In a notable shift, the Maharashtra government has decided to eliminate the electoral process for the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), which oversees the registration and regulation of medical professionals in the state. Instead, members will be nominated directly by the government. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting and will require an amendment to the Maharashtra Medical Council Act, 1965. The elections were initially set for April 26 following a Supreme Court directive, but the government has opted to amend the law instead. This move has faced strong opposition from the medical community, with Dr. Shiv Kumar Utture, former president of the MMC, expressing concerns about government control over the council. He indicated that legal action may be pursued against this decision. The MMC, which has been functioning under a state-appointed administrator since 2022, will see its membership increase from 18 to 23 members, with a focus on creating a more efficient and accountable body. The government has established a high-level committee to guide these changes, aiming for a transparent and merit-based selection process.