Mumbai, September 15: The Government of Maharashtra has announced a statewide public outreach initiative, Lok Samvad–2026, to create awareness about various government welfare schemes through Ganesh Mandals during the Ganesh festival. The campaign will be conducted from September 16 to September 24, 2026, as part of the larger Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, which is scheduled to run from September 17 to October 17, 2026.
The initiative, organised by the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR), Government of Maharashtra, aims to bring government services and welfare programmes directly to citizens by leveraging the large public gatherings that take place during Ganeshotsav.
Recognising Ganeshotsav as a State Festival, the government has chosen Ganesh Mandals as community platforms for direct interaction between citizens and government officials. The objective is not only to disseminate information about welfare schemes but also to guide eligible beneficiaries on how to access government services and benefits.
Direct Interaction Between Citizens and Government Officials
Under the Lok Samvad–2026 programme, citizens will have the opportunity to interact directly with district-level and local government officials representing various departments. Officials and subject experts will provide information, answer queries, and assist people in understanding eligibility criteria and application procedures for different schemes.
Wide Range of Government Schemes to Be Highlighted
The awareness campaign will cover programmes from several government departments, including:
- Agriculture
- Women and Child Development
- Education
- Social Justice
- Cooperation
- Marketing
- Public Health
- Skill Development
- Sports and Youth Welfare
- Other key state government departments
Information will be shared on farmer welfare schemes such as Farmer Honour Fund, Crop Insurance, Farm Ponds, Agricultural Equipment Subsidies, and other agricultural support programmes.
Women, students, and youth will receive guidance on Self-Help Group initiatives, higher education support, scholarships, skill development programmes, and educational concessions.
Healthcare-related schemes, including the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana, and the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell, will also be promoted. Citizens will be informed about free medical check-ups, treatment facilities, financial assistance, and health-related benefits.
Focus on Employment, Skill Development and Digital Awareness
The campaign will also provide information on employment and entrepreneurship initiatives, including:
- Skill Development Training Programmes
- Chief Minister’s Employment Training Programme
- Self-Employment Loan Schemes
- Opportunities under institutions such as BARTI, SARTHI, and Mahajyoti
In addition, awareness sessions will cover digital governance initiatives and citizen services, including MahaDBT, Cyber Security, the Right to Information (RTI) Act, and the Aaple Sarkar portal, encouraging citizens to make greater use of digital public services.
Multi-Departmental Coordination
To ensure effective implementation, the Information and Public Relations Department will coordinate with multiple government departments, including Agriculture, Health, Women and Child Development, Education, Sports and Youth Welfare, Cooperation, Marketing, Skill Development, Social Justice, and the Police Department, among others.
Senior district officials, field officers, and subject experts will visit participating Ganesh Mandals to provide authentic information and guidance directly to the public.
Digital Outreach and Social Media Promotion
Where feasible, Lok Samvad programmes will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube to extend their reach beyond physical audiences. The campaign will also be promoted on social media using the hashtags #Ganeshotsav2026 and #LokSamvad2026, enabling citizens across the state to access information about government schemes and initiatives.
Participation of Ganesh Mandals
Ganesh Mandals interested in participating in the Lok Samvad–2026 campaign have been requested to contact their respective District Information Offices. Mandals located in Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban districts may coordinate directly with the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Mantralaya, Mumbai for participation and programme scheduling.
Editorial Note
This report is based on information released by the Government of Maharashtra regarding the Lok Samvad–2026 public awareness initiative. The programme is intended to enhance citizen awareness of government welfare schemes, encourage direct public engagement with government departments, and improve access to public services through community participation during the Ganesh festival.
