The Maharashtra Government has approved a major initiative to evaluate whether its schemes and development projects are genuinely reaching citizens. A professional survey agency empanelled with the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC/DAVP) will be appointed to gather factual, real-time data across the state.
Cabinet Approves ₹94.70 Crore for Statewide Survey
In its meeting on 7 December 2025, the state cabinet cleared a proposal to allocate ₹94.70 crore for 2025–26.
The funds will be used to conduct detailed, multi-channel surveys that measure:
- Awareness of government schemes
- Accessibility for beneficiaries
- Implementation quality
- Public satisfaction
- Problems and gaps in delivery
The approval covers a two-year period — 2025–26 and 2026–27.
Why the Survey Is Needed
The government noted that while several welfare schemes, development projects, and flagship initiatives are underway, it is essential to ensure:
- Schemes reach the right beneficiaries
- Implementation challenges are identified early
- Citizens’ feedback is captured regularly
- Policy corrections are made quickly
The survey will help build a real-time, trustworthy data system to guide policy and improve service delivery.
How the Survey Will Be Conducted
The appointed agency will use a mix of traditional and digital tools, including:
- Door-to-door data collection
- Mobile apps
- OBD calls
- WhatsApp/SMS outreach
- Online and offline questionnaires
- Focus group discussions
- Telephonic surveys
- Social media polls
- Feedback through government portals
- Confidential feedback options
- Analysis of helpline data and media feedback
This hybrid system aims to generate real-time, verifiable, district-level insights into how schemes are performing.
AI, Data Analytics, and Local-Language Outreach
To improve accuracy and speed, the GR mandates the use of:
- AI tools
- Data dashboards
- Modern analytics and visualization
- Local-language communication for better citizen engagement
The focus is on increasing transparency, inclusivity, and constructive dialogue between government and citizens.
Benefits Expected from the Exercise
The government expects several outcomes:
- Efficiency improvement: Know if schemes truly reach target groups like women, farmers, senior citizens, minorities, and low-income families.
- Problem-solving: Identify administrative bottlenecks and ground-level issues.
- Inclusivity: Understand barriers faced by remote or marginalised communities.
- Transparency: Give citizens a channel to express their views directly.
- Policy upgrades: Use feedback to enhance scheme design and execution.
The survey is expected to become a continuous feedback loop for better governance.
Why an External Agency Was Needed
The GR states that the government currently does not have:
- sufficient manpower
- advanced technical infrastructure
- dedicated expertise for large-scale professional surveys
Hence, an expert agency with experience in impact assessment and performance evaluation is being appointed for two years. Any government department may use this agency for scheme-related surveys during this period.
Financial Provision
The expenditure will be drawn from the General Administration Department, under the head of “Special Publicity Campaign for Government Schemes”. Funds will be made available through supplementary demands.
A Step Toward Evidence-Based Governance
With this move, the Maharashtra Government aims to create a data-backed governance model where policy decisions rely on real-time insights from citizens.
The initiative marks a significant shift towards transparent, accountable, and responsive administration.
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