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Maharashtra stops subsidy on zhunka bhakar

The much-touted zhunka bhakar (a traditional Marathi dish) scheme of the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party government will cease to exist from April 1, with the decision to stop the subsidy on it.

The scheme had priced the staple diet of Maharashtrians at just Re1.

A major election promise of the alliance, on which it strode to power in this erstwhile Congress citadel, the scheme was reviewed as it was costing the exchequer almost Rs250 million. It was specially designed to provide self-employment to youths. Subsidies were given for acquiring space to set up zhunka bhakar centres, and also for provisions.

But the scheme failed to take off. Soon after assuming office, Chief Minister Narayan Rane set up a three-member committee under Finance Minister Mahadev Shivankar to review all schemes that were not economically viable.

The zhunka bhakar sellers will continue to own the stalls, officials clarified.

UNI

RELATED REPORT:
Maharashtra government scraps octroi duty

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