07-05-2025
In its maiden sitting outside Mumbai, State Cabinet honours Ahilyabai, woos Dhangars
The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday, in its maiden sitting outside capital Mumbai, announced a bunch of decisions including ₹5,503 crore for the development of temples across the State, steps towards the Nashik Kumbh in 2027, and several initiatives for the Dhangar community.
The meeting was held in Chondi to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Indore queen Ahilyabai Holkar and her legacy. Chondi is the birthplace of the medieval queen. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that a sum of ₹681 crore has been sanctioned for the preservation of Ahilyabai's memorial in Chondi and a medical college, to be named Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College, and an Industrial Training Institute for girls will be set up in Ahilyanagar district.
The Cabinet also decided to make a feature film and release a special postal ticket and logo on Ahilyabai.
Kumbh Mela authority
Among other decisions, the Cabinet approved the framing of a law to set up an authority for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela 2025. The Kumbh Mela Authority, which will be responsible for planning the mega congregation in Nashik district in 2027, will be formed on the lines of one in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
In an outreach to the Dhangar community, the Cabinet approved a plan to enrol more Dhangar students in reputed residential schools. 'Around 31,300 students have been enrolled in 162 schools between 2021-22 and 2024-25 under the Raje Yashwantrao Holkar Mahamesh Yojana. We look forward to enrolling over 10,000 students,' said Mr. Fadnavis.
For years now, the Dhangar community has been demanding reservations under Scheduled Tribes category, which provides 7% quota, while they are currently receiving 3.5% reservation in education and jobs under the Nomadic Tribes category.
