In a move that will bring solace to war widows, the Maharashtra government has decided to provide agricultural land to women whose husbands have died in the line of duty while serving for the armed forces.

At a meeting in Mumbai last week, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis gave his consent on this matter. The meeting was attended by many dignitaries including Major General Rajiv Edwards and principal secretary Pravin Pardeshi.

Pardeshi said that there is a special provision for land allotment to ex-servicemen and war widows in the state and they have decided to give priority to war widows. He informed that the land allotted would be between 2 hectares and 2.5 hectares depending upon the case.

Col Suhas Jatkar (Retd), director of Maharashtra Sainik Welfare Board (MSWB) appreciated the decision to provide agricultural land and said that the CM himself took the decision which will benefit as many as 10,000 war widows.

He added that once a government resolution (GR) in this regard, decisions will be taken as to how this scheme can be implemented with the help of Zilla Sainik Welfare Officers.

According to sources in MSWB, the war widows lacked income sources and had to lead a life of poverty. They were making ends meet with their pension amounts. The provision of agricultural land with adequate water supply will enable them to educate their children and lead a comfortable and respectable life.