Maharashtra cabinet today approved a policy under which instead of benefits in kind, the cash component will be deposited in the bank accounts of the beneficiaries of different government schemes. The decision was taken today at the cabinet meeting chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

“Instead of benefits in kind, the cash component will be deposited in the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. A decision to prepare a policy to this effect was taken during the meeting,” an official in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.

“At present, under various welfare schemes for different sections of the society, various things and goods, including fodder, agriculture equipment, insecticides, seeds, electric pumps, text books, are given to beneficiaries. Now, in order to boost the direct benefit transfer (DBT) policy, instead of these things, cash will be transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries,” the official said.

 

Currently, cash in the form of scholarships, wages under the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS), pension, LPG cylinder subsidy, etc, is transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, the official added.

The cabinet also gave its nod to bring a notification, which will make the Aadhaar number as the only criterion for establishing the identity of the beneficiary to avail subsidies and financial benefits of government schemes.

“Aadhaar number will be the only criterion to establish the identity of a beneficiary to avail financial benefits, subsidies and services under various government schemes. It was decided that a comprehensive notification will be prepared in this regard,” the official said.

 

A policy regarding terms and conditions for appointment of government officers and employees on deputation was also approved by the cabinet.

 

In another decision, state roads and bridges will be repaired under hybrid annuity model to attract more investment in the sector, the Cabinet also sanctioned Rs 990 crore project to make Mula and Mutha rivers in Pune pollution-free.

The state government will also avail loan from NABARD through the Centre under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) to complete 26 large and medium irrigation projects.

 

The CMO official said loan worth Rs 12,773 crore would be availed from NABARD under the PMKSY.

Due to this decision, the pending irrigation projects will be completed and additional 5.30 lakh hectares irrigation potential will be created.