MUMBA1, July 6: The traditional 'devdasi' system, which has deteriorated over the centuries. ruining lives of scores of women, would finally come to a close with the Maharashtra government making clear its intentions to ban the practice in the state, reports PTI.

The Chief Minister, Manohar Joshi, while announcing that a legislation would be brought in the state legislature to ban the "devdasi" system, has also announced some relief for the over 4,000 devdasis in the state, by increasing their monthly allowances from Rs 100 to Rs 300.