Maharashtra
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Shelves Another Populist Scheme Introduced By Eknath Shinde Amid Financial Strain
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stalled yet another populist scheme introduced by the previous Mahayuti government under Eknath Shinde. The Mukhyamantri Yojanadoot scheme, announced in August 2024 with a budget of Rs 300 crore, has been put on hold due to financial constraints.
The scheme aimed to generate employment by recruiting 50,000 young individuals for six months, offering them a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000. Each gram panchayat in rural areas and each ward in urban regions was to have one ‘doot’ (messenger) responsible for promoting various government schemes.
An official from the skill development department, which had envisioned the scheme, revealed that early doubts about its execution arose when application deadlines were repeatedly extended. Initially set for September 17, 2024, the deadline was pushed to October 13 due to pressure from ruling party leaders, reported media. However, with the model code of conduct coming into force on October 15, the scheme’s implementation was halted after the Opposition filed a complaint with the Election Commission, claiming it was a ploy to influence voters.
CM Orders To Put Scheme On Hold
Following the formation of the new government, the department approached CM Fadnavis for approval to proceed with the scheme. However, last month, officials were instructed to put it on hold. The government had already spent Rs 2 crore to develop an application portal, and 2.5 lakh applications were scrutinised.
An official disclosed that while the scheme was designed to benefit unemployed youth, ruling party leaders sought to use it for their own workers. Approximately 40,000 applications were submitted directly to the Chief Minister and the two Deputy Chief Ministers, requesting job allocations for party loyalists. The delay in implementation was partly due to resistance from bureaucrats who refused to bow to political pressure, according to the report.
Of the 2.5 lakh applicants, 427 were shortlisted for villages where only one applicant was available. In cases where multiple candidates applied for a single position, they were required to appear before an interview panel consisting of officers from the collectorate, the assistant skill development commissioner and the district information officer.
Yojanadoot Scheme Among 6 Projects Shut By Mahayuti 2.0 Govt
Reports citing sources in Mantralaya indicate that the scheme is unlikely to be revived, as it was primarily designed with electoral considerations in mind. This is one of at least six schemes or projects approved by the previous government that have now been stalled. The current administration also halted the Anandacha Shidha scheme, which provided food grains to the poor and scrapped the plan to acquire 1,310 new buses for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
The government’s decision to roll back these initiatives is largely due to financial strain. Maharashtra is currently burdened with a debt of Rs 7.82 lakh crore, and the fiscal deficit for the ongoing financial year (2024-25) is expected to exceed Rs 2 lakh crore.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Weather Update: City Wakes Up To Clear Skies, Mild Breeze; Overall AQI Stays In Moderate Range At 78

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Mumbai: After weeks of unsettled weather and intermittent showers, the city finally woke up to clear skies and crisp air on Thursday, marking what appears to be the end of the monsoon season. For the past two days, no rainfall was recorded across Mumbai, signalling that the retreating monsoon clouds have made way for the onset of post-monsoon conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to experience clear skies through the day, with only a minimal chance of isolated light showers or thunderstorms in select pockets. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 33°C, while the minimum will settle near 23°C, conditions described as pleasant and comfortable for early November.
The recent spell of short but intense showers had not only brought temporary relief from humidity but also helped wash out accumulated pollutants, leading to an overall improvement in air quality. Prior to this, the withdrawal of monsoon winds had caused a spike in pollution levels due to stagnant air and increased vehicular emissions, resulting in a hazy skyline and reduced visibility.
Fresh data released by AQI.in on Thursday morning reflected this improvement. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 78, placing it in the moderate category. While the figure marks a slight dip from the good air quality recorded earlier in the week, it still represents a substantial improvement compared to the smog-filled conditions observed after monsoon withdrawal.
Residents across various parts of the city reported clearer skylines and visibly better air. Among the city’s monitoring stations, Wadala Truck Terminal recorded the highest AQI reading at 92, followed by Parel-Bhoiwada (90) and Mulund West (88). Santacruz East and Bhandup West both registered an AQI of 87, keeping them within the moderate range.
Cleaner air was observed in several western suburbs, where Kandivali East recorded an AQI of 45, falling in the good category. Malad West (59), Powai (62), Jogeshwari (65), and Borivali East (67) were all categorised as moderate, suggesting a consistent improvement across the city’s landscape.
As per AQI.in’s classification, an index between 0–50 is considered “Good,” 51–100 “Moderate,” 101–150 “Poor,” 151–200 “Unhealthy,” and anything above 200 is deemed “Severe” or “Hazardous.”
Maharashtra
Anti-Narcotics Cell ANC arrests drug dealer Akbar Khao in major operation

Mumbai: Anti-Narcotics Cell ANC Ghatkopar has claimed to have arrested drug dealer Mohammad Shafi Sheikh alias Akbar Khao on charges of drug trafficking. MCOCA was applied to him in the police station for drug trafficking and he was released on bail. Despite this, he used to supply drugs. ANC had arrested an accused in a drug case. During his investigation, it was revealed that Akbar Khao was a fugitive in this case. His details were known and clues were found. He is hiding in Odisha, after which the police arrested him from Raj Gangapur Sundergarh. A total of 15 cases have been registered against Akbar Khao, including NDPS Act and various crimes. Two NDPS Act cases are registered in VB Nagar. ANC has 2 NDPS drug trafficking cases, a total of 18 cases have been registered. The ANC has arrested two accused in this case and also seized drugs worth Rs 12 crore. This operation was carried out by ANC DCP Nunath Dhole on the instructions of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti.
Maharashtra
State ready for Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat Mahayuti elections: Chief Minister Fadnavis

In the Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat elections in Mumbai state, Mahayuti will contest the election as a united front and even where there is no electoral consensus in Mahayuti, there will be a friendly contest and it is hoped that the people of the state will trust Mahayuti in these elections. This claim has been made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. No formula for the distribution of seats in Mahayuti has been decided so far for the local body elections. However, where the alliance party and the BJP are strong, a formula for a solo contest has been decided, just like the talk of Eknath Shinde in Thana and BJP’s solo contest in Pune is common.
Fadnavis criticized Uddhav Thackeray and said that it is his job to insult him. If he is visiting the state, it is a good thing, but the people know everything and they will restore faith in Mahayuti in the elections. He said that the Election Commission has announced the elections. Uddhav Thackeray and the opposition want to postpone the elections, so they are alleging irregularities and rigging in the voting list. However, the Supreme Court has issued instructions to hold the elections soon, so it is not possible to postpone or delay the elections. Fadnavis expressed confidence that he has faith in the people. This time too, the people will agree with Mahayuti. Therefore, the opposition wants to postpone and postpone the elections, while Mahayuti is ready for the elections.
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