The Maharashtra government has taken a decisive step to accelerate its flagship farm road connectivity scheme by introducing a fresh set of operational guidelines. The move, aimed at cutting through administrative delays, promises to enhance all-weather road access to agricultural fields across the state.
Addressing Long-Standing Hurdles
Issued through a Government Resolution on January 7, the revised framework for the 'Mukhyamantri Baliraja Shet/Panand Raste Yojana' specifically targets the administrative and coordination bottlenecks that have historically slowed down the construction of crucial farm access roads. These delays have been particularly acute in rural areas where broken or muddy paths severely disrupt the movement of machinery and goods, especially during the monsoon season.
The core objective of the scheme remains to ensure smoother logistics for farmers, facilitating the timely transport of produce from fields to markets and enabling efficient use of agricultural machinery. The new guidelines, unveiled on Thursday, are a direct response to execution challenges faced in the past.
New Structure for Better Coordination
Under the revamped plan, a sharper focus has been placed on execution and accountability. The Revenue Department, led by Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, is driving the changes. A key modification involves the state-level monitoring committee, which is chaired by the revenue minister himself.
To improve ground-level coordination and speed up decision-making, the minister will now appoint a co-chairperson to assist the assembly constituency-level committees. Officials believe this layered oversight will streamline processes and remove obstacles faster.
Involving Farmers in the Process
In a significant move to incorporate grassroots feedback, each constituency-level committee will now include five progressive farmers. Their inclusion is expected to provide practical, on-ground insights into the planning and implementation of the farm roads, ensuring the infrastructure meets actual farmer needs.
This revised approach underscores the state government's commitment to bolstering rural infrastructure. By tightening monitoring mechanisms and involving key stakeholders, Maharashtra aims to transform agricultural connectivity, ultimately supporting farmer livelihoods and boosting the rural economy.
