Maharashtra Extends Deadline for Minority Status Applications Amid Ongoing Inquiry
Maharashtra Government extends deadline for digital minority status applications by 6 months
Image: The Indian Express
The Maharashtra government has extended the deadline for minority educational institutions to apply for digitally signed minority status certificates by six months, now set to October 20, 2026. This extension occurs amid a suspension of the approval process due to an inquiry into alleged irregularities in certificate grants.
- 01The deadline for applying for digitally signed minority status certificates has been extended to October 20, 2026.
- 02The approval process for minority status is currently suspended due to an inquiry led by IAS officer B Venugopal Reddy.
- 03The controversy arose after allegations that minority status certificates were rapidly granted to 73 institutions following the death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
- 04The Minority Development Department has labeled the allegations of arbitrary approvals as 'baseless' and a 'distortion of facts.'
- 05Deputy Secretary Milind Shenoy was transferred after his digital signature appeared on the controversial certificates.
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The Maharashtra government has announced a six-month extension for minority educational institutions to apply for digitally signed minority status certificates, now due by October 20, 2026. This decision comes as the process of granting minority status remains suspended due to an ongoing inquiry into alleged irregularities. The Minority Development Department (MDD) clarified that the extension applies only to institutions that had applied prior to the controversy. The inquiry, led by IAS officer B Venugopal Reddy, was initiated after claims surfaced that 73 institutions were granted minority status certificates shortly after the death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The MDD has defended the process, stating that the approvals were legitimate and attributing the rapid issuance of certificates to IT-related issues. Following the uproar, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a halt to all approvals, while Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar called for a detailed investigation. The situation has led to administrative changes within the department, including the transfer of Deputy Secretary Milind Shenoy.
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The extension allows minority educational institutions additional time to secure their status, which may affect funding and operational stability.
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