Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde to Approve Files Before Devendra Fadnavis's Final Consent
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Synopsis
On April 3, the Maharashtra government revised its file movement process following a leadership change from Eknath Shinde to Devendra Fadnavis. The new circular details the new approval pathway involving Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, followed by Shinde, before reaching Fadnavis for final approval.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government updated file movement process.
- Files to be cleared by Ajit Pawar before reaching Shinde and Fadnavis.
- The change was prompted by the reshuffling in the MahaYuti government.
- Ensures checks and balances among coalition partners.
- Aims to maintain smooth governance and decision-making.
Mumbai, April 3 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government has issued a circular to revise the file movement process, particularly following the transition in the MahaYuti government from Eknath Shinde to Devendra Fadnavis.
According to the circular, files will now be approved by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, followed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his signature, and ultimately forwarded to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for final approval.
In the previous administration led by Eknath Shinde, files assessed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar moved to Fadnavis, initially as Deputy Chief Minister and then to the Chief Minister for final endorsement. This circular was necessitated by the recent reshuffling of roles following the formation of the MahaYuti government in December of last year.
On March 18, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik released a circular stating, "...and now revised orders are being issued as all the matters stated in the Second Schedule of the Maharashtra Government Rules of Procedure should be submitted to the Chief Minister for approval through the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister (Urban Development, Housing) after the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister (Finance)."
"This indicates that files will first be reviewed by Deputy CM Pawar, who holds the finance portfolio, followed by Deputy CM Shinde, who oversees urban development and housing. Finally, it will be directed to CM Fadnavis for the last clearance," a senior bureaucrat explained.
The MahaYuti coalition consists of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the NCP. With 132 seats secured in the 2024 Assembly elections, the BJP reaffirmed its leadership in the alliance, while the Shiv Sena and NCP gained 57 and 41 seats, respectively, in the 288-member Assembly.
"The movement of files within a coalition government has always been crucial, ensuring checks and balances among allies. With a three-party government, where each department relies on the others for scheme execution, smooth file movement is vital to prevent unnecessary conflicts and disputes. It guarantees that all party leaders are involved in significant governmental decisions and have examined every detail," stated a senior minister.
He recalled that a similar arrangement was in place when Eknath Shinde served as Chief Minister.
"To prevent rifts among alliance partners, it was wisely determined that files sent by Ajit Pawar should first go to Devendra Fadnavis and then to Chief Minister Shinde for final approval. This system proved effective between July 2023 and November 2024, and a similar approach will be adopted again under CM Fadnavis' leadership," he concluded.
