tree plantation drive n Mahavedh n transform Maharashtra n smart malegaon

V o l . 6 I s s u e 0 6 n J U N E 2 0 1 7 n ` 5 0 n pa g e s 5 2

Promising monsoon
Harbinger of prosperity

01_COVER.indd 1 07/06/17 5:48 PM

02_IFCOVER.indd 2 07/06/17 5:31 PM
 CONTENTS
WHATS INSIDE

05
Cover Story
PERENNIAL AGRICULTURE,
STEADY PROGRESS
The Government of Maharashtra recently had the
pre-harvest preparatory State-level meeting for
the kharif crop. An important crop season for the
State, to be sown on 151.90 lakh hectares this
year, it has been micro-planned by the Department
of Agriculture at the taluka level. The State
administration has taken many steps for the season
and remedial measures for overall agricultural
development in Maharashtra

16 MAHARASHTRA 22 GROUND REPORT 26 GST ROLL-OUT 28 MAHAVEDH

MISSION PLANTATION
In its second year, the mega
plantation drive of Government of
Maharashtra aims to achieve 40
million trees on July 1. The Forest
Department looks forward to
everyones support like last year
JALYUKTA SHIVAR
Ahead of the onset of monsoon
in Maharashtra, Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis visits various
districts in the State to see the
progress of Jalyukta Shivar
Abhiyan works
FOR AN OPEN MARKET
The Government of Maharashtra
gears up for the implementation
of Goods & Services TaxIndias
biggest tax reformpromising
growth for every citizen, every
business
WEATHER WATCH
Maharashtra gets its first automatic
weather station in Nagpur. Under
the newly launched Mahavedh
project, the State will have over
2,000 stations with 1,000 coming
up in June 2017 alone

34 TRANSFORMATION 38 SMART VILLAGE 40 LANDMARK 44 DIALOGUE

FRESH IDEAS,
BRIGHT FUTURE
Under Transform Maharashtra, the
Government conducts a State-wide
competition of college students
to seek fresh solutions to 11 of its
socio-economic challenges
MALEGAON GETS A
MAKEOVER
This village of Sinnar taluka is
making fast moves to become a
developed, connected, clean and
green village, inspiring many other
villages get a life better than cities
THE INCREDIBLE
VILLAGE OF BOOKS
Mahabaleshwars Bhilar becomes
countrys first village of books.
The picturesque place now has
books besides tasty strawberries to
attract tourists
DEVENDRA
FADNAVIS
In the show Mi Mukhyamantri
Boltoye, the Chief Minister
addresses students and parents on
the subject of education and plans
of the Government

DISCLAIMER: VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MAGAZINE ARE THOSE OF WRITERS

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017 03

03_Contents.indd 3 07/06/17 6:51 PM

 VOL. 6 ISSUE 6 JUNE 2017 `50 PAGES 52 From the Editors Desk
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Brijesh Singh
ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
Ajay Ambekar
EDITOR
Harbinger of prosperity

C
Meenal Joglekar
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ome June and everyone eagerly waits for the monsoon showers, be
Kriti Lalla it a farmer or a commoner. If there is good rainfall, it brings cheers to
TEAM CO-ORDINATION
EDITING
farmers indicating their prosperity. With the rain, rivers, canals, wells
Suresh Wandile and ponds begin to brim, bringing relief to everyone. Farmers have a
(Deputy Director) bumper crop. Drinking water shortage is no longer a problem. There is sufficient
SALES AND CIRCULATION water for industries and power generation, and common people get respite from
Ashwini Pujari
(Sub-Editor)
the scorching heat. There is already good news all around, as the meteorological
COVER DESIGN department has predicted good rainfall this year.
Sushim Kamble
Farming is the backbone of our
MEDIA TRANSASIA economy. Hence, Union and State
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jyoti Verma Governments are paying full attention to
ASSISTANT EDITOR the progress of agriculture. Maharashtra
Pallavi Singh has taken various measures for the
ART DIRECTOR
Rehana Farhan Shaikh kharif season and for a good harvest.
The June issue of Maharashtra Ahead
CHAIRMAN carries an in-depth article on agriculture
J.S. Uberoi
PRESIDENT and various measures taken by the State
Xavier Collaco Government for a productive kharif
season. Despite the heat, Chief Minister
Maharashtra Ahead is printed
on behalf of the Directorate General Devendra Fadnavis recently visited
of Information and Public Relations, various districts of Maharashtra, met
Government of Maharashtra, farmers and reviewed the work being
at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd.
Plot No.W-17 & W-18, MIDC, done under Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan. He
Taloja Industrial Area, encouraged farmers to build farm ponds
Taloja-410 208, Navi Mumbai and assured consistent availability of
Letters should be addressed to seeds and fertilisers. With abundant rainfall in sight, a policy has been formulated
Directorate General of Information to devise ways to increase Maharashtras agricultural produce.
and Public Relations,
New Administrative Building, On the occasion of World Environment Day, the current issue has articles on
17th Floor, Opposite Mantralaya,
Mumbai-400032.
saving our planet, States mission of planting four crore trees in Maharashtra on
Email: maharashtraahead.dgipr@gmail.com July 1, 2017 and other initiatives for environment protection. In other features,
we have Indias first village of books at Bhilar in Mahabaleshwar, the smart village
of Malegaon and Chief Ministers interaction with students during the show
Follow us on www.twitter.com/MahaDGIPR Mi Mukhyamantri Boltoye.
Like us on www.facebook.com/dgipr
Subscribe us on YouTube/MaharashtraDGIPR We are glad to inform our readers that Lokrajya, the Marathi publication of the
Visit us on www.mahanews.gov.in Government of Maharashtra with circulation of 4.02 lakh (according to Audit
Blog/maharashtradgipr Bureau of Circulation), has become the second most circulated monthly magazine
Please visit the website http://dgipr.maharashtra.gov.in of India. It is indeed a feather in the cap of Directorate General of Information
Directorate General of Information and Public Relations and Public Relations. The feat has become possible with the cooperation of
A Government of Maharashtra Production our readers. We hope to receive your cooperation in future as well to make the
magazine number one in India. For this success, we congratulate our readers,
writers, subscribers and everyone part of the endeavour.
We look forward to your suggestions and feedback. Enjoy the issue.

Brijesh Singh
Editor-in Chief

Directorate General of Information

and Public Relations,
Government of Maharashtra

04_Editorial.indd 4 07/06/17 6:51 PM

 Cover Story Kharif
Kharif 2017 Special

perennial agriculture,
steady progress
The Government of Maharashtra recently had the pre-harvest preparatory State-level meeting
for the kharif crop. The crop, to be sown on 151.90 lakh hectares, has been micro-planned by the
Department of Agriculture. A report on the preparations for the season and remedial measures
planned for overall agricultural development in the State

F
arming has contributed immensely
to the development of Maharash-
tra. More than half of the States
population is connected to agricul-
ture. Out of the States total geographical
area of 308 lakh hectares, about 225.57
lakh hectares area is under cultivation.
There is a huge diversity in terms of soil
and weather across the State. Around one-
third of the area is vulnerable to drought.
Out of the total area under cultivation,
17.50 per cent area is under horticulture,
149.42 lakh hectares is under kharif (in-
cluding sugarcane) crops and 54.75 lakh
hectares under rabi crops. Summer crops
are grown on 1.67 lakh hectares.
For the agriculture sector in Maha-
rashtra, kharif is uniquely important.
The main target set by the Government
of Maharashtra for the kharif season
2017-18 is to increase productivity so as to
develop the sector and make farmers more
empowered. The Agriculture and Coopera-
tion Departments of the Government have

Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 05

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 Cover Story
Kharif 2017
done micro planning to accomplish the task. With
various remedial measures implemented for the de-
velopment of agricultural sector, the agricultural
income of the State has increased by `40,000 crore.
Due to Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan, the protective
irrigation has benefitted agri sector. This is also
the reason for the substantial increase in the agricul-
tural production.
During kharif, the main crops sown are rice, ragi,
kharif jowar, millet, maize, legumes (pigeon pea,
green gram and black gram), oilseed crops (sesame,
peanuts and soybean) and cash crops such as sugar-
Kharif
Special
Preparations for kharif 2017 Column n Chief Minister
Considering the importance of the kharif season, dis-
trict-level pre-kharif season meetings were held in
every district under the chairmanship of the Guard-
ian Ministers. The State-level meeting was held at
Apt weather information will
Mumbai under the leadership of the Chief Minister.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis presented the vision for agriculture devel-
be a big help to farmers
opment in the State. The main objective of kharif season 2017 is to increase productivity. All
While planning for the debt this year, a State Fo- facilities essential to the season and sector will be made available to farmers
cus paper has been published. While 30 to 31 lakh round the clock, says Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
farmers have moved out of the periphery of loans,

T
they also should be supplied with the loans. A com-
mittee has been set up under the chairmanship of he Agriculture and Cooperation
Soil health cards Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) to address this. Departments of Government of
It was suggested during the meeting that the com- Maharashtra have prepared a

W
ith the use of chemical fertilisers in
agriculture, the quality of soil becomes
poor adversely affecting its fertility and
quality of crops. Hence, to maintain soil health
and for balanced and effective use of fertilisers,
the Government is implementing the Soil
Health Card scheme. Under this scheme, soil
health cards have been distributed to 1.6 crore
farmers in Maharashtra. A decision has been
taken to start a Soil Testing Laboratory for
each group of five villages.
cane and cotton. Rabi mainly has rabi jowar, wheat,
maize, legumes (gram), oil seed crops (kardai, lin-
seed, sesame and sunflower).
The targets for kharif 2017 have been decided for
Maharashtra. Rice, jowar, millet, ragi, maize and
other kharif grass crops will be sown on 46,65,000
hectares for production of 77,26,000 metric tonnes.
Kharif legumes such as pigeon pea, green gram
and black gram will be sown on a targeted area of
23,32,000 hectares with a production of 16,76,000
metric tonnes. Thus, the target area for sowing
for total kharif food grains is 59,97,000 hectares
with production target of 94,02,000 metric tonnes.
Kharif will be sown this year on an area of 151.90
lakh hectares.
mittee should prepare a planned draft and plan in
such a way that loans are made available to every
farmer.
Guardian Ministers and Dis-
Planning trict Collectors should carry out
has been carried micro-planning for the farmers
out at taluka, in the area concerned at the
district, region
district, taluka and village level
and State and organise crop loan distribu-
level so as to tion camps. Agricultural uni-
make available versities should plan the crop
appropriately system according to the specific
priced, quality area and provide information at
seeds, fertilisers the village level about the ways
and other
in which perennial crops can be
materials needed
taken up.
by the farmers
With proper water manage-
for a good kharif
ment in place last year, farmers
harvest
in many areas of Maharashtra
were able to take up three crops.
This year as well, works such as Jalyukta Shivar,
farm ponds and wells would be carried out in a mis-
sion mode and on a war footing. The Government will
provide funds needed for the work. The Agriculture
and Marketing Departments have been asked to lay
more emphasis on storage and food-processing in-
dustries. To get farmers produce appropriate rates,
a food processing policy will be implemented. In his
address, the Chief Minister appealed to the farmers
to take advantage of the Agricultural Produce Mort-
gage Scheme for this.
To help famers come out of the pressure of sow-
ing twice, the Chief Minister suggested creating a
comprehensive draft plan and, while preparing the
Disaster Management Draft plan, the District Col-
lectors taking a review of local issues.
There is adequate availability of seeds in Maha-
rashtra. With this, farmers will no longer face short-
age of seeds. Planning has been carried out at taluka,
district, region and State level so as to make available
planned draft for the kharif sea-
son. Income from the agricultural sector
increased by `40,000 crore. The agricul-
tural development rate is 12.50 per cent.
While planning for loans this year, a
State Focus Paper has been published.
About 30-31 lakh farmers have come out of
the clutch of loans and should be provided
new loans. For this, a committee has been
constituted under the chairmanship of Ad-
ditional Chief Secretary Finance. Guard-
ian Ministers and the District Collectors
will carry out micro-planning for the farm-
ers in their respective areas at district,
taluka and village level and organise crop
loan distribution camps. To bring apt rate
to farmers agri produce, a food process-
ing industry policy will be implemented. A
project to process oranges and pomegran-
ate will be started in Katol on an area of
130 acres.
Accurate Monsoon predictions
As farmers cannot get an accurate predic-
tion of the weather, they incur losses. To
avoid these losses, an automatic weather
station has been installed in Maharashtra.
With this, the farmers will receive accurate
weather conditions in their village through
a digital kiosk board.
A total of 2,065 automatic weather sta-
tions will be built at all revenue circles of
Maharashtra under the Mahavedh project.
The State will begin with 1,000 stations in
the first month. With this, precise weather
conditions in an area 12x12 sq.km will be
available every 10 minutes. The rainfall,
which crop would be better in those condi-
tion, and information on climate change,
all will be available in the village itself.
This information will be sent through SMS
to 50 lakh farmers and will be available on
digital boards.
For a healthy
kharif season,
the State Electricity and prosperity
administration has Projects like Jalyukta Shivar have been
been advised to successful in providing electricity and wa-
carry out micro-
planning for the ter for the agricultural sector on priority.
farmers in their At the same time, 80 tankers have reduced.
respective areas at The first experiment of its kind in India to
district, taluka and provide electricity for 12 hours at a stretch
village level and
organise crop loan to farmers through solar energy will now
distribution camps be implemented in the State.
Devendra Farmers will also be provided informa-
Fadnavis
Chief Minister tion through modern technology right in
their fields. Community farming will be
encouraged and by consolidating all agri-
cultural schemes, production cost will be
reduced and production will increase. Due
to the schemes implemented for agricul-
tural sector development during the last
two years as well as due to Jalyukta Shi-
var, the production of pigeon pea has gone
up to 20 lakh tonnes. Maximum pigeon pea
in last 15 years has been purchased during
this year.

06 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017 Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 07

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 COVER STORY
KHARIF 2017
FOCUS ON FERTILITY
U
se of chemical fertilisers and excessive water usage
in the farms harm the quality of soil and adversely
affect crop production. To maintain soil texture and
for balanced and effective use of fertilisers, Soil Health Card
scheme is being implemented. Under this scheme, 1.6 crore
farmers have been distributed soil health cards. A decision
has been taken to start one laboratory per group of five
villages for inspection of soil quality.
To overcome the problems emanating due to unusual
weather conditions, an automatic weather station will
be installed at the circle level under Mahavedh Project.
Under this project, weather stations will be established at
2,065 locations in Maharashtra. The project was recently
inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and
Minister for Agriculture Pandurang Phundkar at a ceremony
held at Dongargaon district, Nagpur. With a weather station
system in place, it will be easier for the farmers to get
an update on weather conditions and be able to reduce
agricultural losses.
08 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017
05-12_CoverStory.indd 8-9
appropriately priced, quality seeds, chemical fertilis-
ers and other materials needed during the kharif sea-
son. As most of the lands in the State have dryland
farming, propagation of modern technology is being
made through the Agriculture Department to carry
out a comprehensive development of agriculture.
Through Dryland Farming Mission and coordination
of Union and State Government schemes, various
projects are being taken up to increase groundwater
level through various works such as water conserva-
tion in the core areas of dryland farming.
KEEPING WEATHER UNDER CHECK
The farmer of Maharashtra is always in difficulty
due to uncertain weather with frequent hailstorms,
droughts and floods. In order to firmly support the
farmer, the Government has taken many decisions.
The budget this year was centred on agriculture and
farmer. The funds required for the development of
agriculture was made available through the budget.
With reconstitution of farmers loans, interest waiver
on loans, crop loans and com-
pensation provided under Prad-
Under han Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
Jalyukta Shivar (PMFBY), the State Govern-
Yojana, water ment has been able to support
conservation farmers and maintain the pace
works have been of agricultural development
completed in rate. During the kharif season
11,483 villages in last year, sowing was carried
the last two years. out on 152 lakh hectares. With
Through these this, there was 80 per cent in-
works, the State crease in cereals and 187 per
has successfully cent in legumes, 142 per cent in
built decentralised oilseeds and 83 per cent in cot-
water storages to ton production.
the capacity of During the kharif season
8.40 TMC
2016, an amount of `1,642 crore
was sanctioned as loss compen-
sation under PMFBY. This is the first such type of
assistance announced for farmers in kharif season
under the scheme; 24 lakh farmers from the State
have been found eligible for the assistance. With the
crop insurance claim received in time, farmers have
received some relief.
Maharashtra has faced continuous drought situ-
ation for the last three years that largely affected
the agriculture sector. Jalyukta Shivar Yojana is be-
ing implemented successfully for the last two years.
With resultant creation of decentralised water stor-
ages, guaranteed irrigation arrangement has been
built. With mass participation in the scheme, the
concept of drought-free Maharashtra will become re-
ality. Under Jalyukta Shivar Yojana, water conser-
vation works have been completed in 11,483 villages
in the last two years. Through these works, the State
Kharif
Special
COLUMN MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE
Progress of agriculture and
farmer welfare are our goals
The Government of Maharashtra is making efforts for long-term
development of the agricultural sector, says Pandurang Phundkar
T
he Government of Maharashtra is
making all efforts to develop the
agricultural sector. The irrigation
facilities have increased through
Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan. With a satisfac-
tory rainfall and availability of seeds, a
bumper production was achieved during
the year 2016-17.
With higher production, the produced
goods had to go through some anxious mo-
ments before the goods were purchased.
With the Governments intervention the
problem was solved.
This year, the State Government has
been working for the goal of Advanced
Farming Enriched Farmer scheme. The
main aim of States planning for the kharif
season this year is that farmers should be
guaranteed more income than the produc-
tion expenses of the crops and more income
than the crop loan taken. The campaign
has decided a taluka as the development produce of legumes and oilseed crops last
unit for planning and this is going to year. Words would not be enough to thank
help micro planning of agriculture at the them for the feat.
taluka level. In order to Considering the needs of the farmers,
Along with the various centrally spon-
help Scheduled
the Government will newly implement
Caste farmers
sored schemes, the State Government is en- to be financially Pandit Deendayal Upadhayay Krishi Yo-
couraging farmers through various schemes self-reliant, jana and Krishi Gurukul Yojana for expan-
Dr Babasaheb
implemented by Centre alongwith States Ambedkar Krishi sion of more people-friendly and extensive
supplementary schemes. Considering the Swavalamban agriculture. Through Krishi Mahotsav, we
changing climate affecting the agriculture, Yojana has been have undertaken activities such as discus-
nature really was on our side last year with effectively sions between farmers, guidance from the
implemented in
good monsoon. With Governments efforts, the State experts and extension processes. For eco-
there was a substantial increase in the ag- Pandurang nomic independence of Scheduled Caste
ricultural production. Phundkar farmers, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Krishi
Agriculture Minister
To provide stability in the changing Swavlamban Yojana is being implemented.
circumstances for agriculture, the Govern- According to primary weather reports,
ment has undertaken and implemented the rains would be satisfactory during the
many ambitious projects and campaigns ensuing kharif season. I firmly believe that
such as Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan, Prad- through State Governments initiatives
han Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Soil and spontaneous participation from the
Health Card campaign and Mission for In- farmers, the year 2017-18 will bring farm-
tegrated Development of Horticulture. On ers to the fore of a happy and prosperous
the occasion of World Legume Year, State period and maintain the rising pace of ag-
farmers were successful in increasing the ricultural development rate.
MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017 09
07/06/17 6:08 PM
 Cover Story
Kharif 2017
has been successful in building decentralised water
storages to the capacity of 8.40 TMC.
irrigation is crucial
Twenty-six projects from the State have been includ-
ed in Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. Once
completed, the projects will help create an irrigation
capacity of 82,600 hectares. Funds to the tune of
`2,812 crore have been provided for the scheme. Pro-
vision has been made in the budget this year for the
Water Resources Department of `8,233 crore to em-
power agriculture and agricultural ancillary areas.
The State Government is making efforts to bring
maximum area under micro irrigation. In the case
of sugarcane a scheme, making loans available to
1,11,111 farm ponds
U
nder Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) in Maharashtra, work
on more than 1,22,000 wells has been completed;
60,000 wells out of these have been completed within the
last two years. During the ensuing financial year, funds to the
extent of `225 crore have been made available for wells and
farm pond on demand. A target of creating 1,11,111 farm
ponds within two years 2016-17 and 2017-18 has been set.
farmers at concessional rates, has been proposed.
For sustainable agriculture, Nanaji Deshmukh Kri-
shi Sanjeevani Yojana has been started with the help
of World Bank to make it possible for 4,000 villages
from Marathwada and 1,000 villages from Purna
valley to overcome the soil salinity issue. The World
Bank has given `4,000 crore for the project.
New initiatives
With this kharif harvest, the State Government has
started a campaign, Advanced Farming Enriched
Farmer. Under this, efforts will be made to increase
10 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
05-12_CoverStory.indd 10-11
productivity and accelerate agricultural mechani-
sation. With the agenda that the income should be
more than expenses on the crop, a taluka has been
made the development unit with planning done ac-
cordingly. The farmers will be given agricultural im-
plements as required. The grants for the implements
and agro materials will be directly credited to their
bank account. Sufficient provision has been made
for appropriate use of irrigation and drip irrigation
system for product value addition, creation of onion
storage, primary process on the agricultural produce,
shed net and erection of a greenhouse.
Efforts are being made to build infrastructural
facilities for electricity distribution to agricultural
pumps. The aim is to provide farmers electricity for
12 hours at a stretch. Similarly, to reduce the depen-
dence of farmers on power supply from Mahavitaran,
a pilot project to distribute solar agricultural pumps
at concessional rates and solar generators has been
started. During the last two years, more than 1 lakh
agricultural pumps have been
provided electrical connections.
Efforts better price for produce
are being made to
With a view to lift the farm-
boost community
farming and a ers from the vicious circle of
policy on this is in drought, efforts have been made
the final stage. In over the last two years to get
a 100-acre farm, appropriate prices for the agri-
a group of at cultural produce in addition to
least 20 farmers irrigation facilities. To double
will be formed farmers income and create com-
and community petition in the sale of agricul-
farming will be tural produce, there is a push
activated on direct marketing and private
market. Setting up agro mar-
kets at 10 locations in the State, increasing the cov-
erage of Sant Shiromani Savata Mali Weekly Market
campaign and others have been planned. A scheme
for providing cold van so as to make the transport of
agricultural produce easier has been proposed.
Efforts are being made to double the income from
agriculture through acceleration of community farm-
ing and the policy for the same is in the final stage.
With a 100-acre agricultural field, a group of a mini-
mum of 20 farmers will be established and group
farming will be activated.
With investments made by the Government of Ma-
harashtra in the agricultural sector over the last two
years, agricultural produce has shown good results.
As the meteorological department has predicted a
timely and good monsoon this year, the situation on
the whole looks promising. The farmers have started
preparations for the kharif harvest, and with the
availability of fertilisers and seeds and the planning
in position by the State Government, the farmers are
Case Study n Crop Insurance Scheme
In the interest of farmers
Government of Indias Pradhan
Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana aims to
give farmers cover from calamities
and problems
P
radhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
(Prime Ministers Crop Insurance
Scheme) is being implemented
from kharif season 2016. The list
of crops included in the scheme are food
grains (cereals and legumes)kharif and
summer rice, kharif and rabi jowar, millet,
wheat, ragi, pigeon pea, green gram, black
gram and gram; oilseedskarale, peanuts,
sesame, soybean, sunflower and kardai,
and cash crops like cotton and onion.
The prime objectives of PMFBY are to
provide an insurance cover to farmers in
the case of crop losses due to natural ca-
lamity, pests and crop diseases; encourage
farmers to use innovative and improved
technology and materials; maintain eco-
nomic stability in case of difficult condi-
tions of crop losses; and preserve continuity
in the credit supply to agricultural sector.
The scheme has been made compulsory for
farmers who have taken loans; for others,
the scheme is optional.
The insurance premium to be paid by
the farmers has been kept limited at 2 per
cent for kharif harvest, 1.5 per cent for
rabi harvest and 5 per cent for cash crops.
For annual professional and horticulture
crops, the farmers will have to pay the pre-
mium at 5 per cent. To provide the entire
insurance amount to farmers in case of
Kharif
Special
Pradhan
Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojana
crop losses due to natural calamities, the
Schemes residual premium is given by the Govern-
objectives ment. As there was a limit on the premium
instalment in the earlier scheme, the farm-
l To provide an
insurance cover to ers used to receive lesser amounts on ac-
farmers in case of count of their loss claims. However, in the
crop losses due to present scheme, there is no higher limit
calamity, pests and for Government grant, and the farmers
crop diseases can now receive the entire claim of insured
l Encourage use amount without any deductions.
of innovative and
improved technology Gopinath Munde Farmer Accident
and materials
Insurance Scheme
l Maintain the Gopinath Munde Farmer Accident Insur-
economic stability
ance Scheme is being implemented by the
in case of difficult
conditions of crop State so as to provide impunity to the farm-
losses er and his family who has to face calamities
such as accidental death or handicap. Un-
der this scheme, an insurance cover of up
to `2 lakh has been provided to the farmer
affected by an accident. To get the benefits,
it is not necessary for the farmer or any
other institution on his behalf to submit
an application to the insurance agency or
payment of any insurance premium. If the
farmer or on his behalf anyone or any insti-
tution has pressed any different insurance
scheme or taken an insurance policy, none
of these will be in any way connected with
the scheme. The benefits accrued under
this scheme are independent.
Ajit Bayas
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 11
07/06/17 6:48 PM
 Cover Story
Kharif 2017
expecting a bumper kharif harvest this year too.
Advanced Farming Enriched Farmer
The Government of Maharashtra has announced
a new scheme to increase farmers income. Named
Advanced Farming Enriched Farmer, the scheme
aims to double the income of farmers by increasing
the output and cutting the cost of production. The
scheme will be launched from the upcoming kharif
season in Maharashtra.
The farmers are also demanding loan waiver from
the Government. Instead, the Government has an-
nounced this scheme that will help farmers increase
their income.
Under the Advanced Farming Enriched Farmer
scheme, the State Government will declare each teh-
sil as a unit to be used for planning on agri-develop-
12 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
05-12_CoverStory.indd 12
Instead of short-term remedies like loan
waiver, the Government of Maharashtra believes in
doubling the income of farmers. The announcement
of the same was made in the State budget 2017-
18 in March 2017. Its objective is to increase farm
production and market the produce efficiently
ment. The objectives are to increase the production of
major crops, diversify crops, make farmers aware of
marketing techniques, generate a unit among farm-
ers through farm producer companies, and make
farmers financially stable. Mechanisation of farm-
ing by tractors, machines for polishing, grading and
packing of produce, power tillers and transplanters
would get 60 per cent more funds that will be trans-
ferred to the bank account of the farmer linked with
Aadhaar.
The State Government will also run a Farmer
Outreach campaign under the scheme between May
25 and June 8, 2017. In the campaign, the farmers
would be informed about the latest techniques that
can be used during the kharif season to increase pro-
ductivity and efficiency. Under the initiative, each
unit will be given a target to produce more crops so
that the income generated by the farmer is more than
the amount of loan taken by him. Detailed informa-
tion on the initiative would be available once the
scheme is launched in the State this kharif season.
Ajay Jadhav,
Departmental Liasioning Officer
07/06/17 6:49 PM
 Monsoon
Watch
Beating
weather
extremes with
knowledge
Round-the-clock weather-related information to
farmers will ensure healthy agriculture in Maharashtra
this monsoon, says Dr N. Chattopadhyay
T
he major part of Indian economy depends on
agriculture, and so is the livelihood of the
Indian farmer on monsoon rains. The agri-
cultural sector constitutes about 18 per cent
of Indias GDP. The monsoon in India, also called
southwest monsoon, has four months, from June to
September. More than 75 per cent of Indias annual
rainfall occurs during this period. The health of the
kharif crops grown in this season depends on the
performance of the southwest monsoon. Good rain-
fall during the season results in bountiful crops that
further benefit the farmers.
Over the years, it has been observed that there is
a considerable variation in the quantum, spatial and
temporal distribution of rainfall across the country.
Sometimes, monsoons may arrive early and stay for
a long time or it may arrive too late. It may cause
heavy rainfall in some parts and sparse in others,
causing floods and droughts, respectively. Such vari-
ations in rainfall affect production of kharif crops and
subsequently impact the agriculture allied sectors.
In order to give an idea on the performance of
monsoon, India Meteorological Department (IMD)
issues seasonal rainfall forecast in two stages. The
first-stage forecast for 2017 monsoon was issued on
April 18, while the second-stage forecast will be is-
13-15_Weather.indd 13
sued in the early part of June. These forecasts are
prepared using state-of-the-art Statistical Ensemble
Forecasting system (SEFS) that is critically reviewed
and improved regularly through in-house research
activities. In the first stage, forecast for southwest
monsoon rainfall is issued over the country as a
whole; in the second stage, the forecast covers sea-
sonal rainfall for four months and for four homo-
geneous regions (North-West India, Central India,
South Peninsula and North-East India), including
monthly forecast for July and August.
Since 2012, IMD has been using the dynami-
cal global climate forecasting system (CFS) model,
which was developed under the Monsoon Mission
project. The original coupled ocean-atmospheric
model framework of CFS was adopted from the Na-
tional Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP),
USA. The CFS model was further modified to pro-
vide improved rainfall forecasts over the Indian mon-
soon region through research efforts taken up under
the Monsoon Mission project. The forecast for 2017
southwest monsoon rainfall over the country as a
whole is based on both the SEFS and the Monsoon
Mission CFS (MMCFS).
IMDs SEFS model for the April forecast uses the
following five predictors that require data monitored
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 13
07/06/17 5:39 PM
 Monsoon
Watch
up to March. These are: (a) Sea Surface Temperature
(SST) Gradient between North Atlantic and North
Pacific December and January; (b) Equatorial South
Indian Ocean SST February; (c) East Asia Mean Sea
Level Pressure February and March; (d) Northwest
Land Surface Europe Air Temperature January; and
(e) Equatorial Pacific Warm Water Volume Febru-
ary and March. In 2017, quantitatively, the monsoon
seasonal rainfall is likely to be 96 per cent of the
Long Period Average (LPA) with an error of 5 per
cent for the country as a whole.
Among others, El Nino and Indian Ocean Dipole
(IOD) are important parameters for monsoon rain-
fall in the country. As per the press release of IMD
issued on April 18, 2017, it has been mentioned that
at present, neutral IOD conditions are prevailing
over the Indian Ocean. Positive IOD conditions are
likely to be favourable for a normal/above normal
monsoon. As the extreme sea surface temperature
conditions over the Pacificparticularly El Nino
conditions over the Pacific (El Nino or La Nina) and
positive IOD development over the equatorial Indi-
an Oceanare known to have a strong influence on
the Indian summer monsoon, IMD is carefully
monitoring the sea surface conditions over the
14 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
13-15_Weather.indd 14-15
Pacific and Indian oceans.
As per the monsoon forecast update on May 15,
southwest monsoons advanced into some parts of
southeast Bay of Bengal, Nicobar Islands, entire
south Andaman Sea and some parts of north Anda-
man Sea on May 14, 2017. Conditions are favourable
for further advance of southwest monsoon into some
parts of southwest Bay of Bengal, some more parts
of southeast Bay of Bengal, remaining parts of An-
daman Sea and Andaman and Nicobar Islands and
some parts of east central Bay of Bengal. The north-
ern limit of monsoon passes through Latitude 5.0N/
longitude 86.0E, Latitude 9.0N/longitude 90.0E,
HutBay and Latitude 14.0N/longitude 98.0E.
During the pre-monsoon season as on May 10,
districts that received rainfall have been mentioned
below along with weekly update (week ending May
10). Pre-monsoon showers started in South Mad-
hya Maharashtra and Marathwada from April end.
During the last two weeks, pre-monsoon showers
were reported at isolated places in all subdivisions
of Maharashtra. However, rainfall distribution was
more in South Madhya Maharashtra and South
Konkan. Based on realised weather, the following
Agromet advisory has been issued for livestock and
standing crops:
n In view of heat wave conditions/high temperature
in Vidarbha, keep animals under shade/shed during
noon hours and provide water mixed with minerals
for drinking. Grazing/feeding of cattle/goats may
be done during morning/evening hours. Sprinkle
the floor and roof of shelter with water periodically
during peak hot hours. Arrange sprinklers and feed
poultry birds with wet mash to increase the intake
of feed. Proper ventilation should be maintained for
free circulation of air in the sheds. Hang curtains on
north-west side of the poultry house to reduce the ef-
fect of hot winds.
n To reduce the impact of expected heat wave condi-
tions in Vidarbha, apply light and frequent irrigation
in standing crops to cope up with the excess evapora-
tive demand due to high temperature.
n As there was no significant rain, apply irrigation
to summer crop of groundnut, maize, vegetables and
sugarcane and maintain proper water level in rice
field in Konkan and East Vidarbha.
n In North Madhya Maharashtra, Vidarbha and
Marathwada, cover banana bunch with porous gun-
ny bags/ banana leaves, apply mulch with sugarcane
trash in furrows.
n Utilising pre-monsoon showers, undertake deep
ploughing of fields. Prevailing temperature is conge-
nial for destroying eggs and pupating stages of in-
sects and weed seeds after ploughing.
n In Konkan, plough the fields and make arrange-
ment for cultural operations for kharif season and
Southwest
Monsoon 2017
(From left) A farmer awareness programme conducted in Maharashtra; and rainguages distributed to progressive farmers in Maharashtra
preparation of rice nursery. in the State. In all, there are 130 agromet field units
n In Kolhapur, undertake land preparation for kharif in the country.
season and for direct sowing of rice. Under the project Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva
(GKMS), these agromet field units prepare and dis-
Maharashtra-specific information seminate agromet advisories along with contingency
In addition to the seasonal monsoon rainfall forecast, planning information in case of inadequate or excess
the IMD generates weather forecasts for monsoon rainfall that may affect farming.
season as well as other seasons at different spatial Weather forecast and Agromet Advisories are dis-
and temporal scale, i.e. short range, medium range, seminated through All India Radio, Doordarshan,
extended range scales. These forecasts are used for ETV-Marathi, electronic and print media and others.
tactical and strategic decisions in agriculture. An initiative has been taken to telecast through DD
In Maharashtra, IMD has a good set-up Kisan channel. In Maharashtra, agromet
of observatories, a number of collaborat- advisories are disseminated to 70,72,977
ing institutes that work round the clock to latest Thefarmers through multi-channel dissemi-
provide right information in right time to forecast from nation system, SMS and IVR along with
the MMCFS
farming community. There are 46 surface indicates weak public-private partnership mode. Agromet
observatories, 36 agromet observatories, positive IOD advisories are also communicated through
five evapotranspiration stations, two soil conditions to SMS and IVRS through Kisan SMS portal
moisture stations and four dewfall stations likely develop of the Ministry of Agriculture, Government
during the
in Maharashtra. Under the modernisation middle of of India. If the farmer wants SMS servic-
plan, 49 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) the monsoon es of Kisan portal, one can register on the
and 69 Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) have season and Agrimet division website even as farmers
been installed in the State. There are also persist for can contact 020-25572304/310.
Doppler Weather RADARs (DWR) at Mum- some more In order to send SMS to all the farmers in
months
bai and Nagpur. Satellite information is also subsequently the State, it is proposed to create a dedicat-
used for forecast. It is proposed to install 15 ed portal where farmers may be registered
ARGs in the State during Phase II of mod- and sent important messages. The IMD,
ernisation plan. It is also proposed to install a mini in collaboration with Agromet Field Units, is also
observatory at the Panchayat level. disseminating advisories in extreme events. Ef-
Agriculture in Maharashtra depends on spatial forts are being made to disseminate information on
and temporal distribution of rainfall. Thats the livestock, poultry and inland fisheries. In Maharash-
reason, throughout the season, different forecasts are tra, registration of farmers was done for the pro-
issued. At present, Medium Range Weather Forecast gramme for SMS on agromet advisory. Rainguages
(MRWF) is used by the IMD to generate agromet were distributed to five progressive farmers in the
advisories for all the districts of Maharashtra twice programme.
a week in collaboration with the State Department The writer is Head and Scientist,
of Agriculture, nine Agromet Field Units (AMFUs) Agromet Division, India Meteorological
located at four State Agriculture Universities (SAUs) Department, Shivajinagar, Pune
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 15
07/06/17 5:39 PM
 VAN MAHOTSAV
CAMPAIGN
J
uly 1, 2016 was an important day in the his-
tory of Maharashtra. On this day, the State
not only unleashed a mission, but also got an
entry in the Limca Book of World Records.
The day saw a momentous campaign led by the peo-
ple of Maharashtra of planting trees on a huge scale.
Setting a record, the people planted 20.82 million
trees on a single day, giving a hope to challenges like
degradation of natural resources and habitats, pollu-
tion and climate change and boosting the morale of
Maharashtras Forest Department.
For the Government of Maharashtra, the record
was the first milestone in the path of States mis-
sion of 33 per cent green cover. The resolve for 20
Million Tree Plantation aimed by the State Govern-
ment last year was made possible with the support
of people, NGOs, spiritual institutions, farmers and
school/college students, who came together to plant
around 20.82 million trees in
a day. In order to increase the
The
MISSION
Forest
green cover of Maharashtra fur-
Department
ther, it is essential for citizens has already
to come together, plant trees planned the
and make collective efforts for programme
PLANTATION
their survival. for the next
three years. It
At present, the forest area of has resolved
Maharashtra stands at 20 per to plant 500
cent of its total area. For this to million trees
all across the
reach 33 per cent, it is essential State during
In its second year, the to plan and run a perfect tree the period. The
plantation programme. Irre- goal is to plant
mega plantation drive of spective of whether these sap- 40 million trees
Government of Maharashtra lings would be planted on forest
in 2017, 130
million trees in
aims to achieve plantation of lands, boundaries of agriculture 2018 and 330
fields, campuses of schools or million trees
40 million trees colleges, lands belonging to rail- in 2019
ways and State Transport Cor-
poration, hillocks or areas under the Ministry of De-
fence, the plantation drive will be as eventful as last
year, assures the State Government.
KEY STEPS
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been
signed between the Ministry of Railways and State
Forest Department on planting trees on the railway
land in Maharashtra. The process of establishing an
Eco Battalion has been accelerated. The citizens can
become a member of the Green Army through the
GREEN COVER website, http://www.greenarmy.mahaforest.gov.in.
This year, July 1, observed as Van Mahotsav, is to
The department has started a helpline (1926) to
be celebrated for seven days, from July 1 to 7, 2017
with the target of planting 40 million trees.
encourage people to share information about forests
and wildlife and incidents of forest fire and illegal
The Forest Department will contribute 22.50
million saplings, other Government departments
cutting of trees, besides registering other complaints.
7.50 million saplings, and Gram Panchayats 10 The forest area of Marathwada is just 4.5 per cent
million saplings during the week. of its geographical area. The forest area of a district
like Latur is even meagre at 0.76 per cent. Due to
16 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017
16-17_Plantation.indd 16-17
For planting 4 crore trees, drive
should become a mass movement
F
or the success of Maharashtras plantation drive,
the number of hands planting trees should be
increased and we must build an army of tree lovers,
said Minister of Finance, Planning and Forests Sudhir
Mungantiwar, addressing a review meeting of afforestation
drive in Pune Revenue Division. He said, for afforestation,
awareness should be created and scientific planning must
be done. The Forests Minister added that cooperation of
people is the need of the hour.
The target for Maharashtras plantation drive next year
is to plant 13 crore trees. Bamboo is a kalpavriksha. We
should explain qualities of other trees as well to people.
Alongwith plantation, nurturing trees is also important.
We have resolved to increase States forest cover to 33 per
cent, he said.
Underlining the fact that the protection of environment
is everyones responsibility, he encouraged people to
come together to accomplish objectives like the tree
plantation drive. Afforestation should not remain the
responsibility of the Government only, it should become
a mass movement, as global warming is a matter of
concern for every living being on the planet. Protection
of environment is also a matter of happiness. We all must
participate in the drive, plant trees and spread prosperity
and happiness all around, he said.
changes in climate globally, the State has to face ca-
lamities such as droughts, floods and hailstorms on
and off. Last year, Latur city had to be supplied with
water through the Jaldoot Express (water express
trains). As a solution to the persisting problem, the
State must widen its forest area and accelerate the
concept of Vanyukta Shivar Abhiyan.
Under the leadership of Minister for Forests Sud-
hir Mungantiwar, the Forest Department is emi-
nently striding ahead towards Green Maharashtra.
The mega tree plantation event last year was spe-
cially admired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Eminent film actor Amitabh Bachchan has also ap-
pealed to people for participation in the tree planta-
tion campaign.
Tree
Plantation
A PLANNED INITIATIVE
A programme can only be successful with excellent
and complete planning. This year too, the State
Forest Department has planned the 40 million tree
plantation programme with precision. A 33-point
programme has been chalked out by the department.
Various works are planting trees on both sides of the
road, greening of hillocks, plantation on the sides of
canals and campuses, making available manpower,
finalisation of the locations for tree plantation, dig-
ging, making available quality saplings and others.
A crash programme for making the saplings
ready has been taken up on the basis of Nursery in
every village. Saplings have been provided a num-
ber through a computer software and accounts are
being maintained for plant species, production and
sales. Tree Plantation Committees have been set up
at State, district, taluka and village levels. The vol-
unteers and coordination officers at these have been
decided. To receive information on every decision at
every level, real time reporting arrangements have
been made through computer software under the
supervision of Additional Chief Conservator of For-
ests (Information Technology). Every step of plan-
ning this years tree plantation and the work carried
out so far is being uploaded on the website of Forest
Department.
Whenever a work is carried out with dedication,
it brings success for sure. Last year, the campaign
was implemented with the concept of Only goal: 20
million tree plantation, and the same was eminently
successful with immense participation of people. This
year, the department is working on Only goal: 40
million tree plantation. With the onset of monsoon in
sight, all the works connected to tree plantation have
been going with full steam. Now it is necessary to be
fully prepared for the period of seven days from July
1 to 7 to carry out the plantation of 40 million trees.
We also have the duty to keep these plants alive.
Dr. Surekha M. Mulay,
Departmental Liasioning Ofcer
MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017 17
07/06/17 5:44 PM
 Environment Day Environment
Maharashtra Day

June 5 is an ideal occasion to go out and

WED is an excellent opportunity to raise a call
for adopting sustainable lifestyles
enjoy Maharashtras national parks and
other wilderness areas and relish the idea
of seeing a rare plant, a ferocious animal,
identify different birds, appreciate beauti-
ful butterflies. Record what you see and
post it on social media to encourage friends
and relatives to go exploring too.

Maharashtra: A Natures Paradise

With 720 km of coastline, 550 forts (in-
cluding over 20 sea forts) and a UNESCO

A date with
World Heritage Site like Western Ghats
with alluring bio-diversity, superb wildlife
and lush greenery, Maharashtra has al-

nature
National Safety Council (NSC) has been playing a
pivotal role in not just celebrating, but also promoting
World Environment Day. Located in CBD Belapur, Navi
Mumbai, this is an institute of national importance
set up on March 4, 1966 by the Ministry of Labour,
Government of India. To get an insight into WED
With participation from over 143 countries, including India, activities Chandragupta Amritkar spoke with
M.M. Kulkarni, Deputy Director General, NSC. Excerpts:
United Nations World Environment Day on June 5 has become a
vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness on environment. n How important is Environment environmental regulations, utility
Day for India? articles such as cap, T-shirt, cloth
Chandragupta Amritkar looks at some interesting facts and The campaign is very important shopping bags, with multicolour
what one can do in Maharashtra for our country as it helps different WED logo and others.
stakeholders in society to come These materials are used by
together on key environmental NSC member organisations to create
ways been a natures paradise. From water
to land to sky, options are plenty for a na-
ture lover to explore. The State has plenty
of bio-diversity, diverse climate and vary-
ing topography with eco-tourism always
on priority so that endangered species can
find safe havens.
Maharashtra is home to many wild-
life sanctuaries and national parks and
is a land of rich floral and faunal diver-
sity. Jewels in the crown are the tiger
reserves like Tadoba, Melghat, Pench and
Sahyadri. Mowgli Land awaits you on the
backwaters of Totladoh Lake in Pench

F
or over four decades, World En-
vironment Day (WED) has been
raising awareness, supporting ac-
tion and driving change. First held
in 1974, it is today the main campaigner
for awareness on emerging environmen-
tal issuesright from marine pollution to
global warming, to sustainable consump-
tion and wildlife crime. The first WED was
held with the theme, Only One Earth. Even
though WED celebrations have been held
annually since 1974, in 1987 began the
idea for rotating the centre of these activi-
ties by selecting different host countries.
The theme for 2017 is Connecting People
to Naturein the city and on the land, from
the poles to the equator and the host coun-
try for 2017 is Canada.
This years theme, Connecting People
to Nature implores citizens to get outdoors
and into nature, to appreciate its beauty
and its importance, and to take forward
the call to protect the Earth that we share.
World Environment Day is a day for ev-
eryone, everywhere. Since it began in 1972,
global citizens have organised many thou-
sands of events, from neighbourhood clean-
ups, to action against wildlife crime and re-
planting forests. This years theme invites
global citizens to think about how they are
part of nature and how intimately we all
depend on it. It challenges us to come out of
our houses and see what a wonder nature
around us is and also get us to feel account-
able for how we are destroying it.
On the other hand, scientific advances
as well as growing environmental problems
such as global warming are helping us to
understand the countless ways in which
natural systems support our own prosperi-
ty and well-being. For example, the worlds
oceans, forests and soils act as vast stores
for greenhouse gases such as carbon diox-
ide and methane; farmers and fisher-folk
harness nature on land and under water
to provide us with food; scientists develop
medicines using genetic material drawn
from the millions of species that make up
Earths astounding biological diversity.
Natures gifts are often hard to value in
monetary terms. But while they exist, lets
all enjoy it.
issues to identify, decide and
(Clockwise from above) A initiate measures for environment
trek in the hills; members protection. Our natural resources are
of National Safety Council being consumed at an accelerated
participating in a plantation
rate and need to be conserved for
drive; and a tiger in Tadoba,
Maharashtra sustenance of future generations.
The day provides an excellent
opportunity to raise a call for
adopting sustainable lifestyles and
to promote sustainable consumption
and production for protection of
environment.
n What activities does NSC do
related to the event?
NSC has been actively organising
and promoting the WED campaign
among its member organisations
and other stakeholders since 1999.
Every year NSC produces a number
of promotional materials based on
UNEPs (United Nations Environment
Programme) theme for the WED.
These materials include cloth banner
(Hindi and English) depicting
UNEP theme on WED, multicolour
poster on environment protection,
a multicolour badge with slogan on
environment for pinning/wearing
on June 5, information booklets
on environmental topics/Indian
awareness among their employees
and other stakeholders through
activities like plantations, street
parades, guest lectures, poster
competitions, essay competitions
and TV shows. We also conduct
training programmes on different
environmental subjects/Indian
environmental regulations for its
members and industries to create
awareness. Over the years, our
campaign has grown considerably
with over 600 members.
n What role can members
play for the betterment of the
environment?
NSCs more than 8,500 members
can play a very important role
in disseminating environmental
information through celebration and
participation in the WED campaign.
Environmentally aware employees
will be able to contribute in the
environment protection measures
at their workplace and in their
life. These efforts go a long way in
conservation of natural resources,
reduction in generation of waste,
proper treatment and disposal of
effluents, etc.
National Park.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)
in Mumbai city encompasses an area of
104 sq.km, making it one of the largest
national parks within a metropolis limit.
The rich flora and fauna of SGNP attracts
more than 2 million visitors every year
who also visit the 2400-year-old Kanheri
caves located within the park. The park
houses over 1000 plant species, 251 species
of migratory, land and water birds, 50,000
species of insects and 40 species of mam-
mals, 38 species of reptiles, nine species of
amphibians, 150 species of butterflies and
a large variety of fish.
Thanks to the State Government, these
parks are well safeguarded with upgrades
made every year to attract foreign and do-
mestic tourists. Modern amenities such as
jeep rides, night safaris, library and audio-
visual facilities, comfortable accommoda-
tion and efficient transport are also avail-
able at these parks at a nominal charge.
Most of the sanctuaries and the park have
lakes with serene beauty.
(Sources: United Nations, MTDC and
Maharashtra Forest Department)

18 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017 Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 19

18-19_World_Environment.indd 18-19 07/06/17 6:10 PM

 scheme
Weekly Market
W
ith its objective to take agricultural pro-
duce of farmers directly to customers in
big cities like Mumbai and Pune, Sant
Shiromani Shri Savta Mali Weekly Mar-
ket scheme has been launched by the Government of
Maharashtra. The main aim of the weekly market is
freedom of farmers from middlemen, appropriate value
for their produce, and availability of agri produce to
customers at affordable rates. The Government has be-
gun weekly markets at about 98 locations in the State.
Sant Shiromani Shri Savta Mali Weekly markets
are being jointly run by State Marketing Department
and Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board
under the scheme, from farmers to customers. Only
farmers, farmer groups, farmers production companies
and farmers produce co-operatives have been included
farm fresh
for your table
Sant Shiromani Shri Savta Mali weekly markets are perfect platforms for farmers to sell
their produce sans middlemen and consumers to buy at economical rates
Customers busy buying vegetables in a farmers weekly market in Maharashtra
20 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
20-21_Weekly_MKT.indd 20-21
Farmers
Market
in the market. At the same time, by building a cluster involvement of middlemen.
of farmer groups and farmers production companies, a
variety of vegetables and fruits are being made avail- Benefits for one and all
able to the customers at a single place. Due to lesser handling of the goods, the
post-harvest loss is also low and the qual-
First come, first served ity of the produce remains good for a longer
Today, a total of 98 markets are held across districts time. With a fixed time and place for the
of Maharashtra41 in Pune, 27 in Mumbai, seven in farmers weekly market, the farmers are
Navi Mumbai, nine in Thane, five in Kolhapur, and able to plan for agricultural produce har-
three each in Nagpur, Solapur and Aurangabad. A vesting and sales. The weekly market does
seamless route for vegetables produced by farmers to not require licences of any type and serves
reach customers in metro cities directly without any as a model for employment and livelihood
meddling by traders or middlemen, these markets for rural youth.
more importantly give farmers the right to decide the For a farmer, the weekly market is not
rates of their produce. only a chance to sell agricultural produce
With the amount paid by the customers going di- for sale directly to the consumers, but also
a way to reduce losses after the produce
is ready for market, as the agricultural
produce arrives directly from farms to the
A farmer selling fresh vegetables at a farmers market in Pune market. Since the farmer has the right to
decide the market rate for his produce and
rectly into the hands of the farmers, the supply produce as per demand, there are
transactions lead to the financial prosper-
ity of producers. The stalls at the mar-
ket are allotted on first come, first served
basis, drawing lots by rotation system.
an innovative
scheme
l A total of 98
markets are held
no unsold vegetables.
The consumers gain on the grounds of
fresh and clean agricultural produce avail-
able directly from the farmers and assur-
Farmer groups, production companies and across districts ance about the quality of produce as the
production co-operatives can work here as of Maharashtra farmer himself is selling the same. With a
farmers market organisers. l It is a seamless direct dialogue with the farmers, the con-
The Urban Development Department of route for veg- sumers convey their needs to the farmers,
the Government of Maharashtra has decid- etables produced the vegetable markets are close to their
ed to make available space in all the mu- by farmers to homes and a visit can be planned for a
reach customers
nicipal corporations and municipal council in metro cities
week. Vegetables, fruits, processed prod-
areas free of charge for these weekly mar- directly without ucts and rural products are available to
kets. Once the space is available, the Ma- any interference consumers under a single roof. The agricul-
harashtra State Agricultural Marketing by traders or tural produce being weighed by electronic
Federation selects the organisers for the middlemen weighing machine induces a confidence
weekly market, certifies the list of farmers/ l These markets and trust in consumers regarding weight.
farmer groups/farmers production compa- give the farmers
the right to decide
nies coming to the weekly market to sell the rates of their Training of farmers
their produce, seeks permissions from es- produce. It is essential to train the farmers partici-
sential authorities to start the market, pro- l With a fixed time
pating in the weekly market in matters
vides identity cards to farmers, coordinates and place for the like running the market, behaviour with
with organisers and local institutions, es- weekly market, the the consumers visiting the market, estab-
tablishes temporary sheds and stalls at farmers are able lishing friendly relations, selling agricul-
the market, and keeps the environs of the to plan for agri- tural produce, providing information about
weekly market clean. culture produce the produce, guarantee of weight and
harvesting and
The prime concept of a farmers market rate as well as organisation of the entire
sales.
is to make a retail platform available for l The weekly
market and others. Training programmes
goods produced by farmers as well as rural market does not are arranged at the Agricultural Market-
womens bachat gats; make available vege- require licences ing Federation to excel in the said areas.
tables to customers at a single location; sell and serves as a The training is free and the expenses
agricultural produce from farmers/farmer model for are borne by the Agricultural Marketing
groups/farmers production companies and employment and Federation.
production co-operatives through groups/ livelihood for Kashibai Thorat,
rural youth
representatives sponsored by them, and no Departmental Liasioning Officer
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 21
07/06/17 5:43 PM
 GROUND REPORT
JALYUKTA SHIVAR ABHIYAN
TOWARDS WATER
SECURITY
Ahead of the onset of monsoon in
Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis visits States districts to see the
progress of projects under Jalyukta Shivar
Abhiyan. A report
I
n his address in the Legislature this
May, Chief Minister Devendra Fadna-
vis called Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan a
way towards permanent freedom from
drought for Maharashtra. In a month when
Maharashtra was reeling under scorching
heat with temperatures soaring above 45
degree Celsius, the Chief Minister was on
a tour of drought-affected villages, taking
stock of their conditions and relief mea-
sures taken by the administration.
The problem of drought is not new to
Maharashtra, as the calamity has been a
tragedy striking at least once a decade. A
breakthrough came in the past two years
when large-scale water conservation and
storage works were undertaken in the
State through the Governments ambitious
scheme, Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan. Though
a scheme floated by the Government, its
reason and utility made everyone become
part of it. Today, Jalyukta Shivar is one of
22 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017
22-25_Jalyukta.indd 22-23
the public programmes that enjoy massive
public support.
The prime objective of the Government
was to reach permanent remedial mea-
sures on drought. Chief Minister Deven-
dra Fadnavis putting aside the politics of
populist announcements going on for the
last 50 years began to focus on the main
challenges of farmers. The mega move was
Jalyukta Shivar. Now, in its third year, the
programme is under constant watch of the
State leadership. Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis inspected the Jalyukta Shivar
works right from Gadchiroli to Satara dur-
ing the months of April and May 2017. He
preferred visiting the works rather than
attending the review meetings in districts.
His personal visit immensely encouraged
the village women, who have to go down
40 feet deep in the well to fetch drinking
water. The recent visit added power to peo-
ples confidence in the Chief Minister as a
(From left) Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis doing
voluntary work during the
tour; and villagers coming
together to build projects of
Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan in
Maharashtra
demand scheme has
strong with the farmers vitality campaign.
For better irrigation facilities in the dis-
trict, the Chief Minister included the
Bembla irrigation project and others to
his war room that follows up important
projects in the State. The Government
has sanctioned various irrigation reme-
dial measures under Jalyukta Shivar for
the farmers of Yavatmal. Farm pond on
demand scheme has been implemented in
the district with some officers doing excep-
tional work for the initiative.
The effective implementation of Jalyuk-
ta Shivar has made available 4,872 TCM
water storage capacity in 225 villages of
Yavatmal, providing permanent irrigation
UNIQUE INITIATIVE
A DAM WITH A DIFFERENCE
A
n important halt of the Chief Minister
during the Sangli tour was the Sukhkarta
Dam built with an initiative of the Police
Department. The department implemented
Dolby-free Ganesh Utsav concept. An amount of
`27,80,000 received from 863 Ganesh mandals
was used for Jalyukta Shivar Yojana. With the
amount, a dam was constructed at Malewadi at an
expense of `13,24,000. Named Sukhkarta Dam, it
was dedicated to the public by the Chief Minister
on May 19. This cement dam is 30 meters long
and 1.75 meters high and has a storage capacity
of 7.50 TMC. Its water storage will help enhance
the water levels at Vindhan wells and bore wells in
the area.
solution provider to their problems. for 4,193 hectares. Supported by the facil-
A FEW ity, farmers in the district have taken up
MILESTONES VIDHARBHA dual crops with peanuts and made profits
Under Jalyukta
On May 5, the Chief Minister visited of `450 crore during the rabi season. The
Shivar, 4,872 TCM Wardha to review the work of Jalyukta Chief Minister appealed to the farmers to
water storage has Shivar Abhiyan at Arvi Panchayat Samiti come forward for community agriculture
been created in 225 Hall. His visit also accelerated the works and assured them of connections for elec-
villages of Yavatmal, under other welfare schemes such as Prad- trical pumps.
providing perma- han Mantri Gharkul Yojana, kharif crop The Chief Minister next visited the
nent irrigation for loan disbursement, rehabilitation work of saline belt of Buldhana and Gadegaon,
4,193 hectares
Lower Wardha project, review of Wardha Khandvi, Asalgaon Shivar from Jalgaon
Sangola in So-
Megha Food Park and work of National Jamod taluka and inspected the farm ponds
lapur has brought
under irrigation Dairy Development Board in the district. and homes of Pantpradhan Awas Yojana.
12 lakh ha of land He reviewed the fodder to land bank con- Under the Advanced Farming Enriched
through Jalyukta cept implemented by the district, and is- Farmer scheme and through Agricultural
Shivar Abhiyan. sued instructions to senior officers to accel- Prosperity project, the State Government
Farm pond on erate projects such as Wardha dry port and has undertaken a `5,000 crore project to
Sewagram Development Plan. bring changes to the soil in this saline belt.
been implemented On May 6, Devendra Fadnavis reviewed Devendra Fadnavis clarified that Nanaji
across districts with various developmental works in Yavat- Deshmukh Krishi Sanjeevani project is be-
some officers doing
exceptional work
mal. Getting rid of the title of suicide-af- ing implemented and motivated the farm-
fected district, Yavatmal is now standing ers to consider the option for farm pond.
MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017 23
07/06/17 5:40 PM
 GROUND REPORT
JALYUKTA SHIVAR ABHIYAN
(Clockwise from top left)
Arunavati river in Yavatmal
before and after the work
of Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan;
Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis with Minister
for Labour Sambhaji
Patil-Nilangekar during a
shramdaan; and an irrigation
project underway in
Maharashtra
24 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017
22-25_Jalyukta.indd 24-25
He reviewed various developmental works
in the district at the grounds of Kolhatkar
College, Jalgaon Jamod. He said that he
would be especially watching the progress
of Jigaon Project through his war room.
Located on the easternmost corner of
Maharashtra, Gadchiroli has been a fo-
cus area. Launching many agricultural,
industrial, defence and skill development
initiatives, it has aimed to bring the citi-
zens of the district into the mainstream.
On May 13, the Chief Minister performed
the groundbreaking ceremony of the recon-
struction and strengthening of Malguzari
tanks at Bamanpeth in Chamorshi taluka
of Gadchiroli. He appealed for increasing
the irrigation capacity through repairs
to Malguzari tanks and inaugurated the
manufacturing unit of Lloyd Steel in Gad-
chiroli, a first of its kind unit in the district.
WESTERN MAHARASHTRA
In Dhule, Khandesh on May 17, Chief
Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited Salve
village in Sindkheda taluka. He inspected
the nallah-deepening work achieved un-
der Jalyukta Shivar Yojana and inspected
Zilla Parishad digital schools and work on
horticulture project. He reviewed various
other works in the district.
On May 19, the Chief Minister inspected
the Jalyukta Shivar works being realised
through community labour at Kirkasal vil-
lage in Pune district of western Maharash-
tra and participated in a community labour
work. He said that crop system planning is
equally important as water planning.
For inspection of Jalyukta Shivar works
in Sangli, Chief Minister Devendra Fadna-
vis chose a lake at Agat in Miraj taluka
where de-sedimentation was carried out
through peoples participation. He recalled
the water management practice of Chha-
trapati Shivaji Maharaj. About 150 years
ago, the then administrator of Miraj, Shri-
mant Gangadharrao Patwardhan had con-
ceptualised the scheme to supply water for
Miraj City through Agat Lake. Presently,
the same lake is being de-sedimented.
Once the lake is fully functional, huge wa-
ter storage will be available to the people of
the city. The Chief Minister later reviewed
other developmental works in Miraj.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
next inspected the Jalyukta Shivar Yojana
works at Malegaon and Dongargaon vil-
lages in Sangola taluka of Solapur district.
Once a drought-affected taluka, Sangola
today is a success story when it comes to
water conservation through peoples par-
ticipation. A land of about 12 lakh hectares
in the taluka has been brought under se-
cured irrigation through the scheme. The
Chief Minister also inspected the homes
constructed under Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana in Sangli.
MARATHWADA
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spared
two days of his busy schedule to review de-
velopmental works at Latur, which faced
extreme drought conditions last year. On
May 24, he reviewed the developmental
A farm pond at Amravati
built under Jalyukta Shivar
Abhiyan
cially to make the water supply in Latur
works in the district and felicitated the of-
ficers who worked relentlessly to control
the ill effects of drought conditions, espe-
city more accessible. The Chief Minister is-
sued instructions to purchase pigeon peas
from the farmers of not only Latur, but en-
tire Marathwada and complete all works in
the district before June 20.
On May 25, the Chief Minister par-
ticipated in shramdaan (voluntary work)
organised at Halgara in Nilanga taluka
of Latur district. Under the scheme, deep-
ening of the 5 km long nallah in the area
saw removal of 2.5 lakh tonnes of sediment.
With the deepening, farmers are hopeful
of huge water storage during monsoon
this year. The Chief Minister participat-
ed in the shramdaan and had food with
the villagers during the visit. He also
inspected the Kolhapur dam at Aurad
Shahajani built by the Water Resources
Department. The work of conversion of
Kolhapur Dam at Aurad Shahajani to bar-
rage is going on.
On the whole, Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis is committed to Maharashtras
permanent freedom from drought. His
visit to the tiny villages of the State to see
the deepening of nallahs, wells, rivers and
lakes is part of this vision. He clearly does
not want to leave any stone unturned in
the path of Maharashtras water security
and empowerment.
Pravin Takey,
District Information Ofcer, Chandrapur
MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017 25
07/06/17 6:26 PM
 Taxation
GST

Indias
ture to be made by BMC after the abolition
of Octroi, which has been a major source of
The GST is a game changer. Investors revenue. The BMC generates `7,200 crore
annually from Octroi Duty and there was

biggest
will now be able to experience a
predictable tax regime... The GST Bill will
be of great help to a progressive State like
Maharashtra
Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister
strong demand by Shiv Sena and other po-
litical parties that the civic body will have
to be adequately compensated and that
necessary funds be transferred at the stip-
ulated time period.

tax reform The GST roll-out would entail no security

The State Government gears up
for the implementation of Goods &
Services Tax in the State from July
1, promising growth for one and all,
says Sanjay Jog
tic Product. The capital expenditure is set
Mumbai to grow by 17.1 per cent to `46,309 crore
security to against `39,714 crore in 2015-16.
be intact Notwithstanding the Centres decision
S peaking in
the State
Legislature, Finance
to withdraw currency notes of `500 and
`1,000 on November 8 last year, the rev-
Minister Sudhir enue receipts during April-December 2016
Mungantiwar made increased by 11.4 per cent to `1.40 lakh
it amply clear that crore. The per capita income has grown
Mumbais security by 11.4 per cent to `1,46,399 in 2015-16
is of paramount
threat to Mumbai. Vehicles entering the
metropolis will still be under watch and the
Government of Maharashtra would take
new steps to beef up security
Sudhir Mungantiwar, Finance Minister
mentation. Another 6,000 will be trained
in due course of time. Both the Chief Min-
ister and Finance Minister Sudhir Mun-
gantiwar allayed fears with regard to loss
of revenue by Indias richest civic body, the
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
and other municipal corporations after Oc-
troi Duty and Local Body Tax will be sub-
sumed in GST. The Maharashtra Goods
and Services (Compensation to Local Bod-
ies) Act, 2017 provides compensation for
their revenue loss. The compensation will
The Government has decided to take
2016-17 as the base year instead of 2015-
16 done by other States to calculate the
compensation under GST. However, the
Finance Minister has said that for 2017-18,
the revenues collected from various levies
till the GST is rolled out will be deducted
from the compensation amount. With pow-
er to levy taxes and fees on entertainment
and amusement to be transferred to the
civic bodies (from the State revenue depart-
ment), the Government has assured that a
specified amount that the State could have
collected from a municipal area from such
taxes and fees would also be deducted from
the compensation package.
Initially, there was no provision for
compensation for Octroi loss as the tax
prevails in Mumbai alone. However, the
State Government raised the demand in
the GST Council and the Centre agreed to

M
importance and against `1,32,341 in 2014-15. Maharash- be made every month on or before the 5th give compensation. We will ensure that all
there wont be any aharashtra is all set for the in- tra is second only to Karnataka, whose per and will increase at the rate of 8 per cent urban bodies are adequately compensated
compromise. Some troduction of Goods & Services capita income stands at `1,48,485. every year. Applicable from July 1, the and their financial independence is not
members feared Tax (GST) from July 1 after the This apart, Maharashtra continues to Concerns were raised with regard to GST will have an impact on
compromised, said the Finance Minister.
dining at restaurants and
that the GST roll-out unanimous passage of State be the favoured destination by attracting what will happen to the capital expendi- shopping at retail chains The assurance given by Devendra Fad-
would undermine
the citys security, as GST Bill and two other bills by the State 19,437 industrial proposals worth `11.37 navis and Sudhir Mungantiwar helped
vehicles entering the legislature during a special session held lakh crore between August 1991 and No- bring the Shiv Sena and opposition parties
city will not have to between May 20 and 22. Called a game vember 2016. Of these, 8,664 projects (44.6 on board for clearing the bill.
stop and face checks changer, the GST regime is expected to be per cent) with an investment of `2.69 lakh Although the Centre has assured com-
at borders after the
abolition of Octroi
a big milestone for Make in Maharashtra crore have been commissioned, while 2,107 pensation for five years, the State may not
duty. However, being actively pursued by Chief Minister projects worth `87,701 crore are under exe- need it as the Government can meet its tar-
Sudhir Mungantiwar Devendra Fadnavis. cution. The States share in industrial pro- gets in the next one year, Sudhir Mungan-
assured that the The shift to the GST regimes comes posals nationwide was 17.9 per cent and in tiwar opined.
vehicles entering against the backdrop of robust growth of investment 10 per cent. Moreover, the State Government
the city will still be
under watch and the
the economy and especially a two digit through an enactment has amended 11
Government would growth in the agriculture sector in 2016- GST to push growth acts, including Maharashtra Motor Ve-
take new steps to 17. According to the Economic Survey for The Chief Minister has clearly hinted that hicles Act, the Maharashtra State Tax on
beef up the security. 2016-17, the gross state domestic product the passage of GST Bill along with crucial Professionals and the Maharashtra En-
The Government (GSDP) surged by 9.4 per cent compared amendments incorporated by Maharashtra tertainment Tax and their sub sections to
hopes that the
uniform tax regime to 8.5 per cent in 2015-16. This rise was is a big leap forward towards one nation, delete existing rules to accommodate Ma-
will bring in greater largely due to a record 12.5 per cent growth one tax. GST will boost State economy and harashtra GST. The Union Revenue Secre-
fiscal discipline in agriculture, 10.2 per cent in electricity, push growth, he viewed. tary Hasmukh Adhia hopes that the prime
and greater gas, water supply and other utility ser- The Government is upgrading the infor- benefit of the GST regime is that India will
accountability and vices and 10.8 per cent in services. The mation technology backbone and has so far now become a common market. Now, the
transparency in tax
collection. State economy grew faster than 7.1 per trained around 5,100 staffers in the finance focus shifts on the proper implementation
cent growth in the national Gross Domes- department for work related to GST imple- of the tax reform.

26 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017 Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 27

26-27_GST.indd 26-27 07/06/17 5:31 PM

 INITIATIVE
WEATHER STATIONS
WEATHER
WATCH
Maharashtra gets its first
automatic weather station in
Nagpur. Under the newly launched
Mahavedh project, the State
will have over 2,000 stations with
1,000 coming up in June 2017,
says Jyoti Verma
I
n May, Chief Minister Deven-
dra Fadnavis inaugurated Maha-
rashtras first automatic weather
station (AWS) at Dongargaon in
Nagpur. An automated version of the tra-
ditional weather station, the AWS has
been put in place to help farmers and
take weather-related information to ev-
ery district of Maharashtra. The station is
the first from the planned 2,065 weather
stations across the State to be accomplished
through publicprivate partnership (PPP)
this year; 1,000 of these stations will be
up and running by June.
Minister for Agriculture Pandurang
Phundkar, Guardian Minister Chan-
drashekhar Bawankule, senior State Gov-
ernment officials and representatives of
weather forecast firm Skymet Weather Pri-
vate Ltdthe private player that is setting
up the weather stationswere present on
the occasion in Nagpur.
One of the unique projects of India,
these weather stations will measure wind
direction, wind speed, air temperature, rel-
ative humidity and amount of rainfall. The
information will be shared with farmers,
who can then manage sowing in a much
better and planned way as per the weather
conditions, said Devendra Fadnavis.
Information on weather conditions
across State districts will be available to
farmers on Mahavedh portal (short for
Maharashtra Agriculture Weather Infor-
28 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017
28-29_Mahaved.indd 28-29
Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis being explained
the process of weather data
collection in Nagpur. Minister
for Agriculture Pandurang
Phundkar and Guardian
Minister Chandrashekhar
Bawankule were also present
The Indian
Meteorological
Department
forecast is limited
to four zones.
However, the new
system of automatic
weather stations
will provide
forecast up to taluka
level. Around 1212
km area of the
taluka will have one
weather station.
Devendra Fadnavis
Chief Minister
mation Network) and mobile application
of Skymet. The Indian Meteorological De-
partment forecast is limited to four zones.
However, the new system of AWS will pro-
vide forecaste up to taluka level, said the
Chief Minister, adding, Around 1212 km
area of the taluka will have one AWS.
Elaborating on the project, the Chief
Minister said digital kiosks will be set
up in every Gram Panchayat to provide
weather information and expert advice on
crop pattern to farmers. In the first phase,
information will be shared through SMS.
In the second phase, all the Gram Pan-
chayats will get half-hourly information on
weather conditions.
With the help of Mahavedh, Maha-
rashtras agriculture department will get
real-time weather information every 10
minutes to help prevent agriculture dam-
age and raise production. The Chief Min-
ister also underlined the role of Jalyukta
Shivar Yojanathe water conservation
FUNCTIONS OF THE
WEATHER STATIONS
L
imited agricultural infrastructure, climate
variability, frequent natural calamities and
lack of financial services limit the potential of
agricultural development and farmer welfare in
the country. Weather conditions such as extreme
heat or unusual rainfall further reduce the crop
yield, making farming a difficult profession to be
in. The only solution, thus, is the knowledge of
weather conditions and their effects on farming.
1 The automated weather stations (AWS) will
be helpful to gather information on wind
direction, wind speed, air temperature, relative
humidity, rainfall, solar radiation, soil moisture,
leaf wetness, evapotranspiration, atmospheric
pressure, and better information for sowing in a
planned way as per weather conditions
2 During the first phase, the information will
be shared via SMS. In the second phase, half-
hourly updates will be provided to all the Gram
Panchayats. The stations would help farmers plan
and manage the sowing process better.
3 The private partner of the state Government in
the initiative is Skymet, Indias largest weather
monitoring and agri-risk solutions company. The
enterprise is an expert in measuring, predicting
and limiting climate risk to agriculture.
programme of the State Governmentin
helping villages increase their irrigation
4 The new automatic weather stations is a
breakthrough, as so far the IMD forecast was
limited to only four zones and not made available
potential. Due to increased irrigation, for
the first time, the agriculture growth rate
at the taluka level. The new weather stations will
provide forecast up to the taluka level.
has turned positive in Maharashtra in last
seven to eight years, he said.
5 Digital kiosks will be set up in every Gram
Panchayat to give out weather-related
information and expert advice on crop patterns.
Principal Secretary, Agriculture De-
partment, Bijay Kumar added that the de-
6 The State Government intends to use the
AWS data for better preparation for location-
specific agriculture advisories, better disaster
partment has proposed to develop advanced
weather and crop advisory system at Pune.
management, designing crop insurance schemes The data collected at the control room will
and for establishing a weather database bank. help in research and advisory. The depart-
ment will then alert farmers about heavy
rainfall, pest attack and other weather
conditions. The department has collected
mobile numbers of farmers to alert them
on their mobile phones, he said.
He further said the agriculture depart-
ment will run the project with the help of
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Therefore, IMD will display the data on-
line on its website. The agriculture depart-
ment will give a link of the display on its
website, he said.
Currently, there are 54 weather sta-
tions across Maharashtra that are run
by the IMD. With Mahavedh, the State
will have weather stations all over. Con-
sidering crop produce in India is largely
dependent on local weather conditions,
the invention of AWS has simplified the
process of documenting and analysing the
weather data.
MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017 29
07/06/17 5:33 PM
 AGRICULTURE
MOBILE APPS
FARMING IN THE ERA OF
E-TECHNOLOGY
New agrarian mobile applications aim at making farming easier
and assisting farmers with latest implements and technology
A
gricultural practices and advancements dif-
fer with weather conditions, crop require-
ments and knowledge of farmers. Inter-
estingly, all of these can be regulated by
technology today, thus presenting farmers the op-
portunity to reap better. The innumerable agri mo-
bile applications are installed in the phones and are
not only helping farmers transform farming, but also
beat weather vagaries in time.
SHETKARI MASIK: The app can be used
to download Shetkari Masik magazine and
can be read without Internet connectivity.
Published by Department of Agriculture,
Maharashtra, since 1965, it is one of the most popu-
lar monthly magazines in the agriculture sector.
MAHARAIN: Developed in-house by the State Ag-
riculture Department, this app is all set to provide
rainfall data, allowing farmers to chalk out their
cropping cycle. It will allow farmers to access data
seamlessly, and can be operated both offline and on-
line. It will also allow the agriculture officer to Geo
tag a field.
CROP CLINIC: The app is meant for farm-
ers, extension workers or any person seek-
ing information on agricultural pesticides.
They can register themselves directly
30 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017
30-31_Agri_App.indd 30-31
CROP INSURANCE: This app
helps to calculate insurance pre-
mium for notified crops based on
area, coverage amount and loan
amount in case of loanee farmer. It can
also be used to get details of normal sum
insured, extended sum insured, premium
details and subsidy information of any no-
tified crop in any notified area.
DIGITAL MANDI INDIA: Digi-
tal Mandi Application for Indian
Kisan is a unique web and cell
phone based multimodal agri-
culture commodity price retrieval system.
This service provides a registered farmer
alerts through SMS and/or voice on his mo-
bile about selected mandi rates of selected
crops.
PASHU POSHAN: National
Dairy Development Board
(NDDB) developed a mobile ap-
plication that recommends a bal-
anced diet for cows and buffaloes to help
boost dairy farmers income by raising milk forecast, agricul-
yield and cutting feed cost. The use of this
through Internet or SMS. Crop Clinic is an attempt application will boost milk output and in-
to help and educate farmers on using proper pesti- come of dairy farmers.
cides for their crop. It provides text/image-based crop
and pest selection, as well as a list of insecticides rec- COTTON (KAPUS): This app
ommended by agriculture scientists. provides an authentic source for
cotton cultivation for Marath-
MKISAN INDIA: The android app allows wada and useful information
farmers and all other stakeholders to ob- on package of practices of cotton such as
tain advisories and information being sent pest and disease management, fertiliser
by experts and government officials at dif- management, irrigation, critical growth
ferent levels through the mkisan portal without reg- stages etc. This app is useful for farm- OTHER APPS
istering on the portal. ers, extension workers, researchers, and
others.
PUSA KRISHI: This mobile app helps
Android App
farmers find easy solutions to their prob- IPM TOOLKIT: This app al-
lems. Farmers can get information about lows one to read news articles,
the weather and accordingly they can take view videos, download publica-
measures to save crops. It provides farmers with in- tions, and access pictures, which
formation related to new varieties of crops developed helps in adapting Integrated Pest Manage- Pedia App
by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), ment (IPM) practices to ones agricultural Live Mandi Prices
resource conserving cultivation practices, as well as operation. IPM is a sustainable approach
farm machinery. that helps farmers combine the use of
pest prevention, avoidance, monitoring
KISAN SUVIDHA: It is an omnibus mobile and pest suppression strategies, and mini-
app that provides farmers information on mising economic, health, and environmen-
weather of current day and the next five tal risks. NAFEF APP
days, dealers, market prices, agro adviso-
ries, plant protection, IPM Practices, etc., at the click KRISHI MITRA: The app has all informa- Krishi Mitr
of a button. tion regarding agriculture. It contains ag-
smart
technology
riculture news, helps the farmer enquire
about his lands documents, has search
results for most common information re-
quired by farmer, provides current weath-
er information and also forecast for the
next five days for users current location.
It also provides prices of the commodities
in APMC and has a list of phone numbers
and email ids of agriculture offices across
Karnataka.
HALAD LAGWAD: This app is
developed for Vasantrao Naik
Marathwada Krushi Vidhyapith,
IFFCO KISAN Parbhani. It gives complete de-
The most popular
app for the farm- tails about turmeric cultivation, processing
ing community, it and its technologies, and is useful applica-
helps the farmer tion for farmers of Marathwada..
make informed
decisions by
accessing cus- PLANT NUTRITION: This app
tomised agricul- gives information about Plant
tural information Nutrition and elements present
related to their
need. It provides in the soil fertilisers used for
the latest mandi the plants. It helps to define and discuss
prices, weather plant nutrition and explore how plants
uptake nutrients; identify different modes
tural advisory,
best practices of plant nutrition; differentiate between
tips related to micronutrients and macronutrients in
farming, ani- terms of amounts required by plants and
mal husbandry, appreciate their physiological importance
horticulture, a
buyer and seller and others.
platform, all agri
news and Govern- CITRUS CULTIVATION: The
ment schemes.
Citrus ID Key is primarily in-
tended to help people working or
conducting pest surveys in cit-
rus orchards, variety collections, and home
gardens, so its focus is limited exclusively
Kisaan Helpline
to the citrus family (Rutaceae).
Gramoday
SHEKRU: It is a free smart-
phone application in both
Bazar Ke Bhav
English and Marathi that pro-
Krishi Gyan App
vides access to educational,
Farm-o-
skill development and financial resources
in agriculture. It lists agriculture-rel-
evant events, schemes and voices. The
Mpower Social type of events listed in Shekru range
eNAM App from training to field demonstrations to
AgriSync agricultural tours, the schemes range
Agmobile from subsidies to insurance and awards
Kisan Market among others, and voices in the form of
interviews, reports and discussions from
RML Farmer- farmers, scientists, thought leaders, poli-
cy makers, bureaucrats and other related
Agri Live App organisations.
MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017 31
07/06/17 5:33 PM
 MahaRera
maharera
A key to your property
problems
With tenets of trust, transparency and accountability, the Real Estate (Regulation and
Development) Act 2016 seeks to bring clarity and fair practices to the sector, says Ishaan Singh
T
he Centre has enacted the Real
Estate (Regulation and Develop-
ment) Act 2016 (RERA) and all
the sections of the Act came into
force with effect from May 1, 2017. The key
objectives of the Act are ensuring trans-
parency and efficiency in the real estate
sector in regard to sale of plot, apartment,
building or real estate project, protecting
the interests of consumers in the real es-
tate sector, establishing an adjudicating
mechanism for speedy dispute redressal,
and establishing the Appellate Tribunal to
hear appeals from the decisions, directions
or orders of the Real Estate Regulatory
Authority.
RERA as a policy measure has the po-
32 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
32-33_Maha_Rera.indd 32-33
salient points
n Maharashtra Real Estate
Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA),
established under the Real Estate
(Regulation and Development) Act,
2016 started functioning from May
1, 2017, Maharashtra Day.
n MahaRERA will regulate and
promote the real estate sector in
Maharashtra, ensure transparency
and efficiency in real estate
transactions, protect interests
of consumers and establish an
adjudicating mechanism for speedy
dispute redressal.
n Every real estate developer has
to register both new and ongoing
projects with MahaRERA to sell
apartments in the open market.
n While registering, the promoter
has to make full disclosure regarding
the real estate project.
n Advertisements
about real
estate projects
must carry
MahaRERA
unique
registration number. Advertised
details can be checked on https://
maharera.mahaonline.gov.in
n Real estate buyers can search
projects as per location, or name of
promoter or type of apartment and
others on MahaRERA website.
n The buyer can check documents
like sanctioned project plan, layout
plan, building plan, commencement
certificate, apartment specifications,
amenities, plan of development
works in the layout, proformas of
allotment letter, agreement for sale
tential to revive the sector. One of the
most prominent features of RERA is that it
makes mandatory for a State to establish
a State Real Estate Regulator Authority.
This regulator will govern both residen-
tial and commercial real estate transac-
tions, thus improving the governance hold
on the real estate sector reducing disputes
and making the system more transparent.
Another rule that homebuyers cheer is the
escrow account provision.
Under this Act, the Government of Ma-
harashtra had established the Maharash-
tra Real Estate Regulatory Act, 2016 (Ma-
haRERA) on March 8 for regulation and
promotion of the real estate sector in the
State, with its headquarters in Mumbai.
The State Government also promulgated
rules for registration of real estate projects,
registration of real estate agents, rates of
and conveyance deed. interest and disclosures on website, ap-
n 70 per cent of the funds collected pointment and service conditions of officers
from allottees need to be deposited and employees, recovery of interest, pen-
in Separate project Account. alty, compensation, fine payable, forms of
Withdrawals to be certified by an
complaints and appeal, appointment and
Engineer, Architect and CA.
n The Separate Project Account of
service conditions of Maharashtra Real Es-
real estate developers to be audited tate Appellate Tribunal Officers and form
annually; copy to be put up on of Annual Statement of Accounts and An-
MahaRERA website. nual Report.
n Quarterly update of website with MahaRERA will make things easy
details such as unsold inventory and and there is nothing to fear for those who
pending approvals.
follow the law, said
n Sale agreements as per model
form. Increased assertion on the Gautam Chatterji,
timely completion of projects and Housing Regulator,
delivery to the customer. WE should all Maharashtra speak-
n The promoter has to take proper be proud that the ing at a workshop
consent from buyers in case of State has been on RERA Rules and
change in the layout plans or any first to notify and
implement the Act. Regulations organ-
alteration of
the proposed All dealings in the ised by CREDAI-Ma-
project. real estate are to harashtra.
be done online. Explaining the
n Developers
We have adopted
to share details the policy of zero salient features of
of projects footfall-zero paper. MahaRERA, Chat-
launched in The MahaRERA will terji said, Maha-
last five years bring transparency
and discipline. It
rashtra has been
with status and
reason for delay. will bring trust always a pioneer
n If buyers feel that promoters have between the State in the housing
developers and sector. We should
given false information they can
their customers. We
approach MahaRERA for speedy are only a medium all be proud that the
redressal and compensation. of building this State has been the
n Defect liability period of 5 years relationship of trust. first to notify and
for structural defects, defect in Gautam Chatterji implement the Act.
workmanship, quality or provision Housing regulator
of services or other obligations. All dealings in real
n The Act has a provision for interest estate are to be done
towards delay in delivery of the online. We have ad-
apartment in the project. opted the policy of zero footfall-zero paper.
The MahaRERA will bring transparency
and discipline. It will bring trust between
the developers and their customers. We are
only a medium of building this relationship
of trust. We will try in every possible way
to help the builders.
He advised the developers to be truth-
ful with the information they are provid-
ing. You should own up and ensure that
correct information is fed. All parts of the
State, regardless of rural or urban, will fall
under the jurisdiction of MahaRERA. You
will be responsible for the wrong informa-
tion, hence those outsourcing the task of
registering their projects on the MahaRE-
RA website should be careful to check the
data, he said.
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 33
07/06/17 5:35 PM
 transform
maharashtra
The Government of Maharashtra
conducts a State-wide competition
of college students to have solutions
to 11 socio-economic challenges
faced by the State. With suggestions
pouring in on grave issues like
drought, corruption and urban
poverty, Maharashtra is set to see
a new wave of innovative solutions
and youth participation, says
Pallavi Singh
fresh ideas
bright
future
T
aking a leaf from Prime Minister
Narendra Modis concept of a New
India, Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis launched an initiative
to lay the foundation of a new Maharastra.
To encourage inclusive governance and en-
gage youth in the States development, in
December 2016 he launched a State-wide
competition of college students, Transform
Maharashtra to invite solutions to the 11
socio-economic challenges faced by the
State and create a roadmap for developed
Maharashtra by 2025.
Transform Maharashtra is a platform
through which a new Maharashtra will
be created. Todays youth power is going
to provide a boost for creating a new Ma-
harashtra. While doing this, development
and progress of all sections of society will
be achieved. Maharashtra will have a lions
share in creating a new India, declared
Devendra Fadnavis.
More than 35 per cent of the population
in Maharashtra are in the 16-35 age group,
fresh with ideas and suggestions, which can
be tapped for the betterment of the State.
34 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
34-36_Transformation.indd 34-35
The move aims to leverage the intellect and
energy of this segment. Several good ideas
have been generated at the event, and to
take them forward, a committee head-
ed by a Cabinet Minister will be formed.
This is just the beginning, we would like
more participation of youth in our policy
making process, said the Chief Minister.
The day-long conclave in Mumbai gave
students the opportunity to interact with
Todays eminent personalities, including noted in-
youth power is dustrialist Ratan Tata, Command Head of
going to provide the Army Major General Anuj Mathur, and
a boost for
creating a new actor Akshay Kumar.
Maharashtra. An exhibition was held at the venue
With this, that included the model of an indigenous
development and aircraft developed by Captain Amol Yadav
progress of all
sections of society and exhibits by other youngsters. Booths
will be achieved. and stalls showcasing projects by various
Maharashtra will departments were also on display.
have a lions share
in creating a new
India. Youth to provide solutions
Devendra Fadnavis The Transform Maharashtra conference
Chief Minister
was organised at the National Sports Club
of India at Worli in Mumbai to commemo-
rate Maharashtras foundation day. On the
States 57th foundation day, the Govern-
ment aimed at finding solutions to some of
its critical problems such as drought and
corruption through marathon brainstorm-
ing sessions. The objective was to increase
youths participation in governance and
seek solutions to 11 critical challenges
faced by the State across economic, educa-
tion and agriculture sectors.
The initiative received about 2,500
entries from 11,500 students, who had
formed groups of six. As many as 6 lakh
students posted their suggestions online.
About 8,000 students presented their
ideas at the conclave. Groups were short-
listed through a screening mechanism. A
panel of judges selected the best solution
to each of the 11 problems and presented
the suggestions before the Chief Minister.
The State Government is committed to
implement the best solutions for Maha-
rashtra. The groups that came out with the
best solutions were awarded by the Chief
Minister.
Empowering the urban poor, making
Maharashtra drought free, bridging the
Transform
Maharashtra
Themes and process
T
ransform Maharashtra invited ideas on var-
ied themes of Invisible citizens: Empower-
ing the Urban Poor, Jai Kisan: Drought-free
Maharashtra, Leap of faith: Bridging the digital
divide, Launchpad: Start-up Maharashtra, Smart
& Smarter: Development of sustainable & live-
able cities, Connect the dots: Improving mobility
in cities, Clean Slate: Swachh Maharashtra,
Looking Glass: Zero Corruption Maharashtra, By
the People: Citizen Engagement in Governance,
Balancing the scales: Expediting justice through
technology, and Moulding the future: Reforming
Rural Education.
The State Government made a dedicated
website for the initiative, providing every kind
of information required by the colleges and
students. Any registered college student, over 15
years of age, as of January 1, 2017, was eligible
to participate. The panel of judges had experts
like geologist Dr. Narayan Pethkar, digital literacy
and digital access expert Osama Manzar, CEO,
NASSCOM Foundation Shrikant Sinha, National
Entrepreneurship Networks Ronald Fernandez,
venture investor Anand Lunia, urban drainage
and flood management Dr Kapil Gupta, econo-
mist and researcher Vaidehi Tandel, founder of
Shuddhi Saurabh Gupta, Co-founder-SWACH
Malati Gadgil and constitutional law expert
Rama Nath Jha.
Chief Minister Devendra digital divide, promoting start-ups, de-
Fadnavis addressing the
Transform Maharashtra
veloping sustainable and liveable cities,
conclave in Mumbai creating a clean Maharashtra, improving
mobility in cities, bringing about a zero-
corruption State, engaging citizens in gov-
ernance, expediting justice through tech-
nology and reforming rural education were
some of the issues addressed by the Chief
Minister.
We have to
stress on a strong sanitation, an opportunity
ecosystem to bring Building one toilet every 2 km is how the
investments in Maharashtra Government plans to tackle
start-ups. In the
US, a nation that the problem of open defecation. Respond-
has seen a start- ing to actor Akshay Kumar at the conclave,
up boom, there Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the
are centres at
State would construct an adequate number
Massachusetts
and California. We of toilets and geo-tag them. This means cit-
have to ensure that izens will soon be able to find the nearest
there are one to toilet through a mobile application.
two strong centres.
Mumbai can be one Earlier, Akshay Kumar had said that
in Maharashtra. a lot of people across the State, especially
Ratan Tata women, are facing inconvenience due to
Chairman, Tata Trusts
lack of toilets. Earlier, phone booths were
built at fixed distances across the State.
We could have toilet booths built on simi-
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 35
07/06/17 6:50 PM
 transform
maharashtra

pense cash in return. Another impressive

star performer idea that the Chief Minister immediately
Indian institute of technology BOMBAY picked was the spatial decision support
system (SDSS) programme suggested by

T
ransform Maharashtra was
launched by Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis during
Mood Indigo Festival in IIT Bombay
in December 2016. The solutions
received from students at transform
Maharashtra were judged for two
exclusive categoriesJudges Choice
and Popular Choice. For the first
category, industry experts of varied
sectors (for picking best ideas of
different themes) were brought on
board. The winners of the second
category (specific for each theme)
were selected on the basis of the
online voting that created quite a
buzz on the internet with more than
6 lakh votes. The best performer
was Indian Institute of Technology-
Bombay that won four awards:
n First Prize: Jai Kisan: Drought-
Free Maharashtra
n Second Prize: Clean Slate:
Swachh Maharashtra
n Second Prize: Smart &
Smarter: Development of
sustainable and liveable cities
n Second Prize: By the
people: Citizen engagement in
governance (Judges Choice)
the Indian Institute of Technology, Bom-
bay. The Chief Minister plans to include
the system in States flagship water con-
servation programme Jalyukta Shivar to
make Maharashtra drought free.
Though innovative and path-breaking,
many of the proposed solutions were not
feasible to implement in the current state
of affairs. For instance, for a corruption-
free Maharashtra, students of VJTI Col-
lege suggested 16 parameters to assess ca-
pabilities of the contractors participating
in the tendering process.
Another group of students from Col-
lege of Engineering, Pune, while present-
ing a solution for improving urban mobil-
ity, suggested integrated ticketing system
through smart cards that can also be used
for parking vehicles. The Chief Minister
asked them to come out with a model of
revenue distribution that should be based
on actual use of the transportation mode
by the commuters. To make the students
solutions workable, Devendra Fadnavis
said a committee of ministers, senior of-
ficers and students will be formed in the
next six months.

the way forward

lar lines so that people wont have to suffer
anymore, said Akshay Kumar. The actor
suggested a mobile application that could
help people locate the nearest toilet.
The Chief Minister congratulated the
actor on his fitness and requested him to
share his fitness mantra with the youth
present. The 49-year-old actor did not dis-
appoint. What works wonders for him is
not eating after sundown, as metabolism
slows down when one is asleep.
Innovative ideas galore
Transform Maharashtra was one hub of
ideas. The conclave saw dozens of fresh
solutions for grave issues such as drought
and corruption by college students. One
suggestion, for instance, on ways to tackle
waste was a reverse vending machine that
collects plastic, glass and cans and dis-
Speaking at the conclave in Mumbai, Chief
Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the pro-
cess of transformation has transcended
beyond politics and corporate sector to di-
verse sectors and segments. He said, the
State Government will soon come up with
I hope every a comprehensive start-up policy. Pune
State does
something will be the main start-up hub of Maharash-
like Transform tra and would be linked with pathways to
Maharashtra all connect to cities and towns across Maha-
the time because
it is the youth that rashtra.
come out with Chairman Tata Trusts Ratan Tata
the best ideas... I stressed on a strong ecosystem to bring in-
congratulate each vestments in start-ups with strong centres
one of you, and
the Chief Minister and pathways. In the US, a nation that has
to have such a seen a start-up boom, there are centres at
great idea to bring Massachusetts and California. We have
youth together. to ensure that there are one to two strong
I hope every six
months we have centres. Mumbai can be one of them in Ma-
ideas from you harashtra, said Tata, adding, If I were 20
Akshay Kumar, Actor years younger, I would have loved to sa-
vour the new age India and Maharashtra.
Our Chief Minister is doing a good job.

36 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017

34-36_Transformation.indd 36 07/06/17 6:50 PM

 Digital
School Education
Schools in digital mode
Maharashtras new school education campaign focuses on experiential learning and
aims to become a game-changer in the field
A teacher educating
children with newer
methods in a digital school
in Maharashtra
37_Digital_School.indd 37
I
n the truest sense of the word the
winds of education have started to flow
with vigour in Zilla Parishad schools
of Maharashtra. The change has been
visible due to the Advanced Educational
Maharashtra campaign of the State Gov-
ernment. The schools have moved on from
rudimentary to become digital. The objec-
tive is that the child acquires knowledge
with newer methods such as composition,
action-based teaching methodology, mobile
digital schools and other innovative con-
cepts. Given the transformation, the atti-
tude of parents to look down on Zilla Pari-
shad schools has begun to change.
Through its Education Department, the
State Government is implementing various
schemes to make the quality of education
better. On June 22, 2015, a 22-page Gov-
ernment Resolution Advanced Education-
al Maharashtra came into being with the
efforts of Chief Minister Devendra Fadna-
vis, Education Minister Vinod Tawde and
Secretary (Education) Nandkumar. With
the underlying principle that every child
must learn, the campaign has become an
educational bridge between the various
stakeholders in the childs learning pro-
cessschool, society, teacher and students.
At the beginning of the campaign, Sec-
retary (Education) Nandkumar explained
the campaign to officers at the district lev-
el and laid down instructions for them to
follow. The earlier model of education laid
emphasis on books. In the last one year,
students have started to express what they
have learnt through a variety of education-
al discussions. The students now enjoy go-
ing to school.
Effective use of social media
Social media has played a key role not only
in promoting the campaign, but also in en-
suring its success. Nandkumar participat-
ed in various social groups of teachers and
helped and guided them to tide over diffi-
culties. Currently, there are various educa-
tional groups on WhatsApp. The platform
also helps to spread the innovative initia-
tives by students through these groups.
Santosh Musale, Assistant Teacher,
ZP Primary School, Gundewadi, Jalna
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 37
07/06/17 5:30 PM
 smart
Village
Malegaon gets a
makeover
T
This village of Sinnar taluka of Nashik district he people of Malegaon, a village in
the Nashik district, have made im-
is making fast moves to become a developed, mense efforts to make their village
connected, clean and green village, inspiring many smart, as advised by Sant Tukdo-
other villages in the country to get amenities and ji Maharaj. Every corner of this village in
Sinnar taluka conveys the sincere belief of
comfort like bigger cities and presenting a solution to its people for development and unity. It is
the problem of migration
for this reason that Malegaon has received
many awards and accolades. It was recent-
ly felicitated by Guardian Minister Girish
Mahajan with an award of `10 lakh under
Smart Gram Yojana.
Led by the belief that Goddess of
Wealth, Laxmi enters a house only if it is
clean, the people of Malegaon embarked on
a journey to make the village more beau-
tiful than a city. Guidance from former
Sarpanch Tukaram Sangle and the then
Village Development Officer Sanjay Giri
together with the unity and support of resi-
dents helped in changing the face of the vil-
lage for the better. Sarpanch Anil Avhad,
his team mates and Village Development
Officer Kailas Waghchoure have taken
their efforts forward and brought about
comprehensive development of the village,
(From top) A newly constructed road; and an Aanganwadi in Malegaon making it smart.
38 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
38-39_Malegaon.indd 38-39
success story
Smart gram panchayat
n The Gram Panchayat building of Malegaon is
beautiful, well-equipped and computerised.
n For keeping a watch on the incidents of the
village, a CCTV camera has been put up.
n An LED screen at the entrance provides
information about various activities.
n A 2 KW solar grid tie system supplies
electricity to the entire building.
n There is a facility of providing information
to people about taxes, Wi-Fi system and
biometric attendance
rural transformation
n Malegaon has won various awards
n Biogas appliances have been given to ten
citizens.
n There is a fixed deposit scheme (`10,000) for
the second girl child born in the family.
n The village has a weather bureau for farmers
to provide information through phones.
n Malegaon has free crushing of grains for
citizens who pay their house and water taxes.
n There is free insurance for women under
Prime Minister Suraksha Bima Yojana and
Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
n The village has recently got a study room
n Stalls were distributed to the handicapped
and walking sticks to the elderly.
n A residential campus for the staff and a green
gym has also being built.
Green and clean
With the village population pegged at just
7,000, Malegaon has more than 15,000
trees. Arrangements have been made to
water the plants through drip irrigation.
You will find cleanliness wherever you
move in the village. Concrete roads, trees
on both sides and benches to sit add to the
beauty. Ghantagadi has been arranged for
collecting waste, which is regularly taken
to the waste depot. Cloth bags have been
distributed to shopkeepers so as to make
the village plastic free. Underground sew-
age work is being carried out at the village.
The efforts have led Malegaon being cho-
sen for the district-level Sant Gadgebaba
Village Cleanliness Award this year.
Education and other facilities
The Gram Panchayat has constructed a
Zilla Parishad School where education
is imparted through e-learning software.
Five Aanganwadis have also been built.
Laptops have been distributed to daugh-
ters of widows, handicapped and destitute
women. Arrangements have been made to
make available sanitary napkins through
(From left) A beneficiary of machines at schools and at Aanganwadis.
the fixed deposit scheme for
the girl child; and a bank in A mineral water project has been ini-
Malegaon tiated at the Gram Panchayat building.
Through digital cards, 20 litres water is
made available at `5. The impure water is
used for trees. A water-measuring instru-
ment is put up while giving a tap connec-
tion. A computerised bill is given to indi-
cate water consumption. For this, a GIS
mapping water bill software is used. Every
family has been provided a 20 litre jar for
water and a dustbin for collecting waste.
Gharkul under Dalit Wasti Sudhar Yo-
jana, Paver blocks and arrangements for
the roads, a public well and water tank for
washing clothes have been constructed.
The village is free from open defecation
and along with individual toilets, 127 pub-
lic toilets have been built in the village.
The villagers A vacuum cleaner suction machine is
make concerted
efforts in order to used for evacuation of sediments from the
bring the name safety tank. While undertaking water con-
of the village servation, 10,000 cubic meters of sediment
to the State
level. Everyone was taken out from the village lake.
contributes to the As says Sant Tukdoji Maharaj in chap-
implementation ter 13 of Gramgeeta,
of any new Sarvangeen asaavi graam rachana |
development
concept. It is Manoranjanaa sahit puravaavya bhawana |
with this that Jenekaroon graam vaasiyaana |
the development Aathava na ye shaharaacha ||95||
of the village is
accelerated through The verse means that the whole struc-
good decisions. ture of the village should be planned keep-
Every citizen ing in mind all aspects of human and ru-
of the village ral development. Due consideration must
is proud of the
development works be given to recreation, and in no way vil-
in Malegaon lagers should miss the convenience of the
Tukaram Sangle cities. Malegaon embodies the message
Former Sarpanch
brilliantly.
Dr. Kiran Moghe,
District Information Officer, Nashik
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 39
07/06/17 6:50 PM
 tourism
Landmark
Indias own
Hay-on-Wye
Mahabaleshwars Bhilar has become the countrys
first village of books. The picturesque village now has
another reason besides tasty strawberries for tourists
to visit, says Mrudula Varaskar
A
backdrop of pictur-
esque hills, the moun-
tain mist tickling your
nose, a burst of lus-
cious strawberries filling your
mouth as you flip the pages of
your favourite books! This is
how your next weekend get-
away will be if you head to Ma-
habaleshwars Bhilar village for
a unique reading experience.
Already popular for its straw-
berries, the village has opened
a new chapter in the tourism
40 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
40-41_Bhillar.indd 40-41
With persistent efforts of the Govern-
ment and its various agencies in past two
years, the village of books is finally born!
State Government officials and many vol-
unteers worked relentlessly on various
aspects such as finalising the location, get-
ting approvals from the villagers, selecting
and purchasing the books and furniture
for the project, preparing the homes for
the projects, among other. Bhilars choice
for the project seems quite apt, as it is al-
ready a popular tourist destination. The
Government and villagers hope that even
if a small percentage of a tourist footfall
(about 40 lakh, as per a local estimate) of
Mahabaleshwar turns to Bhilar, it can still
be a big number. The project is expected to
boost tourism, help in inculcating reading
habits and introduce people to the treasure
of Marathi literature.
Though many villagers are not very
educated, their enthusiasm and whole-
hearted support to the project is truly com-
mendable. Nandan Sahastrabuddhe, a
Panchgani resident and a voracious reader,
elaborates, I am amazed at the scale of the
project and also impressed with the service
that the villagers are offering to guests. If a
particular book is not available, they take
efforts to note the contact details, source
the book and notify you.
About 25 houses have been turned into
sector by becoming Indias first
village of books and first after
Britains Hay-on-Wye.
Conceptualised by Culture
and Education Minister Vinod
Tawde and inaugurated by
Chief Minister Devendra Fad-
navis, Bhilar has set a prece-
dent of sorts. It is indeed a great
initiative by the State Govern-
ment to encourage the culture
and habit of reading, especially
among the youth who seem to
have lost interest in reading.
Leaders speak
Earlier , Bhilar was known Indias first village of books
for strawberries, but it now or Pustakache Gav at Bhilar will
has a new identity as village of soon be a holiday destination,
books. It is due to the support and promoting Maharashtras reading
efforts of its people. I am sure no culture. It was my dream that was
tourist visiting Mahabaleshwar fulfilled by the relentless efforts
or Panchgani will leave without of many. Now, efforts will be
visiting Bhilar. If authors, poets towards securing UNESCOs
and publishers come forward to Book Capital status for
hold literary, publishing and other Pustakache Gav at Bhilar,
events, it will help in making it a ensuring global recognition to
continuous reading movement. this village.
Devendra Fadnavis, Vinod Tawde,
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Minister for Culture and Education
mini-libraries. The books are categorised
in travel, spirituality, folk literature, na-
ture, history, environment and sports.
Each house has been given a dedicated
genre and exteriors are painted with
theme-based drawings. Every house has
a stock of at least 400-500 books on the
topic. The excitement and buzz in Bhilar
is such that crates that carry strawberries
now also stock books. Some houses also of-
fer refreshments and meals on request. As
a local businessman Mangesh Upadhyay
puts it, Villagers have willingly given
their drawing rooms for the project. It is
no longer a dream project of only the State
Government, but now belongs to everyone. (Clockwise from below) Bhilar has houses themed on genres of books; a signage in the village;
and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis giving award to a Bhilar resident in the presence of Culture
Every person involved in it, wants it to be-
and Education Minister Vinod Tawde and other dignitaries
come a successful endeavour.
Books are not only available
in few village homes, but also
in the public places. Even tem-
ples have partly converted into
reading corners, stocking the
collection of social reformers
and saint-poets like Tukaram,
Eknath and Dyaneshwar. The
Government plans to make the
project an ongoing activity and
host workshops on how and
what to read, the list of must-
have books, how to write fiction
and other topics. There will be
training programmes on top-
ics pertaining to publishing,
and seminars, interactions and
reading sessions with authors
and poets. Special programmes
are being planned for Diwali
and Christmas vacations and
for hosting literary festivals.
village of books
It is a great concept and it will
catch up surely but gradually. I
believe that good books and good
friends shape up our lives. My
father, Professor D. M. Mirasadar
wrote over 3,000 books on various
genres. On his 90th anniversary,
I decided to give his 90 books to
90 schools. For Bhilar, I chose a
set of 90-100 books on different
genres. I believe people should
also donate books.
Sunetra Ravindra Mankani,
Copywriter, Partner, Raviraj Publicity
In the second phase, the
books that have won Sahitya
Academy Puraskar from other
regional languages will be add-
ed. English books are expected
to be added shortly. Appeals
have been made by the Gov-
ernment to writers, publishers
and others to help make Bhilar
the literature capital of Maha-
rashtra.
To make Bhilar a complete
tourist experience, there are
selfie points for youth and vari-
ous mementos such as artificial
rangolis, agarbattis, perfumes,
attars and teddy bears made
by women farmers. These prod-
ucts will be additional earning
opportunities for the ladies. In
short, Bhilar is set to write its
own success story. This one is
for the books!
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 41
07/06/17 6:49 PM
 Cyber
Security
awareness,
first
priority
In case of cyber crime, nothing is too
small. Pay caution to every detail and
keep relevant information to yourself
to avoid becoming a victim, advises
Adv. Prashant Mali
T
he rising cases of cyber-crimes re-
ported globally are putting people
in jeopardy. Unfortunately, the
poor and illiterate people are at
the receiving end in most of these crimes.
In case of a financial cyber crime, not only
ones financial condition is disturbed, but
also ones psychological state. There are in-
cidents where lives of family members are
lost owing to cybercrimes and people end
up with mental disorders like depression.
Generally, if an offense is committed,
the victim gets sympathy. However, in
case of a cyber crime, one may not be called
completely innocent. Often, owing to ones
carelessness or ignorance such as using old
passwords, sharing passwords with others,
using the same password again and again,
writing the password somewhere and other
such irresponsible acts, one falls in the trap
of cyber criminals. Even at the workplace,
people share their social media password,
user name with their secretary, office staff
and colleagues, giving them total control of
their virtual existence. For these reasons
experts advise people to not allow others
to use their mobile phones. Often while do-
ing online banking, by mistake we click on
phishing web links. In response, when a
fake web page asks for our account infor-
mation, we conveniently oblige. If you re-
ally want to beat cyber criminals at their
game, focus on prevention and being in
control of your data.
Now, almost everyone uses social net-
working website Facebook. People have
42 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
42-43_Cyber-Security.indd 42-43
the habit of sharing their whole life on
the site. They share their location, travel
plans, the song they like currently and the
movie they are going to watch in the eve-
ning. Some of us even share our height,
weight and food choices on Facebook. Have
we ever wondered how this good practice of
sharing can lead to problems?
A cyber crime
happens due To evade these challenges that crop
to societys
ignorance and up not only due to human errors, but
negligence. also because of system errors, here
Once there is are some dos and donts:
1
awareness, a Avoid sharing photos of you and your
cyber-safe society
can be formed. family members on Facebook.
People in every
home and office,
must try to know
2 Do not share exact information of your
travel plans. What if you share your
travel information on social media and
more about cyber someonemay be a person in your friends
security. Share
the information listexploits this information and try to
you have sneak into your house? This is not impossi-
gathered with ble, as there are cases like these reported.
3
others in your You should make a rule that whose
circle friend request you should accept on
Facebook. If an overseas person sends a
friend request, you should go to that per-
sons profile and check out his/her friend
list and see how many people are in it. If
you are the only person in her/his friend
list, then you should know that it is a trap.
Sometimes, it may also happen that the
overseas person can have all Indian resi-
dent friends, giving you a clear hint that
the concerned profile is a trap. Adding un-
known people in your friend list is not just
harmful to you, but also to people already
in your friend list.
4 Do not try to search bride or groom on
Facebook. There have been many cas-
es where people were targeted because of
this search. A persons relationship status
gives a lot of information to others; one can
even speculate a persons emotional status
through this. Its a technique of cyber crim-
inals to take advantage of the weakness or
secrets of others.
If you are searching your life partner
on a matrimonial site, then it is impor-
tant to take care of these points:
1 If you are a user of a matrimonial site
where your mobile number is featured
and someone sends a friends request to
your WhatsApp, do not accept the request
without meeting his/her in person.
2 2
Please do not go alone to meet an inter-
est from the matrimonial site. Always
go with a friend or parents. Also, do not
open your entire life in front of the person
whom you are meeting for the first time.
3 If somebody from the matrimonial site
wants to send you gifts, then do not get
tempted, especially if the person is a for-
eigner. There have been cases where many
Online
Safety
women lost lakhs of rupees only to get cus-
tody of gift from overseas. In one case, the
person has given `60 lakh for custom duty
and other illegal procedures by selling his
own flat.
4 Before doing any financial transaction
on matrimonial websites, read cases
where people got conned by cyber criminals
through these sites. Do not do any finan-
Points to cial activity with strangers on any social
Remember media or matrimonial site.
l A way to obtain
sensitive informa-
tion such as ones
Most financial transactions happen on
online banking platform. Online bank-
username,
password, bank ac- ing is also vulnerable if you do not
count number and take care of few things. Cyber crimes
credit card details related to online banking are not re-
is phishing. ally difficult to avoid if you follow the
l To beat cyber following points:
1
criminals at their Phishing is an attempt to obtain sen-
game, focus on sitive information such as usernames,
prevention and passwords, bank account numbers and
being in control
credit card details. Cyber criminals send
of your data and
every basic detail link fake page similar to ones bank web-
of your life.
l Do not try to
site. One click on the link diverts you to
a fake page that asks your bank account
information, and shortly, ones account bal-
search bride or
groom on Face- ance gets swapped. To get rid of phishing,
book. There have always open browser in incognito mode.
been many cases Bookmark your banks website on your
where people were browser. Every time you click on book-
targeted because
of this search.
mark website, see whether it shows the
https and locks sign. The bank never asks
l As long as you are
not technologically for your personal information; in case it
compatible with
mobile banking,
avoid using phone
asks for the information, think hundred
times before giving it. If you have any
doubt, do visit your bank.
3
banking. As long as you are not technologi-
cally compatible with mobile banking,
avoid using phone banking. Its advisable
to avoid all incoming calls from banks. If
you are sharing a phone with other family
members, then do not even download the
mobile banking app. Avoid mobile banking
till the time you dont get enough informa-
tion about fraud and technological crimes
and gain confidence to handle it.
A cyber crime happens due to societys
ignorance and negligence. Once there is
awareness, a cyber-safe society can be
formed. Share the information you have
gathered with others in your circle. The
network of cyber crime can only be broken
if we all act against it, together.
The writer is a cyber-security and
cyber law expert
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 43
07/06/17 5:36 PM
 Dialogue
Chief Minister
In the episode of the show Mi
Mukhyamantri Boltoye, Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis addresses
students and underlines the immense
opportunities available to them. He
advises them to understand their duty
towards India and give back to society to
build a strong Maharashtra
C
hief Minister Devendra Fadnavis estab-
lished a dialogue with the students of Ma-
harashtra in the show Mi Mukhyamantri
Boltoye, an initiative of Directorate General
of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR). The
discussion on Improvements in Education Sector for
Students led to questions related to education, the
role of Maharashtra in the sector, research in edu-
cation and challenges. Here is an edited excerpt of
the dialogue that was broadcast by Sahyadri, Zee 24
Taas, Zee Marathi, Sam and Akashwani channels.
Bright future guaranteed
Education carries you from ignorance to knowledge.
44 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
44-48_MUKHYA_MANTRI.indd 44-45
All schools
to go
digital
The intellect gets intense and crafts a bright future.
With a heritage of prosperity, the progress made
by Maharashtra in the educational sector has been
definitely admirable. With the passage of time and a
changing era of information technology, the sector is
also facing many challenges.
Many times when a proper study is undertaken
of the questions, issues and challenges before us, we
receive many answers. Education is eminently im-
portant both for success and development. In the
last two years, Maharashtra has taken a leap in the
education sector from 18th to third rank. Under the
Advanced Educational campaign, schools have made
satisfactory progress. In the ensuing years, the State
will widen the sector and achieve excellent
progress in inclusive education.
Parents are always in doubt about
fee hikes and donations in private
schools. It is necessary to close down
English-medium schools and enhance
the quality of Zilla Parishad primary
schools. Would you provide a new
lease of life to these primary schools
on decline? If so how?
Prashant Mirajkar (through e-mail)
Considering the present situation
in Maharashtra, there is an unan-
nounced reservation that the educa-
tion is for the rich only. Do you think
that the Government should shoulder
the responsibility of stopping the
commercialisation of education?
Meenakshi Patil (through e-mail)
n Chief Minister: First of all, I do not
accept that the Zilla Parishad schools
are on the decline. This is because last
year alone, 15,000 students from private
schools took admissions in these schools. I
spoke to some parents from Dhule, where
large-scale transfers have taken place.
These parents told me they found Zil-
la Parishad schools better than private
schools, and this was the reason they shift-
ed their wards from private schools to Zilla
Parishad schools. Another reason for them
to place their children in Zilla Parishad
schools was facilities.
To stop profiteering by private schools,
we had designed a fee regulatory author-
ity. However, the expected work could not
be carried out. Now, we have constituted a
committee under the chairmanship of Jus-
tice B. Palshikar. Through this committee,
we are making efforts to remove discrepan-
cies in the act concerning fees.
In the meantime, the Government of
Maharashtra has brought in a fee reim-
bursement scheme for many constituents
of society. Under Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj
Education Fees Reimbursement Scheme,
we are providing scholarships to all castes
and religion.
Are there any special facilities for
minority students?
Robin John, Student
n Chief Minister: To help minority stu-
dents join the mainstream of society, we
are implementing many schemes. Efforts
Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis with students from
Maharashtra during the
episode of Mi Mukhyamantri
Boltoye in Mumbai
We took a
decision to admit
25,000 tribal
students to well-
known schools
every year. The
entire educational
expenses of these
students would
be borne by the
Government.
Eminent schools
have been set
up district-wise
through the Tribal
Development
Department for
this. By the second
year, the number
of students taking
admission reached
27,000.
Devendra ous cities, they will have an experience of
Fadnavis
Chief Minister
are being made to see that the students get
the benefits of educational loans and edu-
cational schemes from corporations.
My friends from the village would
like to study in an English-medium
school. What can you do for them?
Babita Medha, Palghar
n Chief Minister: Till now, we used to
educate the tribal community students
at Ashram schools. The students of these
schools used to live in inaccessible areas.
Due to the lack of facilities, the students
used to face many educational handicaps.
The Governments schemes are now being
prepared in interest of students.
We thought why not have tribal students
study along with others at well-known
schools. Therefore, we decided that every
year 25,000 tribal students will be admitted
to well-known schools. The entire educa-
tional expenses of these students would be
borne by the Government. Eminent schools
have been set up district-wise through the
Tribal Development Department. During
the first year, the number was 25,000; in
the second year, it was 27,000; and now, we
are providing admission to even more stu-
dents in renowned schools.
At some places, the fee for them
amounting to even `50,000 with all ex-
penses including stay and foodis being
borne by the State Government. As these
students have been accommodated in vari-
a new environment and a new type of edu-
cation. The scheme has been made so that
these students are introduced to new stu-
dents and a new and ideal tribal genera-
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 45
07/06/17 5:38 PM

tion comes up. We are going to admit all the students
who seek admission in these places.
Educational loan is being provided to minor-
ity students through Maulana Azad Minority
Development Corporation. What will you say
about it?
Ansari Sadia, S.S.E. College, Bhiwandi
Chief Minister: Minority community students
should study much more. They should become part
of the mainstream society. If a minority student
takes admission to engineering, medical, MBA and
professional colleges or commercial colleges, half
of the fees will be paid by the State Government.
The student can get an educational loan for the re-
maining fee. Arrangements have been made so that
the interest on this loan is paid by the State Govern-
ment. The Government will try to take the scheme to
maximum number of people from minority sections.
You should also make efforts to take the scheme to
your friends.
Will you make the schools in rural Maharash-
tra digital while implementing the Advanced
Educational Maharashtra campaign? Is the
Government implementing any scheme for
training teachers in technology?
Pratap Bhosle, Karmala (through e-mail)
Chief Minister: We have so far converted 44,000
schools to digital. Most of these schools are from rural
areas. By providing connectivity to more and more
schools, the aim is to convert all the schools in Ma-
harashtra to digital. Till now, connectivity has been
provided to all Gram Panchayats in Nagpur; some of
46 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017
44-48_MUKHYA_MANTRI.indd 46-47
There is huge unemployment in areas
like Marathwada. If the youth here is
provided skill training, they will be be
able to gain employment. What are you
going to do about this?
Shaikh Javed, Aurangabad
Chief Minister: We have entered into an
MoU with 24 companies and started the
work of skill training for 8 lakh youth. We
are running the Pramod Mahajan Skill De-
velopment and Entrepreneurship Mission.
Through this, various kinds of skill training
is being provided to youth. A huge system
has been developed in Marathwada. Apart
from this, we have started to train 3 lakh
children of farmers in skills related to ag-
riculture and allied sectors. We are going
to provide this training on a large scale. I
believe that the right answer to unemploy-
ment is skill development.
the schools have been put online while some are of-
fline. As the reach of the fibre optic extends, we shall
be able to provide connectivity. Once there is connec-
tivity, the online curriculum will get good response.
It was said that teachers who can operate com-
puters should be declared tech-savvy. Accordingly,
50,000 teachers have announced themselves tech-
savvy. By clubbing technology, tech-savvy teachers
and advanced educational campaign, we are making
efforts to provide knowledge in
The schools.
episode We shall encourage tech-
received savvy teachers. The teachers
questions have developed various apps.
from across
Maharashtra They have immense capabili-
through phone ties and have changed the face
and internet, of schools and given us many
indicating innovative experiments.
the rising
popularity of
the show Mi Abroad, many students opt
for an important subject and
Mukhyamantri
Boltoye a sub-subject. Is there any
such scheme with us? Also,
an engineering student has to write 250 pages
every semester for each subject. The whole
year is spent in writing, and the student can-
not participate in any other activity. Will it be
possible to bring digitalisation in engineering?
Gagandeep Singh Bedi
Chief Minister: Our Union Government led by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started choice-
based credit system. This is a system where you
can perform two or three tasks at the same time.
Now, you can go from a formal system to an informal
system. Thus, a huge framework has been development plan of a city changes
brought into the choice-based credit system. every 10 years?
Currently, the focus is on skills. The method Sanjeev Chetule, Nagpur
practised in other countries is the same as is Chief Minister: In fact, considering the
practised here. changing situations, we should be able to
We need to go digital. However, we review educational curriculum every five
should not stop writing. Today, if we need years. We have provided this elasticity in
to search for anything, we go to Google. the new University Act. The world is pro-
While conducting research, we used to read gressing very fast. Technology is getting
so much that it used to add to our knowl- better every two years. Under the circum-
edge. We have to take a golden mean of the stances, there should be elasticity in uni-
two. Go for digitalisation, but do not let go versities. The universities should continu-
of the habit of writing. ously check the contemporary nature of
the curriculum and subjects. A university
Do you think that the educational is saddled with two types of work. One is
plan should also change just as the to provide new research to the market and
second to prepare human resource accord-
ing to the market. For both of these, the
universities need to maintain connectivity
with commerce, markets and research. We
are trying to create this connectivity.
We have taken up a Union Government
initiative, Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha
Abhiyan (RUSA) and are going in for a
huge investment in the programme. Some
of the educational institutes by virtue of
being autonomous can develop very fast.
This is because they can accept whatever
is best in the world. There is no thought of
changing the 10+2+3 system for now.
How justied is the enhancing of ex-
amination fees for 10th and 12th stan-
dard from March 2017 in the name of
aptitude test?
Sanjay Borgaonkar, Nagpur
In schools, sports are not ceed to higher classes like 10th
Chief Minister: The increase in the fee is
getting the priority. Is the or 12th. However, we give due to different reasons. First, the increase
Government going to take them additional marks to en- is quite less. In my opinion, there must be
some remedial measures courage them to be in sports. quality in education. Certain people have
about this, and are there Many students participate at inherent qualities that they themselves
any schemes for employ- the district, state, national and
are unaware about. Through an aptitude
ment generation through international level. For this, a test, both students and their parents will
sports? Apart from the 42 huge arrangement is in place. become self-confident. The test is going to
sports, other sports do not While providing marks, the fo-
be made more modern in future. A person
get additional marks. Can cus is on sports played at na-
should be tested and should be shown his
some such sports be includ- tional and international levels.
ed in the list? In India, every year two new future track the same day.
Abhishek Jondhale sports are created. However, if
Chief Minister: Sports is very they are not national or inter- I am a beneciary of the Swayam
important. According to Edu- national, we cannot give them scheme. Can my friends receive its
cation for All, sports grounds attention even if we give them benets too?
have been made compulsory marks. Therefore, a criterion Kanchan Nana Zopa, Palghar
for all schools and they have has to be fixed for sports. In- Chief Minister: Yes for sure. We have
to maintain it. Some students clusion of other sports will be started Swayam, as the number of hos-
leave sports when they pro- given a thought. tels for tribal students was low. Students
were unable to find a space in these hos-
MAHARASHTRA AHEAD JUNE 2017 47
07/06/17 6:53 PM

The Chief Minister says
n Maharashtra leaps from 18th place to third in
educational sector
n All Maharashtra schools to go digital by Decem-
ber 2018; 44,000 schools in rural areas have al-
ready become digital
n 50,000 teachers have become tech-savvy
n Benefit of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Educational
Reimbursement scheme to students
n With the flexibility in the new Maharashtra Public
Universities Act, 2016, it will be easier for univer-
sities to make changes in the curriculum.
n Stress to be laid on modernisation of aptitude
tests to help students get career of their talent.
n Due to Maharashtras new Apprentices Act, 8
lakh students are being trained; with the im-
provements in the act, students will be able to
gain practical knowledge.
tels. Those arriving from difficult areas had to drop
out education, as they did not have any relatives
in Mumbai and no place to stay. They did not have
money as well. However, under Swayam, we provide
a grant so that students can rent accommodation in
the city, have food, books and educational allowanc-
es. As of now, 25,000 students have been benefitted
by the scheme. Please tell all your friends about the
scheme. All of you should make use of it and com-
plete your education.
I am an MBA student. I think that more em-
phasis is needed on practical knowledge than
theory. Accordingly, can a process be included
in the education system where students re-
ceive practical education through experience?
Richelle Mendonca, Mumbai
n Chief Minister: Education has to be applied. Ed-
ucation cannot be just theoretical. We are bringing
practical education to the system on a large scale.
Earlier, no one would engage apprentices, as the con-
ditions under the act were troublesome. However,
after the discrepancies have been removed, 69,000
48 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
44-48_MUKHYA_MANTRI.indd 48
apprentices are now enrolled. The number will rise
to 1 lakh. Apprentice means hands-on training. Em-
ployment is available after training.
My daughter wishes to pursue hotel manage-
ment after class 12th. However, in one of the
institutes, the annual fee is `4 lakh. My hus-
band is a rickshaw driver. What can we do to
provide education of her choice?
A parent from Navi Mumbai
n Chief Minister: Now we have started Rajarshi
Shahu Maharaj Scholarship Scheme, where half of
the fee is paid by the Government. We also make
available educational loans. The interest rates at
some places are just two or even zero per cent. You
can check the institute where you want admission
for quality and employability of the course and go for
various welfare schemes to educate your daughter.
I am a student pursuing Advanced Automotive
repair and Maintenance Course conducted
jointly by State Government and Mercedes
Benz in Aurangabad. There will be many op-
portunities in future in this field. Then, under
CSR, can we run such courses through some
other companies in rural areas?
Krunal Patil, Aurangabad
n Chief Minister: Yes, we definitely can. Many com-
panies are coming forward. We have told the compa-
nies to provide the skills they need in the institute.
This will fulfil the need for skilled manpower.
Will you offer an opportunity for young aero-
nautical engineers?
Shubham Chakre
n Chief Minister: The market is expanding to a
great extent. Many opportunities are going to be cre-
ated. We are building an MRO hub in Nagpur. Com-
panies from all over the world have booked the next
10 years for production. We have started efforts to
manufacture airplanes in our country through which
at least regional air services can be started. Efforts
are on so that the aircraft can be manufactured as
required. We used to bring defence aircraft from
abroad. We have now told them to manufacture the
aircraft here. At least 30-355 parts will have to be
manufactured in India. Opportunities are surely go-
ing to be created in this sector.
We have immense opportunities. While learning
we should have responsibility towards nation, to-
wards society. What we are learning today is because
of the social structure set up by society. So while
learning, we should give back to society. Then only
we will be able to create a strong Maharashtra.
Compiled by Varsha Phadke,
Senior Assistant Director, DGIPR
07/06/17 5:38 PM
 Award
Crop Insurance
The Number One
District
Jalna is the best performer when it comes to
the Centres crop insurance scheme
D
ue to the whims of nature, farmers in Jal-
na, Maharashtra once faced never-ending
calamities. This changed with the launch
of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
(PMFBY) in Maharashtra. With untiring efforts from
Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Babanrao
Lonikar, Minister of State Arjunrao Khotkar and
District Collector Shivaji Jondhale towards the im-
plementation of the scheme, the district has secured
apex position at Centres crop insurance scheme and
brought laurels to Maharashtra.
Jalna came into existence on May 1, 1981 after
the division of Aurangabad district. For the last few
years, the farmers in the district had to face natural
calamities due to meagre rains. Under the crop in-
surance scheme, the administration made efforts to
provide damages to the tune of `431.64 crore to 95
per cent of Jalna farmers who had purchased crop
insurance on payment of a total of `25 crore for 2015-
16. The farmers who had purchased crop insurance
for rabi crop by payment of `2 crore as insurance pre-
mium were paid damages to the tune of `44.29 crore.
During 2016-17, 4.69 lakh farmers joined the
49_JALNA.indd 49
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi presenting the
award for Excellence in
Implementation of Priority
Programme Pradhan Mantri
Fasal Bima Yojana under
other States category to
Jalna district of Maharashtra.
District Collector Jalna
Shivaji Jondhale receiving
the award at the 11th Civil
Services Day function in New
Delhi. The Minister of State
for Development of North
Eastern Region (I/C), Prime
Ministers Office, Personnel,
Public Grievances & Pensions,
Atomic Energy and Space,
Dr Jitendra Singh is also seen
PMFBY scheme by payment of insurance premi-
um during kharif and 1.27 lakh farmers joined the
scheme with a total premium of `39 crore.
Excellent Civil services
Under the aegis of Government of India, the best
performing districts in certain important welfare
schemes of the Union Government are felicitated
with Prime Ministers Awards for Excellence in
Public Administration. The list of schemes includes
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Jalna District Collector Shivaji Jondhale was felic-
itated at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
with a certificate and a memento
On the
at the Awards for Excellence in
Public Administration, on Civil
business front,
Jalna city has Services Day 2017, organised at
been a name Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. To-
to reckon since day, All India Civil Services Day
ancient times. can, in a way, be commemorated
The district
is primarily as the day of re-dedication. On
known as a this occasion, I take pride in con-
producer of gratulating all the great talents
sweet lime, who have received this opportu-
seeds and nity to work in this noble pro-
iron rods
fession of Civil Services, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi said
on the occasion. It is important to immerse oneself
in the system to experience and implement change.
It brings great learning as you all are products of the
same system, the Prime Minister added.
Everyone present in the hall and in Jalna rejoiced
at the happy occasion.
S. K. Bawaskar,
District information Officer, Jalna
Maharashtra Ahead n june 2017 49
07/06/17 5:42 PM
 Mobility
electric vehicles
an electrifying change
Government of Indias push for electric vehicles takes off, as Nagpur becomes the first city
to get a fleet of electric taxis; more vehicles to follow
The NITI Aayog report
estimates that India can
save up to 64 per cent
of anticipated passenger
mobility-related energy
demand and 37 per cent of
carbon emissions by 2030.
This will save net fuel cost
of about `3.9 lakh crore
50 Maharashtra Ahead n June 2017
50_Nagpur_eCab.indd 50
N
agpur has become Indias first
city with a fleet of 200 electric
vehicles, including taxis, buses,
e-rickshaw and autos. Union
Minister for Road Transport and Highways
and Shipping Nitin Gadkari flagged off the
first fleet of these non-polluting vehicles
to be operated by taxi aggregator Ola. Au-
tomobile major Mahindra and Mahindra
has supplied these vehicles. The project
launched in association with the State
and Centre will bring vehicles across dif-
ferent segments, including e-buses, e-cabs,
e-rickshaws and e-autos together on a sin-
gle platform, the Ola app enabling citizens
of Nagpur to book these vehicles for their
transportation needs.
Nitin Gadkari, along with Chief Min-
ister Devendra Fadnavis, inaugurated
Indias first multi-modal electric vehicle
project at the Nagpur Airport Complex,
making Maharashtra the first State to pro-
vide various incentives to e-taxis. Electric
mass mobility ecosystem in Nagpur will
bring about a transformational change in
the automotive and transportation land-
scape in the country, said Nitin Gadkari.
Speaking at the event, Devendra Fad-
navis said, To promote the electric fleet,
we have waived VAT, road tax, and regis-
tration for all electric vehicles in the State,
and we look forward to building Maharash-
tra as a model state for others to emulate
in future.
The pilot project that has commenced
with a 200-strong fleet, including 100 of
Mahindras new e2o Plus vehicles, will
also have vehicles sourced from other auto
manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Kinet-
ic and TVS. Nitin Gadkari said the target
is to reduce the ticket fare of public trans-
port by half. Charging these vehicles will
not be an issue as charging stations are be-
ing set up, he added.
The size of the automobile industry,
which is at `4.5 lakh crore, is estimated to
grow to `25 lakh crore and stress should
be laid on promoting environment-friend-
ly vehicles that causes minimum pollu-
tion, he suggested. The State Government
will gradually ramp up the operations
of electric taxis in all major cities of
Maharashtra.
07/06/17 6:51 PM
51_IBCOVER.indd 51 07/06/17 5:37 PM
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