Maharashtra Govt Meets Key Demands Of Farmers, Laborers & Divyangs After Agitation

Mumbai: In a significant step towards resolving long-standing demands of farmers, laborers, fishermen, Gram Panchayat workers, and persons with disabilities (Divyang), Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule facilitated a high-level meeting that resulted in several key policy decisions. The resolution came in the wake of an agitation led by Prahar Janshakti Party leader Bachchu Kadu.

The multi-departmental meeting, held at the state legislature, was attended by major cabinet ministers including Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane, Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal, Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore, Dairy Development Minister Atul Save, Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil, and Employment Guarantee Minister Bharat Gogawale, alongside senior bureaucrats. The standout feature of the meeting was Bawankule’s swift coordination between departments and direct communication with central ministers to secure timely solutions.

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Key Resolutions and Announcements

New Fisheries Policy Direction

Restrictions will be imposed on purse seine and laser fishing methods.

Rent on cage fishing ponds (₹72,000) will be reconsidered.

Priority will be given to local fishermen. Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane expressed support for these proposals.

Labor Reforms in Agriculture and Dairy

Minister Bharat Gogawale discussed including agricultural and dairy-related labor under the MGNREGA scheme for wage support.

Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate agreed to set up a separate board for agricultural laborers and supported subsidies for organic and cow dung-based fertilizers.

Resolution for Gram Panchayat Employees

Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore assured that salary structure and cadre adjustments for Gram Panchayat employees will be addressed positively.

A proposal to remove the "recovery clause" will be placed before the Cabinet.

Crackdown on Sugar Mills Delaying Payments

Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil announced that sugar mills failing to pay farmers by September will be denied crushing licenses, providing a major relief to sugarcane growers.

Support Price for Milk

Dairy Development Minister Atul Save stated that minimum support prices for cow and buffalo milk will be officially announced in the upcoming session.

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Major Relief for Persons with Disabilities (Divyang)

Revenue Minister Bawankule announced that a separate budget will be allocated for Divyang welfare as per Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ instructions.

He directed that income proof will not be required while distributing assistive equipment; distribution will be based on local MLA recommendations.

Additionally, residency requirement will be simplified, with only proof of residence (not property documents) being necessary for eligibility.