The Maharashtra cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the recruitment of 15,000 police personnel to strengthen law enforcement across the state, the Chief Minister's Office announced Tuesday. This significant move aims to enhance public safety and address rising demands on the Maharashtra Police, which already boasts nearly 1.95 lakh personnel, including 15,000 women officers.

The recruitment drive comes amid efforts to modernize the force and tackle challenges such as inadequate facilities and transportation issues reported by some officers. The initiative is expected to bolster units like the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), established in 1948, and specialized teams like the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Quick Response Teams (QRTs), particularly in vulnerable areas like Mumbai.

In addition to the recruitment, the cabinet approved Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for the Solapur-Pune-Mumbai route to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity. The VGF will support infrastructure development, ensuring smoother travel and commerce along this critical corridor, which has faced disruptions due to recent heavy rains and flooding in the region.

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The cabinet also relaxed guarantor norms for loans under schemes managed by public sector undertakings of the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department (SJSA). This reform aims to make financial assistance more accessible to marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections, aligning with the department’s mission to promote equal opportunities in education, economy, and social security.

These decisions reflect the state’s commitment to enhancing security, infrastructure, and social equity. The police recruitment is expected to roll out soon, with notifications anticipated on the official Maharashtra Police website.

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