Over 550 unverified ministerial staff ousted as Fadnavis tightens appointment checks

More than 550 staff members working in ministerial offices across Maharashtra have been sent back to their parent departments as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tightens checks on appointments in the Mahayuti government.

The move follows a General Administration Department resolution issued on August 25, which directed staff appointed without proper authorisation, background checks or integrity verification to return to their parent departments by September 10. Those who fail to comply could have their salaries stopped.

Of the 904 temporary posts approved across 40 ministerial offices, including the Chief Minister’s Office, only 549 were filled through the regular process. The remaining appointments were made through outsourcing, deputation or informal orders, sources said.

The action comes after changes to the Maharashtra Government Rules of Business, 2026, which give the Chief Minister greater powers to review and reject decisions taken by individual ministers.

The government sources said ministers from all three Mahayuti allies are unhappy with the reduction in their staff strength. Their offices are now required to operate within the sanctioned number of posts.

Four private secretaries have also lost their positions, making it harder for ministers to handle constituency work, legislative replies and departmental files, sources said.

Under the new system, any fresh appointment to a minister’s office will require proper verification and final approval from the Chief Minister’s Office.