Maharashtra Clears Rs 260 Bn Infra, Policy and Welfare Push

25 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a set of sweeping measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure, social reform, labour regulation, and rural empowerment across the state.

A key highlight is the Rs 259.73 billion administrative clearance for the Gosikhurd National Project in Bhandara, a critical irrigation push under the Water Resources Department to boost agricultural output in the region.

The Cabinet also sanctioned Rs 1.42 billion for a memorial dedicated to social reformer Savitribai Phule, along with Rs 6.7 million for a women’s training centre in Khandala, Satara. The centre will focus on skill development and women’s empowerment.

On the legal front, the state extended the tenure of 16 additional and 23 fast-track courts by two years to address pending cases. Honorarium for legal officers at the divisional and district levels has been increased from Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000 per month.

In a major labour reform move, the Labour Department has been authorised to frame a unified Maharashtra Labour Code by aligning existing laws with modern employment realities.

To strengthen rural livelihoods, fisheries have been granted the same priority as agriculture, unlocking infrastructure support and policy concessions for the sector.

The Cabinet also approved a policy revision for slum rehabilitation projects affected by infrastructure development to ensure fair housing for displaced residents.

In transport, the Public Works Department has received the green light to develop the Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur National Highway. The Rs 44 billion plan includes a four-lane elevated road and a six-lane ground corridor in Pune district.

Earlier in the week, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated his government’s goal of building a state-wide quality healthcare network. Speaking at the Mumbai Live Endoscopy 2025 event, he stressed the need for more doctors and health workers in underserved regions.

In another key education update, the state government has made Hindi compulsory as a third language from Class 1 in all Maharashtra State Board schools. The School Education Department clarified that the move, implemented on April 16, is aligned with NEP 2020 and aims to enhance student development—not driven by political considerations.

The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a set of sweeping measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure, social reform, labour regulation, and rural empowerment across the state. A key highlight is the Rs 259.73 billion administrative clearance for the Gosikhurd National Project in Bhandara, a critical irrigation push under the Water Resources Department to boost agricultural output in the region. The Cabinet also sanctioned Rs 1.42 billion for a memorial dedicated to social reformer Savitribai Phule, along with Rs 6.7 million for a women’s training centre in Khandala, Satara. The centre will focus on skill development and women’s empowerment. On the legal front, the state extended the tenure of 16 additional and 23 fast-track courts by two years to address pending cases. Honorarium for legal officers at the divisional and district levels has been increased from Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000 per month. In a major labour reform move, the Labour Department has been authorised to frame a unified Maharashtra Labour Code by aligning existing laws with modern employment realities. To strengthen rural livelihoods, fisheries have been granted the same priority as agriculture, unlocking infrastructure support and policy concessions for the sector. The Cabinet also approved a policy revision for slum rehabilitation projects affected by infrastructure development to ensure fair housing for displaced residents. In transport, the Public Works Department has received the green light to develop the Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur National Highway. The Rs 44 billion plan includes a four-lane elevated road and a six-lane ground corridor in Pune district. Earlier in the week, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated his government’s goal of building a state-wide quality healthcare network. Speaking at the Mumbai Live Endoscopy 2025 event, he stressed the need for more doctors and health workers in underserved regions. In another key education update, the state government has made Hindi compulsory as a third language from Class 1 in all Maharashtra State Board schools. The School Education Department clarified that the move, implemented on April 16, is aligned with NEP 2020 and aims to enhance student development—not driven by political considerations.

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