Mumbai: The state cabinet has approved development plans worth Rs 5,503 crore for famous temples and pilgrimage sites. These include Tuljabhavani Temple in Dharashiv (Rs 1,865 crore), Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur (Rs 1,445 crore), Mahurgad Temple in Nanded (Rs 829 crore), Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik (Rs 275 crore), and Jyotiba Temple in Kolhapur (Rs 259.59 crore).
A sum of Rs 147.81 crore has been approved for the renovation of the Ashtavinayak (eight) Ganesh temples, except the one in Lenyadri (Pune district). These temples, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, are significant pilgrimage sites and form part of the Ashtavinayak circuit.
The decision was taken during the cabinet meeting held on Tuesday in Chaundi, Ahilyanagar (erstwhile Ahmednagar). This is the first time a cabinet meeting was organised at this location. The event marked the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar. At the meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced other initiatives of lasting impact.
In a major move to strengthen healthcare and medical education in rural Maharashtra, the cabinet approved the establishment of a new government medical college in the district at an estimated cost of Rs 485.08 crore. The college will have an intake capacity of 100 students and will be accompanied by a 430-bed hospital. It has been officially named Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College in honour of the legendary queen and social reformer. In addition, several other decisions focused on women’s welfare were taken.
To empower women across the state, the ‘Adishakti Abhiyan’ will be implemented. The campaign aims to address women’s health issues sensitively, reduce malnutrition, infant mortality, and maternal mortality, increase the education rate among girls, prevent sexual and physical abuse, promote women’s leadership in the Panchayati Raj system, and enhance women’s financial independence. Moreover, a film will also be produced on the social reformer in Marathi as well as other languages.
