Mumbai, June 18: The Maharashtra government is set to establish a dedicated State CSR Cell to streamline and enhance the utilisation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for local development projects and self-government institutions across the state.
The proposal was discussed during a review meeting on the recommendations of the Sixth State Finance Commission chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha.
The Chief Minister said Maharashtra receives the highest volume of CSR funding in the country and requires a structured mechanism to ensure these resources are channelled effectively for public welfare and infrastructure development.
Fadnavis also suggested exploring an interest-free loan model for local self-government bodies, similar to schemes implemented by the Central Government, to support development works at the grassroots level.
To strengthen urban and rural planning, the Chief Minister directed officials to develop a transparent digital system for granting building permissions in areas adjoining village settlement (gaothan) limits while ensuring safeguards against misuse. He also called for stronger measures to curb unauthorised constructions in semi-urban regions.
Additionally, the government plans to undertake comprehensive cadastral mapping of properties under local bodies and expand the coverage of the SVAMITVA Scheme to include properties located outside gaothan boundaries.
The meeting reviewed all 42 recommendations submitted by the Sixth State Finance Commission, focusing on institutional reforms, revenue generation, tax administration, fund allocation, and strengthening local self-government institutions across Maharashtra.
