The Maharashtra government today approved three important proposals aimed at strengthening social justice, medical education, and state revenue. The State Cabinet has given its nod to granting statutory status to the Maharashtra State Scheduled Castes Commission. A bill to this effect will be introduced in the upcoming state assembly session. With this change, 27 existing posts will be formally transferred to the Commission’s establishment, further enabling it to function with legal authority and independence.

In another significant decision, the Cabinet also approved an increase in the stipends for students of physiotherapy and occupational therapy courses in government institutions. Undergraduate students will now receive eight thousand rupees per month, while postgraduates will receive over 33 thousand rupees.

To boost excise revenue, the state has restructured liquor duties and introduced a new category.