From Rural Poll Reforms To Mumbai Rail Boost: Maharashtra Cabinet Clears 8 Key Decisions

Published 28 July 2026 · local

From Rural Poll Reforms To Mumbai Rail Boost: Maharashtra Cabinet Clears 8 Key Decisions Reported By, Last Updated: July 28, 2026, 22:23 IST The Cabinet

From Rural Poll Reforms To Mumbai Rail Boost: Maharashtra Cabinet Clears 8 Key Decisions Reported By, Last Updated: July 28, 2026, 22:23 IST The Cabinet approved an ordinance to amend the Maharashtra Gram Panchayat Act, 1959 and the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961. Rapid Read In another major decision, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, significantly increasing penalties for illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals. (File photo) The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday cleared eight key decisions spanning rural governance, judiciary, infrastructure, mining regulation and agriculture, with one of the most significant moves being a mandatory 12-month deadline for elected representatives in local bodies to submit caste validity certificates. Chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Cabinet approved an ordinance to amend the Maharashtra Gram Panchayat Act, 1959 and the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961. Under the new provision, candidates elected from reserved seats in Gram Panchayats, Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis in elections held on or after February 9, 2026, but before the ordinance comes into force, must submit their caste validity certificates within 12 months of being declared elected.

Failure to do so will result in their election being deemed retrospectively cancelled, making them ineligible to continue as members or office-bearers. Judicial Infrastructure Expanded The Cabinet also approved the establishment of a special NDPS court in Pune to exclusively hear cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The decision comes after the Bombay High Court recommended a dedicated court considering the rising pendency of cases. Pune alone has 1,425 pending NDPS cases, while Maharashtra has nearly 30,000 such cases awaiting trial. The new court will involve an annual expenditure of ₹1.26 crore. To improve access to justice, the Cabinet approved: A Civil Judge Junior Division and Judicial Magistrate First Class Court at Kurduwadi in Solapur district, A District and Additional Sessions Court at Karjat in Ahilyanagar district to cater to litigants from Karjat and Jamkhed talukas, and Five Exclusive Special Courts under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Ahilyanagar, Parbhani, Solapur, Nanded and Yavatmal. Over 17,000 atrocity cases are currently pending across the state. Tougher Action Against Illegal Mining In another major decision, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, significantly increasing penalties for illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals.