Govt aid extended to 2,960 non-aided schools in Maharashtra

Ahead of the elections, Maharashtra government today dropped the word 'non' from non-aided schools category, and said henceforth, the government would grant aid to them too, which would benefit 22,562 teachers.
The decision, apparently taken with an eye on the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, was taken in the cabinet meeting held here.
"The state government decided to give aid to around 2,960 secondary schools and junior colleges. It will benefit some 22,562 teachers," Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said at a press conference.
Another decision was to allow the persons suffering from sickle cell disease to travel free on state buses.

"The patient can be accompanied by another person and he too can travel free. The government will have to bear an expenditure of Rs 32 lakh every year (on this account)," Chavan said.
Free ST travel is already permitted for tuberculosis and cancer patients.
Sickle cell disease is prevalent most among tribals. The patients are found in 20 districts of the state, as per official data.