Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme and More

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a series of proposals including a free pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens, welfare provisions for the Matang community, and substantial financial aids for farmers. Significant funds will also be allocated for infrastructure projects like the Virar-Alibag Multi Modal Corridor.

The Maharashtra cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal for free pilgrimage to senior citizens under the ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, an official said.

The scheme, designed for citizens above the age of 60 with an annual income up to Rs 2.5 lakh, provides a benefit of Rs 30,000 for each senior citizen, the official stated.

Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned the establishment of the ‘Mukhyamantri Warkari Mahamandal’ to support pilgrim welfare. A skilled training institute will also be set up for the Matang community, per the official.

The state also earmarked an additional Rs 7,775 crore for the free electricity scheme benefiting 44 lakh farmers. Another incentive plan offers Rs 1,000 per hectare for up to two hectares and Rs 5,000 per hectare for more extensive cotton and soybean farming.

The cabinet approved a loan of Rs 27,750 crore for land acquisition for the Virar-Alibag Multi Modal Corridor and the Pune Ring Road projects, revoking an earlier government guarantee from HUDCO.