Maharashtra Cabinet Decisions: Important Meeting of Maharashtra Cabinet: Series of Decisions for Health, Education, Judiciary, and Development
In Brief
Increase in honorarium for health workers
Changes in land NA rules and…;
Series of decisions in the cabinet meeting
In the cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister of the state, Devendra Fadnavis, 21 important decisions were made for various departments today. Notably, significant changes have been made to the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, setting a limit of 10 lakh rupees for the treatment of serious illnesses. The scheme is applicable for 2400 diseases, providing free treatment up to five lakh rupees for 2399 diseases, and a cover of ten lakh rupees for serious illnesses. Ministers expressed dissatisfaction over the aid not reaching farmers and instructed the administration to provide assistance as soon as possible. Immediate measures have also been ordered regarding the damage in Marathwada and Konkan.
1. Expansion of Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana
Providing relief to the common patients in the state, the treatment limit under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana has been increased. A total of 2,400 diseases have been included in the scheme, out of which free treatment up to 5 lakh will be provided for 2,399 diseases. For critical illnesses, this limit has been increased to 10 lakh, providing significant financial support to poor patients.
2. Increase in Honorarium for Frontline Workers
The honorarium for frontline health workers who played a crucial role during the COVID period has been increased. This increase is being given in recognition of their services and for their financial stability.
3. Improvement in Health Packages
Approval has been granted to improve the treatment packages provided to hospitals in the state. These packages have been re-evaluated considering the cost of modern treatments, medicines, and services, so that patients receive updated and accessible treatment.
4. Establishment of Urban Health Directorate
A decision has been made to establish an independent Urban Health Directorate to make health management in urban areas more efficient. This will accelerate the implementation of health schemes, initiatives, and public health programs in urban areas.
5. Integration of National Health Mission Employees
Contractual employees who have completed 10 years of service under the National Health Mission have been approved for integration into the service. This will provide stability to these employees who have been in uncertainty despite long-term service.
6. Assurance for Virar–Alibaug Multipurpose Corridor
The decision has been made to provide state government assurance for the loan from HUDCO for the Virar to Alibaug multipurpose highway project. As this route will pass through Thane–Palghar–Raigad districts, it will accelerate the development of the coastal area.
7. Funding for LIT University
LIT University in Nagpur will receive funding of seven crore rupees annually for the next five years. This aid will be utilized for research, technology, and educational development.
8. New Government Polytechnic at Mul
Approval has been granted to start a new government polytechnic with a capacity of 300 at Mul in Chandrapur district. The availability of technical education for rural students will increase, creating employable manpower.
9. Concession for Solapur Housing Project
Concessions have been approved in various fees for the ongoing Prime Minister Housing Project in the Kumbhari area of Solapur. This will strengthen efforts to provide affordable housing.
10. Free Land for Pilgrims
Approximately one and a half hectares of land has been given free of charge to the Gram Panchayat in Vaigul, Washim district, for the construction of a pilgrim accommodation. This will promote local religious tourism.
11. Approval for Development of Bandra Plot
Permission has been granted for the construction of additional facilities on an important plot in Bandra, Mumbai. This decision will be crucial for creating public-oriented facilities.
12. Amendments in Revenue Code
Amendments have been made to the Revenue Code to simplify the policy regarding non-agricultural use of land. This decision will help accelerate investment and construction processes.
13. New District Court at Ghodnadi
Approval has been granted to establish a new district and sessions court at Ghodnadi in Pune district. It will make it easier and faster for local citizens to obtain justice.
14. High Court at Paithan
A senior civil court and related staff positions have been created at Paithan in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. This will provide relief to pending cases in the judicial process.
15. Decision to Close MAHA ARC
Due to not receiving a Reserve Bank license, a decision has been made to close the Maharashtra Asset Reconstruction Company. This will curb administrative expenses caused by inactive institutions.
16. Tax Rules Relaxed for Village Panchayats
The condition for tax collection set for the salaries of village panchayat employees has been relaxed. Rural self-governing institutions will gain financial flexibility.
17. Agricultural Status for Fisheries
Fisheries have been granted status equivalent to agriculture, and a four percent interest rebate will be available on short-term loans. Fishermen in coastal and inland areas will receive financial assistance.
18. Fund for Commemoration of Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom
A fund of 94.35 crore rupees has been approved to organize programs across the state on the occasion of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom year. The aim is social harmony and historical remembrance.
19. Maharashtra Public Trusts Ordinance Amendment
The Maharashtra Public Trusts Ordinance has been amended to simplify unnecessary penalties, strict administrative actions, and regulations on the public. The aim is to reduce the strictness of government operations on citizens.
20. Plans of Three Economic Development Corporations
Plans of economic development corporations established in the names of Parshuram, Maharana Pratap, and Shri Vasavi Kanyaka have been approved. These plans will be useful for the development of socially and economically backward groups.
21. Creation of Positions at Baramati Medical College
Approval has been granted to create five positions for associate professors at the government medical college in Baramati. The aim is to enhance the quality of the medical education system.