Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been given a new administrative power that allows him to modify, overturn or cancel decisions taken by individual cabinet ministers when he considers such action necessary in the larger public interest.
The change follows the notification of the Maharashtra Government Rules of Business, 2026, which came into force after being published in the State Gazette on August 14. The revised framework sets out the responsibilities and decision-making procedures for the Chief Minister, ministers and senior government officials.
CM Must Record Reasons in Writing
Under the new provisions, the Chief Minister can intervene in a minister’s decision if it is considered necessary for public welfare. However, the Chief Minister is required to record the reasons for reversing or changing such a decision in writing.
The rules also allow the Chief Minister to call for files, documents and records from any government department. Ministers and departmental secretaries are required to provide the requested information.
Routine administrative responsibilities will continue to remain with the minister in charge of the concerned department. Quasi-judicial matters are excluded from the Chief Minister’s new overriding authority.
New Rules Define Digital Government Files
The updated framework also recognises digital records as part of official government decision-making. Cases processed through the State’s e-Office system, including electronic notes and digital files, are covered by the rules.
The framework further requires departments to follow financial procedures before taking decisions involving matters such as concessions, land grants, revenue-related waivers or expenditure that has not been included in the budget.
Chief Secretary Gets Key Advisory Role
The Chief Secretary continues to function as the state’s senior civil servant and Secretary to the Cabinet.
Under the revised rules, the Chief Secretary is expected to advise the Chief Minister or ministers if a proposed decision appears to conflict with existing laws, government policies or established procedures.
Departments must also consult other ministries when a decision could affect their areas of responsibility.
Possible Impact on Maharashtra’s Coalition Politics
The new authority could have political significance because Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti government includes the BJP along with allied parties.
The power to review and reverse decisions taken by individual ministers could potentially affect how responsibilities are exercised within the coalition, particularly if disagreements arise over major administrative decisions.
The notification therefore represents more than a procedural change: it gives the Chief Minister a clearly defined mechanism for intervening in ministerial decisions while keeping the day-to-day functioning of departments with their respective ministers.
