Exciting news for state government employees in Maharashtra! The Maharashtra cabinet, on August 25, announced the implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for all state government employees, following the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government’s decision.
The UPS will be effective from March of this year, providing significant benefits to all state government employees in Maharashtra, as stated by an official quoted by news agency PTI.
Recently, the Modi government also approved the UPS for central government employees who joined service after January 1, 2004. Under this scheme, employees opting for the UPS will be eligible for an assured pension amounting to 50% of the average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months before retirement, with a minimum qualifying service of 25 years under the National Pension Scheme (NPS).
With the tenure of the Maharashtra assembly ending soon and elections approaching, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s government’s decision holds significance as it aims to benefit government employees ahead of the polls.
Furthermore, the cabinet approved the expansion of the uninterrupted power supply scheme to more farmers in the state. Additionally, the ₹7,000 crore Nar-Par-Girna river linking scheme was cleared, primarily benefiting north Maharashtra districts like Nashik and Jalgaon, with plans to irrigate around 50,000 hectares of agricultural land.
The ambitious Nar-Par-Girna river linking project involves lifting water from multiple rivers, carrying it through a tunnel, and releasing it into the Girna river basin, offering a sustainable irrigation solution for agricultural land.
The cabinet’s statement highlights the significant potential for increased agricultural production through the project, benefiting numerous farmers across the state.
An ambitious project in Thane district, estimated at ₹6,049 crore, will see the state government raising funds through equity and bonds, focusing on renewable energy and infrastructure development. This project includes cluster housing initiatives at various locations in the district.
Thane being Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s constituency, the developmental projects in the region hold personal significance as well.
Other approved projects like the medicity, mangrove park, chemical hub, and digital university are poised to drive economic growth with an estimated total expenditure of ₹10,000 crore, showcasing the government’s commitment to overall development.
Furthermore, the cabinet’s decision to continue revenue relief for land owned by Udayanraje Bhosale and his successors reflects the government’s support towards maintaining socio-economic stability.
The proposal to issue government guarantees for the payment of ₹29,000 crore to MSEDCL aims to alleviate financial burdens and ensure the smooth functioning of essential services provided by the state-run Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited.
By borrowing from financial institutions, the state plans to address outstanding dues, emphasizing financial prudence and stability in key infrastructure sectors like electricity distribution.
Lastly, the approval to increase wages for ASHA facilitators and the additional outlay required for its implementation showcases the government’s commitment towards enhancing healthcare services and supporting frontline workers.
