Mangesh Chivate was replaced as head of the Chief Minister’s (CM) Relief Fund Cell by Rameshwar Naik on Wednesday by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Since Deputy CM Eknath Shinde took over as CM in June 2022, Chivate, a close confidant of Shinde, had served in this capacity. The relief fund, which offers aid in times of natural disasters, accident deaths, and serious health difficulties, is now under the supervision of Naik, who previously led the medical aid cell under Fadnavis when he was the deputy chief minister.
Founded by Fadnavis in 2014, the CM Relief Fund Cell is essential in providing financial assistance to people and families impacted by a range of disasters and medical emergencies. Under this framework, the government provides assistance for the treatment of serious illnesses, accidents, and disasters, guaranteeing that those in society who are most in need of medical attention receive it promptly. The fund’s services were extended under Shinde’s leadership as CM, and other procedures, including knee and hip replacements and lung surgeries, were covered. The goal of this expansion was to make the fund more accessible and impactful so that more people could take advantage of it.
According to officials, 32,000 patients have received assistance from the CM Relief Fund during the last 13 months, with a total payout of Rs 267.5 crore. Numerous medical procedures, including expensive surgeries and treatments for accident victims—a category now eligible for support under the expanded scheme—have been funded by the financial assistance. This initiative demonstrates the government’s dedication to helping those in need, especially during unforeseen medical situations, by offering healthcare and assistance.
With the Fadnavis attempting to reorganize some positions and duties, the CM Relief Fund Cell’s leadership transition also underscores the changing political landscape inside Maharashtra’s administration. With Naik’s appointment, the relief fund’s management has undergone a dramatic change, indicating Fadnavis’s intention to preserve and increase the fund’s influence during his tenure. The fund’s significance in the state’s welfare programs has been cemented as it has grown into a vital safety net for thousands of people who depend on it for medical care and assistance after disasters.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
