21 April,2026 06:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday called for a shift towards "zero bureaucracy," urging government departments to function with the agility and efficiency of startups while delivering services to citizens through simplified, rule-based systems.
Speaking at the Civil Services Day 2026 event and the award ceremony under the Rajiv Gandhi Administrative Dynamism (PRAGATI) Campaign 2025-26, Fadnavis said the objective is to minimise procedural complexity and reduce dependency on individual discretion in governance.
The Chief Minister clarified that "zero bureaucracy" does not imply the absence of officials, but rather a re-engineering of administrative processes to ensure transparency, predictability, and speed. Services, he said, should be delivered directly to eligible beneficiaries through clearly defined systems with minimal human intervention.
He also highlighted that a significant portion of the targets set under the government's 100-day and 150-day programmes - around 85 per cent - has already been achieved. According to him, digital interventions and e-governance reforms have played a key role in simplifying procedures and improving the ease of doing business in the state.
Drawing a parallel with the private sector, Fadnavis said each government department should view itself as an independent startup focused on innovation, efficiency, and measurable outcomes. He added that adopting such an approach would accelerate administrative reforms and improve service delivery.
The government is also working on upgrading citizen-facing services through the upcoming "Aaple Sarkar 2.0" platform, with a focus on making key services more accessible and user-friendly.
Outlining a long-term vision, Fadnavis said the state has set milestones for 2029, 2035, and 2047 under its "Developed Maharashtra 2047" plan. He noted that Maharashtra is increasingly competing on a global scale, with its economy already ranking among the top 30 worldwide.
Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said efforts are underway to simplify governance by scrapping outdated laws, introducing necessary reforms, and promoting decentralisation. He emphasised that improving efficiency while reducing bureaucratic layers remains a key priority.
Agrawal added that performance under time-bound programmes has been closely monitored, with departments setting clear targets aligned with the broader 2047 vision.
The event also recognised several innovative initiatives under the PRAGATI campaign across administrative levels, including technology-driven governance models, improved civic engagement tools, and public service innovations in sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
Fadnavis said such initiatives demonstrate how innovation within the administrative system can lead to more effective governance and better outcomes for citizens.
