Maharashtra cabinet makes inclusion of mother’s name mandatory in state documents

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra cabinet has made it mandatory to include the mother's name in all government documents. Based on this, an applicant's first name will be followed by his/her mother's first name, then the father's first name and surname, according to reports.

At the state cabinet meeting on Monday, CM Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar held placards with their names on them.

Their names were mentioned as -- Eknath Gangubai Sambhaji Shinde, Devendra Sarita Gangadharrao Fadnavis and Ajit Ashatai Anantrao Pawar.

The state government's decision shall come into effect from May 1, reports said.

As per the release by the government, those born on or after May 1, 2014, will have to register their names in the format for school and other relevant documents, examination certificates and salary slips.

In this regard, the state public health department has been asked to hold consultations with the central government on whether an applicant could include the mother's name in birth and death certificates as well.

For married women, the current system of a woman’s name followed by her husband’s first name and surname will continue.

For the orphans, the state government will give an exemption from including the mother’s name.

Besides this, the state cabinet on Monday also cleared sops for diverse social groups including minorities, transgenders, tribals, the dhangar (shepherd) community, and the poor, reports said.

Self-employment scheme for tribals to get loans of up to ₹5 lakh to set up hotels and dhabas or buy electric rickshaws, tractors and mini-trucks.

At least 60 farmer-producer companies will be set up, benefitting 18 lakh tribals.

The Maharashtra cabinet has decided to extend special government benefits to tribals with forest rights and to implement the transgender policy, in 2024.

A statue of Dalit leader Annabhau Sathe will be set up at Ghatkopar with an estimated cost of ₹305 crore.

On Ambedkar Jayanti and Gudi Padwa, the state government will provide packets of free ration to 1.7 crore ration card holders. For this, a sum of ₹550 crore has been approved.