Mumbai, January 15: Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, on Tuesday, instructed for immediate distribution of funds for The Maharogi Sewa Samiti at Anandvan, Warora in Chandrapur district totalling to ₹3.08 crore. The fund has been promptly executed following Pawar's directives. The institute has received ₹1.86 crore for the treatment and rehabilitation of leprosy patients and ₹1.22 crore for the Anand Blind, Deaf & Dumb, and Sandhiniketan Divyang Workshops.

This swift action by the DCM provided relief to the financial challenges faced by the Samiti, established 75 years ago by the late social reformer Dr. Baba Amte and Sadhnatai Amte.

Dr. Baba Amte and Sadhnatai Amte founded the Maharogi Sewa Samiti in 1949 in Anandwan, Warora Taluka, Chandrapur district, to serve leprosy patients. This year marks the institution’s platinum jubilee. The financial crisis faced by the institution was brought to the attention of the DCM by its secretary, Dr. Vikas Amte. Upon evaluating the gravity of the situation, Pawar sanctioned ₹3.08 crore to the institution.

Over the past 75 years, this institution, founded with a deep sense of social responsibility, has been treating and rehabilitating leprosy patients. The institution also takes care of 1,500 rehabilitated individuals, including leprosy-free differently-abled, destitute, elderly, orphans, abandoned women, and mentally disabled individuals. Their children are also looked after. Additionally, 300 differently-abled residential students are provided education and vocational training in special schools and centers. For economically weaker sections, the institution facilitates education for 3,500 non-residential students in science, arts, and commerce streams.

Recognizing the social commitment and service rendered by the institution, Pawar released ₹3.08 crore fund from the state government to support its operations.