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Maharashtra recorded highest soybean procurement at MSP, says Minister

Maharashtra has outpaced all other states in terms of soybean procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), according to state Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal. As on February 6, a total of 5,11,657 farmers have sold 11,21,385 metric tonnes (MT) of soybean, the minister stated. The procured soybeans have been stored in 345 warehouses of the Maharashtra State Warehousing Corporation, as well as 252 private warehouses under rental agreements, he further informed, adding that owing to the significant quantity of soybean purchased this season, the storage capacity of these warehouses has been completely utilised. The Central government has declared the MSP for soybean for the 2024-25 season at Rs 4,892 per quintal, which is Rs 292 more than last year’s MSP. The procurement process was carried out through six state-level nodal agencies under the central agencies, NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India). A total of 562 procurement centres, 403 operated by NAFED and 159 by NCCF, were set up to facilitate this process. The online farmer registration for soybean procurement began on October 1, 2024, while the physical procurement started on October 15, 2024. In accordance with the Central government’s guidelines, the initial 90-day procurement period was set to end on January 12. However, considering the farmer registration numbers, the procurement deadline was extended with the approval of the Central government, first until January 31, and then again until Thursday, the Marketing Department said. Maharashtra Agricultural Commission chief urges large-scale tree planting to combat global warming Pasha Patel, the Chairman of Maharashtra State Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, on Friday called for large-scale tree planting to reduce carbon emissions and maintain ecological balance. He also proposed that individuals who fail to plant saplings be denied firewood for the cremation of their family members, news agency PTI reported. Patel made these comments during the inauguration of the third state-level agriculture exhibition, Krishi Navnirman 2025, which is began on Friday. It will conclude on February 11. "With temperatures rising alarmingly across the country, the cooling effect of nature is fading, and the only way to curb this heat is by reducing the use of iron and electricity. To combat global warming, people must plant bamboo and other trees, and those who fail to do so should be denied firewood for their funerals. This demand will be made to the government," Patel stated. He highlighted the role of excessive electricity use and coal burning in significantly contributing to global warming. "Electricity demand is doubling every year, leading to a surge in coal consumption, which further escalates temperatures," he noted. (With PTI inputs)

08 February,2025 02:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Mumbai local train updates: Central Railway to operate block on Sunday

Central Railway’s Mumbai Division will implement a Mega Block on Sunday to carry out essential engineering and maintenance work on its suburban sections. The block will affect services on both the fast and slow lines, as well as on the Harbour lines. The schedule for the Mega Block is as follows: Matunga-Mulund UP and Down Fast Lines: 11.30 am to 3.30 pm Down Fast Line: Services leaving Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai from 10.58 am to 3.10 pm will be diverted on the Down Slow line at Matunga. These trains will halt as per their respective stations between Matunga and Mulund and will arrive at their destination 15 minutes behind schedule. Fast trains beyond Thane will be re-diverted on the Down Fast line at Mulund station. Up Fast Line: Services leaving Thane from 11.25 am to 3.27 pm will be diverted on the Up Slow line at Mulund, halting as per their respective stations between Mulund and Matunga stations. These trains will be re-diverted to the Up Fast line at Matunga station and will arrive at their destination 15 minutes behind schedule. UP and Down Harbour Lines (CSMT to Chunabhatti/Bandra): 11.10 am to 4.40 pm Down Harbour Line: Trains to Vashi/Belapur/Panvel departing CSMT from 11.16 am to 4.47 pm, and those leaving for Bandra/Goregaon from CSMT from 10.48 am to 4.43 pm will remain cancelled. Up Harbour Line: Services from Panvel/Belapur/Vashi to CSMT departing Panvel from 9.53 am to 3.20 pm and services from Goregaon/Bandra to CSMT departing Bandra from 10.45 am to 5.13 pm will remain cancelled. Special Services: During the block period, special services will be operated between Panvel and Kurla. Harbour line passengers are advised to use the Main Line and Western Line stations for travel between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm, the railways said. Western Railway jumbo block on Feb 9: 13-hour disruption between Grant Road and Mumbai Central Commuters in Mumbai may face significant disruptions as Western Railway (WR) undertakes a 13-hour jumbo block between Grant Road and Mumbai Central stations on the night of February 8 and 9. The maintenance work, scheduled from 10pm on Friday to 11am on Saturday, will impact fast line services, leading to train cancellations and schedule alterations. Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly. During this period, all UP and DOWN Fast line trains will be diverted onto the Slow lines between Churchgate and Mumbai Central stations. In addition to the line changes, several suburban trains are expected to be cancelled. Furthermore, a number of trains originating from Churchgate will be short terminated or reversed from Bandra and Dadar stations, affecting commuters' travel plans. The work will take place overnight to minimise disruption to daily operations.   

08 February,2025 12:54 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Horoscope today, February 8: Check astrological predictions for all zodiac signs

Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for February 8. Aries   March 21 – April 20It’s illogical to think one of your way-out ideas will actually work. Be practical when making plans. A relationship may be under a cloud.Cosmic tip: Keep manner of interacting positive and mutually supportive. Taurus   April 21 – May 20There’s a celebration at work due to a major client being signed. Some singles meet their karmic soul-mate.Cosmic tip: Accept change graciously, giving thanks to the universe for this move up the karmic ladder.  GeminiMay 21 – June 21Out of your comfort zone now, it’s good new avenues are being considered. Cosmic tip: Be careful about options chosen since the path of karma can’t be altered once begun in a certain direction. Cancer June 22 – July 23Base decisions and actions on what brings security long term, shunning quick solutions. Avoid over straining, working long hours.Cosmic tip: Give up a habit you know is not good for you long term. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Wanting to take a particular decision is thwarted by the universe as being impractical. One option is still there. Consider what it is. Cosmic tip: Base honesty with kindness to invoke positive karmas. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Be mentally prepared for some major changes in store which are completely unexpected; they are positive changes, so relax. Business/ career enter a dazzling time of wishes manifesting.Cosmic tip: Work at stabilizing a relationship. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22A new era begins. The universe is partial to buying property/ a change of residence. That important relationship is settling down gradually. Cosmic tip: Attend a couple of seminars to polish existing skills for work. Scorpio  Oct 23 – Nov 22You want to say so much, but hesitate out of fear of it being misunderstood. Wisdom lies in following what intuition advises. Cosmic tip: Let go of past phantoms/ fears for your own mental peace. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Initially refusing an idea; it has you re-considering it when a friend points out its redeeming factors. Good decision.Cosmic tip: Be appreciative towards newer opportunities being sent your way by a Higher Power. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A project that had creaked to a halt may begin yet again being completed quickly. Cosmic tip: Don’t dig your heels in when someone insists on having their own way, insisting you change the mind-set. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Singles having met someone new may be already making plans for the long term. Go slow. Consume a healthy diet.Cosmic tip: Be grateful and ongoing issue finally finds closure in a great manner. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A karmic cycle of travel takes you to a far-away country on a work-cum-getaway plan. Cosmic tip: Acknowledge there has to be an ending before new life can begin again. Don’t resist changes.

08 February,2025 12:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley Bose
The second phase of the project, which involves dismantling the old, unserviceable abutment, rebuilding it, and laying tracks on the newly installed girders, is scheduled for completion in May. 

WR completes first phase of rebuilding of bridge between Mahim, Bandra stations

The Western Railway (WR) has successfully completed the first phase of the rebuilding of Bridge No 20 on the Mithi River, located between Mahim and Bandra stations. On the intervening nights of January 24/25 and 25/26, WR took major blocks of nine-and-a-half hours each to rebuild the south abutment of the bridge.  During the first phase, four sets of girders, each 20.4 metres long and weighing 42 tonnes, were successfully launched using cranes. Excavation of approximately 2.5 metres was carried out beneath the railway tracks during the block period. Due to the lack of direct access to the site, this excavation was accomplished with trucks and machinery working on the running tracks. The railways deployed advanced machinery, including 700-tonne capacity cranes, excavators, dumper trucks, hydra lifts, and tamping machines for the work. Additionally, two locomotives and a team of around 100 employees were roped in for the completion of the bridge.  The rebuilding of Bridge No 20 is essential for passenger safety and the strength of the railway structure. The south abutment, which had weakened over time owing to outdated technology, has now been reconstructed using modern methods and structural designs. The new abutment enhances the strength and durability of the bridge, allowing it to meet the future needs of the railways. The second phase of the project, which involves dismantling the old, unserviceable abutment, rebuilding it, and laying tracks on the newly installed girders, is scheduled for completion in May.  Western Railway jumbo block on Feb 9: 13-hour disruption between Grant Road and Mumbai Central Commuters in Mumbai may face significant disruptions as Western Railway (WR) undertakes a 13-hour jumbo block between Grant Road and Mumbai Central stations on the night of February 8 and 9. The maintenance work, scheduled from 10pm on Friday to 11am on Saturday, will impact fast line services, leading to train cancellations and schedule alterations. Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly. During this period, all UP and DOWN Fast line trains will be diverted onto the Slow lines between Churchgate and Mumbai Central stations. In addition to the line changes, several suburban trains are expected to be cancelled. Furthermore, a number of trains originating from Churchgate will be short terminated or reversed from Bandra and Dadar stations, affecting commuters' travel plans. The work will take place overnight to minimise disruption to daily operations. 

07 February,2025 10:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Mumbai reports first GBS case in 2025; BMC confirms 64-year-old tests positive

Mumbai reported first case of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in 2025 on Friday after a 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with the rare nerve disorder, civic officials said.  GBS is a rare condition in which a person's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, resulting in muscle weakness, loss of sensation in the legs and/or arms, as well as problems swallowing or breathing. Talking to PTI, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)'s Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani stated that the patient was undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a civic-run hospital. According to PTI, civic officials said the Andheri (East) resident was hospitalised with a history of fever and diarrhoea that was followed by ascending paralysis. Further details about the patient are awaited. In severe cases, GBS patients can develop near-total paralysis. The prevalence of this disorder is more common among adults and in males, though people of all ages can be affected. GBS outbreak: Deaths in Pune surge to six Meanwhile, the total number of suspected GBS deaths in Maharashtra's Pune district stood at six after a 63-year-old man died on Wednesday. The total suspected cases stand at 173, PTI reported. The patient who died on Wednesday was admitted to a hospital in the Sinhgad Road area of Pune after he complained of fever, loose motions and weakness in the lower limb and was diagnosed with GBS, an official said on Thursday. "His condition deteriorated on Wednesday and he died of acute ischemic stroke," the Pune Municipal Corporation health official said, adding that of the six deaths, five are suspected GBS deaths, while one is a confirmed fatality from the rare nerve disorder. With the detection of three new cases, the number of suspected GBS cases in Pune rose to 173, a Maharashtra health department release said. "Of these, 140 have been diagnosed with GBS. Of the 173, a total of 34 patients are from Pune Municipal Corporation limits, 87 from newly added villages in PMC area, 22 from Pimpri Chinchwad civic limits, 22 from rural parts of the district, and eight from other districts," the release said. Of the 173 patients, 72 have been discharged, 55 are in ICU and 21 are on ventilator support, the release added. GBS outbreak: WHO team works with Pune civic body on rising cases  The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting health authorities in Maharashtra to respond to suspected and confirmed cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune. Chetan Khade, the surveillance medical officer of WHO, Pune had earlier told mid-day, “The WHO teams are on the ground training the health workforce in conducting ‘active case searches’ in the community to ensure every suspected case is identified, diagnosed and treated.” The officials added that they worked closely with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and state and district authorities to trace and test suspected cases and follow up on confirmed cases. Last week, the team visited the affected areas to examine the situation. The WHO officials added that GBS is a rare condition, the cause for which is not fully understood. The municipal corporations are promoting public health interventions, food and hand hygiene, and safe water for disease management. There’s no cure for GBS, but treatments can speed recovery and reduce symptoms. (With PTI inputs)  

07 February,2025 10:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Mumbai local train update: 13-hour jumbo block on Western Railway on Feb 9

Commuters in Mumbai may face significant disruptions as Western Railway (WR) undertakes a 13-hour jumbo block between Grant Road and Mumbai Central stations on the night of February 8 and 9. The maintenance work, scheduled from 10pm on Friday to 11am on Saturday, will impact fast line services, leading to train cancellations and schedule alterations. Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly. During this period, all UP and DOWN Fast line trains will be diverted onto the Slow lines between Churchgate and Mumbai Central stations. In addition to the line changes, several suburban trains are expected to be cancelled. Furthermore, a number of trains originating from Churchgate will be short terminated or reversed from Bandra and Dadar stations, affecting commuters' travel plans. The work will take place overnight to minimise disruption to daily operations.  Full details on the cancellation of trains:  Block between Virar-Vaitarna, Saphale-Kelve Road stations cancelled, says Western Railway The Western Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, said that the block between Virar-Vaitarna, Saphale-Kelve Road stations that was scheduled to be undertaken on Sunday has been cancelled. The Western Railway said that it is hereby notified that the block scheduled to be undertaken on Sunday, 9th February, 2025 between Virar and Vaitarna and Saphale and Kelve Road for launching PSC slabs and girders has been cancelled. "All affected trains as notified earlier will run as per the scheduled timings," said the Western Railway. Earlier, the Western Railway had said that the block would be implemented for six-hours from five-and-a-half hours from 1.40 am to 7.10 am on February 9. It will be undertaken on the Up and Down Main Lines owing to which few trains will be affected. According to the information given by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the following trains were to be affected on February 9:  Trains cancelled Train No 93001 Virar–Dahanu Road departing from Virar at 4.50 am on February 9 Train No 93006 Dahanu Road–Churchgate departing from Dahanu Road at 7 am on February 9Train No 90963 Churchgate–Nallasopara departing from Churchgate at 10.05 pm on February 9Train No 93003 Virar–Dahanu Road departing from Virar at 5.35 am on February 9Train No 93008 Dahanu Road–Churchgate departing from Dahanu Road at 7.10 am on February 9Train No 90403 Churchgate–Nallasopara departing from Churchgate at 11.33 am on February 9Train No 93005 Churchgate–Dahanu Road departing from Churchgate at 5.03 am on February 9Train No 93010 Dahanu Road–Borivali departing from Dahanu Road at 8.35 am on February 9Train No 90344  Borivali–Churchgate departing from Borivali at 10.22 am on February 9Train No 69143 Virar–Sanjan Passenger on February 9 Train No 61001 Boisar–Vasai Road Passenger on February 9 Short-termination/partial cancellation of train journey commencing on February 9 Train No 69140 Surat–Virar Passenger will short-terminate at Palghar and get partially cancelled between Palghar and Virar on February 8. Train No 19101 Virar–Bharuch Passenger will short-originate ex Palghar and partially cancel between Virar and Palghar.  Train No 69164 Dahanu Road-Panvel will short originate from Vasai Road and will get partially cancelled between Dahanu Road and Vasai Road.

07 February,2025 09:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Rahul Gandhi cover firing; should introspect his defeat: Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday rejected Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's claims of discrepancies in the Maharashtra Elections 2024 stating that the opposition leader was attempting to "cover fire", though aware of his party's imminent defeat in Delhi election results, ANI reported. Earlier today, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi flanked by Supriya Sule and Sanjay Raut had alleged that over 39 lakh voters were added to Maharashtra's electoral rolls within a span of five months. Fadnavis dismissed the Congress MP's allegations stating that he was "cover firing" to create a diversion ahead of the Delhi Assembly election results, ANI reported. The Maharashtra CM said that the Election Commission (ECI) has addressed all concerns raised, claiming that Gandhi's statements were a preemptive tactic to shift the narrative before an anticipated defeat on February 8. As per ANI, he requested the Congress leader to introspect rather than consoling himself with "lies," stating that without self-reflection, Congress party's revival stands impossible. "Election Commission has categorically replied to all the questions. Rahul Gandhi is doing a cover fire as he knows that after the February 8, Delhi Election results, his party will be nowhere in Delhi and hence, what he will speak on that day, how he will create a new narrative, he is practising for the same. If Rahul Gandhi does not introspect and will continue to console himself with lies - his party's revival isn't possible. Rahul Gandhi should introspect his defeat," said CM Fadnavis. Taking a hit at Rahul Gandhi, Fadnavis posted on X, "When the same joke is told over and over again, you don't laugh at it! #RahulGandhi." जब एक ही चुटकुला बार-बार सुनाया जाए तो उसपर हंसा नहीं करते!#RahulGandhi @RahulGandhi — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 7, 2025 This comes after the Congress leader raised questions over the increase in new voters, particularly between the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, both held last year in Maharashtra, highlighting that 39 lakh new voters were added in just five months after the Lok Sabha polls, ANI cited. Addressing a press conference at the Constitution Club in Delhi alongside Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance partners Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut and NCP-SP's Supriya Sule, he also questioned discrepancies in voter registration figures, claiming that the number of registered voters exceeded Maharashtra's total adult population. "We want to bring to the notice of the people of India some information that we have found regarding the Maharashtra elections. We have studied in detail the voter lists, the voting pattern and we have a team working on this for some time. There are many irregularities that we have found," Gandhi said, ANI cited. "In five years between Vidhan Sabha 2019 and Lok Sabha 2024 elections, 32 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls in Maharashtra. However, in a period of five months between Lok Sabha 2024 and Vidhan Sabha 2024, 39 lakh new voters were added in Maharashtra. The question is why are more voters were added in five months after the Lok Sabha elections than are being added in five years prior. Who are these 39 lakh people?" Gandhi said. He also raised queries over why there were more registered voters in Maharashtra compared to the entire voting population of the state, ANI reported. Rahul Gandhi further highlighted that the number of voters who voted for these three parties (Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP-SCP) has not reduced within Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha. He demanded the voter list of both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha polls from the Election Commission, ANI reported. "We have been saying to the election commission that we are finding anomalies. We need the voter list - names and addresses of the voters of Maharashtra. We need the voter list of the Lok Sabha election. We need the voter list of the Vidhan Sabha election. Because we want to understand exactly who these new additional voters are," he said. Meanwhile, the Election Commision in a post on X said, "ECI considers political parties,as priority stakeholders,of course the voters being the prime & deeply values views, suggestions, questions coming from political parties. The Commission would respond in writing with a full factual & procedural matrix uniformly adopted across the country."  ECI considers political parties,as priority stakeholders,of course the voters being the prime & deeply values views, suggestions, questions coming from political parties. Commission would respond in writing with full factual &procedural matrix uniformly adopted across the country — Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) February 7, 2025 (With ANI inputs)

07 February,2025 08:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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India's forex reserves rise from USD 1.05 billion to USD 630.607 billion

India's forex reserves rose USD 1.05 billion to USD 630.607 billion for the week ended January 31, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had increased by USD 5.574 billion to USD 629.557 billion. This is the second consecutive week of an increase in the reserves, which have otherwise been on a declining trend for the last few weeks due to revaluation along with forex market interventions by RBI to help reduce volatilities in the rupee. The forex reserves had increased to an all-time high of USD 704.885 billion in end-September 2024. For the week ended January 31, foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, decreased by USD 207 million to USD 537.684 billion, the data released on Friday showed. Expressed in US dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. Gold reserves increased by USD 1.242 billion to USD 70.893 billion during the week, RBI said. The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were up by USD 29 million to USD 17.889 billion, the central bank said. India's reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was down by USD 14 million at USD 4.141 billion in the reporting week, the apex bank data showed.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

07 February,2025 08:43 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
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Cops organise bike rally to mark 10 years of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign

To mark the completion of 10 years of the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana', the Mumbai Police had organised bike rallies on Friday across Mumbai. The rallies were led by the women personnel of Mumbai Police along with their male colleagues to spread awareness among the public. As a part of the awareness campaign, a rally was also organised in Zone 12, which witnessed the participation of women personnel from the Vanrai, Dindoshi, Kurar, Samta Nagar, Kasturba Marg (Borivali), Dahisar, and Aarey police stations. They along with their male colleagues marched within the limits of their respective police stations, carrying banners and posters in their hands. The rally received an overwhelming response from locals, who also actively participated and showed their support at various locations. To make this event more impactful and reach a wider audience, Marathi film and television actors, along with school and college principals, doctors, and students, also took part in it. The women police personnel were warmly welcomed by the locals, who appreciated their efforts. The rally commenced from Vanrai Police Station under the guidance of Abhishek Tirmukhe, Additional Commissioner (North), and Zone 12 Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Asmita Patil. The notable attendees included Marathi TV and film actors Pratibha Shimpi, Sameer Chaugule, Prasad Khandekar, Omkar Raut, and Prathamesh Shivalkar. As a part of the initiative, the women police personnel carried placards with messages such as 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter)', 'Mulgi Shikli ani Pragati Jhali (An educated girl brings progress),' 'Foeticide is a sin', and 'Gender testing is a crime under the law'. The bike rally passed through various localities of Zone 12, including Goregaon (East), Malad (East), Thakur Village in Kandivali East, Borivali, and Dahisar. Students from various schools and colleges, along with women at bus stops, warmly welcomed the women police personnel, DCP Patil said.

07 February,2025 08:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
According to Maharashtra Minister for Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare, 2.3 lakh women were the beneficiaries of both the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana as well as the Ladki Bahin Yojana. Pic/X

5 lakh ineligible beneficiaries excluded from Ladki Bahin scheme: Minister

Over 1.60 lakh women, whose families own four-wheelers, have been excluded from the benefits of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme, Maharashtra's Minister for Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare stated in a tweet.  The scheme was announced before the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections to provide women from economically weaker sections a monthly allowance. Accordingly, 2.4 crore women voters benefitted from the state's financial aid and welfare initiatives. However, following a scrutiny of the beneficiaries by the government, the numbers have seen changes. As a result, the total number of beneficiaries has dropped to 2.41 crore, marking a reduction of around 5 lakh women who no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme, Tatkare further stated in her tweet. According to Tatkare, 2.30 lakh women were the beneficiaries of both the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana as well as the Ladki Bahin Yojana while 1.10 are above the age of 65 and thereby become ineligible for it. Apart from these two categories, the government has also identified 1.60 lakh women whose families own four-wheelers. They have also been excluded from the scheme. मुख्यमंत्री माझी लाडकी बहीण योजना !दिनांक २८ जून २०२४ व दिनांक ३ जुलै २०२४ रोजी निर्गमित करण्यात आलेल्या शासन निर्णयानुसार अपात्र ठरणाऱ्या महिलांना "मुख्यमंत्री माझी लाडकी बहीण" योजनेतून वगळण्यात येत आहे. अपात्र ठरविण्यात आलेल्या लाभार्थ्यांचे विवरण खालील प्रमाणे :संजय… — Aditi S Tatkare (@iAditiTatkare) February 7, 2025 Reacting on the development, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut alleged that the scheme was politically motivated. "Now that the elections are over, the government wants to reduce the number of beneficiaries as much as possible," Raut said in his interaction with the television reporters. The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme has added financial burden amounting to Rs 46,000 crore on the state government, as the beneficiaries are given a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500. During the election campaign, the Mahayuti government promised to increase the allowance to Rs 2,100 per month, further fuelling debates on the scheme’s true purpose.  

07 February,2025 07:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. (Pic/X)

'Sethi's appointment as MSRTC chief temporary till public rep is given post'

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday made it clear that although the government has appointed IAS officer Sanjay Sethi as the chairman of the state-run bus service MSRTC, it was just a "temporary arrangement" till a public representative is given the post. Transport Secretary Sethi, an additional chief secretary-rank officer, was named as the new chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation in a gazette notification on Wednesday. He is the first IAS officer to be appointed to this post. In the last one decade, the transport minister or some other public representative held this post. The previous chairman was Bharat Gogawale, a legislator of the ruling Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, Sarnaik said, "The chairmanship of the MSRTC will remain with a political person. When Eknath Shinde was the chief minister, the post was given to party MLA Bharat Gogawale. But the post became vacant as he resigned after taking over as a minister." "Till a new person is appointed, the charge of MSRTC's chairmanship has been given to Sanjay Sethi, the secretary of the transport department...This is a temporary arrangement," he said. Sarnaik said he heads the transport ministry and MSRTC was part of it. "Ultimately, the decisions will have to be taken by me. Now, no one should politicise this issue," he said. A government official earlier said that Sarnaik had written to Chief Minister Fadnavis recently, requesting immediate appointment of a new chairman of the MSRTC. The MSRTC, one of India's largest public transport undertaking, operates a fleet of around 14,000 buses, catering to some 55 lakh passengers daily, and has a workforce of about 90,000. But it has been struggling with mounting losses, an aging fleet, employee strikes, and declining ridership in recent years. To mitigate daily financial losses, the corporation enforced a 14.95 per cent fare hike last month. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

07 February,2025 06:57 PM IST | Thane | PTI
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