Maharashtra Daily Current Affairs: 20/08/2026

Maharashtra Schemes & Policies in News 🏛️

The Maharashtra Cabinet has recently cleared the Pandharpur Rehabilitation Policy, aimed at structured urban redevelopment and support for those affected by local projects. In a major boost to regional irrigation, the government approved ₹6,477 crore for the Jayakwadi Phase-II project, which is critical for the Marathwada region. Additionally, the government has moved to absorb 15,010 National Health Mission (NHM) contractual staff into permanent regular posts after years of protests.

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Exam-Oriented Current Affairs & Key Facts 📝

• Polity & Governance: The state government notified the Rules of Business 2026. Rule 15 provides the Chief Minister with 'veto power' to override decisions made by individual cabinet ministers in the 'public interest'. The government clarified that such authority has existed since the 1975 rules.
• Education & Agriculture: Approval granted for a Government College of Horticulture at Katol (Nagpur district) with 120 seats and 51 regular posts.
• Infrastructure: The Cabinet cleared a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy for MSRTC Land Redevelopment across 213 sites to modernize bus depots.
• Economy: As part of cost-cutting measures, ministerial perks related to newspaper allowances have been curtailed.

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One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡

• CM Veto: New Rules of Business 2026 allow Maharashtra CM to overrule any ministerial decision.
• Jayakwadi Phase-II: Approved with a budget of ₹6,477 crore for water infrastructure.
• NHM Staff: 15,010 contractual workers to be absorbed into permanent government service.
• Katol Horticulture College: New institute approved with 120 annual intake seats.
• MSRTC Redevelopment: 213 sites identified for development via PPP model.
• Pandharpur Policy: New rehabilitation policy cleared for the pilgrimage town.
• Sexual Offenders: CM Fadnavis ordered no parole for sexual offenders and sought death penalty in Pune cases.
• Ministerial Perks: Newspaper allowances for ministers removed under new cost-cutting policy.

MCQs from Current Affairs ❓

Q1: Under which Article of the Indian Constitution does the Governor make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of the State?

• A) Article 163
• B) Article 166
• C) Article 167
• D) Article 154

Q2: How many National Health Mission (NHM) contractual staff members will be absorbed by the Maharashtra government?

• A) 10,500
• B) 12,000
• C) 15,010
• D) 20,000

Q3: The recently approved Government College of Horticulture is located in which town of Maharashtra?

• A) Baramati
• B) Katol
• C) Latur
• D) Akola

Q4: What is the total outlay approved for the Jayakwadi Phase-II project?

• A) ₹4,500 crore
• B) ₹5,100 crore
• C) ₹6,477 crore
• D) ₹7,200 crore

Q5: The MSRTC land redevelopment policy involves how many sites across the state?

• A) 150
• B) 213
• C) 180
• D) 250