Maharashtra Cabinet Decisions

1. New Civil and Judicial Magistrate Court at Chikhloli-Ambernath

The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved the establishment of a Civil Court (Junior Division) and a Judicial Magistrate First Class Court at Chikhloli-Ambernath in Thane district. Along with this, the creation of necessary staff positions has also been sanctioned. Around 15,569 pending cases (14,134 criminal and 1,435 civil) will be transferred from the Ulhasnagar court to the newly established one, helping expedite case resolutions.

Approval was granted for 12 regular posts and 4 outsourced positions. These include a Civil Judge (Junior Division), a Judicial Magistrate First Class, Assistant Superintendent, Stenographer, Senior Clerk (2), Junior Clerk (4), and Bailiff (3). An estimated budget of ₹84.40 lakh has also been sanctioned for this court.

2. Compensation Policy for Inmate Deaths in Custody

The Cabinet approved a compensation policy for unnatural deaths of inmates in Maharashtra’s prisons, aligning with the National Human Rights Commission’s guidelines.

In cases where death results from accidents during prison duties, medical negligence, assault by staff or fellow inmates, and if administrative negligence is proven in the inquiry, a compensation of ₹5 lakh will be given to the inmate’s legal heirs. For deaths by suicide, the compensation will be ₹1 lakh.

Deaths due to old age, chronic illness, accidents during escape, or while on bail will not be eligible for compensation. Natural disaster-related deaths will be compensated under existing policies.

The jail superintendent must submit a report with supporting documents such as post-mortem reports, medical findings, and magistrate/district collector investigations. Final decisions will be made by the Director General of Prisons and forwarded to the state government for approval. Officials found responsible will face action.

3. Unified Lease Regulations and New Rates for Municipal Properties

The Cabinet approved issuing a notification for new standardized lease policies and rates for immovable properties of municipal councils, nagar panchayats, and industrial towns across Maharashtra. These rules are in line with those finalized for municipal corporations on November 6, 2023.

Under the new rules:

• Properties for residential, educational, charitable, or public use must have a lease rent of at least 0.5% of the ready reckoner value.
• Properties for commercial and industrial use must pay at least 0.7% of the same.

A five-member committee headed by the District Collector will determine lease premiums, rents, and security deposits. The draft rules will be open for public objections and suggestions before final notification.

4. Amnesty Scheme for Pending Property Taxes

To increase property tax collection, the Cabinet approved an amnesty scheme for municipal councils, nagar panchayats, and industrial townships. Under this scheme, penalties on pending property taxes will be waived.

Currently, a 2% monthly penalty is added to overdue taxes, which often exceeds the original tax amount and discourages payment. The scheme, which was not previously included in legislation, will now be incorporated through an amendment.

5. Members Empowered to Remove Municipal Chairpersons

Cabinet approved an amendment to the 1965 Municipal Council, Nagar Panchayat, and Industrial Township Act to allow elected members to initiate the removal of municipal chairpersons.

Previously, 50% of elected members had to sign a removal proposal to the District Collector, who would escalate it to the state. Now, two-thirds of the members can sign a proposal, which will lead to a special meeting within 10 days where voting will decide the outcome. An ordinance will be issued for this purpose.

6. New Engineering Courses at Puranmal Lahoti Polytechnic, Latur

Starting from the 2025–26 academic year, three new degree engineering courses will begin at Puranmal Lahoti Government Polytechnic in Latur, which will be renamed Puranmal Lahoti Government Institute of Engineering and Technology.

The new courses are:

• Nuclear and Telecommunication Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Each course will have an intake of 60 students. A total of 36 teaching and 31 non-teaching positions have been approved, with an estimated budget of ₹26.61 crore over four years for salaries, books, equipment, furniture, and computers.

7. Uniform Interest Rate on Delayed Land Acquisition Compensation

The Cabinet has approved a uniform interest rate on delayed land acquisition compensation. The new rate will be 1% higher than the bank repo rate.

The existing Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013 mandates interest rates of 12%, 9%, or 15%, depending on the section. However, these varying rates increase the financial burden on the state and inflate project costs.

The revised provision introduces a single standard rate, ensuring compensation is calculated annually based on this bank rate +1% formula. A bill will be introduced in the Legislature to formalize this amendment.