Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Thursday that the state government will return 4,800 hectares of land to farmers. Addressing the media after a state cabinet meeting in Mumbai, Shinde described the decision as a historic step aimed at benefiting farmers.
“In today’s cabinet meeting, a significant decision was taken in the best interests of farmers. Nearly 4,800 hectares of land, which was previously under government possession, will be returned to farmers. This move will have a positive impact on the agricultural community,” Shinde said.
Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also briefed the press on new security measures for the state secretariat, Mantralaya. He revealed that the government is introducing a security system where everyone entering Mantralaya will be issued a pass. “Under the new system, each person entering the Mantralaya will be given a pass, which must be returned when they leave,” Fadnavis said.
In addition, Fadnavis announced that the state would introduce a unique identification system for work-related processes. “Just as Aadhaar serves as a unique ID for individuals, we will create a unique ID for each work,” he explained.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the introduction of an E-cabinet for the digital movement of cabinet files, aiming to streamline administrative processes.
Regarding the land issue, Fadnavis further explained that lands previously categorized as Class 2, often due to unpaid revenue dues dating back 30-40 years, will now be reclassified as Class 1 and returned to the farmers. “This will give farmers their rightful land,” he added.
Fadnavis, along with Shinde, also conducted a review of the security arrangements at the Mantralaya with senior officials from the home department and police force. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Maharashtra, the meeting was attended by key officials, including the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Director General of Police, and the Mumbai Police Commissioner.
