महाराष्ट्र सरकार ने सुप्रीम कोर्ट के दिशा-निर्देशों के अनुरूप राज्य के सभी सरकारी और निजी अस्पतालों में विशेष मेडिकल समितियों के गठन का आदेश जारी किया है। इस फैसले का उद्देश्य मरीजों के अधिकारों की रक्षा, 'गरिमा के साथ मृत्यु के अधिकार' की सुनिश्चितता और जीवन रक्षक उपचार से जुड़े फैसलों की पारदर्शिता एवं कानूनी प्रक्रिया के तहत लेना है। इस आदेश के अनुसार, पैसिव यूथेनेशिया (दया मृत्यु) और लिविंग विल से जुड़े मामलों में किसी एक डॉक्टर की राय के आधार पर निर्णय नहीं लिया जाएगा। इसके लिए विशेषज्ञ डॉक्टरों की विशेष मेडिकल समिति बनाई जाएगी, जो प्रत्येक मामले की विस्तृत और निष्पक्ष समीक्षा करेगी। यह व्यवस्था सरकारी अस्पतालों के साथ-साथ निजी अस्पतालों में भी लागू करने का फैसला किया गया है। निजी अस्पतालों को भी मरीज द्वारा पहले से दर्ज कराई गई लिविंग विल का सम्मान करना होगा। महाराष्ट्र सरकार का कहना है कि इस कदम से पूरे राज्य में एक समान कानूनी व्यवस्था लागू होगी, मरीजों के संवैधानिक अधिकारों की रक्षा होगी और जीवन रक्षक उपचार जारी रखने या हटाने जैसे संवेदनशील फैसले पारदर्शी, जवाबदेह और निर्धारित कानूनी प्रक्रिया के तहत लिए जा सकेंगे। इस आदेश के अनुसार, विशेष मेडिकल समिति इच्छा मृत्यु के मामलों की समीक्षा करेगी, जहां किसी एक डॉक्टर की राय से फैसला नहीं होगा। सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने इच्छा मृत्यु के मामले में आदेश दिया था, जिसके अनुसार गंभीर रूप से बीमार हालत में रहने वाले मरीज के इलाज को बंद करने की मंजूरी दी गई थी। इस मामले में, जहां मरीज की गंभीर हालत को देखते हुए आर्टिफिशियल न्यूट्रिशन, पानी और दवा देना बंद करने की मंजूरी दी गई थी, उसके बाद शांति और सम्मान के साथ निधन हो गया। कोर्ट ने "कॉमन कॉज केस" के गाइडिंग प्रिंसिपल्स का हवाला देते हुए निर्देश दिया है कि जब कोई मरीज गंभीर हालत में हो और उसकी "लिविंग विल" के अनुसार इलाज बंद करने का समय आ जाए, तो प्राइमरी मेडिकल बोर्ड और सेकेंडरी मेडिकल बोर्ड की मंजूरी जरूरी है। इस मामले में सुप्रीम कोर्ट के आदेश के अनुसार, सरकारी, सेमी-सरकारी और प्राइवेट अस्पतालों के...#supreme_court #maharashtra_government #passive_euthanasia #living_will #medical_committees
महाराष्ट्र सरकार ने इच्छा-मृत्यु के मामलों के लिए मेडिकल पैनल बनाने का आदेश जारी किया महाराष्ट्र सरकार ने शुक्रवार को एक निर्देश जारी किया, जिसमें निजी अस्पतालों में पैसिव यूथेनेशिया (इच्छा-मृत्यु) और लिविंग विल के मामलों के निपटन के लिए प्राइमरी और सेकेंडरी मेडिकल बोर्ड बनाने का आदेश दिया गया है। यह कदम सुप्रीम कोर्ट के हरीश राणा मामले में 11 मार्च 2026 के फैसले के बाद लिया गया है। इस फैसले में कहा गया था कि मरीज के लिविंग विल के आधार पर जीवन बचाने वाला इलाज बंद करने के फैसलों की जांच और मंजूरी तय मेडिकल बोर्ड से होनी चाहिए। लिविंग विल एक कानूनी दस्तावेज है, जिसमें कोई व्यक्ति यह तय करता है कि अगर वह भविष्य में किसी गंभीर बीमारी, दुर्घटना या अचेत अवस्था के कारण अपनी इच्छा बताने की स्थिति में नहीं रहा, तो उसका चिकित्सीय उपचार कैसे किया जाए। इस निर्देश के तहत निजी अस्पतालों में पैसिव यूथेनेशिया मामलों की जांच की जाएगी, जिसमें मरीज के इच्छा-मृत्यु के फैसले की गंभीर जांच की जाएगी। हरीश राणा के मामले के बारे में बताया जाता है कि वह पंजाब यूनिवर्सिटी में बीटेक के छात्र रहे थे। 2013 में उन्होंने चौथी मंजिल की बालकनी से गिर गए थे। इस दुर्घटना के कारण उनके सिर में गंभीर चोटें आईं, जिससे वे 13 साल तक 'वेजिटेटिव स्टेट' में रहे। इस अवस्था में उनके शरीर के जीवित रहने के लिए चिकित्सीय सहायता जारी रही, लेकिन उनकी मौत एम्स में हुई। सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने उनके लिए जीवन रक्षक सपोर्ट हटाने की मंजूरी दी थी, जिसके बाद उनकी मौत हो गई। राणा भारत में 'पैसिव यूथेनेशिया' की मंजूरी पाने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बने। महाराष्ट्र सरकार के इस आदेश के तहत निजी अस्पतालों में लिविंग विल के मामलों की जांच के लिए दो स्तरीय मेडिकल बोर्ड बनाए गए हैं। प्राइमरी बोर्ड द्वारा मामलों की पहली जांच की जाएगी, जिसके बाद सेकेंडरी बोर्ड द्वारा अंतिम मंजूरी दी जाएगी। यह कदम इच्छा-मृत्यु के मामलों के निपटन के लिए एक संस्थागत ढांचा स्थापित करता है, जो चिकित्सा और कानून के बीच संतुलन बनाए रखता है। इस निर्देश के तहत निजी अस्पतालों में लिविंग विल के मामलों की...#medical_board #supreme_court #maharashtra_government #hariesh_rana_case #living_will
Maha approves ₹6.25crore for Vidarbha disaster preparedness Maharashtra government has sanctioned ₹6.25 crore for disaster preparedness in Vidarbha, allocating funds to 11 districts across the region to enhance emergency response capabilities during 2026-27. The allocation is part of a broader ₹23-crore package approved for all 36 district disaster management authorities in the state. The funds are intended to support both post-disaster relief and proactive measures aimed at reducing risks, limiting damage, and improving district-level readiness before emergencies occur. The six districts under Nagpur division will receive ₹3.75 crore collectively, with Nagpur itself allocated ₹1 crore—the highest amount in Vidarbha. The five districts of Amravati division—Amravati, Akola, Washim, Buldhana, and Yavatmal—will each get ₹50 lakh, totaling ₹2.5 crore for the division. Chandrapur is allocated ₹75 lakh, while Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, and Gadchiroli will each receive ₹50 lakh. Other districts outside Vidarbha, such as Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Pune, Solapur, and Nashik, have also been granted ₹1 crore each. Mumbai city and suburban districts have been allocated ₹50 lakh each. The decision follows Nagpur’s recent disaster record, which highlights the need for improved preparedness. According to the district administration’s monsoon preparedness report, 174 people died in natural calamities over seven years, with lightning accounting for 95 deaths (nearly 55% of the total). Floods claimed 50 lives, and 29 deaths were attributed to other causes, including drowning, wall collapses, and tree-fall incidents. The report notes that calamity-related deaths peaked at 39 in 2022-23, coinciding with the district’s record rainfall of 1,596.3 mm—150.#nagpur #maharashtra_government #vidarbha #disaster_management_act_2005 #district_disaster_management_authority
State Approves Rs100 Crore Push for District Sports Complex in Kamptee The Maharashtra government has approved a special ₹100 crore fund allocation for the development of the District Sports Complex in Kamptee taluka, marking a significant step toward expanding sports infrastructure in the region. This decision, which exceeds the existing grant limits, aims to transform the facility into a modern sports hub equipped with advanced training and competition amenities. The approval was granted following a proposal submitted by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Services to the high-level secretaries committee and the state cabinet. The proposal was cleared by the committee on May 20 and received administrative approval during the cabinet meeting on June 25. The redevelopment plan encompasses a wide range of facilities designed to support athletes across multiple disciplines. Key components of the project include separate 300-bed hostels for boys and girls, providing residential accommodations for sports personnel. A G+1 multipurpose indoor hall and fully equipped 20-metre and 50-metre shooting ranges are also part of the initiative. The sports complex will feature a 400m synthetic athletics track, a hockey astroturf field with player facilities, a synthetic basketball court with fencing, and a dedicated 70m archery range. Infrastructure for traditional and team sports will be enhanced with two kabaddi grounds, two kho-kho grounds, and one volleyball ground. Additional features of the project include a sprinkler system for the football ground and a unique mini golf facility on the terrace of the hostel building.#maharashtra_government #kamptee_taluka #directorate_of_sports_and_youth_services #state_sports_policy #maharashtra_infrastructure_development_plan
Helicopter Meant for Anti-Naxal Operations in Gadchiroli Laid Idle for 17 Months Maharashtra’s government faced criticism for its handling of a helicopter procured for anti-Naxal operations in Gadchiroli, which remained grounded for nearly 17 months after its delivery due to delays in appointing a maintenance agency. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted this issue in its latest report, revealing that the state’s failure to secure a certified maintenance provider led to significant financial and operational setbacks. The helicopter, an Airbus H-145 (registration VT-GOV), was procured by the Directorate of Aviation in July 2019 for Rs82.78 crore. Delivered on September 18, 2019, the aircraft completed its acceptance test flight on September 25, 2019. However, the Directorate of Aviation failed to finalize a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) agency approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) before the helicopter’s delivery. As a result, the aircraft could not undergo mandatory maintenance and was placed under short-term preservation by the manufacturer from September 26, 2019. The MRO agency, M/s Indamer Aviation Pvt Ltd, was appointed only on July 13, 2020—nearly 10 months after the helicopter’s delivery. By this time, the prolonged lack of maintenance had rendered the aircraft unfit for immediate operations, necessitating a costly return-to-service (RTS) procedure. After obtaining DGCA approval in September 2020, the MRO agency conducted extensive restoration work, including multiple engine ground runs and test flights, which continued until December 1, 2020. The Directorate of Aviation spent Rs2.07 crore on the RTS process.#maharashtra_government #gadchiroli #directorates_of_aviation #cag_report #indamer_airways
UK Visa Policy Changes Threaten Maharashtra Scholarship Students A recent policy update by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) department has created significant uncertainty for hundreds of Maharashtra students who rely on state-sponsored scholarships for overseas education. The revised rules no longer recognize financial sponsorship from state governments, including Maharashtra, as valid for student visa applications. This change has left many scholarship recipients in limbo, risking visa rejections and potential loss of university admission opportunities. Under the new guidelines, only funding from national governments, approved universities, certain international organizations, or reputable multinational companies qualifies as official financial sponsorship. Regional or state-level funding, including scholarships from Maharashtra’s social justice, tribal development, minority welfare, and technical education departments, is explicitly excluded. The UKVI clarified that applications relying solely on such sponsorship may be rejected unless applicants can demonstrate additional financial resources to meet the visa requirements. The policy shift has raised concerns among students selected under various Maharashtra government scholarship schemes. With universities abroad already issuing admission offers for the upcoming academic year, many fear their seats could be forfeited if visa applications are delayed or denied. The issue disproportionately affects beneficiaries from marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), minorities, and open categories. A critical point of contention is the gap between the state’s maintenance allowance and the UK’s financial requirements.#maharashtra_government #scheduled_castes #uk_visa_and_immigration #the_platform #scheduled_tribes
Maha Proposes 23Km Bypass For Gadchiroli City To Boost Growth Maharashtra government has proposed a 23-kilometer four-lane bypass for Gadchiroli city to address growing traffic congestion and support the district’s industrial expansion. The project is being coordinated by the public works department and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the direction of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Gadchiroli’s guardian minister. The bypass, planned to be constructed approximately 5 to 6 kilometers outside the city, is designed to meet traffic demands for the next 25 to 30 years. Officials emphasized that the new road will divert heavy vehicles away from the city center, improving traffic flow, reducing travel time, and enhancing road safety for residents. The proposed route’s final alignment is currently under review, with only minor adjustments suggested before the proposal is submitted to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for final approval. The project is positioned as a critical infrastructure initiative to strengthen Gadchiroli’s transport network and facilitate future industrial and economic growth. The development is part of broader efforts to modernize the region’s connectivity, which has become increasingly vital as the district experiences rapid urbanization and industrial activity. Progress on the proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by district collector Avishyant Panda. Senior officials from the public works department, NHAI, and the municipal administration attended the session to review the project’s status. The meeting highlighted the importance of ensuring the bypass’s design aligns with long-term urban planning goals while addressing immediate traffic challenges.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #national_highways_authority_of_india #avishyant_panda #gadchiroli_city
Govt’s Vidarbha Backlog Claim Labeled a Blatant Lie by Activist Nagpur: Prominent Vidarbha statehood activist Nitin Ronghe has accused the Maharashtra government of spreading a “blatant falsehood” by claiming that the region’s irrigation backlog has been fully cleared. Ronghe, convener of Maha Vidarbha Janjagaran, criticized the state government’s assertion made in a written reply to the Assembly last month, arguing that the claim is a repetition of misleading information. He pointed out that the current chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, had previously opposed similar claims two decades ago. Ronghe was responding to the government’s reply on the status of long-defunct statutory development boards, which it claimed had been defunct since 2020 with reconstitution pending at the Centre. The government stated that the financial backlog for Vidarbha and Marathwada had been cleared by 2011, with 94% of the region’s physical irrigation backlog addressed. It also noted that Vidarbha’s share of development funds slightly exceeded its formula entitlement. Ronghe dismissed the government’s claim as a “half-truth,” using an analogy to illustrate his point. He compared the situation to a husband who promised his wife in 2011 to buy gold worth Rs25,000, which would have been approximately 10 grams of gold at that time. However, the husband delayed the purchase and eventually bought the gold years later, only to find that the same amount now fetched barely three grams. Ronghe argued that the government’s assertion that the 2011 financial backlog had been cleared is similarly flawed, as the value of funds has eroded over time.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #nagpur_bench #nitin_ronghe #maha_vidarbha_janjagaran
Maharashtra Government Warns of Strict Action Against Energy Drink Sales Near Schools The Maharashtra government has announced plans to take strict measures against vendors selling unhealthy food products and caffeine-based energy drinks near schools, citing growing concerns over their negative health impacts on children and teenagers. The directive came after a discussion in the state assembly regarding the harmful effects of energy drinks, with food and drug administration minister Narhari Zirwal emphasizing the need for stringent enforcement. In response to a question raised by MLA Vikram Pachpute about the health risks associated with energy drinks, Zirwal stated that authorities have been instructed to closely monitor the sale of harmful food items around school premises. He highlighted that parents, teachers, headmasters, and zilla parishads have been urged to report instances of caffeine-rich beverages and unhealthy food products to the FDA. These reports will enable action under existing laws to address the issue. The minister noted that the concern over energy drink consumption among school students has prompted extensive discussions. MLAs Rahul Kul and Varun Sardesai also participated in the debate through supplementary questions. Zirwal added that the state is simultaneously enhancing its food-testing infrastructure to expedite the scrutiny of food and beverage samples. Currently, Maharashtra operates three food and drug testing laboratories in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, and Mumbai. New laboratories are being established in Raigad, Nashik, Yavatmal, and Pune, with an additional 22 labs set to be created under a public-private partnership model. Zirwal explained that expanding the laboratory network will accelerate food sample testing and improve regulatory oversight.#maharashtra_government #narhari_zirwal #vikram_pachpute #rahul_kul #varun_sardesai
State Infuses Another 30Cr, Takes Metro Phase-2 Equity To 607Cr The Maharashtra government has allocated an additional 30 crore rupees toward its equity contribution for the Nagpur Metro Phase-2 project, bringing the state’s cumulative equity investment to 607 crore. This marks over 60% of the state’s total committed share of 998.20 crore under the tripartite agreement signed with the Centre and Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) in September 2023. The latest funding, drawn from the 2026-27 budgetary provision, follows earlier instalments totaling 577 crore. The state’s remaining equity commitment of 391.20 crore remains unallocated. The Phase-2 project, spanning a 43.8-km network with 32 stations across four corridors—connecting Kanhan, Hingna, MIDC ESR, and Transport Nagar—has seen progress in key areas. Land acquisition for the project has advanced, with over 50% of the required 9.04 hectares already acquired or processed. MahaMetro has secured consent to begin work on 80% of the land parcels, including defence land, and officials indicate no major land-related obstacles are expected to delay the project. Recent developments include the Maharashtra cabinet’s infrastructure committee approving a 1.4-km extension of the Kamptee corridor beyond the Kanhan River into Kanhan town. The proposed extension, estimated at 310 crore, will increase the project’s total cost to over 7,000 crore and extend the corridor to 14.4 km with an additional 13th station. The proposal has been forwarded to the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA) for final approval, with construction expected to commence once approved. Construction milestones have also been achieved.#maharashtra_government #mahaMetro #nagpur_metro_phase2 #kanhan #kamptee_corridor
Nagpur’s Crime Surge Triggers Alarm in Assembly City legislators in Nagpur have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the city, launching a sharp critique of the Maharashtra government during an assembly session. The MLAs accused the administration of failing to address a surge in violent crime, drug trafficking, and organized land grabbing, citing official crime statistics to underscore their claims. The discussion highlighted a growing sense of alarm among citizens, with fears of escalating insecurity becoming a pressing issue. The legislators referenced data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2024, revealing that Nagpur recorded 88 murders during the year, placing it as the second-highest among 19 metropolitan cities in the country. This figure was described as “deeply disturbing,” with lawmakers emphasizing that the worsening security conditions had created a climate of fear for residents. The debate also brought attention to the rise in juvenile crimes and offenses against women. According to the figures presented, juvenile crime cases increased from 210 in 2022 to 283 in 2024, while crimes against women rose from 1,259 cases in 2022 to 1,513 in 2024. Nagpur’s ranking in crimes against women was particularly alarming, as the city placed seventh among metropolitan cities, fifth in rape cases, third in sexual harassment offenses, and fourth in human trafficking-related crimes. The legislators argued that these statistics reflected systemic failures in addressing gender-based violence and juvenile delinquency. They also pointed out that the crime graph continued to rise, with Nagpur reporting 37 murders and 752 vehicle thefts in the first five months of 2026 alone.#nagpur #maharashtra_government #national_crime_records_bureau #national_crime_records_bureau #nagpur_assembly #narcotics_trafficking
Govt Expands Anti-Drug War With District Rehab Centres, Crackdown On Drug Networks Maharashtra’s government has announced a comprehensive expansion of its anti-drug campaign, including the establishment of de-addiction and rehabilitation centres in every district, as well as intensified operations against narcotics syndicates. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis outlined these measures during a speech in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, emphasizing a "whole-of-government approach" aligned with the central government’s anti-drug initiatives. The strategy involves coordination across nearly 15 state departments to address enforcement, prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation efforts. Fadnavis highlighted that the campaign would focus on dismantling drug supply chains while supporting recovery for those affected by addiction. He stated that investigations into drug networks would no longer stop at seizure stages, with police directed to trace forward and backward linkages to identify suppliers, financiers, manufacturers, and distribution channels. Recent operations cited by the CM included the Agripada case, which led to the seizure of drugs worth approximately 50 crore from a warehouse in Gujarat, and another recovery of 74 crore linked to a peddler arrested near a Pune hostel. Hydroponic ganja worth 44 crore was also recovered from multiple locations. The government has also arrested alleged drug kingpin Salim Dola and around a dozen associates. Dola reportedly admitted to owning an MD drug manufacturing unit previously uncovered in Satara.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #agripada_case #salim_dola #public_health_and_social_justice_departments
Maharashtra Government Orders All Leased Government Lands Registered in State Name Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has implemented a significant policy change to enhance control over government land and address alleged misuse of leasehold properties. Effective immediately, all leased government lands across the state will be officially registered under the name of the "Government of Maharashtra" (GoM) in land ownership records. This directive, issued by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule at the behest of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to rectify longstanding discrepancies in land records and prevent leaseholders from treating government-owned plots as private property. The decision mandates a three-month verification drive led by district collectors to identify and correct land records where leaseholders were previously listed as "occupants" instead of the state. Officials revealed that numerous cases had emerged in which individuals or entities holding long-term leases—spanning 30, 99, or even 999 years—had been permitted to register themselves as occupants without formal state approval. This practice, according to the government, created confusion over ownership and led to disputes over land rights. Under the new policy, the "occupant" column in all land records will exclusively reflect the state’s name, while details about leaseholders, lease duration, and conditions will be documented separately under the "other rights" category. The policy also includes specific instructions for Mumbai, where authorities are directed to update restrictions related to the transfer of leasehold government land in property records.#mumbai #maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #maharashtra_land_revenue_code
Activists Urge Maharashtra Government to Abolish RTI Appeal Fees A Maharashtra-based transparency advocacy group has called on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ government to abolish fees charged for filing appeals under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, arguing that the practice undermines citizens’ access to information and conflicts with Central Government guidelines. In a formal representation submitted to the Chief Minister recently, the Association of Social and RTI Activists (ASRA) demanded immediate amendments to the Maharashtra Right to Information Rules to eliminate fees for First Appeals and Second Appeals under the RTI Act, 2005. The organization highlighted that the state’s current fee structure diverges from the Central RTI Rules, which stipulate that citizens must pay only the initial application fee of ₹10, while appeals at both levels are free of cost. ASRA cited a Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) communication dated April 26, 2011, in which the Central Government advised all states to align their RTI fee frameworks with the Centre’s guidelines. The group noted that RTI fees across states vary significantly and referenced recommendations from the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, which warned that excessive fees could deter citizens from exercising their right to information. ASRA argued that charging additional fees at the appellate stage penalizes citizens for administrative failures, delays, or refusals by Public Information Officers. The organization emphasized that levying fees on citizens for appealing against an illegal refusal by a state official is inherently unjust.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #department_of_personnel_and_training #association_of_social_and_rti_activists #sanjay_thul
Anna Hazare Hunger Strike Against Maharashtra RTI Rule Amendments Veteran social activist Anna Hazare has announced plans to begin an indefinite hunger strike on July 5 if the Maharashtra government does not withdraw recent amendments to the state’s Right to Information (RTI) Rules. The decision follows his criticism of the changes, which he claims undermine the transparency and accountability principles of the RTI Act, 2005. In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Hazare labeled the amendments “illegal,” arguing that they create unnecessary barriers for citizens seeking information and weaken the law’s intent. The amendments, notified on June 12, include several provisions that Hazare opposes. He highlighted the increase in RTI application fees, questioning the rationale behind the move. Hazare argued that the RTI Act is not designed to generate revenue, and if fees are raised after two decades of implementation, penalties for officials who deny information should also be increased. He further criticized the requirement for applicants to provide identity proof, stating that this violates Section 6(2) of the RTI Act, which does not mandate disclosure of personal details or reasons for information requests. Hazare warned that such provisions could expose whistleblowers and activists to risks, discouraging citizens from using the transparency mechanism. He also opposed the “one subject, one application” rule, calling it burdensome and unnecessary. The amendment allowing authorities to summarily close repeat applications drew his ire, as he believed it could prevent citizens from obtaining complete or updated information.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #rti_act #anna_hazare #ralegan_siddhi
Govt Clears 2,700Ha Industrial Zone For Proposed Defence, Nuclear & Aerospace Corridor In Saoner The Maharashtra government has formally notified over 2,700 hectares of land in Saoner as an industrial zone for the proposed Defence, Nuclear, and Aerospace (DNA) Corridor project. This decision marks a significant step toward developing one of Vidarbha’s most ambitious industrial initiatives, aimed at fostering growth in defence manufacturing, aerospace components, drones, satellite systems, robotics, nuclear technologies, and advanced engineering sectors. The notified area spans 2,730 hectares and includes villages such as Khursapar, Joga, Jaitpur, Chhatrapur, Malegaon, Nandagomukh, Salai, Sawli, and Jatamkhora. The project is expected to attract substantial investments and create large-scale employment opportunities, positioning Saoner and Nagpur as specialized manufacturing hubs. Officials and industry experts believe the corridor will enhance Maharashtra’s presence in the defence and aerospace sectors, which are experiencing rapid expansion across India. The initiative aligns with the Centre’s "Make in India" programme, which emphasizes indigenous production and self-reliance in strategic industries. The development followed sustained efforts by Saoner MLA Ashish Deshmukh, who had written to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in August 2025 to advocate for the corridor’s establishment in Saoner. Deshmukh highlighted the region’s availability of large contiguous land parcels, Nagpur’s strategic location, and its emerging industrial ecosystem as key advantages. The project gained momentum after the state government’s high-powered committee, chaired by the principal secretary (industries), approved the acquisition of over 2,721 hectares in April 2025.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #saoner #ashish_deshmukh #defence_nuclear_aerospace_corridor
Amnesty Scheme for Sindhi Refugees Extended by a Year The Maharashtra government has extended the "Special Amnesty Scheme-2025" by one year, aiming to regularize residential and commercial plots allotted to Sindhi refugees and convert them into freehold properties. The decision, announced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Eligible beneficiaries now have until May 15, 2027, to submit applications under the scheme, which was initially launched in May 2025. The initiative seeks to address the long-standing issue of conditional land allotments for Sindhi families displaced during the Partition of India. Under the scheme, violations of lease conditions on such plots can be regularized, allowing occupants to obtain full ownership rights. Officials highlighted that the extension was granted due to the strong response from citizens, with scrutiny of applications and supporting documents currently underway. The government emphasized that the move ensures no eligible beneficiary is deprived of benefits due to procedural delays. The extension applies to all notified areas across Maharashtra except Ulhasnagar in Thane district, which remains excluded from the current decision. Bawankule stated that the regularization of Sindhi refugee lands had remained unresolved for decades, requiring a practical and humanitarian approach. The scheme is expected to benefit thousands of Sindhi families residing in notified settlements across the state, many of whom have occupied properties for decades without formal ownership rights. The initiative also aims to streamline land records and reduce disputes related to conditional occupancy and transfer restrictions.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #special_amnesty_scheme_2025 #sindhi_refugees
Plea Challenges Distance-Based RTE Admissions, HC Seeks State’s Reply The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Maharashtra government and other respondents regarding a petition challenging the state’s revised distance-based lottery system for admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act quota. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social activists Ashish Fulzele, Aniket Kuttarmare, and Vaibhav Kamble. The petition questions the legality of the state government’s April 6, 2026, order introducing a phased lottery system for admissions to the 25% reserved seats in private schools under the RTE Act. The petition argues that the revised system, which groups students based on their residential distance from schools—categorized into 0–1 km, 1–3 km, 3–5 km, and beyond 5 km—creates an unequal admission process. Petitioners contend that this classification discriminates against eligible children living farther away from schools, undermining the principle of equal opportunity. They emphasized that the high court had previously struck down a similar distance restriction in RTE admissions, ruling that students from disadvantaged sections could not be denied access to schools located beyond one kilometre from their residence. Following that ruling, the state government had withdrawn the mandatory distance condition. The petitioners claim that the current phased system grants first preference to students residing within one kilometre of a school, potentially denying admission to eligible students from distant areas if all seats are filled in the initial phase.#maharashtra_government #bombay_high_court #ashish_fulzele #aniket_kuttarmare #vaibhav_kamble
Vidarbha Ashramshala Upgrade To Save Travel Toil For Tribal Students The Maharashtra government has approved significant upgrades to 16 government-run tribal ashramshalas across Nagpur and Amravati divisions, aiming to reduce the travel burden on students from remote tribal communities. The decision, announced on June 11, allows these schools to offer Classes 8-10 and Classes 11-12, enabling students to pursue secondary and senior secondary education locally instead of commuting daily to district towns. This initiative is expected to alleviate financial strain on economically weaker families and improve educational access for tribal students who previously faced challenges in continuing their studies due to long travel distances. The upgrades cover three categories. One primary ashramshala will now offer Classes 8 to 10, while six existing secondary schools have been authorized to introduce both Arts and Science streams for Classes 11 and 12. Two additional schools in Chandrapur will provide only the Arts stream, and four others, including two in Nagpur district, will offer only the Science stream. The full list of 16 schools, along with their respective districts, is appended to the approval notice. Notably, four of the upgraded schools are located in Nagpur district alone—two in the Ramtek-Parseoni region north of the city and two in the Katol area to the west. Previously, students from these schools who wished to study Science after Class 10 had to travel daily to cities like Ramtek, Kamptee, or Nagpur. The cost of transportation and the loss of study hours disproportionately affected tribal and economically disadvantaged families.#maharashtra_government #nagpur_district #ashish_jaiswal #ramtek_constituency #amravati_division
Maha Govt To Recheck ‘Ladki Bahin’ Beneficiaries Amid Eligibility Concerns Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on Monday that the Maharashtra government would conduct a fresh scrutiny of beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme following allegations that ineligible applicants had received benefits. Speaking to reporters, Bawankule, a Kamptee MLA, stated that discrepancies had already led to the removal of some beneficiaries during verification. He emphasized that a committee-led review would be initiated to ensure that eligible women were not excluded from the program. The review comes amid reports that approximately 80 lakh women were found ineligible for the scheme after the deadline for e-KYC compliance. Opposition parties have criticized the move, accusing the BJP-led government of reducing the beneficiary base due to financial constraints. Bawankule also addressed criticism from Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, accusing the party of failing to address internal dissent before targeting the government. He referenced unrest among Congress municipal representatives, urging the party to introspect. On the issue of women’s reservation, Bawankule accused the Congress of not fully supporting the Women’s Reservation Bill, arguing that its stance weakened efforts to increase women’s political representation. He also responded to remarks by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who had criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bawankule defended Modi’s public support, attributing it to his focus on national development and India’s goal of becoming a developed nation. The Ladki Bahin scheme has been a key welfare initiative for the Mahayuti government, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ekta Morcha.#bjp #maharashtra_government #shiv_sena #chandrashekhar_bawankule #mukhyamantri_majhi_ladki_bahin
