Maharashtra Cabinet Decisions

Approval for Creation of 339 Posts for the State Skill University

Approval was granted in the Cabinet meeting for the creation of a total of 339 posts — 232 teaching and 107 non-teaching — for the Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skill University. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Skill University has been established to provide integrated and comprehensive skill training to the youth of the state. The objective of the university is to create employment and self-employment opportunities for youth through international-level skill-based higher education. For the university to function at full capacity, teaching and non-teaching staff were required. All these posts were approved in the Cabinet meeting.

Details of posts are as follows:
Teaching posts – Professors – 34, Associate Professors – 60, Assistant Professors – 138; total – 232.

Non-teaching posts – Deputy Registrar – 7, Assistant Registrar – 7, Section Officer – 14, Assistant Section Officer – 7, Senior Accountant – 6, Accountant – 12, Information Technology Officer and Senior Programmer – 1, Senior Library Assistant – 1, Junior Library Assistant – 2, Junior Clerk – 8, Senior Clerk – 8, Junior Assistant (General) – 1, Junior Assistant (Finance) – 1, Technical Assistant – 8, Laboratory Assistant – 24; total – 107.

Four New Posts Each for Land Acquisition Authorities in Amravati, Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

To ensure speedy disposal of pending land-acquisition cases, approval was granted in the Cabinet meeting to create a total of 12 posts — four each — in the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Authorities of Amravati, Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, authorities are present in Nashik, Nagpur, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The jurisdiction of the Nashik authority covers three revenue divisions — Nashik, Konkan and Pune. Across the four authorities, the number of pending references under Sections 64, 76 and 77 of the Land Acquisition Act stands at 28,151.

To expedite disposal of these references, approval was given to create four posts each — one Presiding Officer, one Lower-grade Stenographer, one Contract Peon and one Contract Driver — for the Amravati, Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar authorities.

Policy Announced for Concept-based Iconic City Development

Approval was granted in the Cabinet meeting to the model policy for concept-based iconic city development to ensure optimal use of the land banks available with CIDCO and various authorities in the state. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

CIDCO allots land parcels for various uses on a lease basis through auctions. The lessees can construct projects on these lands, but they must follow the terms and conditions in the lease agreement and the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) 2020. Some land parcels are under the control of different Construction and Development Operators (CDOs), making it difficult to complete projects in an integrated township manner.

CIDCO’s Board of Directors has prepared a policy for concept-based iconic city development and submitted the proposal to the government. Based on this proposal, the Cabinet approved the policy. This policy will prioritise optimal utilisation of land banks belonging to CIDCO and other authorities. Authorities can appoint CDOs through a tender process. The CDOs will be able to develop integrated residential townships or international commercial zones, receive development rights and sell apartments and commercial premises in the project.

The policy includes provisions regarding timelines for township development, CDO responsibilities, safeguards to achieve policy objectives, selection of iconic development concepts, outline plans, developer selection, development plan for the project, land-possession transfer, revenue-share distribution, payment terms and project-completion provisions.

Policy Finalised for Redevelopment of MHADA Housing Projects in Mumbai and Suburbs

The Cabinet approved a comprehensive policy for integrated and group redevelopment of MHADA projects located on land parcels of 20 acres or more in Mumbai city and suburban areas. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This will make a large number of affordable homes available to citizens in Mumbai and the suburbs.

MHADA’s Mumbai Board constructed 56 housing colonies for Middle-Income Group (MIG) and Low-Income Group (LIG) citizens between 1950 and 1960. These colonies house about 5,000 cooperative housing societies. The buildings have become old, dilapidated and structurally weak. Hence, MHADA has prepared a policy for integrated group redevelopment.

Under this policy, MHADA will redevelop projects measuring 20 acres or more. The redevelopment will offer modern basic amenities, including modern flats, lifts, spacious parking, parks, community halls, playgrounds, gyms, swimming pools and CCTV facilities. Infrastructure such as water supply, sewage drainage, roads and electricity will be state-of-the-art and environment-friendly. Residents will receive larger homes than before. The layout plan will include green zones, schools, health facilities and commercial spaces — providing a fully integrated township.

Under this policy, the highest possible rehabilitation floor space index will be provided, so residents’ consent will not be required. However, developers appointed through the tender process must obtain a consent resolution from the housing societies. MHADA will remain the planning authority for 114 projects under the Mumbai Board. Approval was granted to form an empowered committee chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing Department.

Approval for Replacing Derogatory Terms in the Beggary Prevention Act

Following a Supreme Court order, the Cabinet approved removal of derogatory terms from the Maharashtra Prevention of Begging Act. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Supreme Court, in its judgment, instructed states to replace derogatory words from all Acts, rules, regulations and bylaws. Accordingly, the Law and Judiciary Department recommended amending Sections 9 and 26 of the Mumbai Prevention of Begging Act, 1959. Words such as “leper,” “leprosy-affected,” and “leprosarium” will be removed, and the Act will be amended.

Advocacy Experience Now Mandatory for Assistant Charity Commissioner Post

The Cabinet approved an amendment to the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950 to make three years of advocacy experience mandatory for appointment to the Group-A post of Assistant Charity Commissioner. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Supreme Court, in a judicial matter, ruled that law graduates without experience as Civil Judge (Junior Division) or Judicial Magistrate First Class cannot be appointed solely based on a fresh law degree. Accordingly, the amendment mandates three years of advocacy experience for nomination to the quasi-judicial post of Assistant Charity Commissioner.

The responsibilities of the Assistant Charity Commissioner are quasi-judicial in nature. Mere academic knowledge does not impart the practical competence and sensitivity required for handling such matters. Direct experience in advocacy — interacting with litigants and participating in judicial processes — is essential. This decision will ensure the government receives skilled and experienced officers who will contribute effectively to the judicial system. The benefit will extend to litigants, trustees and citizens.