In a decisive move to enhance transparency and curb corruption within Maharashtra’s government, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instituted a policy requiring his office’s approval for all ministerial staff appointments. This directive applies to positions such as personal assistants (PAs) and officers on special duty (OSDs), ensuring that only individuals with unblemished records serve in these roles.
As of February 24, 2025, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has reviewed 125 recommendations for PAs and OSDs submitted by cabinet ministers. Out of these, 109 candidates received approval, while the remaining were withheld due to ongoing inquiries or allegations of misconduct. Fadnavis emphasized his commitment to maintaining integrity, stating, “I have not cleared the remaining names because there are allegations against them. Also, a few investigations are ongoing in some cases. Therefore, even if someone is upset, I will not approve such names.”
This initiative reflects Fadnavis’s broader strategy to foster a corruption-free administration. By personally vetting ministerial staff appointments, he aims to prevent individuals with dubious backgrounds from influencing governmental operations. This policy is consistent with his previous efforts during earlier tenures, notably in 2014 and 2022, where similar directives were implemented to uphold administrative integrity.
However, this stringent screening process has led to delays in staffing ministerial offices. Several ministers have expressed concerns over the prolonged approval times, which they claim hinder their administrative efficiency. Notably, ministers from the Shiv Sena faction have voiced their dissatisfaction, highlighting that even after two months, their offices remain understaffed due to pending approvals.
In response to these concerns, Fadnavis remains steadfast, underscoring the necessity of thorough background checks to eliminate the presence of ‘fixers’—individuals who exploit their positions for personal gain. He stated, “I had clearly said in the cabinet meeting that you can send the names you want. But I will not approve those whose names have been used as fixers or for wrong purposes.”
Beyond the realm of staff appointments, the Fadnavis administration has initiated several investigations into alleged irregularities from previous governmental tenures. A significant example is the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities amounting to Rs.12,024 crores in projects undertaken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) between November 2019 and February 2022.
Additionally, the government has ordered an investigation into alleged corrupt practices by 462 housing society administrators in the Mumbai region. This action aims to address grievances from residents and ensure that housing societies operate transparently and fairly.
These measures underscore the administration’s commitment to rooting out corruption and promoting good governance. By enforcing strict oversight on appointments and scrutinizing past projects, Chief Minister Fadnavis aims to restore public trust and ensure that Maharashtra’s governance is both transparent and accountable.
While these initiatives have garnered support from those advocating for clean governance, they have also led to tensions within the ruling coalition. Balancing the need for thorough vetting processes with the operational requirements of ministerial offices remains a challenge. Nevertheless, the Fadnavis administration appears resolute in its mission to eradicate corruption and enhance administrative efficiency in Maharashtra.
