Nagpur to get Rs387 crore disaster recovery centre to secure govt data The Maharashtra government has approved the establishment of a Disaster Data Recovery Centre (DRC) in Nagpur, a project sanctioned at a cost of Rs387 crore. The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s digital governance systems by ensuring the continuity of critical government data, portals, and services during natural disasters, technical failures, or cyberattacks. This decision follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a review meeting of the state’s 100-day action plan, emphasizing the need for a robust continuity mechanism to safeguard administrative functions. The state already operates a primary data centre, but officials highlighted the necessity of an additional facility to maintain uninterrupted operations during disruptions. The DRC will be set up in Nagpur, with a detailed project timeline outlining phases for site planning, civil works, non-IT preparations, hardware and network installation, software and security configurations, and testing. The project is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete, with each phase allocated specific timeframes to ensure systematic execution. Funding for the DRC will be sourced from provisions allocated for the state’s e-governance initiatives through the Maharashtra State SETU Society. The Directorate of Information Technology will oversee the implementation, ensuring alignment with the state’s digital infrastructure goals. Officials emphasized that the facility will significantly enhance the resilience of government services, providing a reliable backup system to prevent data loss and maintain operational efficiency during crises.#nagpur #maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #maharashtra_state_setu_society #directorates_of_information_technology
Air India Flight Diverts Midair After Approval Lapse Air India faced another operational challenge when its Delhi-Vancouver flight AI185 returned to Delhi after more than seven hours in the air on March 19. The Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft operating the route lacked the required international operating approvals, officials stated, pointing to a procedural oversight in updating the airline’s records. The flight turned back while crossing Chinese airspace. Air India confirmed that all passengers and crew disembarked safely, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused. The airline’s ground teams in Delhi provided assistance, including hotel accommodations, and the flight departed for Vancouver the following morning with all passengers on board. Aviation experts noted that precautionary returns, though rare, reflect the airline’s prioritization of passenger safety over schedule adherence. This incident follows a previous mid-air diversion due to similar approval issues, raising concerns about operational oversight as Air India expands its global network. The airline has initiated an internal review to address such lapses. Maharashtra Government Consults on Uniform Civil Code The Maharashtra government is engaging multiple departments in consultations regarding a proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), following a demand raised by BJP MLC Parinay Fuke in the State Legislative Council. Fuke, through a Calling Attention Motion, urged the government to adopt legislation akin to Uttarakhand’s, promoting common civil laws for all citizens regardless of religion. The council was informed that further time is needed to respond, as consultations are ongoing with the law and judiciary, women and child development, and general administration departments.#maharashtra_government #air_india #delhi_vancouver_flight_ai185 #boeing_777_200_lr #uniform_civil_code
Mental Hospital MS Dr Humne Suspended, Transferred to Gadchiroli Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has suspended Regional Mental Hospital medical superintendent Satish Humne and initiated a departmental inquiry against him over alleged administrative irregularities, procedural lapses, and misconduct. During his suspension, Dr Humne will be temporarily assigned to Gadchiroli district hospital and is prohibited from leaving the headquarters without prior permission. He has also been barred from engaging in private employment or business activities. The disciplinary action follows a review meeting chaired by public health minister Prakash Abitkar last year and a subsequent probe conducted by a committee, which found the charges against Dr Humne to be prima facie valid. The order outlines several allegations, including negligence in duty, failure to adhere to prescribed procedures, and lapses in implementing key government programs. A competent authority has been appointed to oversee the inquiry, which will involve a thorough examination of records, written explanations, and statements from officials and witnesses. Dr Humne has been directed to cooperate fully with the proceedings and submit his response within the stipulated timeframe. The inquiry aims to assess the validity of the charges and determine appropriate disciplinary measures. The suspension highlights the government’s emphasis on accountability and adherence to administrative protocols in public healthcare institutions. The case underscores ongoing efforts to address governance issues within state-run hospitals, ensuring compliance with established procedures and the effective delivery of services.#maharashtra_government #satish_humne #prakash_abitkar #gadchiroli_district_hospital #regional_mental_hospital
Panel to Prepare Policy Roadmap for Autonomy to Govt Medical Colleges The Maharashtra government has established a high-level committee to draft a comprehensive policy roadmap aimed at granting autonomy to major government medical institutions, including the Govt Medical College and Hospital in Nagpur, Grant Govt Medical College, and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals in Mumbai. The initiative follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with the goal of enhancing academic quality, research capabilities, and healthcare delivery through greater administrative and financial independence for these institutions. Former state chief secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia has been appointed as the committee chairman, with a government resolution issued by the state’s medical education and drugs department formalizing the setup. The panel includes notable figures such as Dr Rajendra Badwe, former director of Tata Memorial Hospital; Dr Sanjay Oak, former director of KEM Hospital in Mumbai; Dr Ranjit Mankeshwar, associate dean of Grant Medical College; Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, professor and head of department at BJ Govt Medical College in Pune; and Dr Rajesh Karyakarte. The Maharashtra Medical Council’s administrator will serve as the member secretary. The committee’s mandate involves analyzing the current administrative and academic frameworks of government medical colleges in the state, evaluating the potential benefits of autonomy, and studying successful models from national and international institutions. It will examine management practices at premier establishments such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, and the Tata Memorial Centre.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #jayant_kumar_banthia #tata_memorial_hospital #kem_hospital
Students Living Beyond 3Km Radius To Also Get RTE Admissions: State The Maharashtra government has informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that students who were unable to secure admission under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, in private unaided schools within a 3-kilometre radius will now be accommodated in schools located beyond that distance. This clarification was submitted to the court during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Ashish Fulzele and others, who challenged the implementation of the RTE Act’s admission rules. The communication, issued by the Director of Education (Primary) in Maharashtra, stated that nearly 95% to 97% of eligible students would secure admission in private unaided schools if the 3-kilometre criterion was strictly applied. However, the court noted that this approach conflicts with its earlier order dated March 12, which had directed authorities to remove the distance restriction. The division bench, comprising Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta, emphasized that the RTE Act’s provisions, particularly Section 12(1)(c), require ensuring that at least one private unaided school is accessible within a reasonable distance for every child. The court directed the state government to adhere to its previous ruling and ensure that the distance criterion does not hinder the Act’s purpose. During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel, Dipankar Kamble, apologized for not presenting certain documents earlier, which led to the court imposing a cost of Rs25,000. The court accepted the apology after the amount was deposited. The petitioners also informed the bench that the admission portal had not yet opened, prompting the court to urge authorities to take immediate corrective measures.#maharashtra_government #bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #ashish_fulzele #dipankar_kamble
Maharashtra to equip police with body cameras in major tech governance push The Maharashtra government has announced a significant initiative towards technology-driven governance in its 2026-27 state budget, including plans to equip police personnel with body-worn cameras to enhance transparency and accountability in law enforcement. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis outlined the budget vision, emphasizing that the cameras will be introduced in stages over the next three years. This move aligns with the state’s Viksit Maharashtra 2047 initiative, which seeks to modernize administrative systems and bolster public confidence in governance. The body-worn cameras are intended to record interactions between police and the public during routine duties, aiding in evidence collection and resolving disputes or complaints. Experts suggest that such technology can improve transparency in everyday policing, particularly in scenarios like traffic enforcement, public order management, and investigative processes. However, they caution that technology alone cannot eradicate misconduct. While body cameras are not a guaranteed solution to corruption, they can serve as a valuable tool for transparency when paired with robust oversight mechanisms. Beyond police reforms, the state government has proposed the Maharashtra Land Title Bill, also known as the Hakkadhari Bill, to address property ownership disputes and prevent irregularities in land transactions. The initiative includes computerizing all land transactions and implementing a full e-office system across departments to transition toward paperless administration. To strengthen digital security, an advanced State Data Centre will be established in Nagpur to protect government data and digital services.#nagpur #maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #viksit_maharashtra_2047 #maharashtra_land_title_bill
