Overview

• The Maharashtra government formally constituted a 23-member high-level committee on August 1 to strengthen farm and village roads across the state.
• The panel chaired by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also includes ministers for rural development and employment guarantee alongside legislators, senior officials and experts.
• It must submit a comprehensive report within one month outlining time-bound measures to upgrade rural roads over a five-year horizon.
• The committee’s mandate covers reviewing existing schemes such as the Matoshri Pandhan Road Scheme, assessing funding convergence and recommending responsible implementing departments.
• Proposed reforms aim to ensure year-round transport of agricultural produce, boost mechanisation and improve market access for Maharashtra’s farmers.