Maha to create new ministry for welfare of VJNT OBCs and SBCs

The Maharashtra government today decided to create a new ministry for welfare of Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) OBCs and Special Backward classes.
The proposal was approved by the cabinet which was presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis here, an official in the CMO said.
Fadnavis had recently announced that a separate ministry would be created for OBCs which would be headed by an independent minister.
In another decision, the cabinet sanctioned dissolution of the Nagpur Improvement Trust.
The cabinet also approved hike in the grant provided for Ramai and Shabri Awaas Gharkul Yojana. It was also decided that State Agriculture Corporation land will be available for allocation to those affected by notified projects as compensation.

Government will provide financial assistance to Ramdas Athavale backward cotton producers co-operative cotton mill in Digras. A committee headed by the textile minister will be formed to discuss approvals to cotton mills in the revised textile policy.

(Reopens BES 5)
Speaking to reporters later, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the decision to create a separate ministry for Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) OBCs and Special Backward Classes was taken so that implementation of welfare schemes for these communities could be given priority.
Currently the social justice department has to deal with myriad issues, he said.
The cabinet today also decided to allow development on pasturage lands in villages. But such usage would be allowed only if equal area of alternative land for grazing cattle is available in the village at the same rate.