CM Fadnavis directs Maha admin to form 'State CSR' cell to ensure effective funds utilisation for local self-govt institutions
Mumbai, June 18
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state administration to establish a 'State CSR' Cell to ensure the proper utilisation of corporate social responsibility funds in the state, and through this mechanism, funds that can be mobilised for local self-government institutions should be effectively utilised.
This is necessary as Maharashtra is the state that receives the highest amount of CSR funding in the country, he added on Wednesday during a presentation meeting on the Sixth State Finance Commission.
Chief Minister Fadnavis said that on the lines of the Central government's interest-free loan scheme, a similar interest-free loan scheme should be prepared for local self-government institutions.
The feasibility of providing such loans for development works should also be examined, he added.
He also directed that a specific mechanism be developed to enable local self-government institutions to grant building permissions for constructions adjacent to, but outside, their 'gaothan' limits.
"At the same time, safeguards should be put in place to prevent misuse of these powers by the concerned local bodies. A digital platform should be developed to facilitate and regulate this process. A system should also be established to control illegal constructions outside the 'gaothan' limits of gram panchayats in semi-urban areas."
The Chief Minister also instructed that properties within the jurisdiction of local self-government institutions should be mapped through a cadastral mapping scheme.
The SVAMITVA Scheme should also be expanded to cover properties located outside the 'gaothan' limits, Chief Minister Fadnavis said.
During the meeting, an extensive discussion was held on the 42 recommendations of the Sixth State Finance Commission.
These recommendations have been classified into six broad categories, including institutional reforms, creation of own revenue sources, tax assessment and regulation, distribution of state funds, transfer of funds to local self-government institutions, and strengthening of the State Finance Commission.
Maharashtra Additional Chief Secretary (Financial Reforms) Vikas Chandra Rastogi made the presentation during the meeting.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interest-free loans for local bodies is a great idea, but please ensure it reaches gram panchayats in rural areas, not just big municipal corporations. Our village desperately needs better roads and drainage. Also, the digital platform for building permissions is long overdue - will stop the rampant illegal constructions we see everywhere.
Good move by Fadnavis ji. But I have a concern - these 'safeguards' mentioned for preventing misuse of powers need to be very strong. Local bodies have a history of corruption. And the SVAMITVA scheme expansion outside gaothan limits is necessary for property rights in semi-urban areas. Let's hope implementation is as good as the announcement.
As someone working in the social sector in Maharashtra, I've seen how CSR funds get wasted on low-impact projects. This centralised cell could be a gamechanger if it channels money to real needs like sanitation, education, and healthcare in local bodies. Also pleased to see focus on cadastral mapping - will end so many property disputes in villages! 🌟
Impressive that Maharashtra is setting up this cell. Having lived in both India and the US, I can say that proper CSR utilisation is a challenge everywhere. The interest-free loan scheme for local bodies is particularly innovative - it gives them financial independence without debt burden. Hope other states take note of this model.
Just one word of caution - please ensure these 42 recommendations of the Sixth Finance Commission are implemented in a time-bound manner. We've seen many reports gather dust in government offices. The digital platform for building permissions is good, but what about digital
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.