and widening; 260.13 lakh cu.m sedimentationhas already been removed, and the length of deepeningand widening works stands at 745.63 km. During thefirst stage, special funds to the tune of `600 crore havebeen disbursed.

SHINING WORK BY VIBHUTWADIVibhutwadi is a small hamlet in Atpadi taluka of Sanglidistrict. It has a population of 2,000. The village, with justa trickle lake and a minor irrigation lake, has experienceddrought-like situations for about ten years. It once hadexcellent water facilities, but with recurring droughts,the streams dried, making the situation complex in thevillage. With Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan, public supportand Mahatma Gandhi National Rural EmploymentGuarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), 3 to 3.5 km of work wascarried out in the village. Out of the total sedimentationremoval of 20,600 cu.m, 15,600 cu.m sedimentation wasachieved through MGNREGA and 5,000 cu.m throughpeople’s participation. The efforts have collectively led tobuilding a water storage capacity of 20.6 TCM.

SOLAPUR, A SUCCESS STORYThe district of Solapur is part of Maharashtra’s drought-affected belt. Its 280 villages were selected for the firststage and 265 villages for the second stage of JalyuktaShivar Abhiyan. At an area of 1,26,273 ha, around 5,440works were completed. With these works and rainfall,the water storage in the villages has been around 2.3TMC. The work on ten Kolhapur-type dams has beencompleted, leading to water storage of 2,450 TCM. Thefarm ponds and chain dams have led to storage of about4,300 TCM of water. The storage has also helped inraising the water levels in the wells of these villages.


FREEDOM FROM WATER SCARCITYWith Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan, irrigation of twocrops on a huge area of 6 lakh hectare hasbeen made possible. With satisfactory rainfallthis year, the campaign has clearly proved tobe a big step towards freedom from waterscarcity in drought-affected areas of theState. A water reserve of 11,61,626.41 TCM hasbeen created by the works carried out underthe programme. The water capacity createdhas made available irrigation facility to onecrop at over 11 lakh hectares of land.

The Government of Maharashtra’s flagship schemeJalyukta Shivar Abhiyan together with MGNREGAand people’s participation has helped in raisingwater levels and water storage capacity in the State,besides making it greener

H

PROF. RAM SHINDEMinister for Water Conservation

EVERY DROPOF WATER COUNTS



F

HIVRE BECOMES GREENHivre is a hamlet in Koregaon taluka of Satara district witha population of just 1,378. The hamlet had to be served withtanker water for three consecutive years. Through thesupport of the State Government, Kisanveer Co-operativeSugar Factory and public participation, 17,500 m deepCCT, 30 ha CCT, 36 large and small mud dams, and de-sedimentation of 32 old trickle lakes were undertaken. Thesedimentation was placed in open land, making itunder-utilised. Out of its 540 ha under-utilisedland, almost half has been brought underirrigation. Now, for last three to fourmonths, the villagers have the facility ofhome delivery of 20 litre pure waterjar for just `10. The village, whichcould not run without tanker water,now exhibits water in the fields dueto Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan.

BRIMMING FARM PONDSAND DAMSIn the first stage of Jalyukta ShivarAbhiyan, villages of Kardi, Mohgaon,Bori, Bachhera, Usarra, Tanga, Devhada,Narsinhtola, Phutala, Bhikarkheda, Pardi,Pimpalgaon, Kandri, Shivni and Khairlanjiwere chosen from Mohadi taluka of Bhandara district.During the Abhiyan, Mohadi saw a total 243 works,including 31 farm ponds, 19 cement nallah bunding, 55nallah deepening, 17 cement nallah-bunding repairs, 18Majgi (35 ha), 13 storage lakes, seven Bodi renovation and82 rice-trench rejuvenation (124 ha). A total of 1,700 TCMof water has been stored in the works completed that canbring assured irrigation to a land of 1,700 ha.

WATER-RICH GOLDARIGoldari village from Trimbakeshwar taluka of Nashik is

true to its name. There are seven villages under its GramPanchayat. These are Hattipada, Didonapada, Khori -pada, Loharpada, Kthadepada, Manipada and Goldari.Goldari essentially does not face scarcity of drinkingwater like other padas face during summer months.Under Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan, 200 tractors removedthe sedimentation from a forest lake in the area. Therewere also limitations to water storage at a nearby trickle

lake, and so 250 tractors were pumped in to clearsedimentation from the lake. The works en -

hanced the water storage capacities of thewater bodies. According to residents, the

works have resulted in water at just 15feet of a bore well. The work on fivewells, five farm ponds and 29 stonedams has also been com pleted in thevillage under MGNREGA.In Raigad, 45 dams were approvedin the first phase of Jalyukta ShivarAbhiyan. This area in Panvel taluka

belongs to tribals. In group number 3,4 and 5 of the area, three cement canal

dams were taken up. Of these, Dhodanidam was completed in just 41 days at an

expense of ̀ 9.98 lakh. To ensure that all these works are carried out

in an efficient manner, I have personally convenedmeetings at divisional levels. I have also reviewed theworks district-wise. A good number of villages fromMarath wada and Vidarbha have been covered underJalyukta Shivar Abhiyan. The works done in thesevillages will help alter the consistent water crisissituation of the regions.

I am confident that the works completed under JalyuktaShivar in past two years will impart sustainability to water-scarce areas and the State at large.


Maharashtra has beenfacing water scarcity for the lastthree to four years. Apart from

overcoming this situationcompetently, the Government has

set the target of “Water forAll – Scarcity Free Maharashtra

2019” and acceleratedJalyukta Shivar Abhiyan

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A good number of villages from Marath wada and Vidarbha have been covered under Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan

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Maharashtra has a hugepoten tial for tourism.The State is richlybestowed by nature

and history, both of which not onlyenhance happiness and knowledge,but also increase income andemployment. The tourism sectorpro vides employment to 16 groups ofpeople. The Government of Maha -rashtra has, therefore, taken manydecisions such as setting up NatureTourism Board and developing basicinfrastructure facilities across tourist loca -tions to boost tourism.

Maharashtra is a State that has attracted maximuminvestment in tourism. It is the “most preferred” Statefor investors. The Government has now planned aninitiative to take the interest of investors to the next levelby developing destinations in terms of facilities andamenities. We have announced State’s new tourism

policy and declared 2017 as Visit Maharashtra Year. Anair-conditioned bus, Mumbai Darshan for foreigntourists was recently inaugurated under a joint project ofMaharashtra Tourism Develop ment Corpo ration andBEST administration. The Mumbai Darshan bus—ourfirst step under the Visit Maharashtra Year campaign isan effort to showcase the buzzing city of Mumbai.

Under the newly announced Swadesh Darshan Yojanaof the Government of India, Sindhudurg Ocean Board inKonkan has been approved a fund of ̀ 85 crore. A proposalto grant ̀ 88 crore for Dhapewada, Paradsinga and Adasaprojects is under Centre’s consideration.

The Government of Maharashtra has sanctioned`50 crore for developing five locations under VidarbhaNature Tourism. These are Sakoli, Bodhalkasa, Tadoba,Chikhal dara and Ramtek. Maharashtra Tourism Develo -ment Corporation (MTDC) has built a statue of BharatRatna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Koyasan, Japan. Thisis a milestone achieved by the State Government underIndia–Japan Joint Cultural Exchange.

Under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a cleanliness drivewas organised between December 1-15, 2015 at variousreligious, heritage and tourist locations through MTDC.Awareness drives to spread the message of cleanlinesswere also run at various places.

As Minister of Employment Guarantee, it is my aimto take up planned efforts to make State’s rural areaswater-rich and prosperous through Mahatma GandhiNational Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme(MGNREGA). The Government intends to providebenefits to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes,traditional forest residents, Vimukta and Nomadic tribes,below poverty line families, handicapped persons,

beneficiaries of land development and those underIndira Awas Yojana, families with woman as

head of the family, families of differently-abled persons, and small and marginal

land holders.In next two years, works such asirrigation wells, farm ponds,vermi- composting, NADEP com -posting, horti culture, toilets,absorbent pits, renewal of villagelakes and desedimentation,water conser vation projects,nursery, tree plantation, nur -

turing and protection, villageempowerment (building grounds,

Anganwadis, crematorium, GramPanchayat Bhawan, internal roads in

villages, Gharkul, animal sheds, poultryshed, goat shed, fish business and platforms,

and beautification) will be undertaken. The Governmenthas targeted 1,11,111 works for each of these 11 items inrural areas. A campaign has been undertaken to issue ajob card to those eligible and renew the existing cards ifrequired. Family identity cards will also be madeavailable to beneficiaries from the Gram Panchayat. An


To boost Maharashtra tourism, the Governmenthas declared 2017 as Visit Maharashtra Year. Underthe 11 Point Programme, 1,11,111 works in eachcategory will be carried out through the mediumof Employment Guarantee Scheme

aJAYKUMAR RAWALMinister for Employment Guarantee and Tourism

Under the newlyannounced Swadesh Darshan

Yojana of the Government of India,Sindhudurg Ocean Board in Konkan

has been approved a fundof `̀85 crore. A proposal to grant`̀88 crore for Dhapewada,

Paradsinga and Adasaprojects is under Centre’s

consideration

MAGNIFICENTAND MAGNETIC



appeal has been made to the Sarpanch of all GramPanchayats to work on the target of 1,11,111 works.

FARM POND ON DEMANDConsidering the recurrent drought-like conditions inMaharashtra, it is essential for farmers to create individual,self-owned irrigation facilities. To accomplish this, FarmPond on Demand scheme has been launched on a grantbasis. In the first phase, 2016-17, a target to build 51,500

farm ponds has been set. The people from villages, whereless than 50 paisewari has been declared at least once in lastfive years are eligible for the scheme. The scheme is onlineand has been felicitated with Skoch National Award.

To date, 42,443 people have been selected for thescheme, and 7,290 farm ponds have been completed; 2,614farm ponds are under construction. The Government hasdisbursed grants for 6,543 farm ponds. We have alsoannounced to carry out the construction of 1 lakh irrigationwells in next three years. Under this initiative, the numberof completed wells during 2014-15 was 23,386, during 2015-16 was 35,912 and during 2016-17 was 11,425. Horticulturewill be developed under the scheme on 1,11,111 hectares ofland. The integrated horticulture development campaignincludes the distances between the crops of mango, bor,amla, pomegranate and orange planted on each hectare.The revised financial criteria has been approved.

For crops of mango, bor, amla, pomegranate andorange, `192 has been fixed as daily wage. TheEmployment Guarantee Scheme Department has given afund of `50 crore and rights to Forests Department forplantation of one lakh plants. Through the scheme under11 point programme 1,11,111 works of each topic will betaken up and 11,11,11,111 saplings will be planted.


UNDER VISIT MAHARASHTRA 2017Under a joint project of MaharashtraTourism Development Corporation and BEST,Mumbai Darshan guided tour was recentlyinaugurated by Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis for foreign tourists. The tour, on anair-conditioned bus, is an effort to showcasethe buzzing city of Mumbai to the world.Through this initiative, the State Governmentnot only aims to highlight the heritage ofMaharashtra, but also give a new outlook andrevive its tourism sector.

(Clockwise from top left) Gawilgarh Fort in Chikhaldara, Sindhudurg, Mumbai Darshan bus and Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra

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In last two years, drought conditions had prevailedin the regions of Marathwada and Vidarbhaleaving the farmers burdened by debts. Followinga study of the situation, a decision was taken to free

the farmers of these regions from the clutches of loansfrom moneylenders. Today, the State Government hasrepaid 100 per cent of the loans taken by the farmers ofMarathwada and Vidarbha or their family membersfrom licensed moneylenders. A loan amounting to ̀ 66.33crore has been sanctioned for the purpose. The movecovers 46,809 farmers from 19 districts of Marathwadaand Vidarbha.

WEEKLY MARKETSInspired by the Hindu saint Shiromani Shree SavtaMali, a contemporary of Namdev and a devotee ofVithoba, and coupled with the need to free farmers fromthe clutches of businessmen and middlemen, theGovernment set up Sant Shiromani Shri Savta MaliAthavda Bazar at Vidhan Bhavan’s farmer-directmarket under the State Government initiative of direct

selling of fruits and vegetables by farmers. With theobjective to carry farmers’ produce to large cities, farmerweekly markets are being held at many places. Thesemarkets have farmers, farmer groups, agri-productioncompanies and agri-produce cooperative societies. Themarkets also help customers avail vegetables and fruitsat reasonable prices. Market sheds are being built forthese markets, where the farmers also enjoy the right todecide the rate of their produce.

NEW RETAIL PLATFORMS The farmers have been given permissions for e-trading,single point levy, commission from the buyer, and sale offruits and vegetables within the periphery of the Agri -culture Produce Market Committee (APMC) and out -side. Thus, the farmers are facilitated to sell fruits,vegetables and other produce at a place they desire.

Following the decision, many options are now avail -able to the farmers for marketing. The decision has alsogenerated competition amongst buyers. The chain ofmiddlemen between farmers and customers has reduced,resulting in better rates for the produce and availabilityof the produce at reasonable rates for customers. Thefarmers are able to save about 10 to 13 per cent onlabour, weight, commission and others, and are able toparticipate in National Agriculture Market, the onlinetrading portal for farm produce launched by the UnionGovernment in April this year.

PRICE STABILISATION FUNDThe Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) is being implementedin Maharashtra and the Union Government hasdesignated a fund of `500 crore to it. Under the scheme,the shares of State Government and Union Governmentwould be in the ratio of 50:50. The fund is to be used tosupport market interventions for managing prices ofperishable agri-horticultural commodities by procuringdirectly from farmers and later supplying at reasonablerates to consumers. Maharashtra State AgriculturalMarketing Board, Food, Civil Supplies and CustomerProtection Department have been appointed as the nodalagency to run the initiative.


RELIEF TO FARMERS When there is low rainfall during kharif and rabiharvest, water scarcity conditions emerge. Inthe affected districts, the number of villagesbelow 50 paisewari were decided throughRevenue and Forest Departments. TheCooperation Department has given relief tofarmers from these districts in terms of stay oncooperative loan recovery and crop loanreconstruction. According to the policy ofReserve Bank of India, the crop loan is beingrestructured for a period of three to five years.

Many important decisions for the welfare offarmers have been taken by the Cooperation andMarketing Departments of the Government.The prime ones are giving priority to agriculture,credit supply and public distribution

A

SUBHASH DESHMUKHMinister for Cooperation, Marketing and Textiles

LED BY FARMERS’INTEREST



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A fund of ̀ 900 crore for 2016-17 is helping control theprices of perishable products. The State has established aMinisterial-level committee and Additional Secretary levelcommittee for fund management. The committee takesdecisions on various aspects for onions and pulses such asrate, volume and time of purchase, area for distribution ofproduce purchased and the method of distribution. Allthese help keep the rates under control.

LONG-TERM LOANS FOR FARMERSIn the case of interest grant for makingavailable long-term loans to sugar factories,it has been decided that fair and remu -nerative price (FRP) will be paid tosugarcane farmers. The Governmentof India pays the interest grant for thefirst year of loan. The State Governmenthas to pay the interest grant for thenext four years. The sugar factorieswill receive an interest-free loan of`2,000 crore.

For sugar factories that do not fit inthe norms of the Government of Indiascheme, as they have taken a crushingharvest in 2014-15, a decision has been taken toprovide interest grant for five years, so that theycan make the payment of FRP to sugarcane farmers.Accordingly, for five years, the Government will payinterest grant on loan.

INTEREST SUBSIDY SCHEMEUnder Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Interest Subsidy Scheme,the farmers availing crop loans from AgriculturalCooperative Credit Societies and making a repayment ofthe same by June 30 every year, an interest concession isprovided. The scheme is also applicable to farmers availingloans from nationalised, rural and private banks.

The interest concession for crop loans up to ̀ 1 lakh willbe at 3 per cent annually; for additional `3 lakh, the con -cession will be at the rate of 1 per cent annually.

RESTRUCTURING OF CROP LOANSIn view of poor rainfall, a drought-like situation wasdeclared all over Maharashtra in recent months. A largenumber of these villages had less than 50 paisewari in

last few years of drought, which only aggra -vated the impact of drought and made

them even more vulnerable to droughtconditions.

According to the policy announcedby the Reserve Bank of India, thecrop loan reconstruction is beingcarried out for a period of threeto five years. When cooperativebanks convert the crop loans inthis manner, and with a viewthat funds should be available

for new crop loan disbursal,15 per cent of the converted loan

is being provided through theGovern ment and 60 per cent through

NABARD in the form of a loan toDistrict Central Cooperative Banks.

REPAYMENT OF CONVERTED LOANSConsidering the constantly arising drought conditionsin the State, the duration of repayment of convertedloans has been raised from three years to five years. Thiscomes into effect after the short-term loans are convertedto medium-term loans.

In the last two years, the Government has takenmany, important decisions for the comprehensive deve -lop ment of farmers by making them empowered.

—As told to Kashibai Thorat

The farmers have beengiven permissions for e-trading,

single point levy, commissionfrom the buyer, and sale of fruits and

vegetables within the periphery ofthe Agriculture Produce Market

Committees and outside. With this,they are empowered to

sell their producewherever they want

Considering the constantly arising drought conditions, the duration of repayment of converted loans has been raised from three years to five years

c

The State Government assumed poweron October 31, 2014. Since then, ithas strived to comply with itspledge of a “determined, strong

and progressive Maharashtra” for itspeople. Every department of theGovernment has always been ready todeliver to the requirements of citizens.During the two-year journey of theGovernment, the Animal Husbandry,Dairy Development and FisheriesDevelopment Departments have takenseveral important, people-oriented deci -sions. The implementation of these decisionshas been prompt and efficient, showing goodresults. I believe the same enthusiasm willcontinue in coming years.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRYAn important programme launched by the department isthe Animal Wealth Insurance Scheme. A special drive

was undertaken during the fortnight of August 1 to 15,2016, when 1.26 lakh animals were brought underinsurance in Maharashtra in a progressive manner.

The Animal Wealth Insurance Scheme has beenuseful in securing domestic animals, especially of farmersliving in State’s drought-affected areas. The farmersstand to accrue huge benefits from this scheme. Thescheme covers ethnic/hybrid cattle (cows/buffalos),domestic animals (horses, donkeys, bulls, stallion andmale buffaloes), sheep and goats. I believe this is thefirst time when we are providing an insurance cover toanimals in such a huge proportion. Half of the insurancecost of the Animal Wealth Insurance Scheme will be paidby the Government as a grant. The other half has to bepaid by the beneficiary. People from below poverty lineand Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will getgrants up to 70 per cent. The remaining 30 per cent is tobe deposited by the beneficiary. People living inChandrapur, Gondia and Gadchiroli will get 10 per centadditional grant by the Government.

The Bacterial Vaccine Department of the Institute ofVeterinary Biological Products, Pune has been moder -nised. Maharashtra has now become self-sufficient in theproduction of bacterial vaccine. To help farmers receiveguidance on treatment of animals easily, a toll-free number18002330418 has been activated by the Animal HusbandryDepartment. The State has also set up artificial insemi -nation centres to raise the number of animals. Grants arebeing provided to farmers rearing 1,000 fleshy birds. Goingforward, modern and fully facilitated veterinary hospitalswill be set up in every taluka.

DAIRY DEVELOPMENTTo enhance milk production in Vidarbha and Marath -wada, a special programme has been implemented in

alliance with National Dairy DevelopmentBoard. With the programme, it is expected

that milk production in these regions innext three years will reach 2,00,000

kg per day, and become a source oflivelihood with regular income for60,000 rural families. Around3,000 people from rural areaswill get direct employment,while people providing ancillaryservices such as transporters,distri butors, retailers and

others will get indirect employ -ment from the initiative.

The Government had not raisedthe purchase rate of milk since

November 2013. From July 1, 2016, thepurchase rate for cow and buffalo milk has

been increased by `2 per litre. With this in -crease, the purchase rate for cow milk has gone from ̀ 20to `22 and the purchase rate for buffalo milk has gonefrom ̀ 29 to ̀ 31. A cow-milking project has been set up inHetikundi, Wardha. The Government has also decided to

M

Agro-ancillary businesses play a significant role inthe economic development of a State. Schemesbeing implemented by the Government will notonly lead to higher productivity, but also create awider spectrum of employment options

r

MAHADEV JANKARMinister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Development

PROMPT ACTIONS,STEADY GROWTH


A cow-milking projecthas been set up in Hetikundi,

Wardha. The Government has alsodecided to rent out a refrigeration

centre at Government MilkCentre, Pusad, Yavatmal on a

long-term basis to Valsad MilkProducers CooperativeOrganisation, Valsad

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rent out a refrigeration centre at Government Milk Centre,Pusad, Yavatmal on a long-term basis to Valsad MilkProducers Cooperative Organisation, Valsad. This willhelp increase the collection of milk from Yavatmal. We aremaking efforts for developing a milk brand in the State.

FISHERIES DEVELOPMENTFish is an important element of an animal-based, protein-fortified, nutritious diet. The habitations around sea -shores and inside have communi ties such as Koli, Bhoiand Dhiwar, which have been in the profession of catch -ing fish traditionally. The role of the Fisheries Depart -

ment in fish conservation, raising fish production andsocial and economical progress of fishermen bears hugeimportance. Therefore, the objectives and targets of thedepartment are set on maximum fish production,fisheries development in balance with environment, en -hance ment in foreign exchange, encouragement to co-operative movement, employment generation, enhancingthe economic and social status of fishermen, and develop -ment of basic facilities.

An important move has been the sanction of `52.17crore for modernisation of old and new Sasoon Docks on thelines of Sydney Port, Australia. Fish conservation in theavailable water bodies and lakes in the State through cagesystem can help increase fish production and employmentand self-employment opportunities.

I assure you that such people-oriented decisions willcontinue to be taken by the Departments of Animal Hus -bandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries for the welfare ofMaharashtra. Twenty projects of cage culture fish farminghave been undertaken in the State. By next year, 1,000projects will be activated. This will help in generatingemployment opportunities for 30,000 people.

Also, new fish markets will be developed. Fishermenare given modern boats for fisheries. A decision has beentaken to construct houses for fishermen under theNational Welfare Fund. Going forward, people welfaredecisions will be taken by these departments.

—As told to Datta Kokre

NEW POLICY TO PROMOTE FISH FARMINGIn a bid to harness the potential of BlueRevolution, the Government of Maharashtrarecently unveiled a policy to promote cageculture fish farming. The policy aims to createemployment for 1 lakh people.

In fish cage farms, fish are raisedcommercially in culture settings. The cages areplaced in lakes, bayous, ponds, rivers or oceansand protected till they can be harvested. Thecage or basket enclosing the fish allows water topass freely between the fish and the water body.

An important programme launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry is the Animal Wealth Insurance Scheme. A special drive was undertaken duringthe fortnight of August 1 to 15, 2016, when 1.26 lakh animals were brought under insurance in Maharashtra in a progressive manner

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Labour welfare has always re mained apriority of the Govern ment of Maha -rashtra. The State has always re -mained ahead in implementing

initia tives for workers. The Labour De -part ment has always been and will alwaysbe an integral part of Maha rashtra’sholistic and inclusive deve lopment.Hence, special measures will always betaken by the department for compre -hensive development of the State.

For ease of doing business and to makethe system labour-friendly, changes havebeen made in labour laws. Applications ofregistration and renovation of shops will nowbe passed within a week from the date of applying.An important decision of granting permission tonon-hazardous factories within seven days has alsobeen passed. All the shops will function for 365 daysof the year, but one weekly holiday has to be given tothe employees.

Now, proceedings will be held to provide license tocontractual labourers by improvising the ContractLabour Act. Fixed wages will be decided for all workersunder the Minimum Wages Act. The MaharashtraBuilding and other Construction Workers’ WelfareBoard will also be reformed.

Businessmen will also benefit from factories admi -nistration under Swayam Pramanikaran Yojana (self-certification scheme). There is computerisation of thesystem to provide all services of the department online.One can now take benefit of these services throughwebsites like http://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in/enor lmsmaharashtra.gov.in.

Efforts are being made to maintain good industrialrelations and peaceful atmosphere in industrial areas,make improvements in labour acts and other policiesrelated to workers, pay attention to long-term labourwelfare, provide assistance to workers at their workplaceand improve their lifestyles, eradicate child labour,implement labour laws effectively, put in place necessaryschemes and policies for organised and unorganisedsectors, and provide financial, social and commercialsecurity to workers besides health benefits. Sixteenservices of the Labour Department have been notifiedunder Right to Services Act. Labour Commissionerate,Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health and Directo -rate of Steam Boilers have been informed about theseservices. The Government now provides services of regis -tra tion and renovation of shops and administration,contract labour, registration of main contractor, registra -tion and renewal of license of contract labour online.

Understanding the changing face of employmentnationally and internationally, importance is being givento skill development and entrepreneurship. To

encourage the idea, the employment and self-employ ment depart ment has been

named Skill Development andEntre preneurship Department.

Late Pramod Mahajan SkillDevelopment scheme is alsobeing imple mented.

The State Governmenthas planned to formulateindus try-oriented skilldevelo pment courses underwhich industrial complexes

will be notified as trainingcentres. These centres will

provide training according totheir own needs. Vocational

Expert Manpower Develop mentProg ramme has been taken up. Entre -

preneur ship development train ing prog -ramme will be held to give required assistance onself-employment and entrepreneurship. All these servicesprovided by various departments will be mandatorilycoordinated and monitored via portal mahaswayamrojdar.maharashtra.gov.in.


The Government of Maharashtra has alwaysremained ahead in implementing initiatives forworkers. In the past two years, the State’s LabourDepartment has taken many decisions fornot just the welfare of workers, but also industries

M

SAMBHAJI PATIL-NILANGEKARMinister for Labour and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Multi-skilling centreswill be set up to provide

training in various fields based on market needs. Universities for skill

development will be built forstudents with secondary and higher

secondary education, as also for the graduates of

vocational education

SKILL DEVELOPMENT,THE WAY FORWARD

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Multi-skilling centres will be set up to provide trainingin various fields based on market needs. Universities forskill development will be built for students with secondaryand higher secondary education, as also for the graduatesof vocational education. These universities will train themin various industrial courses, which for them will open the

doors of new and innovative areas of employment. All the information regarding Maharashtra’s skill

development mission will be provided in Labour MarketInformation System. This portal will monitor registration,evaluation, counselling, training and authentication of thecandidate till one is employed, besides checking therequirement and availability of manpower in the indus -tries. This portal will also have recommendations of ex -perts, giving necessary information on skill develop ment,employment and self-employment. Employment will begiven to candidates from the age of 15 to 45 years in thefields that have the maximum demand. The aim is toprovide direct jobs to at least 75 per cent of the applicants.

The Government is actively implementing its skilldevelopment mission to generate 4.5 crore skilled man -power by 2022. So far, 22 memorandums of under standing(MoUs) have been signed by the Skill Development andEntrepreneurship Department, while the ambitiousproject of providing apprenticeship to 1 lakh candidatesin Trade Apprentice Scheme under Apprentices Act, 1961is being undertaken.


RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT Sixteen services of the Labour Department ofGovernment of Maharashtra have been notifiedunder Right to Services Act. LabourCommissionerate, Directorate of IndustrialSafety and Health and Directo rate of SteamBoilers have been informed about theseservices. The Government now provides servicesof regis tra tion and renovation of shops andadministration, contract labour, registration ofmain contractor, registra tion and renewal oflicense of contract labour online.

The State Government has planned to formulate indus try-oriented skill develo pment courses under which industrial complexes will be notified as training centres

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...IMPLEMENTCCTNS PROJECT

Under the e-governancescheme of the Government of

India, Maharashtra has becomethe first State in the country toimplement Crime and CriminalTracking Network System(CCTNS). Maharashtra has alsobecome the first State in India tomake every police stationonline/paperless. The HomeDepartment of the Government ofMaharashtra and MaharashtraPolice-CID have implemented theproject in the State, covering all1,052 police stations and 637higher police offices. Servicessuch as lost/missing mobilephones, no-objective certificate,and details of missing persons,unidentified dead bodies andabsconders are available on theCCTNS citizen portal.

...CONNECT WATERSOURCES WITH GIS

Maharashtra is the first State toconnect all the 4.32 lakh

drinking water points of the Stateand put them in public domain andsubsidiaries, thanks to theGeographic Information System

(GIS). It has made available all theinformation about these points atthe click of a mouse.

...GET WATER QUALITYLAB ACCREDITATION

All the six divisional laboratoriesof the State monitoring

drinking water quality in ruralareas have received accreditationfrom National Accreditation Boardfor Testing and CalibrationLaboratory. Maha rashtra is thefirst in India to receive such anaccreditation within a year. Also,water quality monitoringprogramme in four districts and137 sub-divisional laboratories arein progress. The initiative will helptake quality water to villages.

...AWARD MINORITY STATUS TO JEWS

Maharashtra is the first State tocategorise Jews as a minority

group. Of the estimated 5,000 Jewsin India, around 4,300 live in theState, concentrated largely inMumbai, Thane and Raigad. TheGovernment’s move means thecommunity is now eligible for Stateschemes for religious minoritygroups, including scholarships forstudents and grants to educational

institutes run by communitymembers, full subsidy from theGovernment to visit Jerusalem forpilgrimages, among others.

...ATTRACT INVESTMENTSIN TOURISM SECTOR

At nearly 17 per cent, Maharashtrahas emerged number one in terms

of attracting investments in thehospitality and tourism industry inIndia. The State attractedinvestments worth over ̀ 15,500 crore(over $2 billion) of the totaloutstanding investments worth over`93,400 crore attracted by the hoteland tourism industry in India tillJune 2016, says the study DomesticTourism: Tap the Treasure by tradechamber Assocham.

...AMEND PRISON MANUALTO DENY LEAVE TORAPE CONVICTS

In a trend-setting policy,Maharashtra has become the first

State in the country to denyfurlough (an entitled leave) to aprisoner convicted of rape. With thisamendment, the rapists will betreated at par with the convicts inthe heinous crimes. They might getparole, but not furlough. The newpolicy is a result of 30 amendmentsin the prison manual. The State hasalso made some amendments in therules for furlough. Earlier, eachprisoner would get 14 days furloughand an extension of another 14days. Now, the prisoners convictedfor less than 10 years would getfurlough of 21 days and extension ofseven days. Those convicted formore than 10 years would getfurlough of 28 days.


MAHARASHTRA ISTHE FIRST STATE TO...

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initiatives / Number One


...SIGN UP THE REGIONALCONNECTIVITY SCHEME

Maharashtra is the first State tosign up for the Union Civil

Aviation Ministry’s regionalconnectivity scheme, fast-trackingthe development of its smallerairports and providing incentives tosmaller airlines. A tripartitememorandum of understanding(MoU) to that effect was signedbetween the Union Ministry,Government of Maharashtra andAirports Authority of India. TheState Governments signing up forthe scheme shall also implementincentives such as zero airportcharges, reduced service tax ontickets for one year and reducedexcise duty at 2 per cent on jet fuel.

...BAN SOCIAL BOYCOTTORDERED BY THE KHAPS

Maharashtra is the first State inIndia to ban village councils

from imposing social boycotts. As amatter of social reform and toensure that citizens live inharmony with each other, the Stateenacted the MaharashtraProhibition of People from SocialBoycott (Prevention, Prohibitionand Redressal) Act, 2016. The newlaw declares social boycotts as apunishable offence, with up to threeyears imprisonment or with a fineof up to `1 lakh or both.

...LINK GOVERNMENTCOLLEGES TO NATIONALCANCER GRID

Maharashtra is the first Statein India to tie up with Tata

Trusts to link all Governmentcolleges and medical colleges to theNational Cancer Grid for uniform

cancer profiling and qualitytreatment. On the lines of a similargrid developed in the United States,the Tata Trusts has established aNational Cancer Grid that links allexisting and proposed cancer carecentres to create a uniform line oftreatment for cancer patientsacross the country.

...ESTABLISH CENTRALKITCHEN IN ASHRAMSHALA

With an objective to providenutritious, balanced, fresh and

tasty food on time to the studentsfrom Government Ashramshalas,the first central kitchen of thecountry was established in anAshramshala in Mundhegaon,Nashik. The kitchen, utensils forfood preparation and the areaare kept clean, and the food isprepared through automation andwithout human touch so that thehealth of the students is notadversely affected.

...IMPLEMENT SOIL HEALTHCARD SCHEME

Maharashtra has topped allStates in India, having

distributed the highest number ofNational Health Soil Cards. PrimeMinister Narendra Modi launchedthis ambitious scheme in Februarylast year at Suratgarh inRajasthan. Under this scheme, 14crore soil health cards will bedistributed in the country by 2018.The soil cards will provide direction

to farmers on the exact amount offertilisers to be used for crops. Suchcards give information on thepercentage of pH factor or acidity ofthe soil, electric conductivity,percentage of organic carbon,nitrogen, phosphorous, potassiumand other micro-nutrient.

...DEVELOP DIGITALDISTRICT

Nagpur has become the firstdigital district of India and

Maharashtra has become the firstState in India to connect 500 GramPanchayats digitally. These villageswere developed under Digital Gramscheme of the State Government onthe lines of Union Government’sDigital India. The digital villages arebeing provided a 4-Mbps Wi-Fi

connectivity for e-education, e-healthand e-marketing initiatives. TheState Government has targeted tomake all Gram Panchayats digital innext three years.

...HAVE FIRST INTERNATIONALARBITRATION CENTRE

India’s first International Arbitra -tion Centre was inaugurated by

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inMumbai on October 8, 2016. Thecentre is an integral part of theproposed International FinancialServices Centre and will have sevenarbitration hearing rooms for theresolution of commercial disputes.The total outflow of funds to resolvesuch cases, complete with logisticsand other related expenditure,works out to be around $5 billion; acentre in India can significantlybring down this cost.

—Compiled by Meenal Joglekar

...LAUNCH ONLINE SYSTEM FORCASTE VERIFICATION The Tribal DevelopmentDepartment has developed anonline system for casteverification of ScheduledCaste/Tribe communitycitizens, www.etribevalidity.mahaonline. gov.in. With thissystem, bogus castecertificates will be preventedand the work of casteverification will be madetransparent, easy andaccelerated. Through thisonline system, the Governmenthas taken a very importantdecision for the developmentof tribal community.


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In a special interview on Jai Maharashtra, a prog -ramme produced by the Directorate General ofInformation and Public Relations and aired on DDSahyadri, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ex -

pressed his opinion about political challenges surfacing dueto Maratha Morchas, demand for reservation forMarathas, Kopardi incident, demand for amendmentsin Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Preventionof Atrocities) Act and other issues.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated that theState Govern ment is positive on the Maratha issue,committed to providing reservation for the Marathas andshall leave no stone unturned to plead for this stand in thecourt. The Government, through renowned lawyers, shallput forth in the court all the testimonies of socialbackwardness of the Maratha community, in favour ofMaratha reservation. He also expressed that the demandof reservation for the Marathas is not a political matter, buta social one. He also explained that the previousGovernment only issued an ordinance just ahead ofAssembly polls in Maharashtra, whereas his Governmentpassed an Act in the legislature to provide reservation,which got rejected by the Bombay High Court. The case is

now sub-judice but even if the court rejects it again, hisGovernment would come up with a legally fool-prooflegislation. He, however, said that reservation alone willnot address the problem, and requires building a parallelsystem where the Maratha community is able to acquireskills to get employment in the private sector as well.

Asked if the recent incident at Kopardi is the reasonbehind the huge marches, he said, “There is no doubt thatthe incident needs to be condemned. The incident is oneof the reasons behind the marches, but more than 95 percent people participating in these marches have joined ontheir own and this reflects their frustration with theestablished Maratha leadership. Several Marathaleaders have been Chief Ministers and Ministers foryears in the State, but these leaders are not true represen -tatives of the larger Maratha community. Of course, thebackground is the Kopardi incident, but the mosteconomically weak section within the Maratha communityis protesting against the established leadership.”

Devendra Fadnavis pointed outthat he has been the Chief Ministerfor less than two years, but theissues the Maratha community ispro testing for have accumulatedfor decades. He also said that theGovern ment is ready for talkswith the organisations leading theMaratha marches and re ques tedthem to depute their repre sen -tatives for discussions.

On the statements made by lea -ders of the under privileged com -munity that they have the right to

organise counter-mar ches, the Chief Minister appealed tothem not to do so. He pointed out that members of the Mara -tha community had told him that the protest was not forgetting the Atrocities Act repealed. He stressed that the Go -vern ment is serious on the Maratha issue and appealed tothe people to give his Government a chance to resolve it.

interview / Chief Minister

“THE GOVERNMENTIS POSITIVE ONMARATHA ISSUE”Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in an interviewwith Shriram Pawar, says that the demandof reservation for the Marathas is a social matter

The matter ofreservation alone willnot address the issue ofMaratha community. Itrequires building aparallel system wherethe community is ableto acquire various skillsto get employment inprivate sector as well


The Government of Maharashtra iscommitted to the welfare of all sectionsof society, and the Depart ment of

Social Justice has always worked towardsthe goal. Our foremost responsi bility is togive just treatment to all back ward, neg -lected and underprivileged groups of peopleliving in Maharashtra. A number of schemeshave been started, and are being efficientlyrun for the welfare of these groups.

Hostels have been set up in Mumbai,Pune and Nagpur for working women frombackward classes. The income limit for pro -viding scholarship to students from thesesections has been extended to `6 lakh from`4.5 lakh. At the district level, 50 girl hostelshave been set up for backward classstudents. India’s first fellowship for M.Philand Ph.D. has been started for 50 studentsin memory of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe.A research fellowship will be given to50 female researchers in the memory of

Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule. The Government has gained the custody

of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s London house.Bhoomipujan has been performed at InduMills in Mumbai for Dr Babasaheb Ambed -kar memorial. Retire ment age has beenbrought down to 60 years, and pension hasbeen increased for senior citizens.

—As told to Vijay Koli

DILIP KAMBLEMinister of State for Social Justiceand Special Assistance, Reliefand Rehabilitation, EarthquakeRehabilitation, MinoritiesDevelopment and Wakf

A WORLD OF EQUALITY AND HARMONYJustice to backward and underprivileged communities is the prime responsibility

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Free residential trainingcentres have been set up inNagpur for UPSC candi datesbelonging to SC category.A few selected colleges in Delhiprovide free trainingto 50 students per year

Anation progresses when its womenprogress. Keeping this in mind, theState Government has been working

assiduously for women empower ment.Maharashtra has always focused on theholistic development of women. Throughits various schemes and initiatives, theState aims to make women independent,confident and able to progress in whicheverfield they choose.

To protect the rights of women, Womenand Child Welfare Department has initiatedManodhairya Yojana, guidance centres,various safety acts and other program mes.There is regular financial assistance towomen through skill training centres, fortheir weddings, and under schemes suchas Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree and JananiSuraksha Yojana. All these measures haveenabled women in the State to become moresecure and independent.

The State Government envisions eradi -cation of malnutrition among children, andhas taken rigorous efforts towards achiev ingthe same. Comprehensive mea sures havebeen initiated. Third-party audits ofBalgriha—1,000 of which have alreadyreached final stage—and encourag ing pri -vate companies to take steps towards secur -ing and empowering women and child renare only a few of them.


VIDYA THAKURMinister of State for Women andChild Development

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, OUR FOCUSHolistic development of women and eradication of malnutrition are top priorities

There is regularfinancial assistance to womenthrough skill training centres,for their weddings, and schemeslike Mazi Kanya Bhagyashreeand Janani Suraksha Yojana,enabling women to become moresecure and independent

column / Ministers for State

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The Government of Maharashtra plansto implement Mahatma JyotibaPhule Jan Arogya Yojana through the

Health Department. In this scheme, 1,110treat ments under 31 specialties have beenin cluded. In case of any accident, free treat -ment will be provided for 72 hours after theaccident or `30,000 will be spent under BalThackeray Upgath Vima Yojana. Theprocess for permanent and learner licenseshas been made transparent and online. In afirst in India, the computerised inspection ofcommercial vehicles has been activated inNashik. Maharashtra State Safety Policyhas also been decided.

Under the Hindu Hridaysamrat ShivSena Pramukh Balasaheb ThackerayAccident Assistance Fund, the families ofpassengers succumbing to accidents of STbuses will be compensated with `10 lakh;the injured will be given ̀ 5 lakh.

In order to be eligible for full paid leave,

the limit of working days has been reducedfrom 240 to 90 days. Women employeeshave been permitted to work on nightshifts. An action plan has been preparedfor effective implemen tation of MathadiAct. Total prohibition on liquor has beenimple mented in Chandrapur in Gad chirolifrom April 1, 2015.

—As told to Sangita Bisandre

VIJAY DESHMUKHMinister of State for Public Health,Transport, Labour and State Excise

SUPPORT TO ROAD ACCIDENT VICTIMSThe Government has taken many efforts for the welfare of workers in the State

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The process to getpermanent and learner licenseshas been made transparentand online. In a first in India,the computerised inspection ofcommercial vehicles hasbeen activated in Nashik

The Department of Land Records hasseen a number of modifications usinglatest technologies. After these chan -

ges, Government lands have been madeavailable to give impetus to the developmentprojects of the State and Centre. Tribalpeople, whose lands have been taken awayillegally, now have a chance to apply toDistrict Collectors and reclaim their land for

an extended period of 20 years.Among the decisions taken by the

Government in the past two years arerecoun ting of agricultural land in rural areas,digitalisation of maps and initiali sation ofNational Land Records Moderni sationProg ramme by Department of Land Segmen -tation of the Union Ministry of Rural De ve -lop ment, which will include computeri sationand updating official records.

The Department has also started onlinepherphar (changes to the land, past owners,details of gift, inheritance, leases, andothers) by associating offices of SubRegistrar and Tehsildar at taluka level,digitisation and updating of maps, formingnew groups for land records at taluka level,scanning land records, setting up a com -puter in the Sub-Registrar Office, andbuilding State data centres.

—As told to ShraddhaMeshram-Nalawade

SANJAY RATHODMinister of State for Revenue

TECHNOLOGY LEADS TO EFFICIENCYGovernment lands have been made available to give impetus to welfare projects

Tribal people,whose lands have been takenaway illegally, now havea chance to apply to DistrictCollectors and reclaim theirland for an extendedperiod of 20 years



T The Rural Development Departmenthas taken big steps towards enrichingthe rural areas of Maharashtra.

About 1.13 lakh self-help groups have beengiven loans on a large scale under UMED-Maha rashtra State Rural LivelihoodMissions, an initia tive by the department.Under this initiative, Deen Dayal GrameenKaushalya Vikas Yojana has been startedto guide the State’s unemployed youth inthe right direction.

Considering the fact that rural roadsform an integral part of the State’s financialand social progress, Mukhya mantri GramSadak Yojana has been initiated. PanditDeen Dayal Upadhyay Gharkul JagaKharedi Artha sahayya Yojana has beeninitiated to help poor people living in ruralareas construct their homes.

For well-planned development of vill -ages, disciplined planning is required. Underthe Our Village, Our Development scheme,

we are add ressing the cause. Aaple Sarkarservice centres will also be set up to provideonline services to all Gram Pan chayats.Aamdar Aadarsh Gram Yojana has beenlaunched taking inspiration from Centre’sSaansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana. Steps arebeing taken to ensure the develop ment ofrural areas.

—As told to Vikas Mali

DADAJI BHUSEMinister of State for RuralDevelopment

VILLAGES GROW, NATION THRIVESThe State Government is working towards well-planned rural development

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About 1.13 lakhself-help groups have been givenloans on a large scale underUMED-Maharashtra StateRural Livelihood Missions, aninitiative of the RuralDevelopment Department

Planting more trees is the need ofthe hour. The Water ConservationDepart ment has taken up this task. It

is working towards the goal of Green Maha -rashtra by not just planting trees, but alsoencouraging social forestry. Efforts are beingmade to use limited resources effec tively andencourage watershed-wise soil use and othermethods. The department has also under -taken building and moni toring of small

irrigation projects of less than 250 hectares.Public participation is being encouraged forsoil and water conservation and rainwaterharvesting.

The department has focused on achievingthe objectives set for water conservation,providing high-quality train ing for inte -grated watershed develop ment prog rammes,formation of water usage depart ment forlocal areas, encouraging public participationin soil and water con servation programmes,and appropriate utilisation of at least 75per cent of the funding provided by theGovernment by March 31. It has been deci -ded to adopt disci plined methods to evaluateand monitor the functioning of the WaterConservation De part ment and use socialforestry as a me dium to determine theavailable land for tree plantation as perGram Panchayats.

—As told to ShraddhaMeshram-Nalawade

VIJAY SHIVTAREMinister of State for WaterResources, Water Conservation andParliamentary Affairs

FOR A GREEN AND GLORIOUS STATEPeople’s participation must increase in soil and water conservation programmes

Under watershed area management, integratedwatershed developmentprogramme, Centre-sponsoredRashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana,Mahatma Phule Jal BhumiAbhiyan and JalyuktaShivar Yojana are included


The State Police force has proved itsabilities from time to time in all thecomplex situations that have come its

way. For increasing its efficiency further, afew decisions have been made by theGovernment. It has been decided to set up 45mobile forensic support units in PoliceSuperintendent Offices, cyber laboratoriesat 42 locations, and connections via Centre’sCrime and Criminal Tracking NetworkSystems at police stations.

It has been decided to generate 10,443new posts, develop a mobile app for StatePolice, form C-60 (a special cell to handleNaxalite movements), and set up womensafety committee at district and police stationlevel, special vigilant cells to eradicate the illpractice of dowry, and start a toll freehelpline (1091) to control eve-teasing, moles -tation and gender abuse at workplaces.There is also a decision to appoint childwelfare officers in all police stations to stop

child abuse, form counselling centres forthe aid of victimised women, set up Daminicells in police stations to curb atrocities onwomen and help centres on ST bus standsto assist women and children and controlhuman trafficking. Custody of 12,912 child -ren has been given to their parents underOperation Muskan.


DEEPAK KESARKARMinister of State for Home (Rural),Finance and Planning

SAFETY OF CITIZENS COMES FIRSTSpecial police cells will take care of women’s needs and prevent human trafficking

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The consistent efforts of the Government have already ledto higher conviction rate, whichincreased from 14.16 to 33.92 percent since October 2014 —a rise of140 per cent. The Police force ofthe State has proved itsabilities from time to time

The State Government has always givenspecial attention to the development oftribal students and youth and their all-

round progress. In addition, it has set upmobile health units to provide free medicalaid, counselling and guidance to students ofGovernment Ashram Schools in the districtsof Raigad and Ratnagiri. In the first sixmonths, the height, weight and haemoglobin

levels of students were checked, and thosewith unsatisfactory results were given nece s-sary treatment. Digital information cards willbe made available to students to acquaintthem about their health.

The Forest Department has initiatedstrategic plantation of bamboo plants. It hasset up a Bamboo Research and TrainingCentre at Chich palli in Chandrapur district,which has a large number of bamboo planta -tions to promote industrial use of the plant.To widen the scope of this idea, forestacademy in Chandrapur will provide train -ing to public, voluntary organisations andadministrative staff. The Govern ment hasalso taken a decision to extend the incomelimit from ̀ 4.5 lakh to ̀ 6 lakh for parents oftribal children who wish to go abroad forhigher studies. This has helped developmentreach every nook and corner of the State.

—As told to Vijay Koli

RAJE AMBRISHRAO ATRAMMinister of State for TribalDevelopment and Forests

REMOTE AREAS ON GROWTH PATH Development of tribal students, Government Ashram Schools and youth are key

The State Government hasset up mobile health units to provide free medical aid,counselling and guidance tostudents of Government AshramSchools in the districtsof Raigad and Ratnagiri



Keeping common man’s interest inmind, the Government of Maha -rashtra has been working on State’s

housing policy that has opened the doorsfor re-development in Mumbai. Under thenew policy, the Government is trying toaccommodate over 1 crore people in the 37per cent land available in the city. TheCluster Development Scheme has also beenimplemented for the re-development ofareas in Mumbai suburbs. Now, whilereconstructing airports, written per mis sionwill be sought from the Government torehabilitate around 50,000 people locatednearby by in-situ method. A common manalways dreams to have his own house. And,this house must be strong and sustainable.Through the new housing policy, this dreamwill now be brought to reality, as the docu -ment encourages redevelopment of slums,chawls and dilapidated buildings.

The decisions made by the Government

in past two years, especially of providingquality higher and technical educationto youth, have proved to be really beneficialfor their employment. The Higher andTechnical Education Departments aremaking con stant efforts to help studentscope with rapid global techno logicalchanges.


RAVINDRA WAIKARMinister of State for Housing,Higher and Technical Education

BUILDING HOMES, NOT MERE HOUSESThe new housing policy would accommodate more people in the available land

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The decisions madeby the Government inthe past two years, especiallyof providing quality higherand technical education to youth,have proved really beneficialfor State’s development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laun -ched the ambitious Swachh BharatAbhiyan on October 2, 2014, creating

scope and hope of a clean future for theentire country. Taking inspiration fromthis initiative, the Government of Maha -rashtra launched Swachh Maha rashtraAbhiyan, which the Urban Develop mentDepartment has striven hard to makesuccessful at all levels.

The cleanliness campaign was launchedwith the Saptapadi Swachhatechi—a seven-step pledge to make Maharashtra clean.The appeal made by Chief MinisterDevendra Fadnavis saw massive supportfrom everyone, from common man to cele -brities. The programme was received as apublic initiative and soon became a massmovement. Since its launch, the campaignhas seen personal initiatives such as sellingprincely assets to build toilets, demandingsanitary facilities as wedding gifts, andtaking loans from self-help groups tobuild toilets. A number of cities havenow appointed upgraded techniques forcollec tion, transportation and treatmentof garbage, which helps in generatingelectri city or compost manure. Going for -ward, emphasis will be given to many suchactivities to make Maharashtra trulySwachh.

—As told toVilas Bodke

STATE INITIATES, PEOPLE SUPPORT The emphasis has been on efforts that will make Maharashtra truly Swachh

A number of citieshave now appointed upgradedtechniques for collection,transportation and treatmentof garbage, which helps ingenerating electricityor compost manure

DR RANJIT PATILMinister of State for Home (Urban),Urban Development, Law andJudiciary, Parliamentary Affairs, SkillDevelopment and Entrepreneurshipand Ex-Servicemen Welfare


In order to make women of under -privileged groups’ independent, for thefirst time, the Government has provided

130 solar spinning wheels to 130 ScheduledCaste women falling under below povertyline in 13 villages of Amravati. Through thisinitiative, 4,000 kg of khadi yarn is producedevery month. The groups then produce khadicloth from this yarn, which is then developedinto fine khadi clothes. To encourage self-help groups, funding of around `20,000 hasbeen provided to each group.

Modification of 1,128 roads has beendone with public support. Under this initia -tive, roads of 1,698 km have been modifiedand benefitted over 2,000 farmers. Lookingat the success of Palakmantri Panand RasteYojana in Amravati, the Government is keento replicate the scheme in entire Maha -rashtra and has included it in State budget2016-17. The Government is helping far -mers to indulge in other livelihood activi ties

besides farming to help control cases ofsuicide. For example, 503 Gir cows havebeen distributed to farmers, helping gene -rate employment for 1,000 people.

The State Government has extendednational highways by around 984.50 km.In-principle approval has been obtained for10,851 km of national highways.


PRAVEEN POTE-PATIL Minister of State for Industries andMining, Environment, Public Works(excluding Public Undertakings)

SOLAR WHEELS TO SPIN PROSPERITYSelf-help groups are being encouraged and livelihood options created for farmers

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In-principle approvalhas been obtained for 10,851 kmof national highways.Of the 38 toll plazas underPWD, 11 have been shut down.Of the remaining, 27 will not charge toll from light-weight vehicles

The `171.30 crore funding from theState Government has proved to be aray of hope for the farmers of

Vidarbha and Marathwada, who werepressurised for loans taken from licensedmoneylenders. They got solace when theirshort-term loans were turned to medium-term loans, and the date of loan paymentwas extended from April 30, 2015 to July

31, 2016. The change made it possible forfarmers to clear their loans in five yearsinstead of three years.

According to the records of BhuvikasBank, an exemption of interest worth ̀ 708crore over an outstanding loan of `946crore has been made to 37,766 farmerswith the extension.

To add to the relief of farmers, the Stateand Union Governments have togetherapproved an assistance of `524.76 crorefor the cooperative banks of Nagpur,Wardha and Buldhana without licenses.Independent regulatory bodies will also beset up for monitoring the matters of creditsocieties effectively.

The Department of Cooperation,Government of Maharashtra has alwaysand will always take necessary decisions forthe progress of people. Welfare of farmers isour topmost priority.

—As told to Vikas Mali

GULABRAO PATIL Minister of State for Cooperation

CONVENIENT LOANS, EASY PAYMENT Independent regulatory bodies will monitor matters of credit societies effectively

To add to the relief of farmers, the State and UnionGovernments have approvedan assistance of `524.76crore for the cooperative banksof Nagpur, Wardha and Buldhana without licenses



I Welfare of farmers is the welfare ofthe nation. With this motto inmind, the Govern ment of Maha -

rashtra has initiated a number of prog -rammes over the last two years and iscommitted to implementing maximumdecisions through the sectors of animalhusbandry, fisheries and dairy development.The Department of Animal Husbandry hasdecided to provide cattle wealth insurance tofarmers. Under this, 68 per cent of theState’s cattle have been insured so far. Thescheme has proved to be a boon for farmers,especially those from drought-hit areas. Atoll-free helpline, 1800-2330418 now helpsfarmers with infor mation on the health andtreatment of cattle.

With the help of National Dairy Develop -ment Board, the Government will imple -ment a dairy development prog ramme in2,000 villages of eight districts of Vidarbhaand Marathwada. We have be gun a Cow

Conservation Project in Hetikundi, Wardha,and aim to promote agro-based industriesthrough this field. A provision of `52 crorehas been made for the recons truction ofSasoon Dock. The Government has plannedthe distri bution of boats and houses tofishermen, and given grants to 1,200 far -mers for rearing silk worms.


ARJUN KHOTKARMinister of State for Textiles, AnimalHusbandry, Dairy Developmentand Fisheries Development

SMALL SECTORS, BIG INITIATIVESDairy development and cow conservation to help promote agro-based industries

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With the help ofNational Dairy Develop mentBoard, the Government willimplement a dairy developmentprog ramme in 2,000 villagesof eight districts ofVidarbha and Marathwada

It is important for any progressive Stateto make its people aware about itsadminis tration and encourage them to

be a part of it. It requires fast delivery ofpublic services and transparency. Hence,the Government of Maharashtra has givenspecial im portance to making its servicestransparent.

One of the important decisions taken isto provide 12 hours of power to water pumps

daily till November. This will ensure availa -bility of sufficient water for farming. TheEnergy Department has implemented thedecision promptly.

The Tourism Department has declared2017 as Visit Maharashtra Year—aninitiative that will definitely boost thesector. The Public Works Department isactively working on im portant projects suchas Nagpur–Mumbai Super Communi cationExpressway.

In the past few years, there has been aremarkable progress in the field of Food andDrugs Administration in the State. The foodtesting laboratory in Nagpur is now a reality.Also, all pending appeals in the districtcourts of this department will be solved soon.The need of the hour is to revise the 70-year-old laws. An idea is being mooted to do itsoon. Under Right to Services, people aregetting services faster.

—As told to Atul Pande

TRANSPARENCY IS IMMINENT Fast delivery of public services and clarity can make the State truly progressive

One of the importantdecisions taken is to provide12 hours of power to waterpumps daily till November. Thiswill ensure availability ofsufficient water for farming

MADAN YERAWARMinister of State for Energy,Tourism, Food and DrugsAdministration, Public Works (Public Undertakings) andGeneral Administration



India is known as the land of agri -culture. Along with its allied sectors,agriculture is the largest employ ment

provider not only in India, but also inMaha rashtra. The sector signifi cantlycontri butes to the Gross Domestic Product.Sustain able agri culture is essen tial forholistic rural develop ment.

In the last two years, the StateGovernment has taken many measures forthe welfare of farmers. These initiativesare gradually changing their life andmaking it comfortable. On the lines ofCentre’s Pradhan Mantri Peek VimaYojana, the crop pattern has been changedfrom kharif 2016 and weather-based cropsare being taken up based on climaticconditions. To ensure social and economicsecurity of our farmers, Late GopinathMunde Farmers Accident Insurance Schemewill be implemented.

Welfare of farmers is a multi-dimen -

sional issue. Hence, Government has al waystaken broad-based initiatives to improve theconditions of farmers. These initiatives arebeing implemented in letter and spirit, astheir success shows. Farmers’ well-being isnot only crucial to the revival of the ruraleconomy, but also the overall growth ofState’s eco nomy.


SADABHAU KHOTMinister of State for Agriculture,Horticulture and Marketing

FARMERS’ INTERESTS, TOP PRIORITY Social and economic security of farmers is the prime objective of the Government

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Led by Centre’sPradhan Mantri Peek VimaYojana, the crop pattern hasbeen changed from kharif 2016and weather-based cropsare being taken up basedon climatic conditions

Anew ports policy was announced forthe development of ports and overalldevelopment of State’s coastal line.

An MoU was signed between MaharashtraMaritime Board and JSW Jaigad Portduring the Make in India Week in February2016, to build LNG terminal at Jaigadport with an investment of `5,000 crore.The Government also plans to construct a

satellite port at Wadhvan in Dahanu andhas begun implementation of Nirmal SagarTat Abhiyan for cleaning seashores andawareness drives for citizens. The PortsDepartment has undertaken projects likeconstruction of Jaigad–Dighi rail route,Dighi–Roha rail route, expansion of intra-state roads connecting ports, starting ROROservices from Bhaucha Dhakka to MandwaPort and installing reefs at the base of thesea near Mirya Port, Ratnagiri.

The water sports policy was announcedin 2015 to promote coastal tourism andgenerate employment. A few changes havebeen made in the functioning of Depart -ment of Food Supply and Consumer Pro -tection to achieve efficiency in foodgrainsupplies. Corporations and vigilant com -mittees have been formed at district levelfor transparent operation of public distri -bution systems.


RAVINDRA CHAVANMinister for Ports, MedicalEducation, InformationTechnology, Food Supply andConsumer Protection

PORTS, STATE’S GATEWAY TO GROWTHThe new ports policy will lead to overall development of State’s coastal line

For the developmentof ports to cater to therising demands of the modernworld and overall developmentof State’s coastal line, the new ports policy has been announced

extends

Diwali greetings and good wishes to its

esteemed commuters

Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation

Dear Passengers,

We appreciateyour love for ST

and request you to book your seat in advance.

Experience a safe, smooth and timely journey

To avoid last minute rush, Please visit www.msrtc.gov.in

DEVENDRA FADNAVISChief Minister

DIWAKAR RAOTEMinister for Transport andKhar Land Development

andPresident, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation

VIJAY DESHMUKHMinister of

State for Transport

Printed at KALA JYOTHI PROCESS PVT. LTD., Plot No. W-17 & W-18, MIDC, Taloja Industrial Area, Taloja-410 208, Navi Mumbai.Published by Directorate General of Infromation & Public Relations Mantralaya Mumbai 400 032 on behalf of Government of Maharashtra.Managing Editor BRIJESH SINGH, Director General of Information and Public Relations.

O.I.G.S. Presented byThe Government of India

Digamber W. PalveSenior Assistant Director

Directorate General of Information and Public RelationsMaharashtra Government

Barrack No. 19, Free Press Journal MargMumbai 400 021.

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