As the Maharashtra elections approach, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s government has been rolling out a series of welfare initiatives. These are seen as being primarily aimed at wooing voters. From announcing the much-hyped CM Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme, which promises Rs 1,500 monthly financial assistance to women to toll waiver for light vehicles entering Mumbai, the BJP-Shiv Sena- NCP alliance government made the promises ahead of the poll schedule announcement as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force after the schedule was made public.
Toll Waiver for Light Motor Vehicles
In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has introduced a complete toll waiver for light motor vehicles entering Mumbai, effective from midnight on October 14. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde cited persistent traffic congestion at toll booths as a primary reason for this decision. The waiver applies at five key toll booths: Dahisar, LBS Road-Mulund, Eastern Express Highway-Mulund, Airoli Creek Bridge, and Vashi. With light motor vehicles making up about 80% of the over 600,000 vehicles crossing into Mumbai daily, this initiative aims to save time, reduce fuel costs, and lower pollution levels.
CM Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme
The Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana is another key initiative, offering Rs 1,500 per month to women aged 21 to 65 with an annual family income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh. Launched on Raksha Bandhan, the scheme is projected to cost the state exchequer Rs 46,000 crore.
Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana
To combat youth unemployment, the Maharashtra government has introduced the Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana. This scheme offers internship opportunities designed to enhance skills and employability for individuals aged 18 to 35. With a budget of Rs 5,500 crore, the program provides stipends based on educational qualifications: Rs 6,000 for 12th pass, Rs 8,000 for ITI/Diploma holders, and Rs 10,000 for degree/postgraduate candidates.
New Metro Rail Routes in Pune
The Shinde government has approved two new Metro rail routes in Pune, the state’s second-largest city. The Khadakwasla-Swargate-Hadapsar-Kharadi and Nal Stop-Dahanukar Colony-Warje-Manikbaug routes will cover a combined distance of 31.63 kilometers. This project, with a budget of Rs 9,897 crore. There will be 28 stations in all.
BMC Employees to Receive Diwali Bonus
In a timely announcement, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a Rs 29,000 Diwali bonus for its approximately 92,000 employees just before the MCC took effect. This bonus is an increase of 11.53% from the previous year’s Rs 26,000. The official release said the announcement of the Diwali bonus was made following a discussion between commissioner-administrator Bhushan Gagrani and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The BMC also extended the bonus to teachers and educational staff in its institutions. Community Health Workers and `Balwadi’ or kindergarten teachers and helpers will get Rs 12,000 and Rs 5,000, respectively, as “Bhaubeej gift”, according to a release by the state government.
MSRTC Cancels Proposed Fare Hike
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has canceled a proposed 10% fare hike that was set to take effect during the Diwali season. This decision, announced ahead of the elections, provides significant relief to passengers relying on state transport buses during the festive period. The fare hike could have generated an estimated revenue of Rs 70 crore to Rs 80 crore for the cash-strapped transport body.
Maharashtra Elections 2024: From toll waiver to Ladki Bahin, welfare schemes and cost to the state