Mumbai, October 3: Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, has emphasized that the holistic development of women and children is essential for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). She assured that the central government will extend full cooperation to all states for the effective implementation of welfare schemes in this direction.

Speaking during a virtual meeting chaired by her and attended by Women and Child Development Ministers from various states, Annapurna Devi highlighted the need for coordination between the Centre and states to ensure the success of flagship schemes like Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti.

Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare stressed that increasing the number of Anganwadi centres is crucial for achieving a malnutrition-free state. She also demanded that the Centre provide adequate support for the strengthening of Anganwadi services and related schemes.

During the discussion, issues such as human resource planning, infrastructure development, financial balance, fair wages, reliable NGO participation, and timely grants were taken up to make scheme implementation more effective.

Tatkare informed that Maharashtra is actively working to prevent child marriages, dowry practices, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. Under the New Education Policy, the state is implementing the “Padhaai Bhi, Poshan Bhi” initiative to integrate education with nutrition.

She added that for women’s safety and empowerment, the state is running One Stop Centres, Women Helpline 181, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Nari Adalats under Mission Shakti. To enhance their effectiveness, she called for independent vehicles for district protection units, proper rental facilities, and better resources for helplines.

Highlighting initiatives like the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Pink E-Rickshaw scheme, and Adishakti Abhiyan, Tatkare said Maharashtra has already taken concrete steps for women’s welfare. For the protection and rehabilitation of children under Mission Vatsalya, she stressed the need for vehicles for district protection units, consistency in wages, sufficient funds, and NGO participation.

“Maharashtra has strong policies and schemes in place for the protection of women and children. With adequate support and funding from the Centre, the state can set a model example for the rest of the country in effective implementation,” Tatkare affirmed.

Mumbai: The Central Government has released an additional instalment of tax devolution totaling Rs 1,01,603 crore to state governments across India, of which Maharashtra received Rs 6,418 crore. The funds have been transferred as an advance installment to help states accelerate capital expenditure and meet welfare-related commitments.

This release comes over and above the regular monthly devolution of Rs 81,735 crore, scheduled for October 10, 2025, according to the Finance Ministry. The advance is expected to provide states with the fiscal space to speed up ongoing infrastructure projects, enhance liquidity, and ensure timely rollout of welfare programmes.

For Maharashtra, which has lined up multiple developmental and social sector initiatives, the additional funds are seen as a timely boost to strengthen welfare delivery and developmental activities.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also holds the Finance and Planning portfolio, confirmed the receipt of the funds. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for extending financial support.

“With the upcoming festival season, and to enable the state to ramp up capital expenditure and provide adequate funding for our welfare and development schemes, this amount will undoubtedly prove beneficial for Maharashtra,” Pawar said.

Mumbai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cyclone ‘Shakti’ warning for some districts of Maharashtra, with high to moderate cyclone warning between October 3 and 7.

According to the release, the warning covers Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. The wind speed, reaching 45-55 kmph and gusting to 65 kmph, is likely to prevail over the North Maharashtra coast between October 3 and 5.

The wind speed may increase depending on the cyclone’s intensity. The Sea conditions are very rough, with rough seas expected along the nothern Maharashtra coast until October 5.

Fishermen are advised to avoid venturing into the sea.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in the interior parts of Maharashtra, particularly in East Vidarbha and parts of Marathwada, with a possibility of flooding in the low-lying areas of North Konkan due to intense cloud formation and infiltration of moisture into the atmosphere.

The Maharashtra government has issued instructions for preparation in response to the cyclone ‘Shakti’ warning. District administrations should activate their disaster management systems, prepare evacuation plans for citizens in coastal and low-lying areas, issue public advisories, advise against sea travel, and maintain safety during heavy rains.