Did the Maha cabinet really approve the recruitment of 15,000 cops and increase margins for fair price shopkeepers?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the recruitment of 15,000 police personnel and increased the margins for fair price shopkeepers. This initiative aims to bolster the state's law enforcement and support local businesses, ensuring a more efficient public distribution system.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra Cabinet approves recruitment of 15,000 police personnel.
- Margins for fair price shopkeepers increased by Rs 20 per quintal.
- Annual financial burden of Rs 92.71 crore anticipated.
- Viability gap funding for air travel between Solapur, Pune, and Mumbai.
- Relaxation of guarantor conditions for loan schemes.
Mumbai, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has given the green light to recruit approximately 15,000 police personnel for the state's law enforcement agencies. In addition, the margins for fair price shopkeepers have been increased.
During the Monsoon session, CM Fadnavis informed the state legislature about a significant recruitment initiative for the police department. This move forms part of a 150-day program aimed at restructuring the department, revising regulations, facilitating compassionate appointments, and pinpointing vacancies.
He noted that the state government has already onboarded 38,802 police personnel between 2022 and 2025, with a proposal for an additional 13,560 police posts also submitted.
The cabinet also sanctioned an increase in the margins for fair price shopkeepers across the state. The government supplies food grains to ration card holders through the public distribution system.
Minister of Food and Civil Supply, Chhagan Bhujbal, stated that the cabinet approved a margin increase for fair price shopkeepers who distribute food grains (ration) to eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Scheme (including Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Families).
Minister Bhujbal elaborated, “The margin rate currently provided to fair price shopkeepers for food grain distribution through e-POS machines has been raised by Rs 20 per quintal (or Rs 200 per metric ton) to Rs 170 per quintal (or Rs 1700 per metric ton). This change is expected to impose an estimated annual additional financial burden of Rs 92.71 crore on the state treasury.”
He added that there has been a persistent demand for margin increases from fair price shopkeepers, with several discussions held on the matter. “The government has been receptive to their demands, leading to today's cabinet decision,” he remarked.
Additionally, the cabinet made provisions for viability gap funding for air travel between Solapur, Pune, and Mumbai.
Moreover, the cabinet approved the easing of guarantor requirements for various loan schemes under the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, extending the government guarantee for five years.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the positive implications of the Maharashtra Cabinet's recent decisions. Recruiting more police personnel enhances public safety, while supporting fair price shopkeepers boosts local economies, ultimately benefiting the community at large.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of recruiting 15,000 police personnel?
The recruitment aims to strengthen law enforcement in Maharashtra, ensuring better public safety and addressing existing vacancies.
How much has the margin for fair price shopkeepers been increased?
The margin has been increased by Rs 20 per quintal, now totaling Rs 170 per quintal.
What financial impact will the increased margins have?
The increase in margins is expected to add an annual burden of Rs 92.71 crore on the state exchequer.
What other measures did the cabinet approve?
The cabinet also approved viability gap funding for air travel between Solapur, Pune, and Mumbai, and relaxed guarantor conditions for loan schemes.
When did the recruitment initiative start?
The major recruitment initiative for police personnel was announced during the Monsoon session and is part of a 150-day program.
