Reinforcing its long-standing policy that no government office should operate from rented premises, the Maharashtra government has taken a decisive step by forming a high-level committee to allocate space to various departments inside the GST Bhavan at Wadala.
The General Administration Department (GAD) issued a Government Resolution (GR) on December 9, 2025, noting that several vacant sections in the GST Bhavan can be repurposed to accommodate state departments currently paying rent elsewhere. The GR explicitly cites the government’s policy:
“शासनाचे कोणतेही कार्यालय भाड्याने राहू नये असे शासनाचे धोरण प्रस्तापित आहे.”
(‘It is the policy of the Government that no government office should remain on rent.’)
Why the Committee Was Formed
The GST Bhavan—originally built for GST department functions—now has unused space. To ensure optimum utilisation and reduce recurring rental expenditure, a dedicated committee has been formed to oversee the fair allotment of this space to state departments.
Composition of the Committee
The committee has the following members:
- Additional Chief Secretary (Services-II), GAD — Chairperson
- Representative (Financial Reforms), Finance Department — Member
- Representative (Buildings), Public Works Department — Member
- Deputy Secretary (Establishment-1), GAD — Member Secretary
- Representative of the concerned department — Member
This committee is empowered to evaluate space requirements, coordinate with departments, and finalise allotments.
Broader Context
The Maharashtra government spends significant sums annually on renting private office spaces across Mumbai. With real estate costs rising sharply, the policy to shift offices into government-owned buildings has gained urgency.
What Happens Next
- Departments currently in rented spaces will be prioritised for shifting.
- The committee will conduct inspection, assessment of readiness, and allocation.
- Administrative savings are expected once rental payments are discontinued.
The move signals Maharashtra’s push to improve resource utilisation, cut costs, and enhance administrative efficiency—beginning with the strategic repurposing of GST Bhavan in Wadala.
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