News for 'maharashtra government'

Maha govt canteens, official events get a healthy menu makeover

Maha govt canteens, official events get a healthy menu makeover

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Maharashtra Public Health Department has issued a directive making healthy foods and beverages mandatory in all government canteens and official events. The order aims to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and combat the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases by promoting a menu designed with ICMR-NIN and FSSAI guidelines.

Maharashtra waives off Rs 48,000 crore of farmers' power dues

Maharashtra waives off Rs 48,000 crore of farmers' power dues

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a significant waiver of approximately Rs 48,000 crore in pending electricity dues for farmers, aiming to facilitate new agricultural power connections and support the state's agricultural sector.

HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan to retire amid governance concerns

HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan to retire amid governance concerns

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Sashidhar Jagdishan, the managing director and chief executive of HDFC Bank, has opted out of being considered for reappointment after his current term ends on October 26, choosing to retire after nearly three decades with the lender.

Maharashtra Deputy Collector Suspended For Godman Links

Maharashtra Deputy Collector Suspended For Godman Links

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Maharashtra government has suspended Deputy Collector Abhijit Bhande-Patil for his alleged links with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who was arrested in March on rape and financial irregularity charges.

Jarange's 'final agitation' for Maratha quota begins

Jarange's 'final agitation' for Maratha quota begins

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Quota activist Manoj Jarange has launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding that the Maharashtra government immediately issue caste certificates based on the 58 lakh Kunbi records identified earlier, asserting that the Maratha community will not grant any further time.

Maharashtra to make domicile must for driving licence from Aug 1

Maharashtra to make domicile must for driving licence from Aug 1

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Maharashtra plans new policy to make domicile certificate mandatory for driving licence from August 2026, alongside efforts to regulate bike taxi services for revenue and job creation.

Maharashtra police dogs to spend retirement with their handlers

Maharashtra police dogs to spend retirement with their handlers

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Retired police dogs in Maharashtra will now be allowed to stay with the security force for life rather than being sent to adoptive homes, following a directive by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, officials said on Sunday.

Jarange Patil to begin indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from Sept 19

Jarange Patil to begin indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from Sept 19

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Activist Manoj Jarange announced an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from September 19 for Maratha reservation in jobs and education. He will lead a march from September 15, covering various districts before reaching Azad Maidan. Jarange urged peaceful protest and accused the government of inaction on caste certificates, while the Bombay High Court upheld the right to protest. The core demand is for Marathas to be included in the OBC category via Kunbi records, a move opposed by existing OBC groups.

'Pressure from Delhi': Raut slams Fadnavis on Marathi test extension

'Pressure from Delhi': Raut slams Fadnavis on Marathi test extension

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's decision to grant a one-year extension to autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi, alleging it was due to 'pressure from Delhi' and a message to BJP's ally Shiv Sena.

Maharashtra uncovers cross-border disinformation campaign during Gen Z protest

Maharashtra uncovers cross-border disinformation campaign during Gen Z protest

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Cyber Police have identified over 500 social media profiles involved in a coordinated cross-border disinformation campaign during a recent nationwide protest. The campaign used AI-generated and deepfake content to manipulate public perception and provoke unrest, with technical analysis pointing to elements operating from Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries. Legal action has been initiated, and the public is urged to verify information from credible sources.

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana has seen 81 lakh registered beneficiaries removed following a multi-month e-KYC verification drive, with the state's Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare clarifying the process was mandatory to filter out ineligible individuals, income-tax payers, and government employee families.

Over 100 Maha tourists stranded in flood-affected Nepal

Over 100 Maha tourists stranded in flood-affected Nepal

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

State officials report that at least 114 tourists from Maharashtra are estimated to be stranded in flood-hit Nepal, with 53 confirmed safe. The Maharashtra government has initiated coordination efforts with tour agencies and central authorities, establishing helplines and control rooms to assist and gather information on those affected by the devastating flash floods.

Maha bans illegal dhabas, eateries, structures on NHs

Maha bans illegal dhabas, eateries, structures on NHs

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has issued strict directives to local authorities, mandating an immediate ban on illegal dhabas, eateries, and commercial structures within national highway Right of Way. The order requires demolition of existing encroachments within 60 days, formation of highway safety task forces, and mandates prior clearance from NHAI or PWD for any new licenses in highway safety zones, aiming to enhance commuter safety and clear obstructions.

'You need to suffer': HC denies relief to Thane eatery against FDA action

'You need to suffer': HC denies relief to Thane eatery against FDA action

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

The Bombay high court has taken a firm stance against a Thane restaurant, denying relief and criticising it for serving banned analogue paneer, underscoring the critical importance of food safety and consumer rights in Maharashtra.

Swastika Ghosh Felicitated For Commonwealth Gold Medal Win

Swastika Ghosh Felicitated For Commonwealth Gold Medal Win

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

International table tennis player Swastika Ghosh, a Commonwealth gold medallist, was felicitated by the University of Mumbai for her role in India's gold-winning campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. She has also been selected for the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award and the 2026 World Table Tennis Championships.

Maharashtra Congress Criticises State Government On Law And Order

Maharashtra Congress Criticises State Government On Law And Order

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal criticised the state government over the law and order situation, alleging a rise in crimes against women and questioning the administration's priorities.

Maharashtra Official Suspended For Alleged Godman Connection

Maharashtra Official Suspended For Alleged Godman Connection

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Maharashtra government has suspended a deputy collector for his alleged links with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, in the first such crackdown on officials after the case rocked the state earlier this year.

Maharashtra Announces 'Come Early, Go Early' Initiative for Women Government Staff

Maharashtra Announces 'Come Early, Go Early' Initiative for Women Government Staff

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has announced a flexible work time initiative for women state government employees working in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The 'Come Early, Go Early' initiative will allow women employees flexible reporting times and earlier departure times.

Disha Salian CBI probe a conspiracy against Thackeray family: Raut

Disha Salian CBI probe a conspiracy against Thackeray family: Raut

Rediff.com6 days ago

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has accused the Centre of orchestrating a political conspiracy through the CBI's FIR in the Disha Salian death case. Raut claims the probe is designed to tarnish the Thackeray family's reputation and target Aaditya Thackeray, linking it to broader political manoeuvres and an ongoing Supreme Court case.

Auto, taxi drivers get one year to learn Marathi: Fadnavis

Auto, taxi drivers get one year to learn Marathi: Fadnavis

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a one-year grace period for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn functional Marathi. This decision comes after the Transport Department issued notices to drivers who failed a Marathi test, prompting driver organisations to request more time due to varying age groups and educational backgrounds. During this period, no action will be taken, and Marathi classes and study materials will be provided.

'My work is in Maharashtra': Fadnavis rules out Delhi shift

'My work is in Maharashtra': Fadnavis rules out Delhi shift

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed rumours of his shift to national politics, asserting his commitment to the state. He also commented on the NEET paper leak issue, supporting the Union government's actions and criticising Uddhav Thackeray's remarks.

Maharashtra TET paper leak 'mastermind' arrested from Bihar

Maharashtra TET paper leak 'mastermind' arrested from Bihar

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Police have arrested the alleged mastermind, Vijayendrakumar alias Bijendra Kumar Gupta, and an associate in the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026 paper leak case, bringing the total number of arrests to 14. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) tracked Gupta, identified as the chief coordinator of an inter-state network, to Samastipur, Bihar. The arrests are expected to help uncover the financial aspects of the racket, which involved an organised criminal syndicate within a printing press.

19-year-old NEET aspirant commits suicide in Maharashtra

19-year-old NEET aspirant commits suicide in Maharashtra

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

A 19-year-old medical aspirant, Ankita Suresh Sangle, allegedly died by suicide in Jalalpur after being disheartened by her NEET re-examination score of 166 marks, while the family of another aspirant, Akanksha Chaturvedi, who died earlier, demanded justice and compensation, calling for top government leadership resignations amidst the ongoing NEET paper leak controversy.

Maharashtra To Invoke MCOCA Against Cattle Smugglers

Maharashtra To Invoke MCOCA Against Cattle Smugglers

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Maharashtra government has issued a circular directing authorities to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against individuals, gangs, and organisations repeatedly involved in cattle smuggling.

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that autorickshaw and taxi drivers will be given an opportunity to learn Marathi before any action is taken against them for non-compliance with the language requirement. This move softens the state's earlier stance, which had evoked mixed reactions and concerns about livelihoods.

Last Date To Apply For MMS At WeSchool, Mumbai, Is...

Last Date To Apply For MMS At WeSchool, Mumbai, Is...

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Students who missed out on securing a seat through the CAP can now apply for master of management studies 2026-27 at WeSchool, Mumbai.

Fadnavis rules out taking OBC share for Maratha quota

Fadnavis rules out taking OBC share for Maratha quota

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the government would grant Maratha reservation only within constitutional limits and without impacting the share of other communities, amidst activist Manoj Jarange's ongoing hunger strike for OBC status for Marathas.

0.1% of Kumbh funds could have saved for...: SC judge

0.1% of Kumbh funds could have saved for...: SC judge

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Supreme Court Justice Prasanna Varale has voiced serious concerns over the closure of Marathi-medium schools, inadequate facilities in Ashram schools, and insufficient growth in Maharashtra's education budget, suggesting that greater spending could have prevented these shutdowns.

How Maharashtra Plans To Lead India In Quantum Technology

How Maharashtra Plans To Lead India In Quantum Technology

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the state's ambition to become India's leader in quantum technology. The state plans to build a robust ecosystem, align with the National Quantum Mission, and train over 5,000 professionals, recognising AI, semiconductors, and quantum tech as key pillars for future growth and global competitiveness.

'Everywhere there is filth in Mumbai, is this international city?' HC

'Everywhere there is filth in Mumbai, is this international city?' HC

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Bombay High Court has strongly criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the pervasive garbage on Mumbai's roads, warning of action against ward officers if the situation does not improve. Hearing petitions on pollution near the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, the court observed that the "entire municipal machinery is inactive" and suggested imposing heavy fines on litterers. The court has demanded BMC's Standard Operating Procedure and a list of officers responsible for cleanliness, threatening to remove those who fail to act.

Kohli charms Shinde with humility in London, shares ideas on sports, youth talent

Kohli charms Shinde with humility in London, shares ideas on sports, youth talent

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Virat Kohli impressed Eknath Shinde with his humility during their London meeting, while the duo discussed Maharashtra's development, sports, youth talent and the cricketer's upcoming ODI milestones.

80 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

80 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Around 80 lakh women in Maharashtra have been disqualified from the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme after failing to meet the e-KYC deadline, leading to accusations from opposition parties that the state government is reducing beneficiaries due to financial constraints.

Jarange accuses Fadnavis of 'deceiving' Marathas, accepts IV fluids

Jarange accuses Fadnavis of 'deceiving' Marathas, accepts IV fluids

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Quota activist Manoj Jarange has accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and cabinet colleague Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil of deceiving the Maratha community on the reservation issue, even as he accepted IV fluids on the 11th day of his indefinite hunger strike due to deteriorating health.

Fadnavis to be replaced as Maharashtra CM? Raut's big claim

Fadnavis to be replaced as Maharashtra CM? Raut's big claim

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut has made significant claims regarding potential political shifts, suggesting Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis might move to the Centre, paving the way for a new BJP chief minister in the state. Raut also announced a 'Ram Raksha Andolan' protest in Nagpur against alleged embezzlement at the Ayodhya Ram temple and commented on delimitation and activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike.

Is Rohit Pawar dumping Sharad Pawar to join Congress?

Is Rohit Pawar dumping Sharad Pawar to join Congress?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

BJP MLC Parinay Fuke claimed NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar was considering joining the Congress, citing deteriorating relations with Supriya Sule. In response, Pawar accused Fuke of shielding alleged corruption, particularly concerning illegal sand businesses, paddy procurement issues, and irregularities in an employment guarantee scheme, challenging him to address farmers' concerns instead of making baseless claims.

Ministers should send their kids to village schools: Dipke

Ministers should send their kids to village schools: Dipke

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has challenged ministers and politicians to send their children to village schools for at least a day to truly grasp the difficulties faced by rural students, who often walk several kilometres for education.

Jarange agrees to drink water, take saline but continues fast

Jarange agrees to drink water, take saline but continues fast

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange has agreed to take water and saline treatment but vowed to continue his indefinite fast until all demands for Maratha reservation and Kunbi certificates are met. His health is deteriorating, prompting concerns from doctors and appeals from authorities. Jarange criticised the state government and mediating ministers, alleging political infighting and a lack of serious engagement on the issue.

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Ministry of Home Affairs informed a Joint Committee of Parliament that the number of active NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act has halved over the last decade, even as foreign funds received by them have significantly increased. Christian associations received the largest share of these funds in 2024-25. The report comes amidst discussions on a contentious FCRA amendment bill aimed at tighter government oversight.

'Rs 370 biryani' remark: Comedian Pranit More moves SC to club FIRs

'Rs 370 biryani' remark: Comedian Pranit More moves SC to club FIRs

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Comedian Pranit More has approached the Supreme Court to club multiple FIRs filed against him after a guest on his show made a controversial "Rs 370 biryani" remark, deemed misogynistic. More's counsel informed the court that he has apologised on all forums, including the National Commission for Women, and the apex court has sought notices from the Centre and state governments.

Jarange to head to Mumbai for solo protest on Tuesday amid Ganesh festival

Jarange to head to Mumbai for solo protest on Tuesday amid Ganesh festival

Rediff.com7 days ago

Denied permission for his hunger strike in Mumbai, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday announced he would head to the Maharashtra capital alone on September 15 to stage a protest at Azad Maidan.