The Maharashtra cabinet met today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. It discussed the situation in the state and took seven major decisions.
Chief Minister’s Gallantry Medal for Police
The most important decision today is to start the “Chief Minister’s Gallantry Medal” to honour police officers and personnel who show exceptional bravery. Those who take risks while on duty will be felicitated with a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a medal and a certificate. Three-tier committees have been set up to select the recipients, and the award will consider a full year’s performance. For this year, performance from January 1, 2026 onwards will be considered. The gallantry medals will be announced every year on the eve of Maharashtra Day, May 1, and the Chief Minister will present them personally.
Relief for Vadar Community
In a big relief for the Vadar community, the government has approved an increase in royalty concessions for traditional stone breaking and the extraction of minor minerals. The annual extraction limit has been raised from 200 brass to 500 brass. The Maharashtra Land Revenue (Extraction and Removal of Minor Minerals) Rules, 1968 will be amended for this.
CM SRISTHI Scheme for Higher Education and Research
The cabinet approved the implementation of the “CM SRISTHI” scheme (Scheme for Research, Innovations and Technological Hubs in Higher Education Institutions) to promote innovative technology and research in higher and technical education. The scheme will be implemented through all public universities, government higher and technical institutions, government polytechnics, the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai, the College of Engineering Pune (COEP) Technological University, and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere-Raigad.
Policy on Compensation in Custodial Deaths
The cabinet approved a policy on compensation in custodial death cases. A full policy will be framed to provide timely financial help to the heirs of persons who die unnaturally in police custody.
Higher Honorarium for Staff of Aided Hostels
The cabinet approved an increase in the honorarium of staff in aided hostels run by voluntary organisations under the Social Justice Department. The honorarium of superintendents, cooks, helpers and peons will rise substantially, benefiting staff in about 2,388 aided hostels across the state.
Increase in Grant Under the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Swadhar Yojana
The cabinet approved an increase in the grant under the Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Swadhar Yojana. Students from Scheduled Castes and Neo-Buddhist categories who are studying Class 11, Class 12, or vocational and non-vocational courses after Class 12, and who are eligible for government hostel admission but could not get a seat despite applying, will get higher allowances for food, accommodation and educational facilities.
Allowances Revised Under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Swamay Scheme
The cabinet approved revisions to allowances under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Swamay Scheme for students from Scheduled Tribes.