Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 19: In a major move to strengthen healthcare and welfare infrastructure, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday waived stamp duty worth Rs 38.99 lakh for the Tata Memorial Centre’s upcoming integrated Ayurvedic cancer hospital in Raigad district. The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the Revenue Department's proposal, aiming to support affordable cancer care and research in both rural and urban regions.
The 100-bed facility, to be built on 10 hectares of state-allotted land in Tambati (Khalapur taluka), will operate under a 30-year nominal lease of Rs 1 per year. It will reserve 12% of beds for underprivileged families, government employees, and the general public at subsidised rates, and will provide affordable accommodation for patient attendants.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the hospital will blend modern medical practices with Ayurvedic treatment and become a model of accessible, innovative healthcare. He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to enabling transformative public welfare projects.
The Cabinet also greenlit the allocation of 2.5 hectares of land in Kolhapur’s Kasba Karveer to the Savitribai Phule Mahila Sahakari Udyog Vasahat Limited for a women’s cooperative industrial estate. The land, given under Occupant Class-2 without public auction, aims to boost women entrepreneurship and employment. The decision follows a proposal to support local female-led industrial initiatives under pre-established policy guidelines.
In another significant step, the Cabinet approved the regularisation of longstanding encroachments in Vengurla's Camp Gawliwada area of Sindhudurg. Covering nearly 3 hectares, these encroachments by 42 families—dating back to before 1905—will be legalised. Residents occupying up to 1,500 sq ft will be regularised free of cost. For larger holdings, charges will apply as per the 2002 government policy, based on 1989 market value rates and interest.
Additionally, the state will regularise the services of 17 contractual Group-C technical staff in government medical colleges and hospitals. These workers, employed on a 29-day rotational basis to address staff shortages, will now be absorbed into permanent roles under specified conditions.
These decisions collectively aim to address critical gaps in healthcare, women’s employment, and land rights, reflecting the state’s wider agenda of inclusive development.