IDEALS OF INSPIRATION STAY SAFE FROM CYBER CRIMES FORT TOURISM: RAIGAD

VOL.9 ISSUE 3 MARCH 2020 ` 50 PAGES 52

WOMAN TO SHIVJANMOTSAV

The grand celebrations of the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Maharaj took off in the august presence of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister at Fort. The melodious tunes of traditional shehnai and chaughada drums, thunderous roar of tutari, resonant sounds of drums, with saffron festoons and jubilant shouts of Jai Bhawani, Jai Shivaji as well as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai reverberated across the historic fort. CONTENTS What’s Inside

06 WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: A KEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Empowerment of women helps development of society. The State Government is endeavouring for overall development of women. Efforts are being made to enhance their entrepreneurship skills and attain progress. The State Government is determined to solve their problems through various schemes and programmes.

15 24 28 46 IDEALS OF INSPIRATION RIGHTS AND POWERS STAY VIGILANT AND SAFE RAIGAD: THE PRIDE OF The Government of The right to equal opportunity FROM CYBER CRIMES Maharashtra is always striving and live with dignity has In , women are The magnificent fort of to ensure that women make been given to women, but to worshipped only at religious Raigad, which has been great strides in every field. But enjoy Constitutional powers, places and festivals. However, witness to Chhatrapati this tendency to make giant it is essential for them to in normal life, they are Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation strides is naturally present in know law. The main reason exploited in innumerable ways ceremony, is one of the some women. Some of them for tolerating injustice and and victimised physically, highlights of Maharashtra’s create their own identity with atrocities is ignorance about psychologically and sexually. rich history. It is not just a determination and hard work law. While the Government, Now, with the internet fort, but a symbol of pride and set an ideal for ordinary social bodies and people transforming human lives, it and honour for Maharashtra. women. They become a source strive hard to create has further exposed women The fort is an example of of inspiration to many owing to awareness among women, it to crimes like cyber-stalking, extraordinary architecture, their accomplishments. These is essential for society to online defamation, trolling, and is nothing less than a are some success stories that take a resolute initiative on email spoofing, pornography, pilgrimage for the disciples showcase the extraordinariness its own accord to give them psychological torture and of Shivaji Maharaj and among the ordinary. these rights. sexual abuse. fort lovers.

Good quality education empowers society 10 Women's health vital for a healthy society 32 Support to the destitute 12 Never give up on your dreams 34 Healthy mothers, healthy babies 13 For farmers' welfare 35 Progress of women belonging to Cabinet decisions 37 minority communities 14 Important events in February 2020 39 Drivers of economic change 18 A pleasant visit of the family head 43 Soaring with the wings of skills 22 Revamping Konkan for a New Maharashtra 44 Women power from Maharashtra in “Loan waived off, welcome to my National Capital 30 daughter’s wedding" 50

DISCLAIMER: VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MAGAZINE ARE THOSE OF WRITERS

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 3 VOL. 9 ISSUE 3 MARCH 2020 `50 PAGES 52 Go Girl Go EDITOR-IN-CHIEF On 29 August 2019, the Union Government launched an initiative Dr. Dilip Pandharpatte MANAGING EDITORS called Fit India Movement. The goal of this programme was to promote Ajay Ambekar and preserve sports culture, encourage various sporting events, and Suresh Wandile maintain good health with physical fitness. Under this programme, the EDITOR Maharashtra Government launched Go Girl Go Scheme, and also keep- Anil Aloorkar ing in mind the objective of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Beti Khilao, the EXECUTIVE EDITOR State Government has started a public awareness campaign for health Kriti Lalla and fitness of girls. The goal of this campaign is to provide maximum SALES AND CIRCULATION sporting facilities, free learning environment and opportunities to de- Mangesh Warkad velop skills among girls. If the girls of age group 6-18 years are edu- (Astt. Director) Ashwini Pujari cated on personal hygiene, nutrition, health and good lifestyle habits, it (Sub-Editor) can definitely help in building healthy families in future. COVER DESIGN Seema Ranalkar Sushim Kamble

BIPL MEDIA ASSOCIATES MANAGING EDITOR Jyoti Verma CONSULTING EDITOR Deepika Khurana ART DIRECTOR Lakeer Studio DIRECTOR Xavier Collaco

Maharashtra Ahead is printed on behalf of the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Government of Maharashtra, at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd.Plot No.W-17 and W-18, MIDC, Taloja Industrial Area, Taloja-410 208, Navi Mumbai

Letters should be addressed to The State Government is devising many schemes to promote sports Directorate General of Information and so that many new sporting talents can be spotted for national and Public Relations, New Administrative Building, 17th Floor, international sports events. The success of Maharashtra’s players at Opposite Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032. Khelo India Youth Games held in Guwahati recently highlights the Email: [email protected] fact that the efforts of the Government are bearing fruit. As a next step, Go Girl Go has been introduced so that girls get fitter and find

Follow us on www.twitter.com/MahaDGIPR interest in sports, and the State gets new players to represent Maha- Like us on www.facebook.com/dgipr rashtra and India in various sports events. Though the scheme is for Subscribe us on YouTube/MaharashtraDGIPR girls from all over Maharashtra, its emphasis is to take sports and fit- Visit us on www.mahanews.gov.in Blog/maharashtradgipr ness to the remotest places and interiors of the State. Only then, the sports culture can be truly promoted and new players can come up from all parts of Maharashtra. Please visit the website http://dgipr.maharashtra.gov.in Directorate General of Information and Public Relations The State Government is committed to the holistic development A Government of Maharashtra Production of girls, which include their physical and mental health. For this, new sports competitions are being planned in the near future. In these events, more than 1,04,00,000 girls from Maharashtra are expected to participate. There is no doubt that it will lead to a new sports and fitness movement in the State.

Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Government of Maharashtra GUEST EDITORIAL

Protecting Rights, Dignity and Opportunities of Women For any society to truly be- opportunities. Maharashtra leads in implementing come strong and healthy, many such schemes for the all-inclusive develop- it must give due respect to ment of women. its women. Bharat Ratna Maharashtra has a rich legacy of social reformers Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar like Mahatma Jotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, Justice gave equal rights to Indian Mahadev Govind Ranade, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, women in the Constitu- Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil and Maharshi Dhondo Ke- tion. Since then, from time shav Karve. Following their principles, Maharashtra to time, constitutional and continues to give special importance to women’s legal experts have passed education. Our girls get free primary and secondary Adv. Yashomati Thakur several laws to protect the school education without any discrimination. But (Sonawane) rights of Indian women along with formal education, the emphasis has also Minister for Women and and ensure their safety. been given to nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. As Child Development However, the onus to pro- a result, these efforts have helped in creating a strong tect their rights is also on society, and on all of us. and successful movement of self-help groups in ru- As Minister for Women and Child Development, I ral Maharashtra. These groups are an important part am particularly interested in the cause of women of today’s rural economy, and have made women empowerment. Our priority is all-inclusive develop- self-reliant. ment of women by taking all Women and men are two schemes and measures of wheels of society. By depriv- the department to the last ing women of equal oppor- person of society. tunities under the pretext of Today, women are leading cultural or social traditions, on all fronts and are contin- society cannot progress and ually marching ahead. Girls evolve in the true sense. are toppers in Std. X and Hence, as a society, we have XII exams. As per a recent to respect and empower Supreme Court judgment, women, ensure them equal women officers working in opportunities and protect the army will now be en- their right to live with dignity. titled to permanent com- Women are infinite source mission. Whenever women of energy and resources, and got an opportunity, they only need channelising in the have proved their mettle right direction. with their excellent work across fields like politics, On the occasion of International Women’s Day, education, science, health or any other. At one side, March 8, Maharashtra Ahead is bringing out a spe- women are reaching to the new pinnacles of prog- cial edition on women. The special issue includes ress, the other side of society is very grim. The grow- women empowerment thoughts of various Minis- ing atrocities against women, their sexual and physi- ters and Government policies for all-inclusive de- cal abuse, and the mentality to deprive them of their velopment of women. It has informative features rights are truly unfortunate. There have been legal on legal rights and health of women and their role in provisions for working women, and strict laws are economy and society. I am sure that you will like the passed so that they do not suffer any sexual exploi- special issue. tation at work. The Government also has launched various schemes to educate women and make them Adv. Yashomati Thakur (Sonawane) self-reliant with employment and self-employment Guest Editor

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 5 FOCUS / Women Welfare

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: A KEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Empowerment of women helps development of society. The State Government is endeavouring for all-inclusive development of women. Efforts are being made to enhance their entrepreneurship skills and attain progress. The State Government is committed to solve their problems, says Minister for Women and Child Development, Adv. Yashomati Thakur.

omen are sensitive by na- progress of the family. Even though It is our duty to implement policies for ture. They possess infinite there is a difference between the con- the sake of women’s social and economic strength to face any kind dition of an urban woman and a rural development as well as for their security. of situation with patience. woman, the problems that they face are We will sincerely fulfil this responsibility WBeing a woman myself, I can say this au- similar in some ways. Working women in the near future. The problem of wom- thoritatively on the basis of my own ex- have to leave their infants in a child- en’s security is largely due to the wrong perience. The power of women to keep care facility. Similarly, women living outlook of anti-social elements. It is the themselves and their families together in rural areas, who go to work in farm need of the hour to inculcate the teach- during difficult conditions is an impor- fields, have to take their children along ing of our ideal, Chhatrapati Shivaji Ma- tant aspect in our social structure. with them, since there are no elderly haraj, of looking at a woman as a mother Be it a working woman, business women present in the family. It shows and a sister. Efforts will be made accord- woman or a housewife, be it a woman the similarity between the problems ingly to impart the teaching of showing living in an urban area or a village, they faced by a rural and an urban woman to respect to women under moral educa- are constantly striving for the sake of some extent. tion in schools and colleges.

6 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT businesses. The welfare scheme, Mazi districts that have a low sex ratio. OF WOMEN Kanya Bhagyashree (My Daughter, My Instructions have been given to take Economic empowerment of women is Fortune) is implemented in Maharash- strict actions through coordination the aim of the Government of Maharash- tra to increase the birth rate of girls and between the Health and Home tra at all times. A working woman or a to prevent female foeticide. The benefit Departments to curb the malpractice business woman is self-reliant, but rural of the scheme can be received only by of performing sex determination test of women and housewives face financial those families who have consented foetus by visiting neighbouring States; problems. At such times, it is necessary to the sterilisation surgery after the the practice of sex determination tests to give them a boost. The movement of birth of one girl child and will not be tolerated. self-help groups (SHGs) that has emerged two girl children. A fixed through Maharashtra Arthik Vikas Ma- deposit is made in the We must FOCUS ON EDUCATION hamandal (MAVIM) is proving to be very name of the girl child by celebrate AND HEALTH useful in uniting the women to solve each the Government. women's It is not our only duty to other’s financial problems. Considering the sex contribution in the welcome the birth of a girl Through MAVIM, the work of building ratio of the children, country's growth child, but we must also skills as well as providing encouragement the Union Govern- not just one day ensure that equal educa- and confidence to women is done to ment’s campaign, Beti but every day. tional facilities are provid- help them start small and big ventures. Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save ed to girls as boys. Attention Employment opportunities are becoming Girl Child, Educate Girl Child) should be given to their health, se- available to women through this. Rural is being implemented in all districts of curity and empowerment, so that girls women are coming forward with the State. This scheme is being imple- become self-reliant and make their fam- self-confidence, selling products by mented through coordination among ilies proud. Social change will take place setting up the stalls of their SHGs at the Departments of Women and Child in a real sense when girls are accepted various places. Similarly, marketplaces Development, Health and Family Wel- with enthusiasm rather than with reluc- are becoming available for their products. fare, Education, Rural Development, tance. I believe that these changes have Home and others. The objective of this already begun to take place and we are MAZI KANYA BHAGYASHREE campaign is the effective enforcement progressing towards the creation of an It is important to drop this insistence of the law made to prohibit Pre-Con- efficient and strong society. on desiring a son as the progeny of ception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Tech- the clan. It is observed that if girls are niques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) WELCOMING SUGGESTIONS given an opportunity, then they study Act (PCPNDT), to curb female foeticide. While positive things are taking place better than boys and excel in jobs and Special attention is being given to in society, some incidents of perver-

THE SHG MOVEMENT A network comprising women is being formed due to this movement of women’s self-help groups through which several constructive things happen. Respect is shown to their opinion in the family due to their self- confidence. Women who are active within the SHGs easily go to Government offices to solve their issues. Similarly, women’s leadership is coming to the forefront in local self-government institutions. I am taking important decisions to further strengthen these SHGs and provide them with encouragement. Under this, the annual average balance limit for the provision of take-home ration (THR) and hot-cooked meal (HCM) has been lowered from `25,000 to `10,000 to ensure that more women’s SHGs and other institutions can participate in the tender application process.

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 7 FOCUS / Women Welfare sity can also be seen. It has been welfare plan) for the livelihood observed that several cruel inci- of Devadasis as well as for their TAKING CARE OF MOTHERS dents of rape, sexual abuse, men- own and their daughters’ mar- tal torture, acid attack, throwing A difficult situation arises for those women riages, counselling centres for who have to work on a daily basis for their two petrol and setting on fire, sexual women, and Savitribai Phule meals, when they are not able to go to work molestation of children and so during the periods of pregnancy and breast- Multipurpose Women’s Centre on, are taking place. While the feeding. Considering this, the Indira Gandhi for victimised women. police is always prepared to curb Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY), a maternity such incidents, we all should col- benefit programme, is implemented in the EMPOWERMENT OF lectively contemplate on such in- districts of Amravati and Buldhana. Under YOUNG GIRLS cidents as a society. The Govern- this scheme, women, during the periods of The Kishori Shakti Yojana (a ment is always striving to curb pregnancy and breastfeeding, are provided scheme for the empowerment of such unnatural tendencies. How- with compensation payments in cash to make adolescent girls) is being imple- ever, we will welcome any sug- up for the loss of wages and nutritional diet. mented in 23 districts to create gestions or instructions about Such women are given `3,000 at the time of awareness about the adverse their first pregnancy and `3,000 after the child the kind of welfare solutions that effects on the health of adoles- turns six months old, which amounts to `6,000 can be collectively implemented. in total. cent girls due to child marriage The Police Department has It is our objective to provide assistance to and frequent child birth and the implemented CCTV installation the truly underprivileged through these wel- importance of a strong mother- drives on a large scale in cities. fare schemes, for which some important steps hood. Education and training is Hence, it has become possible to are being taken. Necessary decisions will be provided to these girls on the confirm the identity of the accused taken in the coming future to bring transpar- subjects of nutritional diet, health persons in cases of eve-teasing. ency in the implementation of these schemes. and personal hygiene, and cleanli- Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray ness of the surroundings. has also promised to amend laws and make necessary corrections SAFE DAY-CARES to ensure that the accused get the Working women leave their chil- most stringent punishment. dren in a child-care facility with a heavy heart. The need of safe MANODHAIRYA SCHEME child-care facilities has been re- It becomes extremely neces- alised. Through this, as per the sary to help those women and guidelines from the Union Gov- children who fall prey to abuse, ernment, the Rajiv Gandhi Na- to cope with the mental trauma tional Crèche Scheme is being and to rehabilitate them. The implemented in the State on an Government is implement- experimental basis. Currently, ing the Manodhairya Yojana 600 child-care facilities have (self-confidence scheme) for been started in the districts of this purpose. A financial assis- Thane, , Nandurbar, Amra- tance of `1-10 lakh is provided vati, Gadchiroli and Chandrapur. to victims, who are also given These child-care facilities have counselling, medical and legal proved to be a huge support sys- aid, shelter, education and oc- tem for working women. cupational training to help them deal sistance to underprivileged and victi- with the mental trauma. It is the aim mised women. Several types of plans EMPOWERING ANGANWADI of the Government to not simply pro- are being implemented. These include Female workers and helpers in Angan- vide financial aid to them, but also various kinds of shelter plans, State-op- wadis as well as female workers in mini- strive towards enabling them to live erated women’s shelter facilities, shel- Anganwadis play an important role in with dignity. ter homes, orphanages, women accom- the eradication of malnutrition. The modation centres and secured housing Government will ensure that they get WELFARE SCHEMES units under which, subsidy for the their honorarium on time. We have also Various schemes are being implement- marriage of the daughters of destitute approved filling 5,500 vacant positions ed through the Department of Women and abandoned widows, subsidy un- for female volunteers and female help- and Child Development to provide as- der Devadasi Yojana (Devadasi ers in Anganwadis. Approval has been

8 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 given to increase the rent allowance of Anganwadis conducted in private apartments in the State. The new rent- als will be `1,000 for rural and tribal ar- eas, `4,000 for urban areas and `6,000 for metropolitan areas. Hence, it will become possible for the Anganwadis conducted in leased premises to rent apartments with better amenities. We have set a target of building around 4,000 new rooms for the An- ganwadis in the coming financial year. Funds will be made available from Dis- trict Annual Plan, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme as well as Village Council Development Plan. It is important to provide contri- bution out of social responsibility, such as the contribution of corporate houses from corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds as well as various non-gov- ernmental organisations (NGOs). The State Government is sensitive to- wards the health and education of chil- It is the focus of the curb these practices, but it is necessary dren in child welfare institutions. A huge Department of for society to seriously think over these step has been taken through the deci- Women and Child issues. The low birth rate of 894 girls per sion of making a provision of `2 crore for Development to 1,000 boys in the State is a matter of the Juvenile Justice Fund for the sake provide assistance to grave concern. In 2017, there were nine of rehabilitation of these children. Pro- such districts where the birth rate of girls grammes that are not included in any of underprivileged and per 1,000 boys was below 900. Efforts the State or Government implemented victimised women. are being made to overcome these chal- schemes for the welfare and rehabilita- The department runs lenges through effective enforcement of tion of the children through this fund will several programmes the PCPNDT Act with coordination be- now be implemented. Similarly, a provi- for their security, self- tween all departments and through the sion will be made to give medical aid or confidence and uplift Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme. surgery for severe diseases in children. in Indian society. The It is important to break away from A provision will also be made from this mission, however, the traditional mindset of giving pref- fund for skill development training, en- requires our collective erence to sons as the progeny of the trepreneurship assistance and business efforts to bring clan. Several families are getting fam- training for children. about a real change ily planning surgeries done even after There are NGOs present in the State on the ground. having only daughters. This is a ray of that are doing constructive work in ar- hope. Now, girls and women are earn- eas such as provision of nutritional diet Foundation, SNEHA, United Nations ing a name for themselves in diverse for mothers and infants, skill develop- Foundation, and Raymond. fields, such as education, sports, litera- ment training for women in sewing, ture, art, acting and business. Several crafts and other areas, health check-up IMPORTANCE OF SOCIETY’S women are playing a vital role in mak- of women and children, mental health INITIATIVE ing their family as well as the country and so on. Various initiatives are be- The Government is making efforts on proud. Hence, it is our duty to not con- ing implemented for the welfare of several fronts for women empower- sider them as secondary, but give them women, children and youth by working ment, but it is also our duty, being a part equal treatment. On the occasion of the in conjunction with various trusts and of society, to make a contribution. De- International Women’s Day, I hope that social organisations such as Tata Trust, plorable practices such as female foeti- we all remain committed to this duty. Reliance Foundation, Indian Law So- cide are harmful to social balance. The —As told to Sachin Gadhave, ciety, Village Social Transformation Government is implementing a law to Departmental Liaisoning Officer

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 9 WOMEN / School Education

long with the Government, of good touch, bad touch. Similarly, technology. It is going to launch e-learn- it is important that we all boys should be taught to take ‘no’ for ing educational tools as well as virtual take initiatives towards en- an answer. classrooms in 725 schools in the State suring qualitative education under e-Balbharati project. This will forA girls and women empowerment, CULTURE AND VALUES greatly benefit students in remote and especially in rural areas. Taking inspi- Our students are the future of our na- inaccessible regions. This project will ration from visionary social reform- tion and society. Not just as School Edu- be carried out through the VSAT-based ers like Mahatma Jotirao Phule and cation Minister, but also as a teacher, I modern technology platform. With the Savitribai Phule, we must continue to have tried to ensure that students get help of virtual classrooms, the students focus on providing quality education all modern educational facilities. Yet I can get coaching in all subjects. to women. Be it girls’ education in rural believe that education should not be areas or women empowerment, restricted to only academics and EDUCATION SCHEMES society should join hands with books, but students should get The Government is implementing many the Government. The State more practical and interac- campaigns and schemes to encourage Government is making ef- tive education. Primary education for the girl child such as at- forts to ensure that girls education is important for tendance allowance, Savitribai Phule from the inaccessible and creating a dynamic new Dattak Palak Yojana, free distribution rural interiors also have generation. of uniforms and books, Savitribai Phule access to proper education, Children should also be scholarships for backward classes, stu- but that’s not enough. Soci- given good cultural and mor- dent allowances, free bus passes and free cycles to travel to school, Kasturba Gandhi Girls’ hostel, human develop- ment schemes and Lek Vachava, Lek Shi- EMPOWERING THROUGH kva (Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao) schemes. Free education till class 12: This scheme is beneficial to girl students VALUE EDUCATION of Std. XI-XII. Girls studying in aided Schools aren’t mere tools for providing formal education, but and non-aided higher secondary schools and junior colleges are eligible important institutions for shaping future generations. Today, it is not for this scheme. enough to give children just formal education; it is equally important Free travel scheme: The State to inculcate in them cultural and traditional values. Women Transport (ST) buses have given free education can empower society. The Government is aware of its travel facility to girl students of Std. significant impact and is taking necessary steps accordingly, V-XII in nearby villages, so that they do not miss out on education due to lack says Minister for School Education Prof. Varsha Gaikwad. of schools in rural areas. Savitribai Phule Scholarship ety should consider this as its responsi- al education. It is important to ensure Scheme: This scheme is for girls study- bility as well. Whenever I visit the rural that no child is deprived of education ing in Std. V-VII and hailing from the areas as School Education Minister, my due to financial conditions. Maharash- backward classes, scheduled castes, emphasis is on checking the quality of tra has always been a leader in educa- scheduled tribes and special backward education that girls receive and provid- tion and we all need to work towards classes. For girls to be eligible for the ing them the help they need to make maintaining this leadership. scheme, they should be regular stu- it even better. It is important to raise dents of Std. V-VII, and the eligible awareness among parents towards the VIDNYANVAHINI: AN students get `60 per month for 10 girls’ education. EDUCATIONAL CHANNEL months, totalling up to `600. The recent incident at Hingang- The School Education Department is Measures to curb school dropouts: hat shook the core of Maharashtra. soon going to launch a direct-to-home To curb the number of dropouts of girls It highlighted the importance of cre- (DTH) education channel so that stu- in Std. VIII-X, those from backward ating alert, responsible and sensitive dents can access good guidance and classes, ST, etc., and are regular, are citizens apart from giving them basic coaching directly. Maharashtra Rajya given a scholarship of `100 per month mainstream education. Girls need to Pathya Pustak Mahamandal, popular for 10 months, totalling up to `1,000. feel safe while going to schools or col- known as Bal Bharti, is also changing Scholarship for Std. V-X students: leges. They need to be made aware with the times and adopting modern The scholarship is given to two eligible

10 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 Std. V-VII students and two top scorers To encourage girl have any income criterion, but students from the backward classes. Those who child education, the from SC category, studying in Std. IX or have scored minimum 50 per cent or X with annual income below `2 lakh will more in previous grades and have passed Government has taken benefit from the scholarship. Students with first or second rank among the up programmes like from SC category and studying in Std. backward classes can avail this scholar- attendance allowance, VIII and those in Std. IX and X with an ship. The economic criteria don’t apply free books, cycles and annual income of over `2 lakh will con- to this scholarship. Standard V-VII stu- uniforms, scholarships tinue to have scholarships under Savit- dents are given `50 per month (`500 for and girls' hostels. ribai Phule scheme. However, the same student cannot avail the benefits of both the schemes. For hostel students, there is a pro- vision of `350 for 10 months plus `1,000 per annum for books and other items. For non-hostel stu- dents, the aid is `150 per month (for 10 months) and `750 for books and other items. The aid of `160 per month to divyang students and `240 to mentally challenged students is also given. Model schools and girls’ hostels: The Centre has a scheme of model schools and girls' hostels in 43 places in 10 dis- tricts. This scheme has been launched to curb the number of school dropouts among girls and encourage a greater number of girls to take up primary and secondary school education. These plac- es are Akkalkuwa, Dhadgaon, Taloda, Shahada, Nandurbar, Navapur, Gevrai, Wadwani, Dharur, Hingoli, Parbhani, Gangakhed, Jintur, Purna, Pathari, Selu, Manwath, Bhokardan, Partur, Mantha, Ghansawangi, Ambad, Jalna, Badnapur, Dahanu, Talavali, Vikramgad, Mokhada, Jawhar, Gaganbawda, Igatpuri, Trim- FREE CYCLES DISTRIBUTION SCHEME bakeshwar, Peth, Surgana, Mukher, This scheme is for girls of higher secondary schools in the rural and Umri, Dharmabad, Biloli, Dhanora, class-C Nagar Parishads as well as for those below the poverty line. Std. Etapalli, Bhamragad, Aheri and Sironcha. VIII students who have scored 45 per cent in Std. VII and who are studying Rajshree Chhatrapati Shahu Ma- in Government-recognised and aided schools are eligible for this scheme. haraj scholarship: The Rajshree Chha- Priority is given to students from the rural, interior and inaccessible trapati Shahu Maharaj Scholarship areas, while in the cities girls living in slums and other such areas can avail was launched to improve the quality of this facility. education of SC and ST students and to help them perform better. There is 10 months) and Std. VIII-X students get parents’ annual income is below `2 no income criterion for eligibility, but `100 per month (`1,000 for ten months). lakh. There is no minimum percentage students need to score 75 per cent or Pre-matric scholarships for Std. requirement for this scheme, and other more in Std. X. This scholarship is given IX-X students: The Centre has launched beneficiary students are not eligible for to students in junior college, i.e. Std. pre-matric scholarships to reduce the this scheme. The State Government XI and XII, and the amount is `300 per numbers of school dropouts from the school students of Std. VIII-X from month for 10 months. backward classes. The scholarship backward classes will be eligible for — As told to Varsha Phadke-Andhale, scheme is for Std. IX-X students whose the scholarship. The scheme does not Departmental Liasioning Officer

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 11 FOCUS / Accessibility

The decisions made at the Government level are implemented by the administration. Even though sometimes these decisions take some more time, but are implemented in letter and spirit. Further, everyone should take a humanitarian view of divyang, destitute, women and sisters and take care of them as a part of a family. They should be given priority everywhere, says Minister of State, Women and Child Development, Omprakash alias Bacchu Kadu. SUPPORT TO THE DESTITUTE e should give preference ter than us. One of our visu- They have problems that are dif- to the deprived sections as ally challenged sisters has An ferent from those faced by this is their prime right. Ev- proved this by becom- ignored people living in cities. One eryone should think about ing a District Officer. section of our can understand their situ- Wthis. Along with the Government, it is our They should get all the society, divyangs ation better if one visits can contribute responsibility also to ensure that the ben- facilities that are avail- rural areas. Be it a woman significantly to efits of the schemes reach the last person able in State Transport development from any community, such of society. This is the prime responsibility Corporation. Every- if given a problems are really serious. of every officer and staff of Women and body should remember chance. These women cannot speak Child Development Department. that they should not be out and, therefore, I believe that As the State Minister of this depart- given secondary treatment, we should stand by them. ment, I would like to tell everyone that and make an effort to give them justice. you should give preference to the wel- The rights, facilities and concessions BOOSTING SELF-CONFIDENCE fare of widow, abandoned, divorce, dis- provided to her are given by the Gov- I request all officers and staff of my abled and divorced women. You have ernment and not by an individual. You department to seriously focus on this to work diligently for schemes such as are just implementing it and must do it matter. We have to do major work Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana, diligently. There should be no incident for women in rural areas. We have Shravanbal Seva, State Pension Scheme, of harassment of the divyang by an of- to focus on boosting their self-confi- and self-employment schemes for wid- ficer or staff. dence, education, health, skill develop- ows, abandoned and divorced women. We should also think about toilets ment and organisation, and establish for the divyang. We should identify their participation on the social, finan- SMARTER THAN US the need of this facility and provide cial and political front. For this, devo- When we work for our respected di- it urgently. tion in work is necessary. Supporting vyang women, we need to understand We should pay attention to aban- the divyang is true humanity. that even though they are physically doned and widowed women consider- —Dr. Raju Patodkar, Departmental challenged, they are intellectually bet- ing them as socially deprived persons. Liasioning Officer

12 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 FOCUS / Nutrition

USING MODERN TECHNOLOGY The State Government is running a drive HEALTHY MOTHERS, to fulfil nutritional and health-related needs of children and mothers. This in- HEALTHY BABIES cludes using Integrated Child Develop- The Women and Child Development Department of the Government ment Services-Common Application Software (ICDS-CAS), public awareness of Maharashtra is effectively implementing all Central and State campaigns, mass movements, commu- Government policies for the holistic development of children and nity-based programmes and other inno- women. Many initiatives are implemented to tackle malnutrition vative initiatives. With the help of ICDS, in children and mothers, says I. A. Kundan, Secretary, Women and the common application software, all Child Development. Anganwadi workers have been given mobile phones and most of the in- he Department of Women and ous Central and State Government formation is available to them Child Development is implement- schemes effectively. in digital format. There ing various schemes in the State Accordingly, we are imple- is definitely a positive for the all-inclusive development menting many acts and poli- change in the mindset of Tof women, thereby paving the way for the cies pertaining to the rights people due to communi- promotion of women and child nutrition, and needs of children and ty-based programmes. protecting children’s rights, and helping women. These include Pro- Our State is equipped women develop skills, and employment tection of Children from- Sex to fight the malice of opportunities in society. ual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 malnutrition and achieve and Protection of Women from the target with such nutrition EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION Domestic Violence Act, 2005. In addition, drives by 2022. It is our collective The department is committed to work for women are getting skills training under responsibility to ensure that all moth- the holistic development of women and Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM) ers and children get the nutrition they children. Our main objective is to devise and employment opportunities are being need. Let us pledge to not rest till we policies and schemes and implement vari- made available to them. achieve that. 

NUTRITION-RICH DIET FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN Our primary goal is to make nutritional diet available to children and mothers with the help of Integrated Children Devel- opment Service. The State has around 1,09,000 Anganwadi centres. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children in the age group of 0 to 6 years are given nutrition under this scheme in urban, rural and tribal areas. Under this programme, the goal is set to bring down the rate of stunted, underweight children, as well as children born with low birth weight who remain underweight (in proportion to height) by two per cent every year. Also, a goal is set to reduce the rate of TB by three per cent per year in women in the age bracket of 15 to 49 years and children of 0 to 6 years. These goals are key objectives of the nutrition drive launched by the Union Government in March 2018 and which aims to achieve its goals by 2022.

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 13 FOCUS / Education

lana Azad Minorities Financial Devel- PROGRESS OF WOMEN BELONGING opment Corporation. Loans from this scheme are made available for higher professional education. With the ben- TO MINORITY COMMUNITIES efits of this scheme, girls can complete Various schemes are being implemented by the Government their higher education. for the development of minority communities. The schemes are The corporation also makes avail- proving beneficial for the education of girls as well as the economic, able business loans for unemployed persons from minority communities. educational and social empowerment of women. Unemployed girls and women can also avail the benefit of this scheme and he Government of Maharash- start their own business. More infor- tra is committed for an overall mation about this scheme is available development of minority com- on the website mdd.maharashtra.gov.in. munities. The State Govern- Tment is implementing various schemes VARIOUS SCHEMES for the progress of women and girls Classes for minority communities are from minority communities. held in 42 ITIs in the State in second and third shifts and at 15 Government poly- HOSTELS STARTED FOR GIRLS AT technics in second shift. A scholarship 21 PLACES scheme is being implemented for minor- A scheme of hostels for girls from ity community students pursuing higher minority communities undergoing An independent Minorities vocational and all courses after standard higher education is being effectively Development Department 12. The benefit of pre-matric and post- implemented in the State. These hos- was established in matric scholarships also exists. Girls tels are being started at 21 locations Maharashtra in 2008 from minority communities can benefit in the State such as Kavayitri Ba- after the Justice Sachar from these schemes. hinabai Chaudhari North Maharash- Committee Report. Since Maulana Azad National Scholarship tra University (Jalgaon), Ghansawangi then various schemes are scheme is being implemented for girls (District Jalna), Government Teach- being implemented in the from minority communities who can- ers Training College (Panvel), Raja- State in the interest of not complete education due to financial ram College (Kolhapur), Government minority communities. reasons. The scholarship is payable for Institute of Science (Aurangabad), Muslim, Bouddha, school-college fees, purchase of study Government Vidarbha Institute of Christian, Jain, Sikh and books for the course, writing materials Science and Humanities (Amravati), Parsi communities have and instruments, as well as lodging and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marath- been included in the boarding expenditure. The scheme is im- wada University (Aurangabad), Swa- minorities. Comprehensive plemented through Maulana Azad Edu- mi Ramanand Teerth Marathwada remedial measures are cation Foundation of the Government of University (Nanded), Dr. Panjabrao being implemented by India. More information on the same is Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (Akola), the department for the available on the website www.maef.nic.in Government College of Engineering empowerment of girls For developing leadership traits and (Jalgaon), Government Polytechnic and women from these capabilities in women from minority (Solapur, Hingoli, Washim and Jintur communities. communities, Nai Roshni scheme is be- (Parbhani)), Government Industrial —Nawab Malik, ing implemented. Under this scheme, Training Institutes (ITI) at Parbhani, Minister for Minorities women from minority communities are Purna, Gangakhed, Selu, Pathari in Development provided training in Government sys- Parbhani district and Chandrapur tems, working with banks and other in- (district Chandrapur) and Vasmat stitutions, and other areas. These wom- (district Hingoli). The admission en are provided resources and technical capacity of these hostels is 1,910. EDUCATION LOAN SCHEME skills for their empowerment and con- The hostels admit 70 per cent of To make it easier for girls and boys from fidence. Details about this scheme are girls from minority communities minority communities to go in for high- available on www.minorityaffairs.gov.in. and 30 per cent girls from non-minor- er education, an education loan scheme —As told to Irshad Bagwan, ity communities. is being implemented through Mau- Departmental Liasioning Officer

14 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 INGENUITY / Women Pathbreakers IDEALS OF INSPIRATION The Government always endeavours to ensure that women make great strides in every field. But this tendency to make giant strides is naturally present in some women. Some of them create their own identity with determination and hard work and set an ideal for ordinary women. They become a source of inspiration to many owing to their accomplishments. These are some success stories that showcase the extraordinariness among the ordinary.

WE ARE CAPABLE this group. She wanted to start some- Cultivating a professional approach or thing by taking along with her around a start-up mindset along with their tra- 10 women from her locality. ditional line of business, these women, It was decided to make and sell chikki who are part of self-help groups (SHGs), as a nutritional product. A loan was tak- have attached the wheels of new busi- en from the Bank of Maharashtra. Today, nesses to their group. One such group the members of this SHG prepare chikki is Rani Laxmibai SHG from Bhadji in ta- using ingredients like peanuts, rajgira luka Khultabad of Aurangabad district. (amaranth), sesame and desiccated co- Ratna Dhansingh Puse is the head of conut. They do not have any rent to pay,

FELICITATION OF SEED MOTHER Rahibai, hailing from a small village named Kombhalne, recognised the real strength of native varieties of seeds. Today, Rahibai Soma Popere, who comes from a remote region in taluka in district, is popu- larly known as Seed Mother, not only in Maharashtra, but throughout India. She received the prestigious Padma Shri at the hands of President Ramnath Kovind. Agriculture Minister of Maharashtra Dadaji Bhuse also felicitated her with a saree. Rahibai has preserved 112 varieties of seeds of vegeta- bles, rice, wheat, millet, cereals and other crops. Through SHGs created by her and comprising women and farmers, the work of the development of these age-old seeds is being done. Till now, nearly one lakh people have collected seeds from her. Students of agricultural technology from across India pay a visit to see her project. Rahibai has revived the age-old tradition. The Depart- ment of Agriculture will provide assistance to deliver her work far and wide to the farmers in the State, informed Rahibai Popere was felicitated with Padma Shri at Dadaji Bhuse. Giving an impetus to the conservation the hands of President Ramnath Kovind. Minister for of native varieties of seeds, he said that farmers will be Agriculture Dadaji Bhuse also felicitated her. encouraged for the production of such seeds. Since native seeds have tremendous nutritional value, The Agriculture Minister stated that he will submit a these are beneficial for human health. This realisation report to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray highlighting has raised people’s interest in food ingredients that are the work of Rahibai. “We will turn the work started by cultivated organically. her into a large-scale project. Her work of conservation Rahibai has conserved all types of old, indigenous of age-old seeds is a guide to farmers,” said Dadaji Bhuse. green leafy vegetables and seeds of vine-like flowering He also promised that along with helping in the work of (herbaceous) plants. The seeds that are preserved by her promotion of native varieties of seeds, the concept of the were consumed by our ancestors since time immemorial. project will also be conveyed to the farmers.

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 15 INGENUITY / Women Pathbreakers as they prepare the chikki at home. This for our health. Sweet potato is an im- in Food Technology from Vasantrao chikki is sold at Bhadra Maruti Mandir portant food item in our fasting diet. Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth at at Verul Leni in Khultabad as well as at It is so nutritional that it should not Parbhani. Meanwhile, she got married various food exhibitions in cities of Au- be just a part of our fasting diet, but to Durgesh Shankar, a lawyer. Later, she rangabad, , Mumbai and Delhi. The also of our daily diet. Namrata Ankush completed her M.Tech in Food Technol- women from this savings group sold 11 Giri is doing research on this subject. ogy after she got support from her hus- quintals of chikki at `4.5 lakh in 12 days She hails from Golatgaon (Aurang- band. While she was working as an As- at Mahalaxmi Saras Exhibition held at abad) and is working as an agricul- sistant Professor, she met with success the MMRDA ground in Mumbai’s Ban- tural scientist at Central Tuber Crops in the first attempt itself in the prelims, dra-Kurla Complex. They made a profit Research Institute (CTCRI), Thiruva- mains and interview in the UPSC (Union of `2 lakh after deducting the expenses. nanthapuram, Kerala. She is currently Public Service Commission) competitive —Vijay Choudhari researching about how and to what exams conducted by the Agricultural extent food products made from tuber Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), PASSION FOR RESEARCH crops are beneficial for health. New Delhi. Tuber crops are extremely nutritious Namrata Giri completed her B.Tech Selected as the first Agricultural Sci- entist (Food Technology) from Maha- rashtra, Namrata Giri came first in the State and eighth in the country in the SELF-EARNED MONEY GIVES A WOMAN NEW IDENTITY ASRB examination. She joined the Cen- A State-level exhibition of products made by women’s SHGs was recently tral Tuber Crops conducted in Nagpur by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Devel- Research Institute opment (NABARD) as well as Utkarsh Foundation. The work of empowering women is in progress through these SHGs. These groups have given employ- in 2014, and has ment to women, with a few becoming successful entrepreneurs. Women are been working becoming financially independent through these SHGs. As women from rural there since. She areas lack marketing skills, they are getting an opportunity to introduce their has been research- products across the globe through these exhibitions. Besides, products of all ing on tuber crops kinds are made available to customers under one roof. for the past few NABARD is contributing towards poverty reduction as well as increasing years. Tuber crops the pace of women empowerment, especially in rural areas. Women’s SHGs are multi-purpose from 15 districts across the State had participated in this exhibition. Fifty and healthy. Nam- women SHGs from Nagpur and 35 from other districts had set up stalls for Namrata Ankush Giri rata’s research on this purpose. These stalls displayed 60 different types of products. tuber crops is on sweet potato, taro and Snehalata Savarkar hailing from Karanji Kanji in Wardha district cultivates mushrooms through organic farming. She cultivates different products of colocasia. We do not consume these mushrooms, which includes fresh mushroom, mugvadya (a snack) and muram- tuber crops in our daily lives. We eat ba (jam). There is a special demand for mushrooms that are grown organically. them only during the fasting period in “Through NABARD, we got our own identity through self-employment, of Maharashtra and other North Indian which we are proud,” she says. regions. However, it is mentioned in her —Aparna Yavalkar-Dangore, Divisional Information Office, Nagpur research studies that they contain vital nutrients for the nutrition of the body. Crops like sweet potato are known as aid crops in food security and drought. Among all tuber crops, sweet potato is healthy for diabetes patients. The glycemic index of sweet potato is low. Hence, the blood sugar level increases very slowly. She is researching about the preparation of healthy food prod- ucts, such as biscuits, cakes, cookies, pasta, vermicelli, ready to eat products, nutribars and other products, from sweet potatoes. Farmers can also find employment opportunities in starch and flour-pro- cessing industry from sweet potato,

16 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 which can lead to financial growth. an allergy to foods made from Besides, nutritional foods will reach the maida and wheat that lead to reac- people. Sweet potatoes contain higher tions such as stomachache and vomit- amounts of carotene, anthocyanins, ing after consumption. starch, proteins, Vitamin B and miner- —Santosh Deshmukh als. Namrata Giri says that the consump- DUTIFUL tion of sweet potato helps in meeting There are some vastis in the precincts of Vitamin A deficiency. It will be helpful Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The peo- if farmers and entrepreneurs unite to ple here have small houses. The forest promote the value education of sweet is their house and village. They have no potato. It would increase the demand for means of transport. But in going across sweet potato, benefitting both. this dense forest everyday, walking for The CTCRI has developed certain four hours, anganwadi sevikas Anjali species of sweet potato to which Kisan Jadhav and Sonal Sanjav Barap are Namrata Giri has made a contribu- fulfilling their duties of looking after the tion. These species include Bhu Krish- nutrition of children and mothers. na and Bhu Sona. These are sweet po- Anjali Jadhav and Sonal Barap keep a tatoes of purple and orange colours. regular check on the weight and height These sweet potatoes are beneficial of the anganwadi children. They take nu- for night blindness. Gluten-free food tritious meals to the doorsteps of tribal products have been made from these homes, bringing solace to many families. sweet potatoes. They work cheerfully, and are always Namrata Giri explains that these ready to help the people. The affection products are extremely beneficial to of the tribals is what keeps them going, those suffering from celiac disease, despite the four-hour walk. 

A HOME OF HER OWN Sonu Bansi Solse (26 years), hailing from the Tidi village in ing Scheme, the construction of the house was done in taluka Vaijapur of Aurangabad district, who was frustrat- multiple stages based on the receipt of the instalments ed due to her husband’s addiction, was received. staying with her parents along with her With the guidance of Group Develop- son. Without a house or land of her own, ment Officer Ajaysinh Pawar, village vol- she used to do odd jobs to earn a liveli- unteers and civil engineer, the house was hood to ensure that she does not be- built. Solse saw her dream become a real- come a burden on her parents. Working ity and with that her passion for life was as a cleaner in the village school, farm renewed. Solse is educated only till Std. labourer and utensil washer, she worked VIII, but her ambition does not let her rest. hard to solve the daily problems of life, She wants to take along the women from but did not have a place of her own. her village to establish a self-help savings Taking note of her passion for group and start a small-scale business. survival, the Gram Sabha approved a Sonu Bansi Solse’s lifestyle has dramati- resolution to recommend her name for cally improved after building the house. the Ramai Awas Yojana (Ramai Hous- Society’s perception towards her has also ing Scheme). After completion of the changed. During the rainy season, water en- process, a residential unit was sanc- tered her thatched roof house. Snakes and tioned in her name. When she came to scorpions also came in, making the house know that a dwelling unit has been sanc- dangerous to live in. Now she does not have tioned to her, her joy knew no bounds. any trouble during any season, since she She decided at that moment that apart has a permanent house with solid construc- from the financial aid, which she will be tion. Her house also has a toilet, giving her a getting from the Government, she will complete and hygienic accommodation and spend money from her own savings to build a nice house. a better living standard. There was no space to build a house so Solse’s father —Ganesh Madhavrao Chukewad, Development Officer, made a plot available to her. Under the Ramai Hous- Panchayat Committee, Vaijapur

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 17 INITIATIVE / MAVIM

Tejashri Financial Services has been started under Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal. The cheque of the first instalment was handed over to the scheme by Deputy Chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council Dr. , Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Minister for Women and Child Development Adv. Yashomati Thakur (Sonawane). DRIVERS OF ECONOMIC CHANGE Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM) is proving to be the engine of development of rural Maharashtra. The State Women’s Development Corporation of Government of Maharashtra since its inception has become an important medium of women’s all-around progress, playing a crucial role in organising women, developing their abilities and making them independent. As a nodal agency, MAVIM implements various women empowerment programmes through self-help groups.

he economic progress of Ma- than four decades. The various nation- was founded in the International Wom- harashtra is dependent on al and international awards received en’s Year, on February 24, 1975. Con- the development of its rural by MAVIM indicate that it is proving to sidering the importance of all-round areas. Mahila Arthik Vikas be an important medium of social, edu- development of women and the exper- MahamandalT (MAVIM) is crucial as it cational and industrial development of tise of MAVIM in the area, the Govern- helps in giving a different direction women in the State. ment has declared it as an apex institute to the economic system of the State, MAVIM is a State Government spon- for women’s development at the State which is largely based on agricul- sored programme that aims at estab- level. That is why MAVIM is responsible ture. This empowerment programme lishing social, economic and political for the important work of implement- of making women self-dependent justice for women for their empower- ing in the State various development through self-help is operative for more ment and continuous development. It schemes sponsored by the Central as

18 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 the needs of women and giving priority to reducing their dependency on subsidies “The work done by the • Starting from the lowest strata, women of MAVIM in the inclusion of beneficiaries in planning urban and rural areas is • Flexible implementation of process excellent. Maharashtra and policies based on ground realities is marching ahead by in the work areas progressing in various • Promoting stability in officers and fields, continuously. If the staff based on effective management mind of women is properly and spirit of teamwork understood and if they are given proper direction, they • Proper preventive measures to avoid can certainly make progress concentration of power in one hand in their respective fields. or dictatorship For this, all cooperation • Use of smart technology for the will be extended to them selection of the poorest of the by the Government. The poor beneficiary work of the women’s self- • Addressing relative poverty based on help groups of MAVIM is precise and subtle exploration as a inspirational and important MAVIM work strategy, the following for the future progress of four main criteria are stressed the Mahamandal.” upon for any programme/project —Uddhav Thackeray, based on any self-help groups. Chief Minister BUILDING AND STRENGTHENING THE INSTITUTE MAVIM believes that the process of in- stitution building and strengthening it “During the ban on plastic, further plays an important role in the MAVIM carried out the well as State Government. community development of women. responsibility of making bags MAVIM also ensures coordination The process of institution building from paper and cloth. There is among the self-help groups (SHGs), fi- includes SHGs, village development a close relationship between nancial institutes, self-service institutes committees and cluster-level federa- the aim of guaranteed progress and the concerned departments of tion of SHGs, or Loksanchalit Sadhan and women empowerment. The the Government. Kendra (CMRC). Government has always been The institutions established by MA- making efforts to strengthen EXPANSION OF MAVIM VIM have developed an administra- MAVIM and Maharashtra State MAVIM, with its programmes spread tive system to provide social capital, Women's Commission. The all over Maharashtra, has its head- democratic governance, and many programme of women’s self-help groups also includes support quarters in Mumbai (Bandra). It has programmes and services to members. of the self-help groups of 36 district offices that include Mumbai Alongside, it has stressed on taking up Rural Development and Urban and rural areas of the State. All of its programmes such as social enterprise Development Departments. programmes are implemented through development and collation of resources In collaboration, the self-help district offices. The officers and staff of through various partners. groups of MAVIM are also these offices are always eager to help, progressing and bringing a taking into consideration women’s MICROFINANCE SERVICE new range of products into the economic needs and abilities. This service covers: market. In future too, MAVIM • Internal savings and grant of loans will continue to progress.” POLICIES AND APPROACH • Partnership with banks and other —Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Deputy OF MAVIM financial institutions to get loans Chairman, Maharashtra • Well-planned implementation of of larger amounts Legislative Council women’s development schemes and • Links with insurance companies to programmes at district level provide insurance facilities to the • Planning of programmes based on women of the SHGs.

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 19 INITIATIVE / MAVIM

ment and Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, a minority women’s empow- erment programme was implemented in “In 2018-19, a fund of `31.03 10 cities with a high minority population crore was made available to (Mumbai , Chandivali, Trom- MAVIM by – the Planning bay; Thane–Bhiwandi, Mumbra–Kausa, Department. Nashik–, Aurangabad–Parb- MAVIM hani, Nanded, Washim–Karanja, Nagpur, should make Pune and Sangli–Miraj). use of this fund and AGRO DEVELOPMENT PROJECT enhance its The six main districts of Vidharbha, reputation namely Amravati, Yavatmal, Washim, through Akola, Buldhana and Wardha, have its various programmes. a high incidence of farmer suicides. It should undertake the Hence, with the cooperation of the production of those products Maharashtra Government and IFAD, that are needed by various the Krishi Samriddhi Samanvita departments of the State Krishi Vikas project was launched in Government. We have total 2009. This project was completed by faith in MAVIM and the fact June 2019. that the loans given to it by the Government are repaid ANTYODAYA YOJANA in time.” In this project, MAVIM plays the —Ajit Pawar, role of coordinator and this project Deputy Chief Minister is being implemented in 250 cities, located in 34 districts of the State. This project is of two years' dura- tion and will remain operative from the month of September 2017 to March 30, 2024. The role of MAVIM DEVELOPMENT OF LIVELIHOOD in this project will be to strengthen AND ENTERPRISE the poor and their institutes and For creating income sources for wom- impart training for the enhancement en, their skills should be developed and of their skills. new skills should be imparted to them. They should be introduced to advanced GRAMIN JEEVAN UNNATI ABHIYAN technology and labour-saving basic fa- Under Maharashtra Rajya Gramin cilities to increase their participation in entrepreneurship. All cooperation must be extended to make markets available to them for their products.

HEALTH Women’s health is a sensitive issue. Partnership with the outside agencies is being established to keep women healthy and make them aware of their health and cleanliness.

EMPOWERMENT OF MINORITY SECTION WOMEN With the help of Maharashtra Govern- ment, Minorities Development Depart-

20 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 Jeevan Unnati Abhiyan, technology ACHIEVEMENTS OF experts and implementation insti- tutes have been appointed for three VARIOUS PROGRAMMES “Women’s self-help years in six talukas of three districts, • Out of 361 CMRCs established group movement is very namely Thane (Bhiwandi, Shahpur), by MAVIM, 80 per cent are old, and today these Solapur (Malshiras, Mohol) and Gon- self-funded. self-help groups are • The women of the self-help dia (Salekasa, Tirora). This programme progressing on groups have two to three will remain under implementation till a large scale. long-lasting sources of income. March 2023. As women • There is a participation of look after 1,51,059 women in 6,180 micro OTHER PROGRAMMES their family livelihood plans. Through its various business train- properly, • There is an increase in income ing courses and workshops, MAVIM they can also of `5,000-20,000 of the women consistently strives to help women look after participating in the micro become entrepreneurs. In addition, their country. livelihood plan. programmes are implemented for The products • Loan of `2,836.38 crore a businesses aligned with agricul- of MAVIM made available by various should be encouraged banks to the women of self- ture, making agriculture profitable. Special emphasis is on the use of tech- by recognising the help groups. products as needed by • Successful in providing benefits nology to reduce labour and achieve society and through of `44 crore (financial year higher productivity. the implementation of 2018-19) to women through various programmes. coordination of work among TEJASHRI FINANCIAL SERVICES For this, women will different departments. Recently, the 45th anniversary of MA- be provided with an • Successful in establishing VIM was celebrated. On this occasion, women’s right to property, women from several MAVIM-founded opportunity.” women’s participation self-help groups that had done inspira- —, in decision making and women’s tional work were honoured with Tejas- Minister for Revenue representation in Panchayati wini Kanya Puraskar. Similarly, women Raj Institutions (PRIs). achievers, who have contributed sub- • Adoption of technology in stantially towards the empowerment of agricultural work, thereby women in society, were also honoured making efforts to reduce by the dignitaries. women’s hard work. On this anniversary, a scheme, Tejashri Financial Services was in- “Although MAVIM is a augurated for the benefit of women. sponsored programme of This scheme is initiated by the Plan- Maharashtra Government ning Department of the Maharashtra devoted to women Government and will be implement- empowerment through self- ed in the State through MAVIM. For help groups, it is committed this purpose, MAVIM has been sanc- to act as an apex institute for tioned a fund of `68.58 crore. Out of the all-round development of that, the first instalment of `31.03 every woman in the State.” crore has been transferred for this —Jyoti Thakare, financial year. Chairperson, MAVIM TEJASWINI KANYA PURASKAR Neha Gajbhiye, Nagpur; Sandhya Hatkar, Nanded; Jayshree Aaher, Na- shik; Pratiksha Nimkar, Amravati; Jyoti Mhapsekar-Stree Mukti San- Priyanka Lokhande, Pune; and Mad- gathana, Rubina Shah, Swati Vaidya havi Patil, Palghar are a part of self- and Revati Nikam have been award- help groups set up with the help of ed for their valuable contribution in MAVIM. They have been honoured the field of social service towards with the Tejaswini Kanya Puraskar. women empowerment. Along with them, Chitra Ubale-Dikki, —Team Lokrajya

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 21 INITIATIVE / UMED

SOARING WITH THE WINGS OF SKILLS Maharashtra State Rural he campaign Umed is being groups (SHGs) to encourage entrepre- Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) implemented by the Rural De- neurship. Gram Sangh (village organisa- velopment Department of the tion) and Prabhag Sangh are created at is being implemented across Government of Maharashtra the levels of Gram Panchayat and Zilla the State. The programme toT eradicate poverty in the rural areas Parishad, respectively. Through these has been aptly named Umed, of the State. In this campaign, the issue sanghs, a favourable atmosphere is a word that embodies the of poverty eradication has been consid- being created to establish entitle- whole essence of the project. ered in its totality by including all aspects, ments and rights of the poor along with ranging from community development to financial services and opportunities of Umed aims at boosting work creation of guaranteed sources of liveli- guaranteed livelihood. potential. If there is hope, hood. The pillars of support of Umed—ca- a person can rise from any pacity building, financial inclusion, social UMED UP TO VILLAGE LEVEL dire situation in life. With mobilisation and marketing services—are The implementation of this project is Umed, lakhs of women have equally important elements for liveli- being done in 34 districts and 351 ta- hoods enhancement, availability of public lukas in an intensive manner. District been shown the path to self- services and benefits of various schemes. Mission Management Unit and Block employment. New wings have Under Umed, integrated efforts are made Mission Management Units have been been given to their skills and to ensure that poor and risk-prone fami- established to run the programme. To abilities, says Irshad Bagwan. lies in rural Maharashtra are provided effectively implement this campaign with prosperous, respectful and safe life. from State level to village level, an in- Women are organised through self-help dependent, dedicated and responsive

22 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 implementation machinery has been created. A strong team of resource persons from the community has been A big social and economic revolution is taking place in formed up to the village level. Identifica- Maharashtra through the SHG movement being implemented tion of a poor family is done by the com- under Umed. There is an increasing participation of women in munity person, who plays an important the decision-making process. The women of role in including them in the SHG. The SHGs make products with a lot of hard work community people are local women who and honesty. Therefore, the customers also work as a part of the community group. find their products trustworthy. That is why a recently held Mahalaxmi Saras exhibition FUNDS PROVIDED TO SHGS in Mumbai achieved a financial turnover of So far, under Umed, 4.23 lakh women about `15 crore. Rural women are creating an SHGs have been set up, and through economic revolution through this medium. them 45 lakh families have been con- The campaign and the various programmes nected with the campaign. A `823 crore implemented through it have reduced community fund and `6,600 crore bank poverty in the lives of village women. The products of SHGs loan have been made available to these are finding a market in big cities like Mumbai. groups. Under the campaign, 10.83 lakh —Hasan Mushrif, Minister for Rural Development families have been provided with vari- ous sources of livelihood, which have generated an income of approximately after considering factors such as their an opportunity to train and work for `1,070 crore. There are nearly 40,000 skill sets, resources and aspiration. To the campaign in the capacity of Ward- trained community personnel working enhance their skills and capabilities, hini, Prerika, Pashu Sakhi, Krishi Sakhi at the village level. women are trained under Umed. The and Kriti Sangam Sakhi. Thus, a team of benefits of this campaign are available trained and skilled community workers GRANT OF LOAN UNDER UMED to all poor village women, who must has been created. Women are the focus of Umed, hence join an SHG to avail these benefits. all the programmes are designed ex- MARKETS FOR PRODUCTS OF SHGS clusively for women SHGs. Once these TRAINING THROUGH UMED Under Umed, the products of women SHGs complete 30 months, they are Young men and women from the fami- SHGs are marketed by arranging exhi- given a revolving fund (RF). Women can lies of the members of women SHGs bitions at the district, region and State use these funds for their basic needs get training and help to find employ- levels. The Mahalaxmi Saras exhibition and business. ment. For this purpose, the campaign held in Mumbai is one such popular ex- After six months, a micro invest- has selected a project implementation hibition. Through this exhibition, women ment plan is made for each member of institute. Youth who wish to be self- SHGs achieved a turnover of `12 crore the group, and the group is given com- employed are given training at district last year and `15 crore this year. Nearly munity investment fund (CIF). A bank level through lead banks under RSETIs. more than 500 SHGs have participated loan is given to the group. Utilising this Banks loans are granted to them to be- in this exhibition. Similar exhibitions are loan, the members select a business come self-employed. Umed also offers also held at regional and district levels.

ASMITA YOJANA DASHSUTRI CAMPAIGN The girls in rural areas make less use A key feature of mobilisation and institution building in Umed is its adherence of sanitary napkins. Taking cognisance, to Dashasutri. The Dashasutri comprises 10 organising principles that are Asmita Yojana is being implemented followed rigorously by the self-help groups. In addition to the five through self-help groups. Under the principles of financial discipline, the Dashasutri encourages women to discuss scheme, adolescent girls are given sani- and take action on issues of health, nutrition, employment, access to social tary napkins at a subsidised rate of `5. safety nets, good governance, education and water-sanitation-hygiene. Rural women are also provided these Dashasutri is a hallmark of quality SHGs and village organisations (VOs) across sanitary napkins at subsidised rates. all districts of Maharashtra.The Dashasutri comprises: (1) Regular meetings For detailed information about (2) Regular savings (3) Internal lending (4) Regular repayment of loans UMED campaign, log on to http://www. (5) Book keeping (6) Good health (7) Quality education for all (8) Regular umed.in. To participate in the campaign, participation in PRIs (9) Access to entitlements through Government schemes contact Block Development Officer, (10) Sustainable livelihoods. Panchayat Samiti. —Departmental Liasioning Officer

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 23 AWARENESS / Laws for Women

Although the Constitution of he principal architect of the (C) have been included. If anyone asks Constitution of India, Bharat for dowry, the concerned woman or her India has accepted the policy of Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambed- relatives can lodge a complaint with the gender equality, the benefits of kar has immensely obliged police, as a Dowry Prevention Officer Constitutional provisions have Twomen of the country in various re- has been appointed at every police sta- not yet percolated enough to spects. He broke the shackles of tradi- tion. Besides, district and taluka-level the women due to social status, tion for women through Hindu Code committees have also been established Bill and made efforts to bring revolu- under the Act. caste-based categories, language, tionary changes to their lives. While rul- culture, and changes occurring in ing out the secondary status of women, ACT AGAINST OBSCENITY their context. The right to equal he created legal provisions for gender There’s a provision that exists under opportunity and live with dignity equality. Although there is a large class the Indian Penal Code 292 to 294 for has been given to them, but to of women today who have attained re- punishment in case of obscene behav- alisation of their rights, there’s a section iour with women. Similarly, those who enjoy Constitutional powers, they that still has to tolerate injustice due to disgrace women through media such as must know the law. The main poor legal knowledge resulting from advertisements, books and pictures, and reason for tolerating injustice and lack of education and media. others, could be arrested without a war- atrocities is ignorance about the In order to ward off injustice faced rant. Any kind of mischief against wom- law. While the Government, social by this section of women, it is essential en at public places, obscene gestures that they are made aware of the exist- and comments are also punishable. bodies and people strive hard to ing laws for women and are empowered create awareness among women, to attain self-realisation. CARRYING OUT MISCHIEF IS AN it is essential for society to take OFFENCE a resolute initiative on its own DOWRY PROHIBITION ACT Breach of modesty of women in any accord to give them these rights, According to the Dowry Prohibition way, such as dishonouring women, Act, 1961, giving or receiving a dowry is holding her hand or putting a hand in- says Adv. Priya Deshpande. a crime. In order to provide more teeth side her clothes, etc., is punishable un- to this Act, new clauses 304 (B) and 498 der Indian Penal Code 354. In addition, a complaint can be registered with the police under section 509 of IPC in RIGHTS AND POWERS case of teasing or harassing women. PREVENTION OF CHILD MARRIAGE ACT To eradicate the tradition of child marriages in society, amendments have been carried out in the Child Marriage Prevention Act (Sarda Act), 1929. There is a provision for punishment if the girl’s age is less than 18 years and the age of the boy is less than 21 years. This Act is applicable equally to all castes and religions.

FAMILY COURTS ACT To resolve the disputes of marriage and family at a single location, Family Courts Act, 1984 has been enacted and made appli- cable. In case a Family Court does not exist, the District Courts have been provided the status of a Family Court. RIGHT TO CHILDREN If a woman is divorced, she can keep the custody of her children up to the age of five years. However, the decision of the court is binding in case of children above five years.

EQUAL REMUNERATION ACT This Act provides that men and wom- en should be provided equal remu- neration for the same work. Barring employment in certain work areas, women cannot be called for a night shift at work.

SEXUAL OFFENCES Severe punishments are handed over in case of sexual offences under the Indian Penal Code 375 and 373. The hearing of sexual offences is held at the court be- hind closed doors.

HINDU SUCCESSION ACT Under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, women have been provided comprehen- sive rights to the property and have been provided with unlimited rights to enjoy her Streedhan and to spend the same. WAYS THAT BRING THE PROPERTY TO A WOMAN A Hindu woman can also seek a part An earning woman with a salary from her employment or business, the of the joint family property. She can honorarium received by her, and the profits from her business are items of even file a case in the Court to receive self-earned property for her. Streedhan. A woman has also been pro- Even if she is contributing to the traditional, shared business, the same is vided equal rights in ancestral property. also a source of her income. She has a right to demand an amount for herself from the business income. Apart from this, women receive valuable gifts on occasions such as birthday, engagement, marriage, first 12 festivals after HINDU MARRIAGE ACT marriage, marriage anniversaries, becoming pregnant and delivery, naming Under Indian Penal Code 125, a woman ceremony, festivals and ceremonies of all types, entry to a new house, and has the right to demand alimony. There marriages of relatives. She is the rightful owner of all the gifts and orna- is a provision in the law for the payment ments received from her parents or in-laws. of interim alimony amount for mainte- If someone bestows property through a will or a gift deed, it becomes her nance of the wife during the period of property. A woman receives a part of her inherited and parental property. legal proceedings in a dispute between She receives some part in the property of her in-laws in some way. After a husband and wife. divorce, she can receive lump sum alimony and all this is owned by her. Women get separation from their husband due to various reasons and MATERNITY BENEFIT ACT many times, instead of a monthly alimony amount, it facilitates both the There is a provision for maternity ben- parties to receive a lump sum amount from the husband. In certain families, the woman is provided with a part of the farmland, residential flat or house efit for employed women, i.e. leave in or shop in lieu of lump sum alimony payment. This part received by her is case of pregnancy followed by the care considered as her owned property and she has total rights from the use, of the new-born child. During this pe- purchase-sale and income earned from this property. Often, citing false riod, the woman is paid full salary for a reasons such as the amount spent on her marriage, dowry, ornaments made certain number of days. However, ac- for her marriage and her education and others, the woman is bypassed cording to the law, leave and other ben- while settling parental property. This is not accepted under the law. efits are limited to two deliveries. The Irrespective of any prevailing conditions, her right to the parental property law also has a provision for full salary remains uninterrupted. leave for a woman after abortion.

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 25 AWARENESS / LawsAnimal for Husbandry Women

SPECIAL MARRIAGE ACT (Government Resolution: PRAVAM IMPORTANT PROVISIONS According to the provisions of the 1094/3625/10,894) The identity cards Right of a widow: Every widow has a Special Marriage Act, 1954 a mentally for slum dwellers will now have photo- right on the property of her husband. If competent woman of 18 years or above graphs of both husband and wife on the the deceased husband has no child, the can opt for love marriage or inter-caste first page. widow shall receive one-fourth part of marriage as per her own will. While purchasing a flat or a plot, the property, and if there is a child, the documents for the same she will receive one-eighth ARREST OF WOMEN should be in the name of part. If the deceased hus- Only women police are allowed to ar- both. It is essential to have Under the band has more than one rest women and that too after sunrise this in the documentation. Islamic law, a living widow, the right of and before sunset. A woman can be The houses to be Muslim woman the widow is divided and called to a police station only in the constructed under In- has inheritance becomes 1/16. presence of her family members and dira Awas Yojana should rights in family Right of a daughter: property. only if there is an appropriate reason. If be named after both hus- A daughter is considered a woman is arrested, she can be kept in band and wife. (Govern- as an heir to the property of a women cell only. ment Resolution No. IIA 1094/ her father. In case there is no PRA.81/ Force 17/Dt. 13.12.94) If son, the daughter receives a 50 per CLAIM RELINQUISH LETTER the person is unmarried while regis- cent share of the property of her father. Women, sometimes, are in two minds re- tration of house or property, there is a Right of a mother: After the son, a garding demanding a part of their paren- condition that the house or property mother has the right to his property. If tal property because if they ask, they are will also be on the name of the wife af- the deceased son does not have a child, worried it may spoil their relations with ter marriage. meaning if the woman does not have a brother, sister-in-law and other sisters. grandchild, she receives one-third part And, if they do not ask, their in-laws may MUSLIM WOMEN of the property of her son. If she has a get unhappy. Sometimes women forego According to Islamic Law, a Muslim grandchild, the part of the woman is their right to the parental property so woman has inheritance rights in the divided and she receives one-sixth of that the support from the parental side family property. the property. is sustained. In some cases, they have to make trips to the Courts to receive the due benefits from their brother. Any decision about the property should be taken in consultation with a legal advi- sor and with complete understanding. It should not be an emotional decision. Get appropriate advice while creat- ing a document such as relinquishing the right of your own earned property, head of the family or Power of Attor- ney. Understand your legal rights fully before signing any such document.

A HOME FOR TWO In case of a dispute between husband and wife or if they cannot accommo- date each other, the wife is usually thrown out of the house. In order to change this situation, the Government has promulgated new rules since 10th October 1994.

IMPORTANT PROVISIONS Lease of the land, house and the plot would now have equally shared ownership of husband and wife.

26 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 Right of paternal and maternal grandmother: Maternal grandmother would receive one-sixth part of the property of her grandson. However, paternal grandmother receives a part of the property of her grandson only if parents of her grandson or mother of her grandson are not alive. Any Muslim individual can prepare a will only for a third of his property. However, an individual without a child can bestow two-thirds of his property through a will to his spouse. Muslim women receive part of the property through relationships such as daughter, widow, mother, grand- mother and grandson. A woman is free to receive property as a gift from other relatives apart from the individual from whom she is supposed to receive the in- heritance. An unmarried daughter has a right to stay at a foster home and to re- ceive maintenance from parents. If she at the workplace, implementation of is divorced after marriage, the respon- Vishakha Guidelines has started in the sibility of maintenance of the woman is PROTECTION FROM State. For this, Grievance Redressal Com- that of her parents after the period of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE mittees have been established all over three months of iddat is over. Similarly, To further empower the rights or the State, and to prevent illegal human the responsibility for her maintenance protection available to women, trading of women, girls and children, a the Protection of Women from after her parents is that of her sons, State Action Force has been established. Domestic Violence Act, 2005 who are earning members. was passed in 2006. So that the woman distressed by atrocities WORKPLACE FOR WOMEN MEHR should receive justice as early as To prevent sexual harassment of wom- Mehr is the right of every Muslim woman. possible, the provisions of this en at workplaces, the Supreme Court Mehr is a property to be given by the hus- Act have been especially pro- of India has issued certain guidelines. band to his wife at the time of marriage. mulgated. The Act specifies the These are applicable at private, public Mehr is of two types. One is the property process so that the distressed and all other institutions. The respon- that is handed over to the wife at the time woman could receive orders for sibility of preventing sexual acts and of marriage. The other is while ending assistance. Besides, from now on, complaints in this regard is on the con- a relationship or taking a divorce or the it will not be necessary for the cerned institutions and staff. For fast distressed woman to file separate property that is handed over to the wife redress of a complaint, an arrangement cases under various Acts for the at the time of the death of her husband. has been made in every department for implementation of her rights. However, the amount or the property the establishment of a Committee with of Mehr has to be decided by the groom a woman president and more than half when the marriage is being decided and received by the wife. All sons and daugh- of its members women. it is only after the offered Mehr is ac- ters have an equal right to the property. cepted by the bride-to-be and her rela- If the son or daughter is not alive, the AN ACT FOR DEVADASIS tives, the marriage takes place. part will be divided equally between This Act is related to rehabilitation of their offspring. A property earned by a Devadasis and their children, through CHRISTIAN WOMEN Christian woman is her owned property. education, health and creation of ways If an individual dies without making a A woman has the right to distribute her for their economic self-reliance. For will, the entire property is divided be- property through a will or a testament. this, independent schemes from the tween husband, wife and other close Department of Women and Child De- relatives. In the absence of any child or VISHAKHA GUIDELINES velopment have been activated. other relatives, the entire property is To prevent sexual harassment of women —The author is a legal expert

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 27 CAUTION / Cyber Security STAY VIGILANT AND SAFE FROM CYBER CRIMES Cyber Mahaguru In India, women are worshipped only at religious places and during festivals. In normal life, they are exploited in innumerable ways and victimised physically, psychologically and sexually. With the internet transforming human lives, it has further exposed women to crimes like cyber-stalking, online defamation, trolling, email spoofing, pornography, psychological torture and sexual abuse, says Adv. Prashant Mali.

pectation to be observed by the perpe- trator. For the sake of clarity, the provi- sion under IPC also defines “private act” as an act of watching over a woman carrying out an activity that is reason- ably considered private. Section 66E of the IT Act specifies each term giving a detailed meaning to voyeurism in rela- tion to the internet. Publishing a visual image of a person in print or electronic form that violates the privacy of anoth- er person is held punishable for three years imprisonment or `2 lakh fine. Cyber Harassment via Social Media: Harassment of female netizens may in- clude vulgar messaging to an individual’s he invention of the World or request of sexual favours, which are wall and personal email id, which is men- Wide Web, mobile phones punishable with three years’ imprison- tioned in the profile, regular peeping in and tabs, and other inventions ment and fine. Although the Supreme as a visitor and leaving message on her of technology and communi- Court struck down Section 66A (pun- wall, sending request for friendship, Tcation have changed women’s stan- ishment for sending offensive mes- constantly posting messages disagree- dard of living. sages through communication service) ing with her and joining groups where Although, these inventions have of the Information Technology (IT) Act she is a member, etc. It also includes huge benefits, these also tend to have in 2015, protecting the freedom bullying, blackmailing, threatening and some negative effects on our lives and of speech and expression of cheating on email. E-harassment have, thus, created great threats, gen- Indian citizens, there ex- Not is similar to letter harassment all laws erally called cyber crimes. Let's under- ist laws in India which or felony, but creates prob- mention the stand some of these crimes better. protect women from term “internet” lems quite often when it Internet Trolling: An internet troll is becoming victims of on- explicitly, except is posted from fake ids or a member of an online social communi- line harassment. provisions under cloned profiles, etc., with ty who deliberately tries to disrupt, at- Voyeurism: Both IPC IT Act, 2000. We the intent to terrify, in- tack, offend or generally cause trouble and IT Act list voyeurism must study timidate, threaten, bother, within the community by posting cer- as an offence. If a man cap- this act. harass, humiliate or denigrate tain comments, photos, videos, GIFs or tures an image of a woman female netizens. other forms of online content. When a engaged in a private act without Pornography: Cyber pornogra- person posts lewd comments on social her consent, he will be punishable un- phy plays an accessory role in nega- media, they are liable under Section der Section 354C of IPC, which holds tive social issues such as child abuse, 354A of IPC and can be punished with the man liable to minimum one-year violence against women, rape, inequal- one-year imprisonment and fine. The imprisonment extending to maximum ity, relationship and family breakdown, provision also covers posting or mes- three years along with fine. The law can youth crime, promiscuity and sexu- saging content related to pornography be invoked in circumstances where a ally transmitted diseases. A few inci- against the will of a woman and demand woman would not usually have the ex- dents reported have led to episodes of

28 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 “aggravated penetrative sexual assault” etc. Revenge porn refers to circulating (as Section 5 (g) of the Protection of someone’s intimate pictures and videos Children from Sexual Offences (POC- without their consent, usually by for- SO) Act, 2012. mer romantic partners. If the victim is an adult, one may have Matrimonial Fraud: In the re- to club Section 375 (rape), 376D (gang cent past, there have been incidents rape), 354C (voyeurism) of IPC, Section when people, especially women, were 66E (violation of privacy), 67 (punish- cheated via various matrimonial web- ment for publishing or transmitting ob- sites. Cyber cons are targeting people scene materials in the electronic form), Online Defamation: Cyber tort in- through matrimonial websites. Several and 67A (punishment for publishing or cluding libel and defamation is anoth- people have fallen prey to these frauds transmitting sexually explicit materials er common crime against women on and have lost a lot of money. The in the electronic form) to address the is- the internet. This occurs when some- crooks get in touch with their targets sue of creation of gang rape videos. one posts defamatory matter about through these portals for alliances, a E-mail Spoofing: This means sending someone on Facebook, WhatsApp or few make money in the name of buying an email to another person in such a way any other social media platforms or properties for their future, while oth- that it seems that the email was sent by sends emails that contain defama- ers use other techniques. someone else. A common method used tory information to a person’s friends. by men is to email vulgar photographs The harm through defamatory state- REMEDIES TO TACKLE of themselves to women, praising their ments about any person on a website CYBER CRIMES beauty and asking for a date, etc. Section is widespread and irreparable, as the Here are some steps and suggestions on 66D of the IT Act and Section 417, 419 information is available to the entire how women can save themselves from

CYBER STALKING This is a behaviour wherein an individual wilfully and re- peatedly engages in a tactic of harassing conduct directed at another person which reasonably and seriously alarms, torments or terrorises that person. It involves following a person’s movements across the internet and post- ing messages (sometimes threatening) on social media platforms frequented by the victim. Cyberstalkers target their victims via e-mails, messengers, chat rooms, discus- sion forums, open publishing websites, and other online platforms. The stalkers may do it for sexual harassment or their obsession for love, revenge/hate, ego or power trips. Section 354D of the IPC provides that, “whoever shall also be liable to fine; and be punished on a second commits the offence of stalking shall be punished on or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either first conviction with imprisonment of either descrip- description for a term which may extend to five years, tion for a term which may extend to three years, and and shall also be liable to fine.” and 465 of the IPC are applicable for this world, and it affects the victim. being victimised in cyberspace: change offence. The offence is cognisable, bail- Virtual Rape via Cyberspace: This passwords frequently, avoid revealing able and compoundable with the per- is another violent and brutal type of your home address, maintain stable so- mission of the court before which the cyber victimisation where women are cial relationships, be aware about cyber prosecution of such offence is pending targeted by scoundrels or harassers in crimes, attend seminars and workshops and triable by any magistrate. the cyberspace. He either posts vulgar organised by Police and cyber experts Cyber Morphing: Photo morphing is messages, or particular community for better understanding of cyber vic- a special effect that allows a person to members may “mob attack” the tar- timisation, avoid unsolicited calls and morph or change one image or shape geted female with words that create messages, understand privacy settings it into another. Today, morphed photo- more enthusiasm among other unre- of social network, check your account graphs have become one of the many lated members to comment on the vic- regularly, protect data on the move, and forms of online crime against women, tim’s sexuality. Then the profile owner keep firewall turned on. faced not only by celebrities, but also by becomes a hot topic of vulgar name —The writer is a cyber law and other men and women online. calling, erotic discussions, sexual image, cyber security expert

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 29 SUCCESS STORIES / Maharashtra in Delhi WOMEN POWER FROM MAHARASHTRA IN NATIONAL CAPITAL It is generally observed that if women decide to do something, they almost certainly achieve it. We have instances to prove this, from mythological characters to modern women. Some women have made a mark in the Capital of the Nation through their outstanding work. Here are some incredible women, who are making Maharashtra proud in Delhi, says Anju Nimsarkar.

aharashtra is known as bai and later got married STATE FOOD a progressive State of into a Marathi family. She Vibha Chiplunkar made India. This status has started her career in jour- Marathi food recipes popu- been achieved due to nalism when there were lar in Delhi through her Ma- theM equality of men and women in the not many women in that harashtra Food stall in Dilli State. Nobody can deny that the path of field. Her career from- re Haat, INA. This has been a progress is more difficult for a woman, porting to editorship took favourite of foodies for the as she has to empower and prove her- place in the Capital. It is past 25 years. self when she gets into various roles, notable that she worked Nivedita Madane from a wife and a mother as the country’s ART LOVERS to a professional. When first Gender Editor in the Delhi is a city of art and culture as well. one lands in a place like Mint newspaper. Presently, Located in the heart of the Capital Delhi after leaving one’s she writes as a columnist in is Mandi House, which is the hub for town, district and State, various English newspapers theatrical groups. Gauri Dewal from the journey of establish- on gender equality. Wardha is playing an important role in ing oneself becomes more Marathi women have enriching the dramatic art and culture difficult. Some of these made their mark in interna- heritage of Delhi. She has made a last- women have come to the tional media as well. Archa- ing impression on the audiences by her Capital after their mar- Archana Mirajkar na Mirajkar works as media roles for the past 15 years. Some of her riage, while some have come on jobs coordinator in the Canadian Embassy. popular roles were in dramas, Leela, and some to fulfil their dreams. In per- Hailing from Kolhapur, she is also an Roop-Aroop, and After The Third Bell. forming their roles at home and office author. Maya Karanjkar from Satara has and establishing their identity, they Another name in journalism who contributed a great deal to the art of have to put in consistent hard work. gave a new direction to her life is painting. There are regular exhibitions Because of them, Maharashtra is held Nivedita Vaishampayan–Madane. of her paintings. in high esteem in the Indian Capital. Hailing from Nashik, she came to Delhi In my work at the Maharashtra In- so that her son could be SOCIAL WORK formation Centre, New Delhi, I have with both parents. After Himali Dabi-Kamble, the come in contact with many such wom- coming to Delhi, she re- mother of Tina Dabi who en. Here are the write-ups about some started her writing ca- stood first in Indian Admin- of these women. reer. She got an opportu- istrative Service 2016, was nity to work as an editor born in Nagpur. She was an CORRESPON- of the Marathi magazine, officer in the Indian telecom- DENT, EDI- The Core. munications service. She TOR, WRITER studied hard in order to train Namita Bhan- BLOGGER Adv. Rucha Mayee her daughter for the UPSC dare, a pres- Adv. Rucha Mayee from Na- examination so she is now a teacher for tigious name shik studied law. However, today general knowledge in various private in journalism, she is better known as a blogger. tuition classes. was born in a Through her writings, she aims to im- Sharada Dolare from Osmanabad non-Marathi part maximum counselling through district started a school in Delhi. Her family in Mum- Namita Bhandare minimum words. school, named Modern Public School,

30 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 has classes from first to tenth standard. Located in the Capital as professionals, This school charges reasonable fees. In Delhi, there are many old and these women from Maharashtra are new Marathi institutes. One of them, working at National-level, bringing named All In- accolades to the State. dia Siddharth Welfare Centre, is 45 HEALTH years old. Su- Leela Bhatkar is the first Marathi woman to reach jata Ambore the position of Deputy Superintendent of Nursing received the at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi. honour of be- She lost her father when she was only two. Her mother courageously coming the raised and educated her first woman Maya Karanjkar children and made them president of independent. Her parents this institute. Smt. Ambore is a woman are from Wardha district. with leadership qualities and it is no- Working in the table that under her leadership, the same hospital is Sujata Leela Bhatkar institute is making progress. She is Nandeshwar, a Senior Nursing Officer and a multi- from Parbhani. talented person. She is always ready to render Dr. Sangeeta Kasture from Nande any help related to health matters. The Personnel Ministry of the Union is presently a Scientific and Policy- Of Sujata Nandeshwar ficer in the Biotechnology Department Government every year arranges inter-ministry competitions. In this, of Government of India’s Science and Nandeshwar has many times worked as a cultural Technology Ministry. She strives to en- coordinator of the health department. Being an sure that rural areas should get 24-hour avid dancer, she has won a gold medal in dance power supply. Bio fuel is made from agro six years in a row since 2010. She is equally ac- leftovers like rice and wheat straw, cot- tive in social work and has started an institute, ton stalk and sugarcane. Dr. Kasture Ramai along with other provides financial aid through her min- Marathi nurses. istry to vari- Originally from Nag- Nilima Shingade ous research pur, Nilima Shingade is institutes, a nurse in All India Institute of Medical Sciences. universities, She spreads awareness about the preventive mea- sures of various cancers affecting women. She is colleges and connected with many institutes that give counsel- volunteer- ling on cancer. ing institutes Hemangi Sinha-Bhise was born in Nagpur. engaged in Shweta Rana-Karandikar She does counselling through Arjun Foundation research. Dur- in Delhi. She advises poor young girls about the hygiene necessary during ing the past menstruation. She also counsels boys and girls about mutual respect and Vibha Chiplunkar 10 years, behaviour based on equality. while working at national and interna- Shweta Rana-Karandikar, originally from Mumbai, selflessly raises funds in tional levels on clean energy, she has Delhi for Nagaland-based Eliezer children’s home. There are five girls and four formed a big network of more than boys in this home. Tinu Meren Ozkum and Aosenla 1,000 scientists. Imchen is a couple who works for this children’s home with a view to provide family-like diet, Dr. Jaya Surya from Chandrapur is atmosphere and proper education to the children. working as a Senior Scientist in the Indi- So far she has collected more than `1 lakh for this an Agricultural Research Institute of the children’s home through various sources. Ministry of Agriculture of the Union Gov- Shanta Wagh from Udgir, Latur, is dedicated ernment. She has many records accredit- to the cause of providing various amenities ed to her name. So far, she has more than to slum dwellers for the last 25-30 years. She 50 research papers published. works as a coordinator for Bhoomi Awas organ- — Information Officer, Maharashtra isation in Delhi. Shanta Wagh Information Centre, New Delhi

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 31 AWARENESS / Women Health

ccording to World Health Organisation (WHO), health is a state of complete physi- WOMEN'S HEALTH VITAL cal, mental and social well- beingA and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. So, while writing FOR A HEALTHY SOCIETY about women’s health, the definition Women, while giving priority to their family, tend to neglect their own has to be presented from a woman’s point of view duly based on the defini- health. In fact, women should be more watchful about their health, tion mentioned above. because if they, who are an integral part of society, are healthy, only The three factors that are important then will society remain healthy. On the occasion of International for a woman’s health are diet, exercise Women’s Day, this column is an attempt to educate women about the and peace of mind. These are regularly importance of taking charge of their health in their own hands, pointed out on several media. In which state, do we see women actually follow- says Dr. Sujata Joshi-Patodekar. ing the listed three factors? It needs to be noted that a difference or a gap is found between the state of women living in urban areas and rural parts.

WOMEN AND DIET Effects of fasting: Wom- en fast on many days in a week. It has been observed that the number of poor women who fast for 8 to 12 days in a month is significantly high. These fasts are usually nutrition-deficit which thereby give rise to various health-relat- ed problems such as acidity, head- ache, obesity, shivering of hands and legs, and weakness. Also, women are inclined to skip their breakfast. Drinking tea twice or thrice a day while attending to household chores often results in skipping of this impor- tant meal of the day. This again adds to their health-related issues. Hence, having a good, nutritious break- fast in the morning is impor- tant, as it provides enough Exercise is not only meant energy that lasts for the to control weight, entire day. both cases, the body does sity and overweight on the other, has but is also Negligence towards necessary for our not receive the required, far-reaching consequences. The num- vital nutrients: This takes overall wellbeing balanced diet—the root ber of girls and middle-aged women place in two ways. In the and life. cause of several health- affected by a condition called Poly- case of homemakers, the related problems in women. cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is also practice of eating stale, left- In fact, the National Family increasing. The symptoms of PCOS over food is a common practice. Also, Health Survey states that in about are menstrual irregularity or delay, in- women, especially young, adolescent 50 per cent women, the range of haemo- crease in acne on facial skin and infer- girls and working women are likely to eat globin is 8 per cent or lower. tility, irregularity or failure to ovulate, delectable and scrumptious fast-food. In Malnutrition on one hand, and obe- etc. A solution here is a proper and

32 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 ments. Women who use fairness creams WOMEN AND MENTAL HEALTH and skin smoothening products, without Owing to the menstrual cycle, motherhood and menopause, hormones play a any consultation, later visit skin special- crucial role in a woman’s life. Due to these phases, she has to face psychologi- ists for treatment. It is important to seek cal as well as emotional challenges. proper advice from experts instead of Amidst all this, a woman’s psychological health is also put to the test by her falling prey to such advertisements. In secondary status in the family, the tension in relationships, gender discrimina- fact, it should be realised that instead of tion at the workplace, and having no say in birth control. She is also constant- hankering for fair skin, one must focus on ly gripped by the fear of becoming a victim of domestic violence, rape and healthy skin. If the radiance of self-confi- one-sided love. dence is present on the face, then a dark Women should pay extra attention to their self-protection and psychologi- skin colour also looks vibrant. cal health. They should set aside time for their well-being. And yes, instead of Clothes also say a lot about how shirking away from their duties, husbands should fulfil their role in marriage of treating their wives with respect and concern. This is just a small yet mean- we look or carry ourselves. In the hot ingful expectation on this Women’s Day. Indian climate, cotton clothes and clothes that allow air circulation are important. Sweat cannot be dried nutritious diet, which women must un- cated in women’s daily regime. off in tight and synthetic clothes. derstand and follow. Besides, in an attempt to self-treat, WOMEN AND COSMETICS cases of fungal infections of the REGULAR CHECK UP AND NEED Urban women have become extremely skin like ringworm have dramati- FOR MENTAL SUPPORT conscious of how they look. This is largely cally increased, and which we should After the age of 40 and especially after due to the impact of media and advertise- not neglect.  menopause, it is necessary for women to go for regular body check-ups. The women of today have to shoulder psy- Statement about ownership and other particulars about chological, physical and economic re- Maharashtra Ahead magazine sponsibilities. Although women take care of their entire family, their own 1. PLACE OF PUBLICATION: Directorate General of Information and Public health is ignored by them. Taking care Relations, Government of Maharashtra, of the family and their health needs Mantralaya, Mumbai 400032 must be balanced appropriately. 2. PERIODICITY: Monthly 3. PRINTER Anil Aloorkar WOMEN AND EXERCISE NATIONALITY Indian The busy schedule of homemakers and working women makes it difficult for ADDRESS Directorate General of Information and Public them to spare time for exercise. Lack Relations, Government of Maharashtra, of exercise is also a primary cause of Mantralaya, Mumbai 400032 osteoporosis among women in their 4. PUBLISHER: Anil Aloorkar 40s. The habit of a morning walk is NATIONALITY: Indian formed right from our early days, but ADDRESS Directorate General of Information and Public as women do not find time in the morn- Relations, Government of Maharashtra, ing, they neither exercise nor go for a Mantralaya, Mumbai 400032 walk. Women should remember that it is important to exercise—be it walking, 5. MANAGING EDITOR: Dr. Dilip Pandharpatte cycling, muscle exercises or weight- NATIONALITY: Indian lifting, at any time of the day, based on ADDRESS: Directorate General of Information and Public their convenience. When you exercise, Relations, Government of Maharashtra, the brain releases the chemical endor- Mantralaya, Mumbai 400032 phin that gives a feeling of euphoria, I, Anil Aloorkar, hereby declare, that the particulars given above are true to the thereby causing a positive impact on best of my knowledge and belief. health. Exercise is not only meant to control weight, but is also necessary ANIL ALOORKAR for our overall well-being and life. Like Printer and Publisher proper diet, this should also be incul-

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 33 INSPIRATION / Administrative Services

husband is a software engineer, but NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS the inability to do anything for com- mon and needy people made me un- If a woman gets support from her family, then she can climb the easy and powerless. That’s when I de- mountain of success by defeating all difficult situations. Archana cided to enter the administrative field Wankhede, a woman from a common family of Buldhana, has set up through UPSC. an example for women who sacrificed their career after marriage. CHASING SUCCESS Here is her success story, in her own words. Once decided, I started to study hard. In four attempts I could not even pass PSC was nothing less than vant, he was interested in agriculture the pre-exam. That’s when I realised a dream for me. My na- due to which I too remained connect- I was not devoting enough time to tive place is village Dongar ed with village and farming. I knew the study. I then decided to seek admis- Shewali (Buldhana). My fa- problems of farmers and farm labour- sion in Yashada in 2017. My parents- Uther was a clerk in Maharashtra State ers. I witnessed their weak financial in-law took care of my daughter. In Transport Board. After condition so I decided to my fifth attempt, I passed in the pre completing my second- do something for them. I and main exam and cleared my inter- ary school from Buld- wanted to choose such view too, but still I got eight marks hana city, where we were a career through which less than the required criteria. In the settled, I completed my I could serve common sixth attempt, my brother, who too graduation in engineering people. After marriage was preparing for the exam, gave me from Anuradha Engineer- and birth of my daugh- strong support. Pravin Chavan also ing College in Chikhli and ter, I got a job as an guided me when I was in Pune. In Masters in Engineering assistant professor at 2018, my dream of becoming an IAS from Vishwakarma Insti- Somaiya College, Mum- officer came true. In fact, I was the tute of Technology, Pune. bai. Financially, we were first IAS woman from Buldhana. Though my father Archana P. Wankhede quite stable as I had a was a Government ser- I.A.S. 2018 permanent job and my DISCUSSION AND INTERVIEW In Yashada, I had a group of five to six friends. We used to discuss current af- SUCCESS FORMULAE fairs, international and national hap- • Read NCERT books to strengthen the base for an administrative exam. penings during breakfast, lunch and • Before studying any subject, read question papers on that subject dinner. Such positive atmosphere carefully. While preparing for the main exam, study the question paper of boosted our confidence. I used an- on the main exam of all subjects. line platform for non-academic and • Reference literature must be limited as time for study is limited. Take the study IQ and also watched YouTube guidance of seniors and watch the videos of candidates who have passed videos for some particular topics. exams with good marks on YouTube. Decide the booklist first and follow it. • Revision is a must for the preparation. Hence, continue your revision until In the interview of UPSC exam, ques- you are really satisfied. tions are based on history, geography • The most important formula is to be confident. Because if we keep faith in and other information related to the ourselves, only then can we prepare for the exam in a positive way. candidate’s birthplace. One also has to • Always stay positive and keep away from negative people. You must be in remain updated about current affairs, the company of friends having positive thoughts. Positivity keeps you political and social questions. Campus away from depression and it is most important for your study. interview held at Yashada, SIC and Ma- • Be ready for sacrifices. While studying for the UPSC exam, you can get harashtra Sadan helped me to face the a job through other competitive exams or MPSC. Remember this job is interview successfully. nothing but a lure. It may take you away from the goal of your life. Hence, Will Smith’s popular quote “I want you have to be away from all kinds of distractions. It is okay to get some to represent possibilities” has a great job as a plan-B but you must be ready to leave it. • Village background, poor English, responsibilities after marriage, need impact on me. I knew that if we are able of another job, etc., all these become meaningless when you decide to to succeed through difficult situations, qualify for the administrative exam. then we can set an example for others. • Success demands firm determination and hard work. Online media is very Hence, I wanted to create a milestone useful for the study. by defeating all odds. —Rajaram Devkar

34 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 INTERVIEW / Minister for Cooperation FOR FARMERS' WELFARE The Government has has been taken to ensure that farmers Centre or bank branch to verify their given topmost priority to do not face any trouble. The farmers are Aadhaar. Those farmers who match not required to apply for this scheme to their Aadhaar number and the loan economic transformation avail its benefits. There is also no condi- amount while doing authentication, of farmers. The Cooperative tion put on payment of the arrears. will receive the benefit of the scheme and Marketing Department immediately. Those farmers who can- is geared up to play an RESTRUCTURED LOANS not do so should register a complaint important role in this Under the scheme, the loan amount directly with the district-level commit- of the short-term crop loan and short- tee through the portal. The committee transformation. To make term restructured crop loan taken will communicate the decision regard- the loan waiver a worry- between April 1, 2015 and March 31, ing the matter to the farmers. free experience, the State 2019 as well as pending up till Septem- Government has adopted ber 30, 2019 will be waived off. The THIS WILL NOT BENEFIT crop loan taken by farmers from nation- ALL FARMERS an easy method with alised banks, commercial banks, district Farmers who pay their income minimum paper process, says central cooperative banks, rural banks tax from sources outside of farm- Balasaheb Patil, Minister for and various executive cooperative in- ing will not get the benefit of this Cooperation and Marketing.

t is necessary to bring economic STRENGTHENING THE MARKETING transformation in the lives of DEPARTMENT farmers, especially if we want to The Marketing Department is directly related make Maharashtra economically to farmers. Its primary objective is to make empowered.I Since the Department of available necessary infrastructure facilities Cooperation and Marketing is directly to farmers to sell their farm produce well. The concerned with farmers, the Govern- primary task of the department is to provide ment is making all efforts for farmers' subsidy to APMC for warehouses, roads, auc- economic empowerment. For the last tion houses, cold storage facilities and auction four years, farmers have been caught platforms. It is also the work of this depart- Balasaheb Patil up in the vicious cycle of loans. Hence, ment to develop an organised marketing network on a global scale equipped the Government has announced with competitive infrastructure facilities to ensure appropriate rates for the Mahatma Jotirao Phule Farmer the agricultural products produced by farmers. When a farmer comes to the Loan Waiver Scheme, a convenient, APMC with his farm produce, then the committee not only works towards making an apt rate available, but also works towards instilling trust. Hence, simple and transparent plan, which the farmers get support and trust here. gives debt relief to farmers in the real The impetus has, thus, being given to rural development by keeping sense. A list of beneficiary farmers the farmer at the centre, so that those who feed the entire world become have been published. prosperous. It is my primary wish that the farmer should be blessed with prosperity and the farming community becomes financially empowered. FARMER LOAN WAIVER SCHEME Farmers depend on agriculture and, therefore, sometimes have to take stitutions will be waived off. Therefore, scheme. This category of farmers loans from District Central Banks, farmers will become eligible for taking include current/former ministers, cooperative banks or commercial banks loans in the kharif season of 2020. State ministers, members of the Lok for farming. The Mahatma Jotirao Ph- Banks have started to upload in- Sabha/Rajya Sabha, Legislative As- ule Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme has formation about the loan accounts sembly/Legislative Council, all the been announced to make the farmers on the web portal. This list of farmers officers and staff of the Union and debt free and worry free. Under the will be made available village-wise State Government (whose overall scheme, every farmer’s crop loan, of up at the Gram Panchayat of every vil- monthly salary is more than `25,000, to `2 lakh, and short-term restructured lage. Farmers who are mentioned except Class IV staff), officers and crop loan will be waived. The scheme is in the published list are expected to staff of the State Undertakings simple, easy and transparent, and care visit the nearest Government Service (Mahavitaran, State Transport Corpo-

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 35 INTERVIEW / Minister for Cooperation ration and others) and of aided insti- venience and get their money on time. tutions, pensioners and the officers CHALLENGES OF SUGAR and office-bearers (chairman, vice INDUSTRY WHAT SHOULD FARMERS DO? president and board of directors) of The benefit of the scheme will go to Cooperative manufacturing in Agricultural Produce Market Com- needy farmers only. Hence those farm- Maharashtra has led to develop- mittee, cooperative sugar factories, ment, employment of local popu- ers who are eligible should link their cooperative spinning mills, urban lation, and economic transforma- Aadhaar number with their bank ac- cooperative banks, district central tion of farmers to some extent. count. As the process has been made cooperative banks and coopera- Sugar industries and farmers online, farmers are not required to tive milk federation, whose monthly producing sugarcane are a part make unnecessary visits to the banks. pension is more than `25,000 (except of this movement. The produc- The burden of the loan on the farmer ex-servicemen). tion of sugarcane is sometimes will be reduced due to loan waiver, making them eligible for another loan.

ENCOURAGEMENT TO COOPERATIVE SECTOR The contribution of the cooperative sec- tor in the progress of the State is huge. The sector is considered as the financial vein of the rural region. Through this sector, several cooperative institutions are formed. These include development societies, executive societies, banks, credit societies and sugar factories. These institutions provide financial as- sistance to farmers in times of need, and have helped in devouring private mon- ey lending to some extent. Providing more encouragement to this sector is need of the hour.

AGRO-PROCESSING INDUSTRY Since there is State-wise crop diversity in India, the raw material for various agriculture-processing industries can A GUARANTEE FOR `1,800 CRORE low or high due to natural calami- become easily available. Hence, farmers should pay attention to agro-processing LOAN FOR COTTON ties. Last year, there was a heavy downpour in western Maharash- industry. Farmers growing sugarcane Farmers, whose names are in the loan tra. Areas in Sangli and Kolhapur give their produce to sugar factories. waiver list, to avail the benefit of the were affected badly. As a result, Though the basic policy of the factory scheme should link their Aadhaar num- sugar industries and farmers got is to produce sugar, there is also a huge ber to bank accounts. The Govern- into trouble. It is necessary to demand for ethanol today. This demand ment has provided the guarantee for help them. Also, if farmers are should be encouraged. The Union Gov- the `1,800 crore loan amount taken unable to repay the pending loan ernment has taken an initiative for this by the Maharashtra State Coopera- amount within a stipulated time, purpose and projects have been imple- tive Cotton Growers Marketing Federa- then they too get into trouble. mented in several places. Though the tion (MSCCGMF) from the Bank of India volume is low currently, it is necessary at an interest rate of 7.75 per cent for Currently, 60-80,000 quintals of cot- for sugar factories to pay attention to ethanol production. In some areas, the ensuring timely payments to farmers ton on an average is being purchased business of setting up projects for pro- on purchase of cotton in the 2019-20 daily. Nearly 30 to 35 lakh quintals of ducing organic jaggery and organic sug- season. The guarantee required to be cotton is expected to be purchased arcane is in progress; it is necessary for paid by the federation on the State guar- by the federation. Therefore, `1,800 the farmers to focus more on such agro- antee has also been waived. The pur- crore was required for the purpose. processing industries. chase of cotton in the season of 2019- This decision has been taken to en- —As told to Thorat, 20 has been started by the federation. sure that farmers do not face incon- Departmental Liaisoning Officer

36 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 GOVERNMENT / Key Annoucements

on Maharashtra’s rich culture and tra- ditions, an advertisement showcasing CABINET DECISIONS Maharashtra’s all-round progress and Here are the highlights of a few decisions taken for the benefit of creating a theme song for Maharash- Maharashtra in the Cabinet. tra’s Diamond Jubilee. An appeal has also been made in the Cabinet for all MAHARASHTRA’S DIAMOND administrative departments to come up JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS with at least one scheme or programme EQUAL DISTRIBUTION OF A decision has been taken to celebrate on the theme of Maharashtra’s Dia- WATER TO NIRA CANALS Maharashtra’s Diamond Jubilee with mond Jubilee. great pomp. Various activities to be The canals of Niradevghar and Gunjawani dams are currently undertaken throughout the year were SEWAGE WATER TREATMENT non-functional. It has been decid- discussed in the meeting. Programmes The Cabinet has approved the first ed in the Cabinet that the unused will be organised across the State from water will be provided equally to sewage water treatment proposal pre- May 1, 2020. the beneficiary areas around the pared to treat the wastewater gener- A presentation was made by the Nira left and right canals. This ated in the State’s urban areas. Around Department of Cultural Affairs in the decision will benefit the areas in 9758.53 MLD of wastewater is gener- terms of urbanisation, industri- ated from 319 local government bod- alisation, farming, sugar industry ies in the State. There is a capacity to and orchards. Details about this treat 7747.24 MLD of wastewater, and decision are as follows: a capacity of 2011.91 MLD can be gen- The work of Niradevghar Dam erated additionally. The wastewater was completed in 2007 with a treatment capacity is 75 per cent satis- water storage capacity of 11.73 factory. However, according to the Na- TMC; water storage capacity of tional Green Tribunal, it is mandatory 3.69 TMC has been created in to generate the additional 2011 MLD Gunjawani Dam since 2018. It faecal process treatment capacity. was observed that canal works for Provision of `2,820 crore will be both the projects were left incom- sanctioned to the municipality and mu- plete and, therefore, the benefi- ciary areas were unable to use the nicipal corporation areas under phase water. Therefore, it was decided 1 through Centre’s Amrit Abhiyan-2 or that the extra water that is left af- State’s Maharashtra Suvarna Jayanti Cabinet on the theme Maharashtra’s ter the basic requirements of both Nagarotthan Maha-Abhiyan. Diamond Jubilee. Cultural programmes the projects are catered based on different themes such as Sa- to will be distributed myukta Maharashtra Movement, folk equally to the left and art, Marathi theatre, Marathi cinema, right canals of Nira. programmes based on the history and About 55 per cent of

life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, so- water will be given to Nira left canal and cial reformers of Maharashtra, Maha- 45 per cent to Niral rashtra globally, saints of Maharashtra, right canal. classical music, tribal culture, Click Ma- harashtra, agriculture, qawwali festi- Due to this, 2,427 STAMP DUTY FOR MERGERS AND val, Durga Mahotsav, and 100 years of hectare/TMC water will be avail- RECREATION HIKED able for irrigation in the benefi- Marathi cinema will be organised. The State Cabinet has approved an ciary areas of both the canals. It has also been decided to conduct increase in stamp duty to 50 crore The beneficiary areas of Nira ` programmes on spreading awareness left canal includes a total area of from the present `25 crore on merger about Samyukta Maharashtra Move- 37,070 hectares from Purandar, and amalgamation of documents. ment, the martyrs of the movement, Baramati and Indapur talukas, publishing a coffee table book on Ma- whereas the right canal areas are FUNDS FOR CHILDREN WELFARE harashtra’s historic, social, geographi- 65,506 hectares from Khandala, The Cabinet has approved the provision cal and cultural highlights, programmes Phaltan, Malshiras, Pandharpur of `2 crore as the State Children’s Fund for the participation of NRIs from Ma- and Sangola talukas. for the welfare and rehabilitation of harashtra, preparing a documentary various children’s organisations. Under

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 37 GOVERNMENT / Key Annoucements

THE FIVE-DAY WEEK The decision of five working days’ week for all Govern- tutes appointed for region-specific projects, groundwa- ment employees was taken in the Cabinet meeting. Like ter resources and public works department, residential the Centre, the employees of the State Government will and non-residential institutes, daily-wage labourers also get all Saturdays and Sundays off. In addition, the and workers. working hours have been increased by 45 minutes per day. Public Health: Vaccine Institute, Nagpur; Revenue and This rule will be applicable from February 29. Forest: Integrated units from Balharshah, Paratwada The current working hours for Government offices in and Dahanu, the sawmill at Allapalli, workshops under Mumbai suburban, 9:45 am to 5:30 pm, will be changed divisional forest officers at Balharshah and Paratwada, to 9.45 am to 6:15 pm. The working hours for peons will Government photo registration office, Pune; General Ad- be 9:30 am to 6:30 am. Similar working hours will also ministration: Factory department at Government trans- be applicable for Government offices outside Mumbai portation; Agriculture Department: Dairy schemes under suburbs where the current working hours are from Dairy Development Department; Industries, Energy and 10:00 am to 5:45 pm. The timings for all offices have Labour: Government press; Skill and Entrepreneurship been kept uniform. The working hours include lunch- Department: All it is; The new rule will help save electric- time of maximum 30 minutes between 1 and 2 pm. The ity, water, fuel and other resources. Employee satisfaction five-day week will not be applicable to the following and quality of life will also improve. offices/departments: Currently, an employee works for 288 days annually. Emergency services: Government hospitals, diagnostic An employee works for 7.15 hours per day. Thus, there are labs, police, prisons, water supply schemes, fire-brigade, 175 working hours per month and 2,088 working hours sanitation workers; Educational institutes: Government per year. After the implementation of five-day week, an colleges, medical colleges, schools, polytechnics; employee will work for 264 days on an average. However, Water Resources: Labs at Dapodi, Satara, Wardha, the working hours will increase to 8 hours. Thus, an em- Akola, Ahmednagar, Ashti, Khadakvasla, Nashik and ployee will work for 176 hours per month and 2,112 hours Nanded, Central labs at Nagpur and Bhandara and insti- per year. clause 105 of Juvenile Justice (Care and and Technical Education, the new name nance will be issued after receiving sug- Protection of Children) Act of 2015, the has been suggested. gestions from the Department of Law State Government may create a fund and Judiciary and with the approval of in the name it thinks fit for the welfare FREE SPECTACLES FOR SCHOOL the Governor. Currently, the limit for and rehabilitation of children. Similarly, CHILDREN contingency fund is `150 crore. This will as per rule 85 of Maharashtra State Ju- The Cabinet has approved the decision be raised to `10,150 crore by temporar- venile Justice Act, there is a provision of providing free spectacles to school ily adding `10,000 crore. This scheme to create a fund, State Children’s Fund children to help them overcome visual will be implemented on February 22, for the welfare and rehabilitation of challenges. The approximate recurring 2020. Till March 5, 2020, `10,000 crore the children dealt with under this Act. cost of this initiative is `20 crore and will be needed and, hence, the funding Currently, around 21,178 children live the estimated non-recurring cost is will be provided in advance. in 560 different shelters. Soon, medical `5 crore. Currently, a complete health help for severe diseases, skill develop- check-up is being conducted once a DIRECTORATE OF MUNICIPAL ment and vocational training will be year for school children under Centre’s COUNCIL given to them. Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram. It has been decided to improve the This year, 1,195 medical cells, active for structure of the Directorate of Munici- BAHUJAN WELFARE DEPARTMENT this purpose, observed that visual chal- pal Council. Accordingly, in addition to The Department for Other Backward lenges have increased among school the present 138 posts, a further 274 Classes, Socially and Educationally children. Around 8 per cent out of posts will be added soon. Sanction has Backward Classes, Vimukta Jatis, No- 1,21,67,585 school children have visual been accorded for a new structure madic Tribes and Special Backward defects. Providing them with glasses with 550 posts. Out of these, 108 posts Classes Welfare will now be called Ba- will help them study better. will be in the headquarters, 117 posts hujan Welfare Department. To make the at divisional level and 325 posts at long name of the department short and FARM LOAN WAIVER district level. Officers holding - se precise, and considering the schemes it It has been decided in the Cabinet to nior posts of Joint Commissioner and implements, the schemes it will imple- sanction a grant of `10,000 crore in ad- Deputy Commissioner in the Director- ment in future, and the schemes handed vance for the Mahatma Jotirao Phule ate and the Chief Officer category will over to it by the Department of Higher Farm Loan Waiver Scheme. The ordi- be given promotions. 

38 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 NEWS / At A Glance A REVIEW OF IMPORTANT EVENTS IN FEBRUARY 2020 FIVE LAKH HOMES THROUGH ployees will be made available through to boost productivity. MHADA IN NEXT THREE YEARS a lottery system. Affordable homes for The farmer community in Maha- Minister for Housing Dr. Jitendra Awhad the poor will not be constructed differ- rashtra is an important constituent has said that 5 lakh homes will be built ently for Government and developers, and the Energy Department has to through MHADA (Maharashtra Hous- but will be built together and a lottery protect the interests of farmers. In- ing and Area Development Author- will be held together for these homes. structions to prepare a definitive pol- ity) during the next three years. Out of Redevelopment of only the front icy have been issued to the depart- these, 50,000 homes will be made avail- buildings of MHADA has been ment so that the dues for the able to police staff and 50,000 homes to carried out at Vartak Nagar farmers could be minimised. Class IV Government employees. in Thane. Based on equal jus- The electricity bills will be Dr. Jitendra Awhad tice principle, while MHADA placed directly in the hands made this announce- buildings are redeveloped, of the farmers through ment at the recently these would be an integrat- Urja Mitra working at the concluded meet- ed development of the entire village level. This Urja Mitra ing in connection layout. Similar principle will be will discuss the issues of electric- with MHADA, Slum applied for integrated development of ity dues of farmers and the conces- Development Au- Kannamwar Nagar and Tagore Nagar. sions available for them. Such issues thority as well as the The Minister for Housing also in- will form a part of the new policy. review of Government formed that new housing projects will Similarly, the electricity available to lands and implementation of a com- be implemented on 72 acres at Kal- entrepreneurs in the State and the prehensive project on Government wa and 100 acres at North Shiv and rates charged will be reviewed. Dr. land in Thane through MHADA within Mogharpada. Nitin Raut further said that the new Thane Municipal Corporation limits. energy policy will be entrepreneur The Government currently has A NEW ENERGY POLICY FOR THE friendly so that new entrepreneurs 10,000 homes available. A decision STATE SOON can come and number of industries has been taken to provide 10 per cent Minister for Energy Dr. Nitin Raut in- can increase in the State. homes to police staff and 10 per cent formed in a meeting of the senior of- homes to Class IV Government employ- ficers of the Energy Department that PANCHAYATS TO COLLECT ees. During the next two months, 1,000 a new energy policy will be framed in ELECTRICITY BILLS homes for police staff and another 1,000 connection with electricity dues of the On a basis similar to the appointment of homes for Class IV Government em- agricultural electricity consumers and various private agencies for collection

25TH PHASE OF METRO-3 TUNNELLING COMPLETED The 25th phase of Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ Metro-3 Tunnelling was completed at Worli in the august presence of Minister for Tourism and Environment Aditya Thackeray. This was the first stage of tunnelling for Package-3 of this route, which has a total of seven packages. Pack- age-3 is by far the longest package on this metro route and includes stations of Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum, Acharya Atre Chowk and Worli. Tansa-1, the tunnel boring machine for Package-3, was activated from the north end of the Science Museum, activated on September 27, 2018. Facing many geographical challenges, the tunnelling for up line tunnel for 2,073 meters has been completed. A total of 1,381 seg- ment rings have been used for this tunnelling. Seventeen tunnel boring machines are currently activated for work on this 33.5 km route. From the transport point of view, Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ that is Metro-3 is an important project. The route will resolve the daily commuting issues of Mumbai citizens. Around 78 per cent tunnelling and more than half of the construction work of this project has been completed so far.

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 39 NEWS / At A Glance

MAHARASHTRA SHOULD RECEIVE GST SPEEDILY Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a speedier refund of Goods and Services Tax (GST) to Maharashtra and for the benefit of Crop Insurance Scheme to all farmers in the State. After taking over the reins as Chief Minister, this was the first meeting of the Chief Minister with the Prime Minister at his residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi. This announcement was made by the Chief Minister at a press conference held at 15, Safdarjung Lane, the residence of Member of Parliament . Minister for Environ- ment and Protocol Aditya Thackeray, MP Sanjay Raut and GST to the State. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has as- MP Hemant Patil were present on the occasion. sured that the Government of India will fully cooperate in Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that he had ear- the matter. It was also brought to the notice of the Prime lier written to the Prime Minister regarding the refund of Minister that the farmers are facing problems as insur- the State portion of the GST to Maharashtra. He has now ance companies have not yet visited 10 districts of the requested the Prime Minister for a speedier refund of the State for crop insurance. of electricity bills, one Gram Panchayat The Government plans to start a de- now been included are admission fee, from each of the six divisions of Maha- gree course in sign language and copies of extra curriculum/activity fee, university rashtra will be appointed on an experi- Government decisions issued in respect development fund, university student mental basis to collect electricity bills. of divyangs (differently abled) will be sent assistance fund/welfare fund, labora- to the schools for the hearing and speech tory fees, college magazine fees, uni- AN INFORMATION CELL FOR impaired. Trained teachers will also be versity sports fund, university student HEARING AND SPEECH IMPAIRED appointed at these schools. Dhananjay insurance fund, library fees, computer AT MANTRALAYA Munde also said that the Government is training fees, University Ashwamedh To resolve the issues of hearing and committed to provide educational as well Fund, youth festival fees, registration speech impaired persons in the State as physical facilities for divyangs. fees, university medical assistance fund and provide them information about and student identity card fees. the decisions taken by the Government BAHUJAN WELFARE DEPARTMENT for them, an independent information TO GET GRANT OF 16 NEW CHARGES COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION centre will be set up at Mantralaya Minister for Bahujan Welfare Depart- TRAINING SCHEME with sign language experts. Minister ment Vijay Wadettiwar informed that To improve the representation of mi- for Social Justice and Special Assis- the Government has included 16 other nority communities in Civil Services tance, Dhananjay Munde made this an- fees as admissible for students from Examinations of UPSC, the Competi- nouncement at Mantralaya during a VJNT, OBC and SBC, and the grants for tive Examination Training Scheme being meeting to address the the same will be available to students in implemented by the Minorities Commis- demands of State- vocational or non-vocational streams sion in five districts is to be implemented level associations in aided, non-aided and permanently in all districts of Maharashtra. Direc- for hearing and non-aided colleges. Due to a variety tives to formulate such a scheme were speech impaired. of initiatives implemented in colleges issued to the Minorities Development He said that a de- since 2005-06, the other fees increased Department. A decision has been taken cision will be taken drastically. The decision has been taken to increase the stipend to students un- on the appointment in response to this. Till now, the benefit dergoing training from `2,000 to `4,000 of sign language experts for hearing was available only to students in the per month. Similarly, funds provided to and speech impaired students as well arts, commerce and science streams training institutes will be increased to as for higher education. The standard in aided and non-aided colleges and `50,000, informed Minister for Minori- of the schools for these students will to VJNT, OBC and SBC categories. The ties Development, Nawab Malik. be improved and a decision about benefit was, however, not available for In order to increase the representa- training them in ITIs will be taken in aided and non-aided, permanently non- tion of minority communities in Gov- consultation with the State Technical aided colleges for vocational courses. ernment employment, a Competitive Education Department. The 16 new types of fees that have Examination Training Scheme is being

40 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 implemented by the Minorities Com- sumer Protection Depart- tres will be based on the same mission. The training to deserving ment has issued a Gov- method and the number of minority students is provided at the ernment Resolution (GR) thalis may be increased to centres of the State Administrative in this regard. According 200. Instructions have also Training Institutes at Mumbai, Kolha- to this GR, the objec- been given that apart from pur, Nagpur, Aurangabad and Yashada tive for every Shiv Bhojan officers from the department, (Pune). Ten students are selected for Centre, at minimum 75 and tehsildar, Block Development Of- training at each centre. Now, efforts will maximum 150 thalis, will be in- ficer and officers of equivalent ranks be made to widen the scope of the train- creased to minimum 75 and maximum should organise visits and inspections ing to other districts of Maharashtra. 200 thalis. of Shiv Bhojan centres for cleanliness, The scheme was started on Repub- safety and quality of food. The scheme EXPANSION OF SHIV BHOJAN lic Day. The poor section of the popula- is currently being implemented at SCHEME tion has responded overwhelmingly to public places such as Government of- With an overwhelming response to Shiv the scheme. fices, hospitals, bus and railway- sta Bhojan scheme, Chief Minister Uddhav The Food and Civil Supplies Depart- tions and markets, and its expansion Thackeray gave instructions for its ex- ment had decided the method of selec- has been planned. pansion. Accordingly, the target number tion of centres in the GR dated January of thalis has been doubled from 18,000 to 1, 2020. The GR has instructions that, in INFORMATION ABOUT DISHA ACT 36,000. The Food, Civil Supplies and Con- future as well, the selection of the cen- The State Government is making all ef- forts to bring a stringent law so that atrocities on women are brought under AGRICULTURE MINISTER – ONE DAY ON A FIELD INITIATIVE control. As part of these efforts, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh On February 7, 2020, Minister for Agriculture, Dadaji Bhuse announced at a programme in Nagpur that ‘Agriculture Minister – One day on a field’ initia- visited Andhra Pradesh tive will be implemented to understand the issues of farmers. The Minister to understand the Di- for Agriculture implemented the initiative within a week and visited the sha Act of the State agricultural fields of farmers at Valwade, Ajang-Vadel, Zodge and Malmatha Government. During in Malegaon taluka and understood the issues before the farmers in this area. this visit, he discussed He also asked the farmers if the Agriculture Officer and Agricultural Assistant this with Chief Min- visit the village. ister Y. S. Jaganmohan The initiative has been started by Dadaji Bhuse to inspire farmers for Reddy, Home Minister Smt. Mekathoti higher produce and understand the issues faced by them. The Minister also Sucharitha, and Director General of Po- suggested the visits of Secretary and Commissioner, Agriculture to meet the lice of Andhra Pradesh. farmers. He has instructed the department to discuss issues such as crop The Andhra Pradesh Government planning and production capacity and give information about market and various schemes. Dadaji Bhuse had made this announcement at Farmer has enacted Disha Act for speedy hear- Awards’ ceremony in Nagpur and implemented the initiative in letter and ing and resolution of crimes against spirit. He had a dialogue with a farmer, Shantaram Gawli from Valwade and women, especially cases of sexual ha- tried to understand his problems. He also discussed the crop insurance rassment, a decision within 21 days, and scheme and onion production with farmers. He also visited the fields at the convict to be sentenced to death. Ajang-Vadel, Zodge and Malmatha areas to have a dialogue with farmers. EDUCATION DAY ON FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH As there is no formal system currently for action on complaints beyond the purview of the School Tribunal, the State Government has decided to es- tablish complaint redressal committees at school, district and divisional levels so that these complaints are addressed and resolved faster. A complaint box will be placed in every school and the first Monday of every month will be ob- served as Education Day on the lines of Democracy Day. This was announced

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 41 NEWS / At A Glance by Minister for School Education Smt. Varsha Gaikwad. At the school level, the complaint redressal committee will comprise headmaster and teachers. Here com- plaints from students and teachers will be resolved. The committee at district level will consist of District Educa- An MoU was signed in respect of Pune Metro project with European Investment Bank tion Officer/Education Inspector and (EIB). On this occasion, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Minister for Public Works (Public Undertakings) , Managing Director of Pune Metro Brijesh Dixit, Group Education Officer. At divisional and Vice President, EIB Andrew McDowell were present. level, the committee will work under Deputy Director. To resolve complaints MOU FOR PUNE METRO PROJECT from students, parents, schools and The European Investment Bank (EIB) is going to provide financial assistance institutions, there will be a commit - to the extent of Euro 600 million (around `4,800 crore) for the Pune Metro tee with Chairman, Divisional Board project. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) in connection with the first of Education, Divisional Deputy Direc- instalment of the amount, Euro 200 million (around `1,600 crore), was signed tor of Education and Deputy Inspec- between the bank and Pune Metro in the presence of Chief Minister Ud- tor, Education as members. Through dhav Thackeray. At a programme held at the office of Mumbai Metropolitan these committees, any complaint regis- Regional Development Authority, Brijesh Dixit, Managing Director, Pune tered by students and parents, such as Metro and Andrew McDowell, Vice President, EIB signed the MoU. non-receipt of uniforms, exploitation With the cooperation of European Investment Bank, Pune Metro project of any type, and breach of the Right to will be accelerated and activated early. The project will effectively improve the traffic at Pune and surrounding areas and contribute to the development of the Education Act, will be resolved. The city. The physical progress of Pune Metro today stands at 37 per cent and the managements of institutes will also be financial progress at 29.53 per cent. Funds provided by the bank will be used for able to register complaints in case of in- the tunnel route of metro, depot works and others. Investment development of stitutional disputes. the European Investment Bank in various areas of Maharashtra has been prom- ising. The Chief Minister requested the bank for financial assistance for Nashik MAHARASHTRA WINS STATE OF Metro and environment conservation works along with Pune Metro. THE YEAR AWARD Pune Metro in brief: The Pune Metro Rail Project is an ambitious civil transport project. *It is being implemented through MahaMETRO under a joint partnership of 50:50 between the Government of India and the State Government. *The work on the project was started on January 23, 2017. *This is a 32.5 km route with 30 stations on way. *The total project cost is expected to be `11,420 crore. *With assistance from the Government of India and the State Government, the project has loan from A.F.D. France and European Investment Bank.

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF MANGAON CONFERENCE The first historical conference was held in presence of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and under the Chairmanship of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at Mangaon (taluka Hatkanagale) on March 21-22, 1920. Centenary celebrations of Maharashtra won the State of the Year this historical conference have been award at the 15th edition of India Busi- organised on March 22, 2020 at ness Leader Awards held in Mumbai Mangaon, informed the Minister for on February 28, 2020. Minister for In- Social Justice and Special Assistance, dustries, received the Dhananjay Munde. award from Union Finance Minister The celebrations are being organ- Nirmala Sitharaman in the presence of ised by the Social Justice and Special Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Min- Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra and BARTI. The Mangaon Conference committee has organised many events and initiatives on the occa- ister for Tourism, Environment and Pro- sion. Dhananjay Munde has said that all the required funds for the celebrations tocol Aditya Thackeray and industrialist will be provided through BARTI. Mukesh Ambani were also present. 

42 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 REPORT / Nashik Diary A PLEASANT VISIT OF THE FAMILY HEAD During his recent Nashik tour, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray interacted with people like a family elder striving for the happiness and well-being of every member. Meeting this quiet, calm and sensitive personal- ity was memorable for everyone, says Dr. Kiran Moghe. n Nashik collector office, an sand for under-construction houses be- of Chalisgaon-Malegaon road, adminis- independant review meeting of ing built under Prime Minister’s Hous- trative building at Chalisgaon, upgrade each district of ing Scheme, tourism development, a of Amalner hospital, and building a sub- was conducted. MLAs from the re- dry port at Niphad, rivers’ connectivity station at Dhanora. Igion were invited to attend this meet- project, and water scarcity problem of ing. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray Manmad were also taken. FLYOVER ON MALEGAON ROAD listened to the grievances of people in Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in- their respective constituencies and in COMPLETION structed officials to send a proposal the presence of senior administration In the meeting, about a flyover on Malegaon road in officials. He decided to solve the - prob the Chief Minister announced that all Dhule to solve the traffic problem in lems instantly. “This is the first time that pending work of Nilwande Dam will be the city. He said that all pending works somebody gave a patient hearing to our completed in the next two years and of Jalyukt Shivar will be completed. He grievances and took an instant decision `1,100 crore will be allotted. Decisions directed officials to solve the problems to solve them on the spot! We surely were also taken on bringing water from of Shirpur health centre and took deci- owe you special thanks for this,” said a westward flowing rivers in Godavari sions on ashramshalas for tribal and hos- representative. basin, expansion of Ahmednagar MIDC, tel building, facility of 100 beds at the Problems were narrated on an in- Savitribai Phule Pune University’s sub- district hospital, and filling posts in the dividual basis, followed by which ev- centres in Ahmednagar and Nashik, health department and rural hospital.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray taking review of the districts of Nashik division during the meeting at the district headquarters. ery MLA was given a chance to speak. development of Airport, starting NANDURBAR: A NATURAL BEAUTY Questions were directed to officials. of the power substation at , Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said The Secretary-level officials present and court building. that he is fascinated by the charm of in the meeting ensured some quick Nandurbar and is keen to solve the prob- decisions. A summary of decisions POWER SUPPLY TO AGRI PUMPS lems of its remote areas. His announce- with the assurance that the dialogue When elected representatives from ment of `1.75 crore for Susri Project and will continue and an appeal to give Jalgaon informed the Chief Minister `1.5 crore for Dhanpur Project gener- suggestions were made at the end. that farmers in the district want elec- ated a wave of happiness among locals. tricity for their agricultural pumps dur- He also promised to take up the matter PUNE–MUMBAI–NASHIK GOLDEN ing day time, he immediately ordered of mobile network in remote areas with TRIANGLE officials from the Power Department the Centre and pursue it. In the meeting, the to make necessary arrangements. He Chief Minister ordered the execution also said that preference will be given FIRST UNIVERSITY TO TRAIN JUDGES of Pune–Mumbai–Nashik Golden trian- to complete the pending irrigation proj- The Chief Minister also attended the gle. Major decisions like special focus on ects in the district. He promised to allo- lawyers’ conference organised by Ma- the development of Malegaon, power cate funds for a district sports complex. harashtra and Goa Bar Council. In his supply to agricultural pumps, supply of Decisions were also taken on the repair presence, the foundation of a new

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 43 REPORT / Nashik Diary

Patil also graced the occasion. SHIV BHOJAN THALI The Chief Minister said, “Farmer is Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray the focal point of Maharashtra’s poli- visited the Shiv Bhojan Kendra run by cies. To free him from the clutches of Dwarkamai self-help group at Wadala loans, Mahatma Jotirao Phule Farmer Naka and interacted with people. The Loan Waiver Scheme will serve as first interaction overwhelmed a beneficia- aid. My Government is committed to ry, Tukaram Nade, who was surprised provide them electricity, water and fair to speak to the Chief Minister. His gentle discussion with their leader price for their crops." He also inaugu- proved sweeter than the food! rated Agri-Biotech Research and De- velopment Facility at Jain Hills. building of Nashik District Court was was fearless while pointing the mis- A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY laid. He also visited the Heritage Gal- takes of rulers. The farmers’ meet at Muktainagar, at- lery in Nashik District Court premises. tended by the Chief Minister, saw an Speaking at the conference on To- FARMER IS MAHARASHTRA’S FOCUS overwhelming response from farm- wards Fast and Advanced Justice, he During his Jalgaon district tour, the ers. Speaking on the occasion, Uddhav said, “There is a need to change the Chief Minister gave away Padma Shri Thackeray said, “I have been bestowed British era laws, taking into consider- Late Dr. Appasaheb Pawar Modern with this major task of leading the State ation people’s needs in these chang- Agri-Hi-Tech Award hosted by Jain Ir- with people’s blessings and while hold- ing times.” He promised that help will rigation Systems. Former Union Agri- ing the responsibility, my Government be given to start India’s first university culture Minister Sharad Pawar, Labour has already started working for farm- to train judges. The varsity should pro- Minister Dilip Walse-Patil, Agriculture ers, jobless youth and women.” duce best judges to give fast and fair Minister Dadaji Bhuse, and Water Sup- —Acting Deputy Director justice like Ramshastri Prabhune, who ply and Sanitation Minister Gulabrao (Information), Nashik

REPORT / Konkan Diary hief Minister Uddhav Thac- keray reviewed the issues of in detail. At a Cabinet meeting, he in- REVAMPING KONKAN FOR Cstructed the respective departments to prepare a tourism development A NEW MAHARASHTRA plan in the Tillari Irrigation Project The Government believes in quality over quantity. Chief Minister area, keeping environment conserva- tion as a mandate. Strict law will be Uddhav Thackeray, while reviewing the development plans for the made against LED fishing in the State. Konkan region, has assured that the entire region will be revamped in He also advised all the departments building the New Maharashtra. to review vacant positions and begin

Nature's beauty, Ganpatipule

44 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 hiring for these posts immediately. that projects such as Sea World can Maharaj and Bhavani Mata Temple and A meeting will be conducted where- be taken ahead in partnership with paid tribute. in a decision regarding the Government private investors by providing addi- land of 658 hectares in the Kabulayat- tional capital if required. Pending ir- APPROVAL FOR NEW BUSINESSES dar Gavnkar issue will be taken. Batch rigation projects will be restarted and Under Chief Minister Employment Gen- mix instead of concrete will be used completed soon. A small-scale irriga- eration Scheme, Uddhav Thackeray dis- for constructing durable yet affordable tion scheme for Masure (Anganwadi) tributed approval letters to five young coastal roads. The idea of taking Redi was also approved, the estimated cost entrepreneurs from Sindhudurg in the and Aronda Dam under Government of which is `22.12 crore. The letter for presence of Minister for Industries, ownership is being considered. Pan- the same was given by the Chief Minis- Subhash Desai. This programme is be- budi project will also be reconsidered. ter to Guardian Minister . ing implemented to encourage micro A sports complex with modern equip- and small scale enterprises and promote ment will be set up in the district. Pro- INSPECTION OF employment generation; 102 proposals posals need to be submitted for building Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray vis- from the district were approved. memorials dedicated to poet Mangesh ited and inspected the Sindhudurg Fort. Padgaonkar and other revered per- He also visited the Chhatrapati Shivaji TEMPLE COMMITTEES sonalities. The Chief Minister has also The Chief Minister has announced that asked Maharashtra Tour- strategic decisions will be ism Development Corpo- made within a month to ration to submit a tourism ensure the smooth trans- development plan for the fer of land between temple district within a month. committees in Maharash- tra. He also reviewed the LOAN WAIVER FOR issues of . FISHERMEN There is a loan waiver NOD FOR FLOOD scheme of up to `2 lakh EMBANKMENTS for farmers. The State In the monsoon last year, Government is now plan- Rajapur city was flooded ning to start a loan waiver to an extent that water had scheme for fishermen. A survey will be PLAN FOR GANPATIPULE entered even two-storeyed buildings. conducted to determine the number of DEVELOPMENT Similarly, water had accumulated up to fishermen in debt, type of loan, and loan Chief Minister Uddhav Thac- 10 feet in the market areas of Chiplun. amount, based on which they will be keray inaugurated the `102 crore To protect these regions from flooding, categorised for the scheme. development plan for Ganpatipule. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray ap- He assured that the process of proved the construction of flood -em development in Konkan will never KANKAVLI TRAUMA CARE bankments near rivers. be short of funds. The programmes The proposed trauma care centre at under the plan are: Kankavli will be set up soon. The virol- CIRCULAR RECRUITMENT Phase I: Works related to Gan- ogy lab will be set up by April. A pro- patipule’s famous Ganesh Temple There are many vacant positions in of- posal has to be given to research new and nearby area Providing basic fices in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg- dis vaccination against the Kyasanur For- infrastructue to devotees Works tricts. A strategic decision has been est Disease (KFDD) or Monkey Fever. related to water supply and sanita- made to solve this issue through which The work of the sub-district hospital tion schemes Building public all the vacancies will be filled. The Chief in Vengurla has also been completed washrooms and bathrooms with Minister also informed that both the and the hospital will be functional larger capacitiesMarking safe districts will have priority in the circular areas on the beach and ensuring from April. The fund required for a method of recruitment. the safety of tourists Phase II: women and childcare hospital at Ku- The bridge connecting Ratnagiri Waste-water treatment and solid dal will be given on priority. and Raigad will be completed by Mari- waste management Phase III: An objective to complete the develop- time Board with the funds from Public FOCUS ON PENDING PROPOSALS ment plan for the roads of the vil- Works Department. Priority will be The Chief Minister talked about pend- lage and those around the temple given to Nivali Ghat near Ratnagiri and ing projects, such as Aruna, Nara- by March 31, 2022. other roads, he informed. dave and Sea World. He informed —Team Lokrajya

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 45 HERITAGE / Forts

RAIGAD: THE PRIDE OF MAHARASHTRA The magnificent fort of Raigad, which has been witness to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation ceremony, is one of the highlights of Maharashtra’s rich history. It is not just a fort, but a symbol of pride and honour for the State. The Hirkani Buruj (bastion) at Raigad tells the tales of bravery and courage of the women of Maharashtra. Raigad, a fort with a glorious history and an example of extraordinary architecture, is nothing less than a pilgrimage for the disciples of Shivaji Maharaj and fort lovers, says Sarang Khanapurkar.

aigad is the fort where the from the Mores of Jawali. Observing its GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION king of Marathas, Chhatra- structure and location, he immediately The height of Raigad is 2851 feet above pati Shivaji Maharaj, who es- decided to make it the capital. The fort sea level. Towards its east is , tablished Swarajya over the was further beautified by building lakes, whereas Makarandgad, and Rfive Shahi rulers ruling over India, was wells, factories, palaces and temples on Vasota are to its south. Kokandiva is to crowned. It is the second capital of it. The fort, located on a steep mountain its north and Rajgad and Torana are to Swarajya. After successfully handling top, blows the minds of the visitors. This its south-east. The fort is located 25 the charge for 25 years, Shivaji Ma- fort has witnessed everything—from km from Mahad in . haraj decided to move the capital to the glory of Shivaji Maharaj’s corona- Raigad for security reasons. Closer to tion to the gloom of his last breath. PLACES TO SEE ON THE FORT the sea and not easily accessible, the Raigad is nothing less than a pilgrimage Jijamata Palace at Pachad: Rajmata Rairi Fort (earlier name of the fort) was for the disciples of Shivaji Maharaj and Jijau had aged by the time the capital captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1656 fort lovers. of Swarajya was moved to Raigad. The

46 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 FORT wind and water on TOURISM FORT’S HISTORY the fort did not suit her well and hence Raigad was originally known as Rairi. The fort also had other names such Shivaji Maharaj as Nandadeep, Jambudweep, Raigiri, built her a palace Shivlanka, Bhivgad and Islamgad. in Pachad village, just at the foot of the Because of its serenity, westerners fort. She lived there for many years. named this fort the Gibraltar of the There is a well with stairs at the pal- East. The Shirke household has been ace where one can also see Jijamata’s in-charge of the fort since the fifth stone-made place of seating. This well century. Earlier, it did not look like a is also known as Shingle well. fort. During Nizamshah’s reign, it was Khubladha Buruj: There is a bastion used to keep prisoners. Chhatrapati close to the fort when you start climb- Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in ing the stairs. This bastion is named 1656. He was crowned here on June Khubladha buruj. Chit Darwaja, which 6, 1674. Before his coronation he of- was right next to the bastion, has now fered a three-gem gold umbrella to the been completely destroyed. Goddess of the fort. After dedicating Nana Darwaja: Nana Darwaja or his entire life to achieving Swarajya, Nane Darwaja means a small door. Maharaj breathed his last in this fort. In 1689, during the rule of Chhatrapati Inside the door there are two rooms Rajaram Maharaj, , the for the watchmen. These rooms are pride of Swarajya, was captured by called Devdya. Mughals by the betrayal of the fort’s Masjid Morcha: There is an open governor (killedar), Suryaji Pisal. After space ahead of the Chit Darwaja. To- around 44 years, the fort was regained wards one side there is Madanshah’s by the Marathas in 1733, under the tomb and two more structures next rule of Shahu Maharaj. to it. One of them is a room for storing food grains, while the other is for secu- rity guards. A little ahead one can see three caves carved in the rock. Palkhi Darwaja Mahadarwaja: There are two gi- ant bastions at the Mahadarwaja of heights 75 feet and 65 feet, respec- tively. One can see lotus carvings on both sides of the door. These carvings are symbols of Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. Just next to the door are holes to attack the enemies. This provision continues till Takmak Tok (a scenic point) in the left and Hir- kani Tok in the right. There is also a hidden pathway (Chordindi) through which one can come to the door. Hatti talao, Ganga Sagar talao: Mov- ing a little further into Mahadarwaja, there is Hatti talao or lake. There used to be a Gajshala (school of elephants) on the fort. The water from this lake was used for bathing the elephants and also for their drinking. A little ahead of Hatti talao is the Ganga Sagar talao, an- other lake. There are two towers to the south of Ganga Sagar talao, which are known as Stambha.

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 47 HERITAGE / Forts

A unique location in Sahyadris, Raigad Fort offers many trekking circuits for both amateurs and professionals. Torana, , Lingana and Rajgad are approachable fort destinations via passes that go through dense forest and terrain that poses thrilling challenges.

Ganga Sagar Tank

Palkhi Darwaja: To the west of the accommodate around 5,000 to 6,000 HOW TO REACH RAIGAD? towers is a wall. After climbing the stairs people. The place faces east. Chhatrapa- Raigad is equidistant from Pune, near the wall, you reach Palkhi Darwaja. ti Shivaji Maharaj was crowned here. A Mumbai and Satara. One can travel There is an uneven road ahead of this throne of gold was made for the ceremo- to Raigad from the three cities on a darwaja (gateway). Further ahead, there ny. There is a statue of Shivaji Maharaj two or four-wheeler or by a bus. is Mena Darwaja. There was a queen’s here. The most surprising feature of this From Mumbai: Raigad is at 24 palace to the right of the Mena Dar- place is that even the softest whisper km distance from Mahad on the waja, the remains of which can be seen here can be heard in the areas around. Mumbai–Goa highway. From Pune: There is a road going even now. You can go to the Balekilla Nagarkhana: There is a huge door towards Kolad village after crossing through the Mena Darwaja. in front of the throne. This is the main the Tamhini Ghat. Taking a left as Rajbhavan: There were servants’ entrance door for Balekilla. soon as the ghat ends, Raigad is quarters in front of the queen’s pal- Bazaarpeth: When you come out 25 km away on the road towards ace, the remains of which are still of Bazaarpeth (marketplace), Nijapur via Pachad. there. There is a wall behind there is Holicha Maal to- There are two ways to reach: Hiroji the remains. There is a Indulkar wards the left. Even Ropeway: There is a ropeway door in the middle of the here, there is a statue of facility at the foot of the fort. It takes was the chief wall which opens up to a Shivaji Maharaj. Right you to the fort in just 4 minutes. For architect of those who cannot climb the fort on Chauthara (raised plat- Raigad Fort. The in front of the statue, foot, this service comes in handy. form) in Balekilla. This fort has an there are two rows of There is a ticket for the ropeway. was Maharaj’s Rajbhavan. inscription stone-made chutharas. Roadway and stairway: There is a The chauthara is 86 feet dedicated to There is a 40-feet-long road to Raigad Fort through Pachad long and 33 feet wide. There him. road between the rows. Valley. There are around 1,400 is also a talghar (cellar) in the While some people claim steps to reach the fort. It takes open space to the right of Rajbhavan. that this is the bazaarpeth from about 2 hours to climb to the fort on This is the Jawahirkhana. It is assumed Shivaji Maharaj’s time, some schol- foot. However, if the fort has to be that gems and jewels must have been ars believe that this road was built explored well, it is advised to stay in the fort overnight. There is a stay stored at this place. as an exit road for revered guests facility in the fort. Rajsabha: The Rajsabha is 220 feet and Sardaars. long and 124 feet wide. The place can Shirkai temple: There is a small

48 MAHAR ASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 temple of Goddess Shirkai to the right Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Samadhi side of Shivaji Maharaj’s statue. God- dess Shirkai is the deity of the Shirke clan who are in charge of the fort now for many years. The temple that can be seen now is not the original one, but the idol inside belongs to olden times. The temple was originally located at Holicha Maal. Jagdishwar Temple: The temple is situated down the slope to the east of Bazaarpeth ahead of Brahmanvasti and Brahman Talao. There is a huge and gracious idol of Nandi at this tem- ple. Currently, it is in a ruined state. There is a hall at the temple. A huge idol of Lord Hanuman is carved inside the sanctum. Under the stairs of the entrance to the temple, there is an in- scription dedicated to Hiroji Indulkar, who was the chief architect of the fort. Shivaji Maharaj’s Samadhi: The octagonal platform to the east of Jag- dishwar temple is Shivaji Maharaj’s Samadhi. Here, one automatically bows down in respect remembering the great leader. Wagh Darwaja: The road to the right of Holicha Maal passing through the Kushvarta talao leads to Wagh Darwaja. This door was one of the emergency exit routes from the fort. Takmak Tok: Takmak Tok is a point situated ahead of Bazaarpeth. The way to it gets narrower as we move closer to the point. In olden times, criminals were punished by pushing them off the cliff from this point. This was one of the deadliest punishments as the height of this point is 2,500 ft above ground level. Hirkani Tok: There is a way from the right side of the Ganga Sagar Lake, which takes you to Hirkani Tok. This point was considered to be an important part of the fort, as the cannons placed here could cover a wide range of land. There is also a cave to the left side towards Pachad village, which looks like tiger’s eyes. This cave is believed to be extremely ancient. The sight of Rajgad from this point coupled with strong winds is worth experiencing. Mahadarwaja —The writer is a journalist from Sakal

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD MARCH 2020 49 FEEDBACK / Loan Waiver Scheme

IT IS THE SUCCESS OF THE “ ADMINISTRATION LOAN WAIVED OFF, WELCOME The credit of the success of the huge loan waiver scheme, which relieved TO MY DAUGHTER’S WEDDING" many farmers from the worries of loans “Sir, as loan waiver amount is being deposited, I am no longer worried within just 60 days, goes to better ad- ministration. “Do not consider that about my daughter's wedding. I welcome you to her wedding…” This you are obliging the farmers in any way was an affectionate invitation from Vitthalrao Garud from Parbhani while implementing the scheme. We to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit are earning the blessings of farmers Pawar. In another response, Popat Mukte, a farmer from Ahmednagar, through this scheme and so we are also told the Chief Minister that it was the first time that he did not have the beneficiaries. The farmers should not feel unhappy if they observe cer- to make a number of trips to get loan freedom. Both these responses tain discrepancies in implementation at underline the successful implementation of Mahatma Jotirao some locations,” said the Chief Minister. Phule Farmer Loan Waiver scheme, says Ajay Jadhav. On this occasion, he also suggested that everyone working in the system needs to be patient while understanding the issues before farmers and should not hurt them in any way.

SCHEME FOR LOAN FREEDOM “Our efforts are for our farmers to attain loan freedom. We started this scheme with the same sentiment. The Govern- ment has brought this scheme so that once free from loan, our farmers can reap a fine yield from the lands,” said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Minister for Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, add- Cooperation Balasaheb Patil, Minister for Public Works Ashok Chavan, Minister for Revenue ing that the Government is interested in Balasaheb Thorat and Minister for Agriculture Dadaji Bhuse release the first list of farmers eligible for Mahatma Jotirao Phule Loan Waiver Scheme. seeing that the farmer is happy and his children are getting proper education. he auspicious beginning of be- they found between the earlier scheme stowing the benefits of Mahat- and the current scheme. Popat Mukte INFORMATION OF 35 LAKH LOAN ma Jotirao Phule Farmer Loan from Ahmednagar said he was satisfied ACCOUNTS COLLECTED IN 35 DAYS Waiver scheme was accom- 100 per cent about the scheme. He also On this occasion, the Chief Minister Tplished by Chief Minister Uddhav Thac- said that earlier he had to make five to and Deputy Chief Minister also estab- keray and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit six trips, but this time it was just a thumb lished a dialogue with Suresh Kotek- Pawar. On this occasion, the Chief Min- impression that was needed. ar, Smt. Sarita Gadhve and Babarao ister and Deputy Chief Minister estab- Damodar from Amravati. Under the lished a dialogue with the beneficiary BEST WISHES TO A COUPLE scheme, the information on 35,83,908 farmers from Parbhani, Ahmednagar Vitthalrao Garud from Pingli, Parbhani, farmer accounts has been received. A and Amravati districts through video said that the scheme has freed him from list of 15,358 farmers has been pub- conferencing. The first list of the eligible worrying about the loan repayment. lished. Information on these 35 lakh farmers was published on this occasion. He shared with the Chief Minister and loan accounts has been collected with- Deputy Chief Minister the happy news in 35 days and audited within 15 days. DID YOU HAVE TO MAKE TRIPS? of his daughter’s marriage. Ajit Pawar The complete implementation of the The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief enquired about the new relationship scheme is being carried out through a Minister asked the beneficiary farm- and bestowed best wishes on Garud’s computer system. The amount will be ers about troubles they faced accessing daughter and son-in-law. Touched by credited to the accounts of the farmers the scheme, the number of trips they this conversation, Vitthalrao Garud im- only after they approve the same. The had to make to Government offices, the mediately invited both the Chief Min- farmers are being provided a receipt amount of the loan, the crop for which ister and Deputy Chief Minister to the after the verification of their Aadhaar. the loan was availed, and the difference marriage celebrations. —Departmental Liaisoning Officer

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MAHATMA JOTIRAO PHULE FARMER LOAN WAIVER SCHEME 2019 PUBLIC APPEAL The lists of farmers under Farmer Loan• Waiver Scheme are •being announced. The farmers whose names appear in the list should get Aadhaar verified. The benefits of the scheme are only for needy farmers. Hence, if the names of the persons ineligible as per the criterion mentioned below appear in the list announced, they are hereby publicly appealed to not avail of the benefits under the scheme:

Following persons are not eligible for the benefit of the scheme: Present/Former Ministers/Ministers of State, Individuals paying income tax on income other • Present/Former Members of /Rajya • than from agriculture. Sabha, Present/Former Members of Legislative Pension holders whose monthly pension is more Assembly/Legislative Council. • than `25,000 (except ex-servicemen). • All the Officers and Staff of Union and State Officers of APMC, cooperative sugar factories, Government (except Class IV staff) with a • cooperative spinning mills, urban cooperative combined monthly salary of more than `25,000). banks, district central cooperative banks and Officers and staff of the State Undertakings cooperative milk federation (with a combined • (such as Mahavitaran, ST Corporation, etc.) monthlyGrab salary of more than `25,000) and office- officers and staff of aided institutions (with a bearersyour (Chairman, copy Vice-Chairman and Board combined monthly salary of more than `25,000). of Directors). now! Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Minister

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