Mumbai: The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the establishment of two new veterinary colleges under the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur. The colleges will be set up in Parli (Beed district) and Baramati (Pune district), with a sanctioned budget of Rs 671.77 crore for each institution, covering construction, staff salaries and related expenses.
According to the cabinet’s decision, 75 acres of land will be allocated in Parli and 82 acres in Karhawagaj, Baramati, for the new campuses. Each college will have an annual intake capacity of 80 students.
To support the academic and administrative functions, 276 posts have been sanctioned for each college, including 96 teaching positions, 138 non-teaching roles, and 42 additional non-teaching. The state has also allocated Rs 107.19 crore for staff salaries and administrative expenses over the next five years.
The budget will further cover the development of infrastructure, including the construction of college buildings, procurement of equipment and machinery, purchase of vehicles, and the establishment of essential facilities such as external water supply, wells and borewells.
This decision aims to enhance veterinary education in Maharashtra, offering better opportunities to students interested in animal and fishery sciences while addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields.
Munde, Kokate skip meeting
Food and civil supplies minister Dhananjay Munde was notably absent from the cabinet meeting for the third consecutive time this month. Munde recently underwent cataract surgery and is also battling Bell’s palsy, leading him to avoid public appearances temporarily.
Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate was also absent from the meeting, raising eyebrows as both ministers missed a crucial decision affecting their respective areas.
