Maharashtra Cabinet Greenlights Multi-Sector Developments Ahead of Elections

The Maharashtra cabinet has urged the Union government to raise the 'non-creamy layer' income limit to Rs 15 lakh. Key resolutions include a welfare corporation for journalists, Balasaheb Thackeray Turmeric Research Centre funding, Sulabh International's new toilet facilities, and the Maharashtra State International Employment company's launch.

The Maharashtra cabinet has called on the Union government to increase the income limit for the 'non-creamy layer' category from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15 lakh annually. This move, coming just before the upcoming assembly elections, aims to enhance reservation benefits for the Other Backward Class (OBC) category.

Besides this, the cabinet sanctioned the establishment of a welfare corporation for journalists and newspaper vendors. Additional funding was approved for the Balasaheb Thackeray Turmeric Research Centre, and a proposal by Sulabh International to provide toilets in government hospitals found favor. Measures for the Dharavi redevelopment project also received a nod.

In further developments, amendments to the Public Libraries Act were agreed upon to invigorate library culture, and the commencement of African safaris at the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada Zoo was approved. The cabinet also endorsed the Maharashtra State International Employment and Skill Advancement Company to enhance youth employment opportunities.

(With inputs from agencies.)