Mumbai, 16 June (HS): The Maharashtra cabinet

adopted the Rural Drinking Water Policy 2026 on Tuesday, which aims to provide

communities with sustainable and high-quality drinking water. The cabinet, led

by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also approved the establishment of

Nagpur's High Energy Medical Cyclotron Project to improve illness diagnostic

and treatment capabilities. The government's new Rural Drinking Water Policy

will prioritize long-term and sustainable solutions to rural drinking water

scarcity. According to an official statement, the policy aims to integrate

multiple water delivery systems and execute steps to provide clean, safe, and

high-quality drinking water for rural families. According to the government, the policy would

assist the long-term growth of rural drinking water projects while also

providing a framework for effective execution.

The High Energy Medical

Cyclotron Project (NHECP), advertised as the first one of its type in central

India, is projected to increase diagnostic accuracy in medical therapy and

bring respite to patients by allowing for advanced identification of various

ailments. The cabinet also adopted the Maharashtra Unmanned Systems Policy

2026, which aims to boost the production of drones and robotic systems for

aerial, maritime, land-based agricultural, and industrial uses. The strategy

aims to promote research and development, skill development, and training in

unmanned technology, such as drones, for usage in hazardous and complex areas.

The state government approved a revamped

implementation strategy for the BharatNet scheme. According to the

announcement, a special purpose entity, Mahanet Digital Infrastructure Limited

(MDIL), would be created to carry out the updated programme and boost the

state's digital connection infrastructure. Cabinet also authorized revisions to

the Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Act of 1977 to bring it in line with the

terms of the Viksit Bharat-G Ramji Act of 2025, as well as the issue of an

ordinance to enable the scheme's efficient implementation.

In another decision, the cabinet extended the deadline for candidates elected

to reserved seats in local self-government organizations to submit caste

validity certificates by a further six months. Amendments to the Mumbai

Municipal Corporation Act, Maharashtra Municipalities Act, Maharashtra

Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats, and Industrial Townships Act were also

adopted.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi