Kalpesh Mhamunkar

The meeting focused on improving the implementation of the PESA Bhumi digital system, ensuring regular updating of Gram Sabha proceedings and resolutions, providing training to women employees and other field staff, and equipping PESA mobilisers with clear guidance on their roles, responsibilities and operational procedures.

The two dignitaries were honoured with the 'Rashtriya Ekatmik Samarasata Samman' at a ceremony held at the Secretariat Gymkhana in Mumbai. The event was organised on the initiative of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode and was attended by social leaders, religious figures and citizens from various walks of life.

The loan waiver covers short-term crop loans availed between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2025, with overdue loans outstanding up to September 30, 2025, and March 31, 2026 qualifying under the scheme. The government had initially prepared a list of 32 lakh farmers using data from district central cooperative banks, commercial banks and rural banks.

Chairing a review meeting at Mantralaya, Bawankule said the special benches would examine the factual status of disputed land records and ensure their speedy and uniform resolution. He instructed officials to immediately remove any Waqf entries found to be illegal, in accordance with the law, and initiate further legal action wherever required.

According to a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Transport Department on Wednesday, the committee has been tasked with studying the electromagnetic, operational and technical implications of both the original railway alignment and the revised route that was finalised by the Ministry of Railways.

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange accused the Maharashtra government of politically targeting the community by cancelling Kunbi caste certificates, alleging interference in the reservation movement. CM Devendra Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule denied the claims, saying scrutiny committees work independently under Supreme Court guidelines.

Maharashtra will provide insurance cover to 1.60 lakh Govindas participating in this year's Dahi Handi celebrations. The scheme offers ₹10 lakh for accidental death or permanent total disability, ₹5 lakh for loss of a hand, leg or eye, and up to ₹1 lakh for hospitalisation. The premium will be funded through the State Sports Development Fund.

The Maharashtra government has launched the first phase of the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme, transferring Rs 5,028 crore to 6.22 lakh eligible farmers. The fully online and paperless process uses AgriStack registration and Aadhaar authentication, while banks have been directed to provide fresh kharif crop loans to beneficiaries for the ongoing farming season.

Responding to reports that Kishor met Sunetra Pawar following his recent electoral success in Bihar, Tatkare said he was aware of the meeting but had no information about the discussions that took place. Reports had suggested that issues related to Tatkare's functioning within the party were raised during the interaction.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde made these remarks while addressing the media after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The two leaders held discussions for nearly an hour on Maharashtra's development priorities, governance issues and matters of national importance.