Maharashtra forms high-powered committee for quick decision making

MUMBAI: With a view to expedite financial and administrative decision making, the Maharashtra government has constituted a high-powered committee headed by Chief Secretary and a cabinet sub-committee under the Chief Minister.

Home Minister R R Patil said the decision has been taken to avoid delays in implementation of development works in Naxal-infested areas.

He informed that decisions approved by the high-powered committee would be sent to the cabinet sub-committee headed by the CM for final approval.

The high-powered committee consists of Additional Chief Secretaries (ACS) of Home, Finance, Planning, Principal Secretary of General Administration (services) and Secretaries of the concerned department whose proposal will be discussed.

The high-powered committee will have a budget of Rs 50 crore and will have the final say in financial and administrative matters of development works which will be undertaken.

Patil said as a special case financial rules have been relaxed for these committees to grant them powers to sanction schemes for Naxal areas.

He said the decisions taken by the high-powered committee will be given final approval by the cabinet sub committee which includes Deputy Chief Minister (Finance and Planning), Home Minister, Minister whose department is connected with the proposal being discussed and Additional Chief Secretary will be member Secretary.

Patil said after getting approvals from the empowered committee and final clearance from the cabinet sub committee there will be no need for resending the files to Finance, Planning or General Administration ministries.

"Due to this decision making would be expedited, he said.