In a significant shift in governance, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been empowered to intervene in decisions made by any cabinet minister. This authority allows him to override ministerial decisions when deemed necessary for the greater public interest. This move marks a consolidation of administrative power within the state’s executive leadership.
Any potential dispute or controversy involving the Government of India or other state governments must be reported to the Chief Minister and the Governor immediately. The Chief Secretary serves as the chief of civil services in the state and secretary to the Cabinet. Departments are required to consult all affected ministries before making decisions. The notification allows the state government to constitute Empowered Committees headed by the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary to decide on designated subjects.
The state government officially notified the Maharashtra Government Rules of Business, 2026, which explicitly outline the administrative powers and procedures for the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Secretary and departmental secretaries. Published by the General Administration Department in the State Gazette under Article 166 (2) and (3) of the Constitution of India, the new framework supersedes all previous rules and procedures to streamline executive decision‑making across the state. Rule 17(2) and Rule 39 mandate that no administrative department can issue orders involving financial implications, such as revenue abandonment, land grants, concessions or unbudgeted expenditure, without prior concurrence of the Finance Department. Under Rule 16(1), the Chief Secretary is mandated to advise the Chief Minister or Ministers if any proposed course of action violates statutory provisions or established policy. The newly issued rules came into force immediately upon their publication in the official gazette on August 14, 2026.
