The Maharashtra cabinet today approved an increase in the remuneration of Home Guards, Kotwals, and Gram Sevaks. During the cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the government approved the creation of 4,860 posts of ‘Special Teachers’ and an increase in the retirement benefits for employees. The remuneration for Kotwals has been raised by 10%, and the compassionate appointment policy will also apply to them. Gram Sevaks will receive a remuneration of Rupees 7,000 along with an incentive grant.
Following today’s cabinet decision, the limit for death-cum-retirement gratuity will be raised to Rupees 20 lakh for state government employees. The government also accepted the second and third reports of the former judge Sandeep Shinde’s committee regarding the Maratha reservation. Additionally, the cabinet approved the establishment of Sant Narhari Arthik Vikas Mahamandal for the Sonar community and Shri Wasawi Kanyaka Arthik Vikas Mahamandal for the Arya Vaishya community.
In line with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute, the Vasantrao Naik Research and Training Centre will be established in Maharashtra. The lands of salt pans owned by the central government will be transferred to the state government, facilitating housing schemes for weaker sections. The cabinet also approved the revised plan for the Thane circular metro railway project, valued at Rupees 12,200 crore.
Additionally, funds will be raised for the Orange Gate to Marine Drive subway and the Thane to Borivali subway in Mumbai. The proposal to build a multipurpose port project at Murbe in Palghar district was also accepted. The Sports Authority of India will receive land in Akurdi, Malad, and Vadhvan to construct a national sports complex. The cabinet approved a grant scheme for nurturing Indian cows and the establishment of a State Water Resources Information Centre.
Furthermore, the Maharashtra cabinet initiated the distribution of compensation to cotton and soybean farmers for the Kharif season of 2023. In the first phase, approximately ₹2,399 crore will be deposited in the accounts of 49.5 lakh farmers.