Mumbai, Dec 24 (NationPress) In a significant move to enhance the execution of development initiatives across villages, talukas, and districts, the Maharashtra Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has sanctioned the introduction of the Zilla Karmayogi Program 2.0 and the Sarpanch Samvad Program.

These programs will be implemented through the MITRA institution. Aiming to train around 85,000 officers and personnel, this initiative will cover a diverse range of roles, from ground-level workers to district officials, such as Agriculture Officers, Gram Sevaks, Talathis, Engineers, and Health Workers.

The primary goal is to enhance skills that will contribute to increasing the district GDP by bolstering MSMEs and Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs). The program also seeks to improve Government-to-Business (G2B) services and foster better coordination among departments.

Training for 20,000 Sarpanches will occur through a tripartite agreement involving the Quality Council of India (QCI), MITRA, and the VSTF Foundation, as stated in the government release.

This training encompasses areas such as financial autonomy, effective implementation of government schemes, strategic long-term planning for Gram Panchayats, and empowering women members through e-learning, webinars, and workshops, according to the government release.

Moreover, the state cabinet has authorized Divisional Commissioners to regularize the appointments of 291 bonded Health Assistants (Female) who are either currently serving or have retired under District Councils (Zilla Parishads).

These assistants were initially hired for a two-year term from government nursing colleges. Although Divisional Commissioners previously had the authority to grant temporary extensions based on local demand, this power was withdrawn in 2018.

The recent decision reinstates the Divisional Commissioners' ability to regularize the services of individuals appointed before April 15, 2015, thereby ensuring job security and administrative clarity for these health professionals.

In addition, the cabinet has approved the allocation of one acre of land to the Dharashiv Municipal Council for the erection of a statue honoring the renowned literary and social reformer, Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe.

This land is part of the Dairy Development Department (Government Milk Cooling Centre) located at Survey No. 426 in Dharashiv. In response to requests from public representatives and various organizations, the cabinet agreed to provide this land at no cost for the memorial.

The cabinet also resolved to issue an ordinance to amend the Maharashtra Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats and Industrial Townships Act, 1965. This amendment is centered around the powers of directly elected Presidents.

“A person directly elected as the President can now concurrently hold the position of a Member (if elected to both). The President will now possess the right to vote as a member during proceedings. In the event of a tie, the President will have an additional right to a casting vote (decisive vote). As the President is directly elected by the people, this reform ensures they have a formal voice and voting rights within the council's decision-making process,” the release stated.