Maharashtra Education Department decentralizes administrative powers

The Maharashtra School Education Department has clarified its administrative structure following reports of a reduction in the powers of Education Minister Dada Bhuse. The department stated that the critical authority to approve and recognize new schools remains with the Education Minister.

To improve transparency and accelerate decision-making, certain administrative responsibilities have been decentralized to senior officials. The Principal Secretary has been granted authority regarding the expansion of existing schools and the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for boards such as CBSE, ICSE, IB, and IGCSE in municipal areas. Meanwhile, the School Education Commissioner will handle approvals for new branches and additional classes in self-financed units.

Minister Bhuse stated that the decision to delegate these powers was his own, aimed at streamlining daily administrative processes and reducing the time schools must wait for various approvals. These changes follow a recent review meeting conducted by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.