#maharashtra_govt

Maharashtra Govt Committed to Addressing Maratha Quota Demands While Protecting OBC Interests: Fadnavis Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated the government’s dedication to resolving the Maratha reservation issue while safeguarding the interests of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) amid ongoing protests and legal challenges. Speaking in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasized that any decisions on reservation policies must adhere to constitutional and judicial guidelines, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding the matter. He stated that the Mahayuti government, led by him and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has already taken “unprecedented steps” to address Maratha concerns without compromising OBC benefits. The government’s stance comes as Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange continues his indefinite hunger strike from Antarwadi Sarati village in Jalna, demanding Kunbi caste certificates for eligible Marathas to access OBC reservation benefits. Jarange also called for the implementation of records from the Hyderabad and Satara Gazette and the withdrawal of legal cases against protesters during previous agitations. Fadnavis assured the Maratha community that the government would not “pit one community against another,” reaffirming its commitment to equitable distribution of reservation benefits. Fadnavis stressed that the government would follow the Constitution of India and directives from the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court, warning that decisions made outside these frameworks might gain public attention but would fail legal scrutiny. He acknowledged the long-standing apprehensions of OBC organizations, which fear that extending reservation benefits to Marathas could dilute opportunities for backward communities.#devendra_fadnavis #bombay_high_court #maharashtra_govt #eknath_shinde #manoj_jarange

Maharashtra Govt Commits to Funding GMCH Cancer Unit Amid Legal Pressure Maharashtra’s government has pledged to release the crucial 30% advance payment required for procuring a linear accelerator machine at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur, following a court directive. The assurance was made during a hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) case concerning the deteriorating infrastructure and lack of medical equipment at government hospitals in Vidarbha. The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench, presided over by a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode, was informed that the funds would be disbursed in June to facilitate the procurement of the advanced cancer treatment equipment. The linear accelerator machine, essential for radiotherapy and advanced cancer treatment, was granted administrative approval in 2018 at an estimated cost of ₹23.20 crore. However, prolonged delays in the project have nearly doubled the total cost to approximately ₹45 crore, necessitating an additional ₹22 crore. The state government informed the court that directions for releasing the additional funds had already been issued. During the hearing, it was also revealed that the Nagpur district administration had allocated ₹52 crore to GMCH through the District Mineral Foundation and District Planning Committee funds to bolster medical infrastructure. The court has been actively monitoring healthcare deficiencies in government hospitals across Vidarbha through ongoing PIL proceedings. These cases have repeatedly highlighted shortages of critical equipment, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of specialist facilities.#nagpur #bombay_high_court #maharashtra_govt #gmch #linear_accelerator_machine

Maharashtra Govt Approves Rs 3 Crore for NASA Trip for 51 Science Expo Winners Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has approved over Rs 3 crore to send 51 school science exhibition awardees on an eight-day educational trip to NASA in the United States under the Mukhyamantri Vidyarthi Vigyan Yatri scheme. The initiative, conceived by state education minister of state Pankaj Bhoyar, was approved by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the recent assembly session. The scheme aims to enhance the quality of science exhibitions by linking them to educational opportunities at prestigious institutions like NASA and ISRO. The NASA trip will include 51 students, along with a male teacher, a female teacher, and two administrative officers. The expenditure will be drawn from the state education budget under the State Science Education Institute. Students will be selected from those who top the state-level science exhibition across general, divyang (persons with disabilities), and tribal categories in both primary and secondary groups. The allocation for the 51 seats is as follows: 17 for the primary general category, 18 for the secondary general category, four each for the primary and secondary divyang categories, and four each for the primary and secondary tribal categories. A committee chaired by the director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in Pune will oversee the selection and planning for the NASA visit. The scheme, cleared by the Cabinet on March 24, connects school science exhibitions at three levels—taluka, district, and state—to progressively higher-profile educational visits. At the district level, 180 students and eight supervisors will visit ISRO in Bengaluru, with a per-person ceiling of Rs 35,000, funded through DPDC allocations.#nasa #devendra_fadnavis #maharashtra_govt #pankaj_bhoyar #mukhyamantri_vidyarthi_vigyan_yatri

Maharashtra Govt to Study Power Duty on Rooftop Solar Units The Maharashtra government has announced plans to form a committee to evaluate the imposition of electricity duty on rooftop solar (RTS) and behind-the-meter (BTM) systems, which are currently exempt from such levies. The decision follows an order by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) allowing the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) to charge grid support fees on solar consumers with installations exceeding 10 kilowatts. The new committee will assess the applicability of electricity duty under the Maharashtra Electricity Duty Act, 2016, and explore shifting from fixed duty rates to a percentage-based structure. The proposed changes aim to address revenue gaps for distribution companies while balancing the financial implications for consumers. The panel will also examine grid support charges and consider exemptions to ensure the sustainability of renewable energy initiatives. Officials emphasized that the committee’s findings will focus on financial and policy impacts, including state revenue and the financial health of discoms. A report is expected within 10 days, sparking debate over the future of rooftop solar adoption in the state. Solar experts have raised concerns that the levy could undermine Maharashtra’s clean energy transition. Sudhir Budhay, a solar industry analyst, warned that imposing duty on self-generated solar power would erode savings for households and small businesses, discouraging renewable energy adoption. He likened the policy to taxing citizens for using their own water sources, arguing it would create an unfair burden.#sudhir_budhay #maharashtra_govt #misedcl #maharashtra_electricity_regulatory_commission #mserc

Maharashtra Govt Launches Corpus Fund to Cover High-Cost Organ Transplants Maharashtra has introduced a dedicated corpus fund to fully cover the costs of organ transplants exceeding Rs5 lakh, removing a major financial barrier for patients requiring life-saving procedures. The decision, formalized through a government resolution dated April 10, expands the coverage of the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring high-cost, rare transplants are accessible to ordinary citizens. The state government has standardized the treatment cap at Rs5 lakh across both schemes but established a special reserve fund to address expenses beyond this threshold, recognizing that organ transplants can cost between Rs10-20 lakh. The corpus fund will be built using 20% of claim funds received by public hospitals since the 2023 expansion of the schemes. This fund will support nine categories of rare organ and artificial transplants, including heart, lung, liver, pancreas, kidney, bone marrow, corneal transplants, and combined heart-lung and small intestine procedures. All transplants must comply with the Transplantation of Human Organ and Tissue Act, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards in organ allocation and surgical practices. To streamline approvals, a three-tier governance mechanism has been implemented. A scrutiny committee will verify applications, followed by a medical and corpus fund approval committee led by the State Health Assurance Society CEO, with input from experts from the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation, and All India Institute of Medical Sciences.#maharashtra_govt #mahatma_jyotirao_phule_jan_arogyaya_yojana #ayushman_bharat_pradhan_mantri_jan_arogyaya_yojana #transplantation_of_human_organ_and_tissue_act #nagpur_civil_surgeon_dr_nivrutti_rathod

Maharashtra Govt Approves 12,998 Crore Loan Package for Nagpur Infrastructure Projects The Maharashtra government has approved state guarantees totaling nearly 13,000 crore for two major infrastructure projects in Nagpur: the New Nagpur Business District and the New Outer Ring Road. The funding will come from HUDCO, the central government's housing and urban finance corporation. The approvals, issued through separate government resolutions, mark revised versions of earlier decisions and are designed to support the development of these projects. The New Nagpur Business District, anchored by the International Business and Finance Centre (IBFC), will receive a guarantee of 4,999.28 crore. This covers a principal loan of 3,000 crore and projected interest of 1,999.28 crore. The Outer Ring Road project, which includes four truck-and-bus terminals, will be funded with a guarantee of 7,999.13 crore, covering a principal of 4,800 crore and projected interest of 3,199.13 crore. Both guarantees replace earlier approvals, with the IBFC project superseding a resolution dated November 12, 2025, and the Outer Ring Road project replacing one from October 9, 2025. The Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) will borrow the loans from HUDCO at an annual interest rate of 8.60%, with repayment spread over 60 equal installments over 15 years. The loans will be drawn down within a 12-month window starting from April 20. The IBFC project is part of a larger 11,300 crore New Nagpur Business District, which will span 692.06 hectares in Mouza Ladgaon and Mouza Godhani in Hingna. NMRDA will implement the project with NBCC (India) Ltd as the consultant. The loan will fund the land acquisition phase, while approximately 3,500 crore has been allocated for Phase I development.#nagpur #maharashtra_govt #hudco #nmrda #ibfc

Maharashtra Govt Introduces ‘C-60 Service Medal’ to Recognize Commando Valor Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has approved the creation of the ‘C-60 Service Medal’ to honor personnel serving in the Special Operations Squad (C-60), a unit established in 1990 to combat Maoist insurgency. The medal will be awarded starting from the 2026-27 fiscal year, with recipients’ names announced on the eve of Maharashtra Day, May 1. The initiative aims to recognize the bravery and dedication of commandos who operate in challenging terrains across the state. The C-60 squad was formed on December 1, 1990, with an initial strength of 60 personnel. Over the decades, it has expanded to 29 squads in Gadchiroli district (each with 28 members) and nine squads in Gondia district (each with 20 members). These highly trained commandos conduct operations in dense forests, mountainous regions, rivers, and streams, often under extreme weather conditions. Their roles include area domination, long-range and short-range patrolling, and intelligence-based missions to neutralize armed threats. The unit has a distinguished record of valor, having earned 320 Police Gallantry Medals, six President’s Gallantry Medals, eight Meritorious Service Medals, and two Shaurya Chakras. These accolades reflect the squad’s critical role in maintaining security in regions plagued by Maoist activities. The new C-60 Service Medal follows the pattern of special service awards given to Force One and Quick Response Team members, emphasizing recognition for exceptional service. Eligibility for the medal requires candidates to have served at least two consecutive years as officers or three years as Amaldars (assistant constables) in the squad, along with an outstanding performance record over the past five years.#maharashtra_govt #gadchiroli_district #gondia_district #c_60_service_medal #special_operations_squad

Maharashtra Govt Tightens Deputation Norms for Revenue Officers The Maharashtra government has introduced stricter deputation norms for revenue department officers, requiring a minimum three-year tenure in their parent department before eligibility for further deputation. The new rules, implemented by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule following directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aim to address concerns about the declining efficiency of core departmental operations due to frequent and prolonged deputations. The policy applies to all gazetted officers, including additional district collectors, deputy collectors, tehsildars, naib tehsildars, and land records department officials. For officers serving in the offices of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, or state ministers, the deputation tenure is capped at five years. Beyond this period, special approval from the Chief Minister is required for further deputation. The government emphasized that the decision seeks to restore administrative discipline and improve service delivery to citizens. Officials highlighted that key departments such as revenue, land records, registration, and stamps have experienced significant outflows of gazetted officers, leading to vacant senior posts and disruptions in citizen services. The new guidelines aim to rectify this imbalance by mandating a mandatory "cooling-off" period of three years in the parent department before officers can be considered for deputation again. Initially, officers will be eligible for deputation for a maximum of three years. Upon completion, they must serve at least three years in their original role before being eligible for another deputation.#devendra_fadnavis #maharashtra_govt #chandrashekhar_bawankule #revenue_department #revenue_minister

Maharashtra Govt Doubles Green Tax on 15-Year-Old Vehicles; New Rates Effective Immediately The Maharashtra government has implemented significant changes to the Green Tax structure for older vehicles, effectively doubling the levy in several categories. The revised provisions, notified in the official gazette following the Governor’s assent on April 6, aim to discourage the continued use of aging, polluting vehicles and promote cleaner alternatives. The amendments to the Motor Vehicles Tax Act apply to non-transport vehicles that have completed 15 years since their first registration, requiring them to pay higher lump-sum Green Taxes for every subsequent five-year renewal period. Under the new framework, tax rates vary based on vehicle type, fuel, and emission standards. For two-wheelers, vehicles compliant with BS-VI and higher emission norms will now be taxed Rs 2,000, while those under BS-IV and older standards will face a charge of Rs 4,000. Petrol-driven four-wheelers and other non-two-wheelers will be taxed Rs 3,000 for BS-VI models and Rs 6,000 for older variants. Diesel vehicles, which are subject to stricter regulations, will pay Rs 3,500 for BS-VI models and Rs 7,000 for BS-IV and below variants for every five-year renewal period after completing 15 years. The revised structure effectively doubles the existing Green Tax in many segments, particularly impacting older and more polluting vehicles. Officials emphasized that the policy is designed to incentivize vehicle owners to transition to cleaner technologies, aligning with the state’s broader environmental goals. Additionally, the government introduced a cap on taxes applicable to cranes, limiting the tax to a maximum of Rs 30 lakh. The amendments take effect immediately, affecting vehicle owners whose registrations cross the 15-year threshold.#maharashtra_govt #green_tax #motor_vehicles_tax_act #bs_vi #bs_iv

Illegal Path Labs: Bombay High Court Directs Maharashtra Govt to Submit Enforcement Report The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Maharashtra government to submit a detailed report on actions taken against illegal pathology laboratories operating across the state, citing concerns over patient safety and regulatory compliance. The court, hearing a criminal public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Digambar Pajgade, asked the state to provide a comprehensive account of enforcement measures and steps taken to address the unauthorized labs. The PIL, filed by Pajgade, alleges that thousands of blood testing laboratories are being operated unlawfully by technicians holding diplomas or certificates in medical laboratory technology (DMLT or CMLT), despite regulations requiring such facilities to be managed by qualified medical professionals, including MBBS doctors and specialists in pathology, microbiology, or biochemistry. The petition highlights the risks to public health posed by this practice, as unqualified personnel may compromise diagnostic accuracy and patient care. During earlier hearings, Suvarna Kharat, joint secretary in the state’s medical education and drugs department, informed the court that the regulation of pathology laboratories falls under the Central Government’s Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010. The state argued that hospitals are governed separately under the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act, and that the oversight of pathology labs is aligned with the central legislation. However, the court expressed skepticism about the clarity of enforcement and directed the state to provide data on inspections, violations identified, and penalties imposed on unauthorized labs.#central_government #bombay_high_court #maharashtra_govt #digambar_pajgade #clinical_establishments_act

Maharashtra Govt Freezes Ready Reckoner Rates for 2026–27, Providing Relief to Real Estate Sector The Maharashtra government has announced that ready reckoner rates will remain unchanged for the financial year 2026–27, a decision aimed at stabilizing the real estate market and offering relief to homebuyers and developers. The move, implemented by minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule under the guidance of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, ensures that property valuation benchmarks will stay at the same levels as the previous financial year, which ended in March 2026. The freeze takes effect from April 1, 2026, and is intended to alleviate financial pressures on buyers and encourage property transactions across both urban and rural areas. The decision comes amid a challenging environment for the construction sector, which is grappling with global economic uncertainties and a domestic slowdown. Officials emphasized that maintaining the status quo on ready reckoner rates will prevent additional financial burdens on buyers and support the sector’s recovery. This follows a series of periodic revisions to the rates over the past decade, which have fluctuated based on economic conditions and policy priorities. Historically, ready reckoner rates—used to determine property values for stamp duty and registration—have seen significant changes. In 2017–18, the rates increased by an average of 5.86%, while the 2020–21 revision was limited to 1.74% due to the economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. A 4.81% rise was implemented in 2022–23, and this increase was extended for two years. In 2025–26, rates were raised across different regions, with rural areas seeing a 3.36% hike, municipal zones at 4.97%, and municipal corporation areas at 5.95%. Mumbai, in particular, recorded a 3.#devendra_fadnavis #maharashtra_govt #chandrashekhar_bawankule #cre_dai #i_sarita

Maharashtra Govt Appoints 147 Retired Teachers on Contract in Chandrapur Schools Maharashtra’s state government has temporarily appointed 147 retired teachers on a contractual basis to fill vacancies in Chandrapur Zilla Parishad (ZP) schools. The decision, announced during a state legislative assembly meeting, involves providing each retired teacher with a monthly honorarium of Rs20,000. The move aims to mitigate potential learning losses for students while permanent recruitment processes through the Pavitra portal are completed. School education minister Dadadji Bhuse stated that the appointments align with the department’s policy of employing retired educators as a stop-gap measure until permanent positions are filled through transparent recruitment. Chandrapur MLA Kishore Jorgewar raised concerns during the assembly session, questioning whether eligible unemployed graduates with degrees in education (DEd and BEd) were being overlooked in favor of retired teachers. He also sought clarity on whether the appointments had sparked resentment among teacher unions and unemployed graduates, as well as whether the government would reconsider the decision. The minister did not directly address these concerns but reiterated that the temporary placements were necessary to ensure continuity in education. The appointments have sparked debate over the prioritization of retired teachers over younger, unemployed educators. Critics argue that the Rs20,000 monthly stipend for retired teachers may create inequities, as it could surpass the salaries of newly recruited teachers.#maharashtra_govt #dadadji_bhuse #chandrapur_zilla_parishad #kishore_jorgewar #pavitra_portal

Maharashtra Govt Decentralizes Land Regularisation Powers, Collectors to Handle 90% of Cases The Maharashtra legislature on Wednesday passed the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to land regularisation. The legislation, introduced by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, empowers district-level authorities to handle the majority of cases involving breaches of land-use conditions. This decentralised framework allows collectors and divisional commissioners to resolve nearly 90% of such cases locally, aiming to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve access to administrative remedies for citizens. The bill replaces the previous system, where even minor land-use violations were referred to the state secretariat in Mumbai, creating a backlog and forcing citizens to make repeated trips to the capital. Bawankule highlighted that this centralised process placed an immense workload on the Mantralaya, the state’s administrative headquarters. Under the new system, only cases of exceptionally high value will continue to be handled at the state level, while routine matters will be resolved at the district level. The amendment addresses longstanding gaps in the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, which previously lacked clear statutory provisions for regularisation. This absence led to legal ambiguities and prolonged litigation, with many cases remaining unresolved for years. The new provisions, including Section 37A, introduce a codified legal framework to streamline the process and ensure uniformity in decision-making across districts. Officials noted that the lack of defined rules had created procedural uncertainties, often disadvantaging small landholders and businesses.#maharashtra_govt #chandrashekhar_bawankule #maharashtra_legislature #maharashtra_land_revenue_code #mantralaya

Maharashtra Govt Claims 99% of Shalarth Scam Appointments Are Suspicious, Submits Affidavit to High Court The Maharashtra government has informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that over 99% of appointments linked to the alleged Shalarth ID scam are under suspicion. According to an affidavit filed by the Deputy Director of Education, only five teachers’ records were found valid, while documents for 632 teachers and non-teaching staff remain untraceable. The submission, made through senior counsel Deven Chauhan and additional pleader Sangita Jachak, raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of these appointments. The matter was heard by a division bench of Justices Mukulika Jawalkar and Nandesh Deshpande. The court is currently dealing with approximately 84 petitions filed by over 800 teachers demanding the release of stalled salaries. The bench adjourned the case to April 2 and directed the state to submit a detailed chart of show-cause notices issued to those allegedly involved in the Shalarth ID irregularities. The government argued that the appointments under investigation were not made in accordance with statutory procedures, with mandatory service rules and government resolutions not followed. It further stated that Shalarth IDs generated from these appointments are “invalid,” citing the lack of legal basis for their creation. The affidavit detailed findings of the inquiry, which revealed widespread irregularities in the generation of Shalarth IDs. These included approvals issued without official sanctions or records, often created in collusion at institutional levels to bypass established procedures. The state emphasized that the inquiry is ongoing and warned that the number of suspect appointments could exceed 632.#bombay_high_court #maharashtra_govt #deven_chauhan #sangita_jachak #shalarth_id_scam

Maharashtra Govt Scraps RTE 1km Radius Cap After Court Ruling Nagpur: The Maharashtra government on Tuesday withdrew the one-kilometre distance criterion for admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, informing the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that parents can now apply for schools beyond the earlier geographical limit. The state also extended the deadline for online applications for the 2026–27 academic year to March 25. The decision came during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging a February 12, 2026, government resolution that imposed the distance restriction under the RTE Act, 2009. The petition was filed by social activists Ashish Fulzhele, Aniket Kuttarmare, and Vaibhav Kamble. A bench of Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta was informed that the Primary Education Director, Pune, had issued a fresh communication omitting the distance cap. The court had earlier noted that prior communications were inconsistent with its directions and emphasized adherence to statutory provisions ensuring free and compulsory education. The state clarified that the restriction of "one kilometre from residence" has been removed, and the court disposed of the petition as the grievance was addressed. The application deadline, originally set for March 16, was extended to March 25 to ensure wider participation. The government stated that only partial compliance had been achieved so far, with several applications remaining incomplete. Authorities were directed to mark such applications as "unconfirmed," allowing parents to review and resubmit them under the revised criteria. A notification system will be introduced on the online portal to prompt applicants to complete the confirmation process.#bombay_high_court #maharashtra_govt #ashish_fulzhele #aniket_kuttarmare #vaibhav_kamble