Maharashtra

• 10 Mar 2025

Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra government provided over Rs 17,000 crore in financial assistance to 2.38 crore women since launching the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in 2024. 

 Key Points 

• Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana: 
  • The scheme aims to rehabilitate, economically develop, and empower women aged 21 to 65 years by disbursing Rs 1,500 per month. 
  • Up to December 2024, the total disbursement under the scheme amounted to Rs 17,505.90 crore. 
• Gender Budget Allocation: 
  • The share of the gender budget in the total State budget increased from 3.1% in 2023-24 to 3.3% in 2024-25. 
  • The financial allocation for gender-related initiatives rose marginally from Rs 20,391 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 21,951 crore in 2024-25. 
• Decline in Women-Specific Schemes: 
  • Shelter Homes, Hostels, and Protective Homes: 
    • Expenditure fell from Rs 15.31 crore (2023-24) to Rs 9.82 crore (2024-25 up to December). 
    • The number of beneficiaries dropped from 6,654 to 4,527. 
  • Women’s Counselling Centres: 
    • Budget reduced from Rs 4.2 crore (previous year) to RS 1.32 crore (current year). 
    • Beneficiaries decreased from 25,734 to 18,322. 
  • Manodhairya Scheme (Rehabilitation for Rape and Acid Attack Survivors): 
    • Funding dropped nearly 50%, from Rs 48 crore last year to Rs 19.48 crore this year. 
    • However, the number of beneficiaries increased from 374 to 422. 
  • Pink E-Rickshaw Scheme: 
    • Announced in July 2024, but no disbursement has been recorded yet. 
    • The scheme targets 10,000 women (ages 20-40 years) in major cities across eight districts.

Panchaganga River

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra government has appointed a panel, led by the executive engineer of the Kolhapur irrigation department, to investigate the causes of pollution in the Panchaganga River. 

 Key Points 

• State's Response to River Pollution Concerns: 
  • The State Environment Minister provided a written response on the causes of pollution and the death of fishes in the Panchaganga and Warna rivers. 
• Pollution and Fish Deaths in Warna River: 
  • Recently, dead fish were found at Bhadole and Chikurde along the Warna River. 
  • The inspection revealed that untreated effluent from sugar mills caused the pollution. 
  • The Warna Cooperative Sugar Mill was identified as the source of untreated sewage discharge during that period. 
• Action Taken Against Polluters: 
  • Officials conducted an inspection in December 2024 to assess the pollution levels. 
  • Based on the findings, the government imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the sugar factory responsible for the pollution. 
• Investigation Panel: 
  • To further investigate pollution in the Panchaganga River, the government appointed a panel which will examine the sources of pollution and recommend corrective measures. 

 Panchaganga River 

• About: 
  • It is a major tributary of the Krishna River, flowing through Maharashtra. 
  • The river originates from Prayag Sangam in the Sahyadri mountain ranges. 
  • Its birthplace is Chikhlee Taluka, a small village in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. 
  • It is formed by the confluence of five rivers—Kasari, Kumbhi, Tulsi, Bhogawati, and Saraswati. 
  • The river flows for approximately 80 km before merging with the Krishna River in Maharashtra. 
• Spiritual and Agricultural Importance: 
  • The river holds immense spiritual significance, with its banks lined with numerous temples and shrines. 
  • The Panchaganga valley is highly fertile, producing rich winter crops. 
  • The river's water is extensively used for sugarcane cultivation.