Certification of Administrative Successes is Crucial; All Departments Must Form Task Forces – CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai : Maharashtra has long been a leader in administrative services, often setting examples for the rest of the country. In this context, it is essential to document and certify successful administrative initiatives. This will allow the innovative ideas implemented by officers to be scaled up and widely adopted. Hence, all departments should establish dedicated task forces, urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

He was speaking at the Sahyadri Guest House during the awards ceremony for the Rajiv Gandhi Administrative Dynamism Campaign for the years 2023–24 and 2024–25. The event was attended by Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, and other dignitaries.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Maharashtra has a rich legacy of administrative excellence since the Shivaji era. In the next 10–15 years, the state is poised to access numerous global opportunities. As India gains a stronger foothold in the global economy, Maharashtra’s contribution will be crucial. Administrative officers must embrace dynamic, transparent, and citizen-centric governance to help the country realize its goals. CM Fadnavis expressed confidence that Maharashtra is well on its way to becoming a trillion-dollar economy—perhaps even before the projected timeline—thanks to the determination and efficiency of its administrative cadre.

He praised the successful implementation of the government’s 100-day action plan, attributing it to the resolve and transparency of civil servants. The satisfaction derived from selfless public service, he added, brings a unique joy and legacy that lasts decades—often remembered by citizens long after. Good intentions lead to successful outcomes, offering valuable lessons along the way. Fadnavis emphasized the need for widespread adoption of technology and the standardization of effective departmental ideas so their benefits can reach a broader audience.

He reiterated the importance of a citizen-focused, transparent, and proactive administration, which can bring about tangible improvements in people’s lives. Recognizing and rewarding such work motivates others and sets a benchmark. The Chief Minister extended his congratulations to all award recipients and wished everyone a happy Civil Services Day.

Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik gave the welcome address, while Rahul Ranjan Mahiwal, Additional Director General of YASHADA, delivered the vote of thanks. Several former civil servants like Suresh Kumar, K.P. Bakshi, Swadhin Kshatriya, and Ajit Kumar Jain were also present.

The Rajiv Gandhi Administrative Dynamism (PRAGATI) Campaign and Competition is organized annually to encourage administrative efficiency. Awards are given to top-performing offices and individuals at the taluka, district, divisional, and state levels.

Winners of the 2023–24 PRAGATI Awards:

• Ministerial Department Proposals:
  • 1st Place: General Administration Department – ₹10 lakh (to Additional Chief Secretary)
  • 2nd Place: Food & Civil Supplies Department – ₹6 lakh
  • 3rd Place: Marathi Language Department – ₹4 lakh
• Direct Submissions from State Headquarters:
  • 1st Place: Divisional Commissioner, Nagpur – ₹10 lakh
  • 2nd Place: Managing Director, MAVIM – ₹6 lakh
  • 3rd Place: Divisional Commissioner, Amravati – ₹4 lakh
• Divisional Level Submissions:
  • 1st Place: Addl. District Collector, Ahilyanagar – ₹10 lakh
  • 2nd Place: Collector, Wardha – ₹6 lakh
  • 3rd Place: Chief Officer, Nilanga Municipal Council, Latur – ₹4 lakh
• Municipal Corporation Category:
  • 1st Place: Commissioner, Nagpur – ₹10 lakh
  • 2nd Place: Commissioner, Pune – ₹6 lakh
  • 3rd Place: Commissioner, Chandrapur – ₹4 lakh
• Best Ideas/Initiatives:
  • 1st Place: CEO, ZP Washim – ₹50,000
  • 2nd Place: Gram Panchayat Boradi, ZP Dhule – ₹30,000
  • 3rd Place: Chief Officer, Erandol Municipality, Jalgaon – ₹20,000
• Best Individual Officers:
  • 1st Place: Yogesh Kumbhejkar (then Collector, Bhandara) – ₹50,000
  • 2nd Place: Nilesh Deshmukh (then Dy. Commissioner, PCMC) – ₹30,000
  • 3rd Place: Ramdas Kokare (then Dy. Commissioner, Latur) – ₹20,000
• Government Employees:
  • 1st Place: Asst. Teacher, Vidyamandir Yadawwadi, Kolhapur – ₹50,000
  • 2nd Place: Talathi Purushottam Thakur, Kalambe, Kolhapur – ₹30,000
  • 3rd Place: Mandal Officer Janardan Bengale, Yaval, Jalgaon – ₹20,000

Winners of the 2024–25 PRAGATI Awards:

• Ministerial Department Submissions:
  • 1st Place: Principal Secretary, Accounts & Treasury, Finance Dept – ₹10 lakh
  • 2nd Place: Textiles Department, Mumbai – ₹6 lakh
• Divisional Level Submissions:
  • 1st Place: Joint Director, Vocational Education, Amravati – ₹10 lakh
  • 2nd Place: Superintendent of Police, Washim – ₹6 lakh
  • 3rd Place: Collector Office, Gadchiroli – ₹4 lakh
• Municipal Corporations:
  • 1st Place: Commissioner, Pimpri-Chinchwad – ₹10 lakh
  • 2nd Place: Commissioner, Kalyan-Dombivli – ₹6 lakh
  • 3rd Place: Commissioner, Chandrapur – ₹4 lakh
• Best Ideas/Initiatives by Government Institutions:
  • 1st Place: Collector Office, Washim
  • 2nd Place: Collector Office, Amravati
  • 3rd Place: CEO, Latur Zilla Parishad
• Best Individual Officers:
  • 1st Place: Vikas Ramesh Navale, Chief Officer, Deolali Pravara Municipal Council, Ahilyanagar
  • 2nd Place: Nikhil Raju Patil, Nayab Tahsildar, Kurkheda, Gadchiroli
  • 3rd Place (shared): Collector, Nagpur – Vipin Itankar & CEO, ZP Nagpur – Vinayak Mahamuni
• Government Employees:
  • 1st Place: Mohsin Sheikh, Mandal Officer, Rahata, Ahilyanagar – ₹50,000
  • 2nd Place: Jyoti Nagalwade, Teacher, Jijamata Primary School, Bhandara – ₹30,000
  • 3rd Place: Kamaraj Chaudhary, Rural Revenue Officer, Pusad – ₹20,000