Maharashtra cabinet approves scheme to build motorable farm-to-field roads

Pic/PTI

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a scheme to construct all-weather motorable approach roads connecting agricultural fields across rural parts of the state, reported PTI.

The decision was taken at the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday, an official statement said.

The 'Mukhya Mantri Baliraja Shet-Panand Raste Yojana' allows 100 per cent mechanised construction, replacing earlier limitations under the MGNREGA framework where dependence on manual labour had slowed execution in several regions, reported PTI.

The scheme will ensure all-weather motorable farm-to-field roads in rural Maharashtra, the statement said, reported PTI.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who will head the monitoring committee for the scheme, said farmers have faced persistent challenges with damaged or inaccessible roads during the monsoon, affecting crop sowing, harvesting and transportation, reported PTI.

The scheme provides for 100 per cent use of machinery for speedy and quality construction. There will be no dependence on manual labour availability.

The other highlights include waiver of survey fees, measurement charges and police bandobast expenses and exemption of royalty on soil, sand, murum and stones required for road work, the statement said, reported PTI.

It also mandates tree plantation along both sides of the road and introduces cluster-based tendering in 25-km packages to accelerate implementation.

The scheme will be rolled out across all districts of Maharashtra and monitored by the high-level committee headed by the revenue minister, the statement said, reported PTI.

Decision on LoPs in both Houses to be taken by presiding officers, govt has no role: Fadnavis

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the Opposition was directionless and asserted the decision to appoint Leader of Opposition in the assembly and council comes under the jurisdiction of the respective presiding officers.

The state government has no say in it, he said addressing a press conference in Nagpur on the eve of the Winter session of the state legislature.

Whatever decision is taken by the presiding officers of both Houses is acceptable to his government, the CM emphasised.

Earlier in the day, the Opposition boycotted the government's customary tea party on the eve of the Winter session, citing its failure to appoint LoPs in both Houses.

"The Opposition's press conference appeared full of frustration and theatrics. It is not the government's role to announce the Leader of Opposition. Only the Speaker and the Council Chairman have the authority to do so," the CM pointed out.

(With inputs from PTI)