Maharashtra has become the first state to implement the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for its employees, following advocacy from central government employee organisations. This decision comes just 24 hours after the Union Cabinet approved the scheme. The UPS ensures that state government employees will receive a pension equivalent to 50% of their average salary over the last 12 months, with adjustments for inflation and additional benefits. The scheme is set to take effect from March this year.
Expansion of Development Initiatives
In addition to the UPS, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a range of significant initiatives:
1. Uninterrupted Power Supply for Farmers: The state will expand its uninterrupted power supply scheme to benefit more farmers, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity.
2. River Linking Project: A ₹7,000 crore Nar-Par-Girna river linking project has been greenlit. This project will provide irrigation to approximately 50,000 hectares of agricultural land in Nashik and Jalgaon districts, benefiting local farmers.
3. Infrastructure Development in Thane: A ₹6,049 crore infrastructure project in Thane will be funded through ₹5,000 crore raised via equity and bonds. This project includes cluster housing developments and various infrastructure enhancements in the region.
4. Major Investments: The Cabinet has approved new projects totaling ₹10,000 crore, including a medicity, a mangrove park, a chemical hub, and a digital university.
Additional Key Decisions
The Maharashtra Cabinet has also made several other important decisions:
- Revenue Relief Extension: Revenue relief for land owned by BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale will be extended to his successors.
- Financial Support for MSEDCL: The government will guarantee ₹29,000 crore to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to help it clear its dues.
- ASHA Facilitators’ Wages: Wages for ASHA facilitators will increase by ₹4,000 starting in April.
- Sugar Mill Accountability: Boards of sugar mills will be held accountable for loan repayments.
- Scholarships: 763 students of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute will receive 100% scholarships.
- Slum Rehabilitation: 228 slum rehabilitation projects in Mumbai will be expedited, leading to the construction of 2,18,931 new houses.
These decisions underscore Maharashtra’s commitment to improving public services and infrastructure while enhancing the welfare of its employees and citizens.
