Just hours before the State Election Commission announced the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for civic body elections, the Maharashtra government issued more than 50 Government Resolutions (GRs) in a single
day on Monday, triggering political attention and debate.
The State Election Commission on Monday formally declared the election programme for municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). As per the schedule, civic polls will be held on January 15. The Commission announced that the Model Code of Conduct will come into force from Monday evening.
However, ahead of the MCC being enforced, the state government moved swiftly, announcing a series of key policy decisions and administrative approvals through government resolutions issued from Monday morning onwards.
By Monday evening, over 50 GRs had been notified. These included major policy decisions impacting Mumbai and other urban centres, fund allocations for various departments, and approvals for ongoing and proposed projects. Among the most significant announcements was the joint redevelopment policy for MHADA buildings in Mumbai city and suburbs, a long-pending demand of residents living in ageing housing stock. The government also issued resolutions related to policies and fund allocation for senior citizens, signalling welfare-focused decisions ahead of the crucial civic polls.
Another key decision announced on Monday was the extension of time granted to the committee headed by noted economist and educationist Dr Narendra Jadhav. The committee was appointed by the state government to study and gather public opinion on the implementation of the three-language policy in schools, a move that had sparked strong opposition amid concerns over alleged Hindi imposition. The Jadhav committee was originally expected to submit its report by December 4. However, amid continued public debate and political sensitivity around the issue, the state government on Monday granted the committee a one-month extension to submit its recommendations.
Sources indicated that the government decided to defer a final call on the three-language policy until the committee completes wider consultations with citizens, education experts and stakeholders. Apart from these, several GRs related to administrative sanctions for proposed infrastructure projects and the release of funds for development works were also issued during the day.
The timing of the announcements — just before the Model Code of Conduct came into force — has drawn attention in political circles, especially with high-stakes municipal elections around the corner. Once the MCC is in place, governments are restricted from announcing new policies or financial commitments without approval from the Election Commission.
