Page 2 - Maharashtra News

Maharashtra govt orders setting up of 24/7 helplines to expand PNG coverage

The Maharashtra government has directed city gas distribution companies to activate 24/7 helplines and increase the number of centres processing applications for piped natural gas connections, amid the impact of the West Asia crisis on global energy supply chains. A Government Resolution (GR), issued by the Food and Civil Supplies Department on Friday, instructed companies to expand outreach and infrastructure to ensure wider PNG coverage across the state. The GR said disruptions in global energy supply have affected petroleum product availability, leading to constraints in LPG supply, and emphasised the need to accelerate PNG connections as a short-term mitigation measure. It directed city gas distribution (CGD) companies to operationalise 24-hour helplines for consumers and ensure citizens do not face inconvenience while applying for connections. The companies were also asked to increase the number of helplines and helpdesks based on city population and rising demand. Further, th

Buddha's teachings relevant in conflict-ridden world: Eknath Shinde

The world needs "Buddha, not war" to navigate global conflicts, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde has said, citing that Buddhism represents a socio-political revolution essential for social transformation. Addressing the 8th International Buddhist Dhamma Conference here on Sunday, Shinde characterised Buddhism as a movement for change. The conference was organised by the Buddha Ratna Sagar Welfare Foundation and attended by monks, scholars and followers from India and abroad. The deputy chief minister was conferred the Buddha Ratna award at the event. "Dhamma is a way of life based on truth, non-violence and compassion. Social transformation is possible only through the thoughts of Buddha," Shinde said. Buddhism represents a socio-political revolution and a path for social transformation, he said, asserting that the principles of the faith are highly relevant in the conflict-ridden world. "The world does not want war; it wants Buddha. Hate cannot end hate; it can onl

Police detain five following clash between two groups in Mumbai's Malad

Upon receiving information about the scuffle, Dindoshi police officers arrived and attempted to control the crowd

Marital discord alone not basis for abetment of suicide charge: Bombay HC

A spouse cannot be accused of abetting the suicide of his or her partner merely because there was marital discord between the two, the Bombay High Court has said while quashing a case lodged against a woman for abetting the suicide of her husband. The HC's Nagpur bench, in its order passed last week, held that matrimonial discord is common in domestic life and suicide cannot be attributed to any of the spouses merely because there was a matrimonial dispute. It added that there has to be instigation or direct incitement from the accused to the victim to end life. "In such cases, it cannot be held that due to abetment from one partner the other committed suicide," the court said. The bench allowed the plea filed by a 49-year-old woman, a teacher by profession, seeking to quash the abetment of suicide case filed against her in 2019 by the Amravati police. A single bench of Justice Urmila Joshi Phalke said that in the present case both the husband and the wife had levelled allegations

Maharashtra ignored over 10k audit queries, ₹891 crore lapses possible: CAG

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged "systemic deficiencies" in Maharashtra's governance, identifying Rs 891 crore in possible financial irregularities across more than 10,000 audit queries that various departments ignored despite repeated reminders over a decade. The CAG, in the report tabled in the recently concluded budget session of the state assembly, criticised the delay by departments in filing action taken notes (ATNs), stating that the state's inability to address queries in 2,408 inspection reports (IRs) undermined "executive accountability" and "legislative oversight". The CAG has raised queries over the accounts, some dating back over a decade, but the departments have left them unanswered. As many as 2,408 IRs, containing 10,340 paragraphs (queries), were pending settlement as of June 2023, reflecting a significant backlog, even as a separate local audit for 2022-23 raised 2,119 objections involving revenue implications of Rs 891.29 crore, ...

Maharashtra signs ₹720 crore healthcare investment deals at PULSE 2026

The Maharashtra government on Saturday signed 15 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the healthcare sector at the PULSE 2026 conference here, including three agreements which are expected to fetch investments of Rs 720 crore, officials said. The other 12 MoUs are strategic partnerships that will help strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the state, they added. "Through PULSE 2026, we have some investment and strategic MoUs. I think there is a very good scenario of investment in Maharashtra," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said at the closing ceremony on day 2 of the event. Nipro Pharmapackaging committed expansion of Rs 200 crore as a direct industrial investment. Pharmax committed Rs 470 crore and Savvycare Rs 50 crore, both in the upcoming Bulk Drug Park which will be built by Ramky Infrastructure under a public private partnership (PPP) model with Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).

Ceigall India signs PPA with Maharashtra discom MSEDCL for solar projects

Ceigall India on Wednesday said it has signed power purchase agreements with Maharashtra state utility MSEDCL for two solar projects of 337 MW capacity to be set up at an investment of Rs 1,369 crore. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. (MSEDCL) signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the company's two wholly-owned subsidiaries on March 24, Ceigall India said in an exchange filing. The agreements cover the development of solar photovoltaic power-generating stations with a combined capacity of 337 MW under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 (MSKVY 2.0). The first project, with a capacity of 190 MW, will be developed across four districts in Maharashtra and another with a capacity of 147 MW will span two districts. The combined EPC value of the projects stands at approximately Rs 1,369 crore (inclusive of GST). The execution timeline for the projects is 18 months. Ramneek Sehgal, Chairman & Managing Director, Ceigall India Limited, said, "These PPAs .

Fadnavis joins Gudi Padwa rally in Nagpur, pledges development for state

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis greeted people on the occasion of Gudi Padwa and the Hindu New Year on Thursday, reaffirming his commitment to propel the state forward and bring positive change in every person's life. The CM participated in a 'shobhayatra' (procession) organised on the occasion in his hometown Nagpur. Speaking to reporters during the event, Fadnavis emphasised conserving the culture and traditions. Asked about his resolution for the Hindu New Year, Fadnavis said he aims to take Maharashtra forward and bring positive change in the lives of every person in the state. The CM said he was very happy to participate in the Gudi Padwa 'shobhayatra' in Nagpur and extended best wishes to the entire nation. The festival is being celebrated with enthusiasm and pomp across the state, with people hoisting "gudis" at their houses, which is considered auspicious and believed to bring good luck and fortune. The word 'Gudi' means a flag and 'Padwa' is Pratipada, the f

All MSRTC buses will be electric by 2037: Maharashtra transport minister

All buses in the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) fleet will be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2037, state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has said. Speaking in the legislative council on Monday, Sarnaik said it is envisaged that all vehicles in Maharashtra will be EVs by 2047. As a step towards it, the MSRTC plans to have all electric buses in its fleet by 2037, he said. "MSRTC currently has 22,000 buses in its fleet. It also has 800 electric buses. By 2037, all buses in the MSRTC fleet will be electric. This will be done in a phased manner. MSRTC will be the first transport corporation in the state to convert its entire fleet to electric," the minister said in the House. As per the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, a 100 per cent toll waiver is given to EVs using the Atal Setu, Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Samruddhi Mahamarg, Sarnaik added. Financial sops are also given to those who opt for EVs and charging infrastructure is being created at every 25

Projects worth ₹17,000 crore announced in Vidarbha to boost economy

An integrated green steel plant and a coal gasification project will come up in Bhadravati in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district with an estimated investment of Rs 17,000 crore, providing jobs to more than 10,000 persons and giving a boost to the economy of Vidarbha, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said on Saturday. Addressing a gathering in the MIDC area of Telwasa in Bhadravati where he laid the foundation stones of the two mega projects, the Union Minister of Coal and Mines said the initiative will result in generation of high value items like ammonia nitrate, green steel and hydrogen, which need to be imported in large quantities at present. "It is part of efforts to make India atmanirbhar, which is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Coal plays a key role in the industrial development of the nation. Out of seven such projects nationwide, four are being established in this specific region," he said while lauding Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' leadership for keeping ...

Govt may revoke recognition of schools not teaching Marathi, warns minister

Maharashtra Minister Dada Bhuse on Friday warned of strict action against schools, including those affiliated with national and international boards, that fail to comply with the legislation making Marathi mandatory for Classes 1 to 10. Bhuse informed the state assembly that the government will launch inspections and potentially revoke the recognition of schools if they fail to adhere to the norms regarding the teaching of Marathi. He stated that Marathi was made mandatory for students of Classes 1 to 10 in all schools in the state, including those affiliated with national and international boards, and that the state had already enacted legislation and issued a notification on March 9, 2020. While some schools following international curricula may offer Marathi as a second or third language, teaching the language itself remains compulsory, the minister said during the Question Hour. In view of concerns raised by MLAs alleging that some prominent international schools were not offer

Maharashtra set to become first trn-dollar sub-national economy: Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the state is on track to become India's first trillion-dollar sub-national economy in the coming years, driven by sustained industrial growth, infrastructure expansion, and increasing technology adoption. Acknowledging that social media poses various challenges, he said the state currently has no plans to ban it for those under the age of 16. The chief minister made the remarks during an on-stage conversation with actor Aamir Khan at the 'Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards 2026' organised by Lokmat Media Group at Gateway of India here on Tuesday. Fadnavis said Maharashtra already holds the position of India's largest sub-national economy and continues to strengthen its global economic standing. "If Maharashtra were an independent country, it would rank among the world's top 30 economies. With sustained growth momentum, Maharashtra is on track to become India's first trillion-dollar sub-national economy in the coming ..

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis announces farm loan waiver, 4th Mumbai plans

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the announcement of a farm loan waiver scheme in the state budget for 2026-27 fulfils a promise made by Mahayuti parties ahead of the 2024 assembly polls. In his budget speech, Fadnavis, who holds the finance portfolio, announced Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojna, a loan waiver scheme for farmers under which crop loans of up to Rs 2 lakh till September 30, 2025, will be written off. He announced a Rs 50,000 incentive for other eligible farmers who are regular in repayments of loans. Later, talking to reporters, the CM said in the budget, the capital expenditure has increased by 21 per cent --- from Rs 93,000 crore to Rs 1,12,000 crore. This would lead to an increase in capacity building and strengthening basic infrastructure. Fadnavis acknowledged that there was a "lot of stress", but the government has decided not to stop any scheme, an apparent reference to the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, a direct

Maharashtra cabinet clears anti-conversion bill; 60-day notice proposed

The Maharashtra cabinet has cleared a draft anti-conversion bill, which makes it mandatory to seek permission from a competent authority before converting to another religion. A person who wants to convert must give a 60-day notice and seek permission from the designated authority before converting, an official said on Thursday, sharing details of the proposed legislation. Further, a conversion must be registered with the authority within 25 days, or it will be considered null and void, he said. If the blood relative of a person who wishes to convert files a complaint about the same being unlawful, police will register a First Information Report and conduct a probe, as per the bill. The right to religious freedom does not include the right to convert by force, fraud or allurement but includes the right to be protected from such unlawful conversions, the bill said. Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane said the cabinet has approved a strong anti-conversion law, adding the

Centre has asked states not to undertake own Gulf evacuations: Fadnavis

The Centre has advised states not to undertake individual evacuation of those stranded in the Gulf due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, as it would lead to chaos, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the legislative council on Wednesday. He emphasised that efforts are being intensified to safely bring back the stuck persons. "After residents of Maharashtra got stuck in the Gulf, the state government suggested that it would bring them back. However, the Centre said that if all states were to act in a similar manner, it would lead to chaos. Moreover, air space is also not safe. State carriers can undertake a safe journey, and arrangements are being made accordingly," Fadnavis said. He said the state government was informed that the evacuation process should be carried out only by the Centre. "The Centre has advised the states that it will evacuate those stranded in the Gulf countries. So, we aren't going ahead with it. The Centre has begun the process. The situat

Tawde, Athawale among 4 BJP nominees for Rajya Sabha polls from Maharashtra

The BJP on Wednesday announced four candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Maharashtra, nominating Union minister Ramdas Athawale and former state minister Vinod Tawde, among others, for the Upper House. Besides Athawale and Tawde, the party has also fielded Maya Chintaman Ivnate and Ramrao Wadkute for the biennial elections. Seven Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra are set to fall vacant in April. With over 230 MLAs in the 288-member assembly, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is in a position to ensure the election of all its four nominees. The Rajya Sabha members from Maharashtra retiring this year include NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Athawale, who heads RPI (A), Fauzia Khan of NCP (SP), Rajni Patil (Congress), Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT), and BJP leaders Dhananjay Patil and Bhagwat Karad. Polling will be held on March 16 between 9 am and 4 pm, with counting scheduled to commence at 5 pm the same day. The Election Commission of India has announced electio

MSRTC hopes to earn ₹250 cr through advertising over 5 years, says minister

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will shore up its revenue through advertising and earn more than Rs 250 crore over the next five years, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Tuesday. The move aims to transform the state's iconic 'Lal Pari' (red buses) from a primary transport utility into a significant revenue-generating engine, the MSRTC chairman said during the 310th Board of Directors meeting held at the MSRTC headquarters. According to a release issued by the MSRTC on Tuesday, Sarnaik stated that an ambitious plan has been finalised to leverage the corporation's massive footprint. "The ST Corporation has 251 depots and more than 610 bus stands spread across every corner of Maharashtra. With a fleet of about 12,000 buses transporting 50 to 55 lakh passengers daily, this is a golden opportunity for advertisers," the minister said. As the fleet expands, daily ridership is expected to touch the 1-crore mark, significantly increasing the valuation of ...

Maharashtra, UP among 10 high risk states leading in mule account cases

Other regions identified as major hotspots include Haryana, Delhi, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Tamil Nadu

WCL finds 8 rare earth elements, critical minerals in its 6 mines in Maha

Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), headquartered in Nagpur, has achieved a major breakthrough in exploration of rare earth elements and critical minerals after it found eight significant strategic minerals in its six mines in Maharashtra, an official said on Friday. Talking to PTI, a senior official said the WCL found these minerals in its six Open Cast (OC) mines -- Adasa UG (underground) to OC (open cast), Makardhokra-III, Durgapur OC, Gauri-Pauni, Mungoli-Nirguda, and Yekona I & II -- recently. The analysis found economically significant concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals of Potash (K), Tellurium (Te), Titanium (Ti), Lanthanum (La) and Cerium (Ce), Rhenium (Re), Selenium (Se) and Zirconium (Zr), he said. Potash (K) has strong potential for fertiliser and agro-chemical applications and Tellurium is essential for solar photovoltaic cells, semiconductors, and thermoelectric devices. Titanium has huge potential for aerospace, defence, pigments, and ...

Maharashtra GST Department initiates inspection, search at Lupin office

Pharmaceuticals firm Lupin Ltd on Wednesday said Maharashtra GST Department has initiated inspection and search at its registered office in Mumbai. The inspection and search by the department seeking documents related to payment of GST and claim of input tax credit etc started at 11.50 am on February 25, 2026, Lupin said in a regulatory filing. The company is extending its cooperation with the officials and providing necessary information and documents, it added. The initiation of this inspection and search doesn't have any impact on the company's financials, operations or other activities, Lupin said.