In a significant policy push spanning irrigation, environment, social justice, and education, the Maharashtra Cabinet led by CM Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday approved six key decisions aimed at addressing
both long-standing and emerging challenges across the state. At the heart of the decisions is a major boost to irrigation in drought-prone regions. The Cabinet cleared ₹1,234 crore for the Sakalai lift irrigation project in Ahilyanagar district. The project is expected to benefit 32 water-scarce villages and bring nearly 9,600 hectares of land under irrigation. For farmers in these regions, this could mean more stable crop cycles and reduced dependence on erratic rainfall. In a move that reflects growing environmental concerns, the government also approved the creation of the Maharashtra State River Rejuvenation Authority. The body will oversee restoration projects across 54 polluted river stretches in the state. With water quality emerging as a critical issue, the authority is expected to coordinate efforts across departments and push for time-bound clean-up measures. Urban infrastructure also found a place in the Cabinet’s agenda. A sports complex will come up in Amravati, with land allocated at Navsari village. The project is expected to strengthen grassroots sports facilities in the region. On the social justice front, the Cabinet approved the formation of a committee under the Chief Secretary to examine representations related to sub-categorisation within Scheduled Castes. The move indicates the government’s attempt to address internal disparities within reservation benefits. In another administrative reform, the state approved restructuring within the land records department. The existing post of surveyor will be replaced with a new designation, allowing recruitment through both promotion and departmental processes. This is likely to ease long-pending demands from employees. One of the more impactful decisions concerns education support. Scholarships for thousands of students with disabilities from Classes 8 to 12 have been increased after a gap of 12 years, offering relief to families facing rising education costs. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane highlighted concerns raised by Konkan ministers regarding inadequate financial aid for mango and cashew farmers. He said the current assistance of ₹220 was insufficient. The Chief Minister has directed the finance department to explore increasing this support, signalling a possible relief package in the coming days.
