CM Devendra Fadnavis launches sweeping reform to curb political interference and strengthen civic governance across 29 cities
In a landmark administrative overhaul, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered that only Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers will henceforth serve as commissioners in all 29 municipal corporations of the state. The reform seeks to restore accountability, enhance professionalism, and insulate civic bodies from entrenched political interference.
The directive, soon to be formalized by the Urban Development Department (UDD), comes in the wake of mounting corruption scandals involving senior civic officials—particularly within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s smaller corporations.
Corruption and Political Patronage Trigger Policy Shift
A series of high-profile controversies has fueled the push for stronger, independent civic leadership:
In Mira-Bhayander, commissioner Dilip Dhole, formerly personal secretary to ex-CM Eknath Shinde, came under Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation for money laundering.
In Vasai-Virar, ex-commissioner Anil Pawar, a state services officer, was arrested on corruption charges.
Kailash Jadhav, Nashik’s commissioner who was promoted from the state cadre to IAS, faces allegations of irregularities in recent dealings.
According to officials, local political leaders have consistently favored non-IAS or Class Officer (CO) cadre appointees, citing their malleability and political proximity—often at the expense of governance integrity.
DoPT Guidelines Flouted for Years
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) had long stipulated that 14 major corporations—including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, and Kolhapur—must be led by IAS officers. Yet successive state governments ignored these norms, installing state service or even non-cadre officers, some of them close aides to politicians, as municipal heads.
“Despite central directives, political appointments in municipal corporations became the norm,” a senior GAD official acknowledged.
Fadnavis Moves to Restore Integrity
Determined to reverse the trend, CM Fadnavis has tightened the framework to safeguard civic administration from political capture. The revised mandate will require:
Exclusive IAS appointments in all Class A and B municipal corporations.
IAS postings “wherever feasible” in smaller corporations such as Ahilyanagar, Akola, and Bhiwandi-Nizampur, despite cadre limitations.
A formal proposal drafted by the UDD is expected to be cleared in the coming weeks.
Broad Support for IAS-Led Corporations
The decision has drawn support from civic voices long critical of the old system. Sanjay Pange, former BJP corporator from MBMC, welcomed the move:
“The previous framework enabled unchecked political interference. Many commissioners weren’t even CO cadre, let alone IAS. Corruption thrived under such circumstances. IAS leadership will restore professionalism, autonomy, and credibility to urban governance.”
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the reform promises to professionalize civic governance, it also poses logistical hurdles. Maharashtra currently faces a shortage of IAS officers, raising concerns about immediate implementation across all 29 corporations.
Nonetheless, the policy underscores the government’s determination to bring transparency and efficiency to civic administration. If implemented effectively, Maharashtra’s model could set a precedent for other states grappling with corruption and political meddling in urban governance.
