Mumbai, Correspondent

To further strengthen the agricultural education, research, and extension system in the state, the revised staffing pattern for a total of 3,723 posts in Group 'A' and Group 'B' categories of agricultural universities has been approved. This new staffing pattern has been formulated after 23 years, i.e., since 2003. This decision will make human resource management in universities more effective, enhance the quality of research and teaching, and help disseminate modern agricultural technology to farmers at a faster pace,” informed Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne.

The State Government has granted approval to the revised staffing pattern for Group-A and Group-B category posts across all four agricultural universities in the state. The Department of Agriculture and ADF (Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries) has issued a Government Resolution (GR) to this effect, approving a revised staffing pattern of 3,723 posts in total, which includes 3,611 regular posts and 112 posts to be filled through outsourcing.

This decision will significantly strengthen the administrative and academic frameworks of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri; Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola; Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli; and Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani.

According to the Government Resolution, the approved regular staffing pattern allocates 1,217 posts to Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri; 589 posts to Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli; 890 posts to Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani; and 915 posts to Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. Additionally, approval has been granted to fill certain posts through outsourcing.

The government clarified that the procedures regarding Group-C and Group-D category posts are being handled independently, and orders regarding those will be issued at a later date.

This decision has been made keeping in view the changing requirements in the field of agricultural education and research. It is being considered a crucial step toward enhancing the efficiency of agricultural universities, boosting research, and providing higher-quality education to students.

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Kolhapur: Taking a significant step toward women empowerment and sustainable mobility, the Government of Maharashtra has launched the ‘Pink E-Rickshaw’ scheme. Under the leadership of the Department of Women and Child Development, this initiative aims to deploy 10,000 eco-friendly Kinetic Green electric three-wheelers across eight districts Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Amravati, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The project is intended to promote both environmental sustainability and economic independence for women.

Speaking at the event, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said the initiative will boost green mobility and open up new livelihood opportunities for women.

The fourth fleet of Pink E-Rickshaws was handed over to women beneficiaries in a special event held in Kolhapur.

As part of the scheme, the Maharashtra government will provide a 20% subsidy on the cost of each e-rickshaw. Beneficiaries will contribute 10% as a down payment, while the remaining 70% will be financed through bank loans arranged by the project's financial partners. These loans will be offered at low-interest rates, ensuring accessible financial support.

Further, the state government and Kinetic Green will collaborate with local women’s self-help groups and run on-ground programs to support beneficiaries. Kinetic Green will also provide free driver training, assist in obtaining driving licenses, and set up robust charging infrastructure.

To support the rollout, Kinetic Green will install 1,500 charging stations across the eight participating districts. Each vehicle and battery will come with a five-year warranty, and an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) will cover all scheduled and preventive maintenance services. Beneficiaries will receive one free service every quarter for five years.

Prominent dignitaries present at the Kolhapur launch event included MP Shahu Maharaj, School Education and Technical Minister Hasan Mushrif, Guardian Minister Prakash Ambitkar, former MLA Rajesh Patil, Zilla Parishad CEO Karthikeyan, Kinetic Green Founder & CEO Sulajja Firodia Motwani, and Co-founder & Executive Director Ritesh Mantri.

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