Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) - Maharashtra's Information Technology Minister, Ashish Shelar, declared in the State Assembly on Tuesday that the government will develop a detailed policy or legislation governing social media use by minors. This initiative will be guided by the findings of a recently appointed government task force.

This statement came in response to a 'Calling Attention' motion presented by Assembly member Rajesh Pawar, who highlighted the rising concerns surrounding minors' engagement with social media, online gaming, and digital platforms.

Minister Shelar remarked that while other states have discussed banning social media, concrete legal actions are still pending.

"Maharashtra has taken this issue seriously and established a Task Force on February 2, 2026. The Task Force is currently investigating the mental, physical, and educational effects of social media on minors, alongside the impact of digital advertising. It will propose legal, technical, and administrative strategies based on both national and international standards," he stated.

He asserted that an outright ban on social media or mobile use for individuals under 18 is not a suitable solution, as the internet serves as a crucial educational tool.

Thus, a balanced approach is essential.

"The Task Force has a three-month timeline. Based on their findings, the government will explore options such as age verification, screen time limits, and digital safety education in schools. We are also considering training programs for teachers and parents to enhance digital security awareness," he elaborated.

In other news, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the Assembly that an in-depth investigation is underway regarding the alleged sand smuggling case in Majalgaon (Beed district), which is suspected to involve police collusion and the confiscation of cell phones from three suspects.

He noted that advanced technology has been utilized to recover deleted data; however, the analysis did not uncover direct evidence of collusion.

This matter was raised by member Prakash Solanke, with participation from members Nana Patole and Arjun Khotkar during the discussion.

The Chief Minister remarked that the Local Crime Branch and specialized investigation teams are diligently working to combat various crimes.

Standards for appointing officers have been established and are being strictly upheld to deter malpractice.

Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, added that the Anti-Corruption Bureau has acted, leading to the suspension of a police constable.

The forensic analysis of the confiscated phones revealed no inappropriate communication between the accused and the Police Inspector.

The Inspector, previously assigned to the control room to ensure an impartial investigation, has been reassigned following the findings.

Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal informed the Assembly that the government will also formulate a policy to address rehabilitation issues related to the Gosikhurd irrigation project, focusing on compensation and grants.

This response came during a debate sparked by member Naresh Bhondekar.

Minister Jaiswal acknowledged ongoing issues in certain villages concerning dam water and flooding.

The government will determine whether rehabilitation should occur all at once or be phased.

"Grant decisions need to be made. Previously, individuals affected by the project received a grant of Rs 2.99 lakh. The government is assessing whether the same amount should apply to current residents. A meeting with stakeholders will be scheduled within the next month to reach a definitive resolution," Minister Jaiswal concluded.