Maharashtra Cabinet Decisions

Planning Department

Aspirational Taluka Programme to Cover 177 Talukas for One Year

The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved the implementation of the Aspirational Taluka Programme on a pilot basis during 2026-27 across 177 identified talukas in the state.

The programme is modelled on the NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programmes, under which 112 underdeveloped districts and 500 backward blocks across India are monitored on key development indicators. Maharashtra currently has four districts and 27 talukas covered under the national programme, with performance evaluated across 39 indicators related to health and nutrition, education, agriculture and allied services, basic infrastructure, and social development.

Expanding this model, Maharashtra has identified 10 districts—Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv, Washim, Hingoli, Jalna, Palghar, Beed, Dhule, and Parbhani—and a total of 177 talukas as extended Aspirational Districts and Talukas to promote balanced and inclusive development.

Each of the selected talukas will receive ₹5 crore during 2026-27. High-performing talukas will also be eligible for additional incentive grants in 2027-28. Performance-based awards will range from ₹10 crore for the first prize, followed by ₹8 crore, ₹6 crore, ₹4 crore, and ₹2 crore for the next four positions. Additional awards based on overall performance across all sectors will include ₹21 crore for first place, ₹15 crore for second, and ₹11 crore for third.

State, district, and taluka-level monitoring committees will be constituted to oversee implementation and evaluation.

Agriculture Department

Government College of Horticulture Approved at Katol

The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Government College of Horticulture at Katol in Nagpur district, affiliated with Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola.

The decision has been taken considering the rapid expansion of horticulture in 11 districts of the Nagpur and Amravati divisions, where cultivation of oranges, sweet lime, mangoes, lemons, guava, amla, custard apple, vegetables, and flowers has been increasing steadily.

The college will promote higher education and research in fruit cultivation, vegetable production, floriculture, food processing, and value addition.

The institution will admit 120 students annually. The government has sanctioned 51 regular posts, including 29 teaching and 22 non-teaching positions. Additionally, contractual appointments for five Group-A teaching posts, eight Group-C, and 22 Group-D non-teaching posts have also been approved.

The Cabinet has sanctioned ₹122.32 crore towards salaries and related expenditure for the institution.

Revenue, Registration and Stamp Duty Department

Three Hectares of Land Allotted to NDRF in Pune

The Cabinet approved the allotment of three hectares of land at Sadumbre village in Maval taluka of Pune district to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) free of cost.

The land, initially proposed to be allotted at market value, has now been granted considering the NDRF’s role in public interest and national importance.

The site will house a permanent NDRF base, equipped for disaster management training and deployment of specialised response teams to handle emergencies. The Cabinet approved the allotment under Occupancy Class-II free of cost, recognising the NDRF as the country’s dedicated civilian disaster response force.

Revenue, Registration and Stamp Duty Department

Stamp Duty Waiver for Shri Gurudev Sevamandal Lease Renewal

The Cabinet approved a proposal to waive the stamp duty on the renewal of the lease for land occupied by the Akhil Bharatiya Shri Gurudev Sevamandal at Subhash Road, Nagpur.

The public charitable organisation, headquartered at Mozari, works to promote the ideals of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj, including social awareness, rural development, de-addiction, communal harmony, patriotism, and various public welfare initiatives.

The organisation has occupied the 18,340-square-foot government-leased property since 1954. The Cabinet approved the stamp duty exemption in the larger public interest.

General Administration Department

Cabinet Approves Revised 143-Post Structure for Lokayukta Office

The Cabinet approved a revised organisational structure for the Lokayukta office, increasing its sanctioned strength to 143 posts.

Maharashtra was the first state in India to establish the offices of the Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta. Earlier, the combined offices operated with 87 sanctioned posts.

Following the implementation of the Maharashtra Lokayukta Act, 2023, modelled on the Central legislation, both the membership and jurisdiction of the institution have expanded, creating the need for additional manpower.

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the creation of 56 new posts, comprising 31 regular positions, 23 outsourced posts, and two Information Technology positions, taking the total sanctioned strength to 143 posts to ensure the effective functioning of the anti-corruption watchdog.