17 June,2026 10:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The meeting reviewed all 42 recommendations submitted by the Sixth State Finance Commission.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday directed officials to establish a dedicated state CSR cell to ensure the effective utilisation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and channel greater financial support towards local self-government institutions across Maharashtra.
The directive was issued during a presentation meeting on the recommendations of the Sixth State Finance Commission held at the Chief Minister's official residence, Varsha. Minister of State for Finance and Planning Ashish Jaiswal was also present.
Fadnavis noted that Maharashtra receives the highest amount of CSR funding in the country and stressed the need for a structured mechanism to ensure that these funds are utilised efficiently for local development projects. He said the proposed state CSR cell should identify and mobilise resources that can support urban and rural local bodies.
The Chief Minister also asked officials to explore the possibility of introducing an interest-free loan scheme for local self-government institutions, modelled on the Centre's interest-free loan programme. He directed the administration to examine the feasibility of providing such loans to support development and infrastructure projects undertaken by local bodies.
During the meeting, Fadnavis called for the development of a specific framework that would enable local self-government institutions to grant building permissions for constructions located adjacent to, but outside, their designated gaothan limits.
He emphasised that adequate safeguards must be built into the system to prevent misuse of such powers. To streamline the process, he directed officials to develop a digital platform for granting and monitoring permissions.
The Chief Minister also instructed authorities to create a mechanism to curb illegal constructions outside Gram Panchayat gaothan limits, particularly in rapidly growing semi-urban areas.
Fadnavis further directed officials to undertake comprehensive mapping of properties within the jurisdiction of local self-government institutions through a cadastral mapping programme. He also called for the expansion of the Centre's SVAMITVA Scheme to include properties located outside gaothan limits.
The meeting reviewed all 42 recommendations submitted by the Sixth State Finance Commission. The recommendations have been grouped under six broad themes, including institutional reforms, generation of own revenue sources, tax assessment and regulation, distribution of state funds, transfer of funds to local bodies, and strengthening the State Finance Commission.
Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) O.P. Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Sanjay Sethi, Additional Chief Secretary (Relief and Rehabilitation) Vinita Ved Singhal, Secretary (Planning) Shaila A., and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Additional Chief Secretary (Financial Reforms) Vikas Chandra Rastogi made a detailed presentation on the commission's recommendations.
