Mumbai, Sept 2026 : The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday approved a series of decisions covering reservation for former Agniveers, livestock development, forensic laboratories, prison administration, land allotments, housing and judicial infrastructure.
10% Horizontal Reservation for Former Agniveers
The Cabinet approved 10 per cent horizontal reservation for Maharashtra residents who have completed their Agniveer service in recruitment to Group-C uniformed government services. It also approved a policy for their recruitment into government and semi-government services.
The Centre launched the Agnipath scheme in 2022 for recruitment to the Army, Navy and Air Force. Under the scheme, candidates aged 17.5 to 21 years are recruited for four years and receive training in discipline, leadership, technical skills, disaster management, security and organisational procedures. Based on performance, discipline and skills, 25 per cent of Agniveers are retained in the armed forces.
The state policy will cover uniformed Group-C posts under departments including Home, Excise, Forest and Urban Development. These include police constables, police drivers, prison constables, firefighters, rescuers, Home Guard personnel, intelligence department constables, excise department personnel and forest guards.
Former Agniveers will be exempted from the written examination for these posts. The policy will also provide concessions relating to age, physical efficiency and physical standards tests, seniority, promotion, training and relevant experience and skills.
Maharashtra Fodder Development Policy Approved
The Cabinet also approved the Maharashtra Fodder Development Policy to strengthen dairy and livestock activities and ensure adequate availability of fodder for the state’s livestock.
The policy provides for district-wise fodder production, promotion of suitable grass varieties, fodder-producing trees, improved fodder crops and traditional and non-traditional fodder resources.
Measures include using government fallow, grazing and revenue land for fodder cultivation; improved grasses and legumes on pasture land; horti-pasture systems in orchards; silvi-pasture systems on barren, rocky and hilly land; and cultivation of fodder grasses along farm boundaries, water bodies and other unsuitable land.
The policy also promotes silage, urea treatment, enzyme treatment, improved fodder storage, azolla, hydroponic fodder and thornless cactus. Public-private partnerships, fodder service centres and institutional seed chains will also be encouraged.
Forensic Laboratory Structure Strengthened
The Cabinet approved a revised staffing structure of 2,761 posts for the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories.
The move is aimed at strengthening forensic capabilities, enabling police to collect evidence faster and improve analysis of cybercrime and other offences. Five mini laboratories in Thane, Dhule, Solapur, Chandrapur and Ratnagiri will be upgraded into regional laboratories, while a laboratory training centre will be established at Wardha.
The approved structure comprises 1,792 regular posts, 835 posts through external agencies in the dead cadre and 134 existing posts in the dead cadre.
Board of Visitors for Every Prison
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Maharashtra Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2025, providing for a Board of Visitors in every prison in accordance with Supreme Court directions.
The district Chief Judge will serve as chairman and the District Collector as vice-chairman. The board will include senior officials from police, health, education, social welfare, women and child development, employment, agriculture and industry departments, along with two MLAs and two social workers, including representation for women. The prison superintendent will be the member-secretary.
Land Rights for Surya Project-Affected Families
The Cabinet approved scrutiny and re-allotment of government land in Nevare and Hanumannagar in Palghar district for beneficiaries affected by the Surya project.
The original allotments were made in 1970, but in several cases the names of beneficiaries were not entered in the 7/12 land records according to actual possession. Eligible beneficiaries will now have their rights protected and corrected records issued after verification.
Cases involving additional possession, missing allotment orders and other discrepancies will be examined individually. The government will use MRSAC imagery, GIS and drone surveys to prepare geo-referenced maps during the process.
Government Land for Affordable Housing in Nagpur
The Cabinet approved the free transfer of 2.37 hectares of government land at Bela village in Umred taluka, Nagpur district, to the Nagpur Housing and Area Development Board of MHADA.
The land is intended for construction of affordable homes for needy and economically weaker sections under the smart village concept.
Bandra Land Lease Renewed
The Cabinet approved renewal of the lease of 6,110 sq m of land at Bandra allotted to the National Society for Clean Cities India. The lease, which expired on September 24, 2017, will be renewed for another 30 years from September 25, 2017, at a nominal annual ground rent of Re 1.
459 Posts for Kolhapur High Court Circuit Bench
The Cabinet approved the creation of 459 posts for the Bombay High Court’s Kolhapur Circuit Bench.
The circuit bench was established through a notification dated August 1, 2025, and began functioning from August 18, 2025. The new posts will cover Groups A to D and include managerial, judicial administrative, translation, clerical, technical, driving, security, housekeeping and other positions.
Civil Court at Waluj
The Cabinet approved establishment of a Civil Court (Junior Division) and Judicial Magistrate First Class court at Waluj Metropolitan City in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
A total of 16 posts have been sanctioned, including 12 regular posts and four positions to be filled through an external agency. The posts include a Civil Judge, assistant superintendent, stenographer, senior and junior clerks, bailiffs, peons, watchman and sweeper.
