The Maharashtra Government on Wednesday announced an incentive scheme for cooperative and private sugar mills aimed at building their financial capacity and encouraging quality performance.
Launched to mark the International Year of Cooperatives and the Diamond Jubilee of the cooperative sugar industry, the scheme seeks to reward the best-performing units on the quality front, news agency PTI reported.
According to a government resolution (GR), the plan aims to improve the quality of sugar mills and strengthen financial capacity by identifying and rewarding factories that meet competitive quality standards.
Under the scheme, sugar mills will be evaluated annually across nine key parameters, with prizes awarded to top performers. The evaluation criteria include: timely 100 per cent Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) payment to farmers in the past three years (15 points); performance of other departments in the mill (10 points); highest sugar recovery rate (10 points); production per hectare (10 points); use of artificial intelligence and maximum area coverage (10 points); low carbon emissions and high carbon credits (10 points); timely repayment of government loans (10 points); cost efficiency, audit, and overall operational efficiency (5 points); and employee strength limits and wage payment (5 points), PTI reported.
The selection process involves a two-tier committee system. Regional joint directors will submit lists of six best mills — three each from the cooperative and private sectors — from their divisions to a scrutiny committee headed by the sugar commissioner. The committee will then shortlist six each cooperative and private mills, from which another panel headed by the state cooperation minister will select the final three winners in each category.
Details of prizes and other specifics will be announced later, the resolution stated.
Maharashtra gems and jewellery policy sets Rs 1 lakh crore investment target; to create 5 lakh new jobs
The Maharashtra Government on Wednesday announced its Gems and Jewellery Policy 2025, aiming to attract investments of Rs 1 lakh crore and generate 5 lakh new jobs in the sector over the next five years, PTI reported.
The policy provides for financial incentives estimated at Rs 1,651 crore during the 2025-30 period, with an additional Rs 12,184 crore allocated for the subsequent 20 years (2031-2050), bringing the total outlay to Rs 13,835 crore, according to a government resolution (GR) issued by the industry department.
The GR stated that the policy is valid for five years or until a new plan is introduced. The government has allocated Rs 100 crore in budgetary provisions for the current financial year 2025-26 under a dedicated mandatory head for policy implementation.
Maharashtra’s gems and jewellery sector contributes 18 per cent to India’s total gross value addition in the industry, positioning the state as a leading hub for gems and jewellery in the country, the GR stated. The policy aims to double the state’s exports in the sector and transform informal businesses into recognised industries through regulatory support, financial incentives, and access to formal markets.
(With PTI inputs)
