As per a government resolution issued on April 20, 2026, the committee has been formed to review and suggest necessary changes in the existing legal framework, including the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Rules, 1961, and the Cooperative Election Rules, 2014. The decision comes in response to evolving challenges in the cooperative sector and the need to align laws with current economic and operational realities.

The formation of this committee follows directions from the Chief Minister during a State Apex Committee meeting held on July 14, 2025, where discussions were held under the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 initiative. The government emphasized the importance of strengthening the cooperative ecosystem by addressing structural and regulatory gaps.

The committee is chaired by the Cooperation Commissioner and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra State, Pune. Initially constituted on January 2, 2026, the panel has now been further expanded to include additional experts and representatives from key cooperative federations.

Notably, Ashok Swami, President of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Textile Federation, Mumbai, has been inducted as a representative of cooperative institutions. Additionally, D.A. Chougule, a retired Divisional Joint Registrar (Audit), has been included as a subject expert.

The expanded committee includes a wide range of stakeholders from the cooperative ecosystem, including representatives from the sugar sector, housing federations, cooperative banks, and dairy and textile industries. This broad-based representation is expected to ensure that the proposed amendments are comprehensive and reflect ground-level realities.

The government believes that revising the cooperative laws will help improve governance, transparency, and efficiency within cooperative institutions, which play a crucial role in Maharashtra’s economy—especially in sectors like housing, banking, agriculture, and textiles.

The committee is expected to study existing provisions, identify gaps, and recommend reforms that can make cooperative societies more accountable, competitive, and aligned with present-day requirements.

The government order has been digitally signed and made available on the official Maharashtra government website.

Also Read: Bombay HC: Cooperative Societies Alone Have the Right to Decide Membership – Registrar Cannot Force Admission

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The decision comes under the scheme titled “Special Provision for Development of Basic Urban Infrastructure in Municipal Corporation Areas”, aimed at boosting urban infrastructure across key cities.

₹1,800 Crore Sanctioned, Partial Funds Released So Far

As per the Urban Development Department’s notification:

• Total tentative allocation: ₹1,800 crore
  • Thane Municipal Corporation: ₹850 crore
  • Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation: ₹950 crore
• Funds released so far:
  • Thane: ₹46 crore
  • Mira-Bhayandar: ₹38 crore
  • Total released: ₹84 crore

The corrigendum revises certain project allocations and approves additional works from the remaining funds.

Focus on Basic Urban Infrastructure

The funding is aimed at improving core civic infrastructure, including:

• Public amenities
• Waste management systems
• Cultural and community infrastructure
• Urban development projects

The government clarified that funds will be disbursed subject to conditions, including issuance of work orders and adherence to project timelines.

Key Projects Approved in Mira-Bhayandar

The corrigendum includes revised allocations and approvals for multiple projects in Mira-Bhayandar:

• Completion of Promod Mahajan Kala Dalan (auditorium project)
  • Total allocation: ₹11 crore
  • Previously sanctioned: ₹0.88 crore
• Waste management project implementation
  • Total allocation: ₹90.67 crore
  • Previously sanctioned: ₹1.81 crore
• Construction of Appasaheb Dharmadhikari Theatre (Natyagruha)
  • Total allocation: ₹23.33 crore
  • Previously sanctioned: ₹1.3 crore
• Total for these projects:
  • ₹125 crore allocated
  • ₹4 crore already released
  • ₹122 crore remaining for disbursement

These projects are expected to significantly enhance urban infrastructure, waste processing capacity, and cultural facilities in the region.

Policy Continuity with Revised Allocations

The government stated that all other terms and conditions of the original Government Resolution (dated September 5, 2022) will remain unchanged.

The corrigendum primarily focuses on:

• Reallocation and correction of previously approved funds
• Approval of additional works from remaining balances
• Ensuring efficient utilization of allocated budgets

Administrative and Financial Oversight

The order has been issued by the Urban Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, and digitally signed for official implementation.

Key authorities involved include:

• Municipal Commissioners of Thane and Mira-Bhayandar
• District Collector, Thane
• Divisional Commissioner, Konkan
• State finance and audit departments

The Bigger Picture

This move reflects the Maharashtra government’s continued push towards:

• Strengthening urban infrastructure in fast-growing regions
• Improving quality of life in municipal areas
• Accelerating execution of pending civic projects

With urbanization increasing rapidly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), such funding initiatives are critical to support infrastructure demand and sustainable growth.

Also Read: Thane witnesses huge demand for Lifestyle Projects

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The order was issued through a Government Resolution (GR) dated 12 February 2026 by the Housing Department. The release is part of the larger “Mother Sanction” approved by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, covering 41,030 SC beneficiaries statewide under SLS Code MH-688 (BLC vertical of PMAY-U 2.0).

Key Highlights of the GR

• Total beneficiaries covered in this tranche: 3,302 SC families.
• Financial breakdown:
  • Central share (60%): ₹1,981.20 lakh (₹19.812 crore)
  • State share (40%): ₹1,320.80 lakh (₹13.208 crore)
  • Grand total: ₹3,302 lakh (₹33.02 crore)
• Fund routing: Through SNA-SPARSH portal (Single Nodal Account – System for Public Assistance and Resource Sharing Hub).
• Accounting heads:
  • Central share → 22163571 (PMAY-U 2.0 BLC – Central 60% – SC Component)
  • State share → 22163582 (PMAY-U 2.0 BLC – State 40% – SC Component)
• Purpose: Financial assistance for construction of pucca (permanent) houses on beneficiaries’ own land (or pattas), primarily targeting Economically Weaker Section (EWS) families from SC communities in urban areas.

The GR instructs all implementing agencies — municipal corporations, municipalities, nagar panchayats, and other urban local bodies — to:

• Complete mapping and e-Hastakshar procedures on the SNAP portal.
• Ensure 100% utilization of funds for the intended purpose (house construction only).
• Strictly adhere to PMAY guidelines, geo-tagging, progress reporting, and finance department instructions.

District-Wise Distribution (Top Contributors)

The attached annexure lists beneficiaries across nearly all districts. Some of the highest allocations include:

• Hingoli Municipality → 274 units (₹164.40 lakh central + ₹109.60 lakh state)
• Purna Municipality (Parbhani) → 190 units (₹114.00 lakh central + ₹76.00 lakh state)
• Armori Municipality (Gadchiroli) → 69 units (₹41.40 lakh central + ₹27.60 lakh state)
• Amravati Municipal Corporation → 129 units (₹77.40 lakh central + ₹51.60 lakh state)
• Naigaon Town Panchayat (Nanded) → 123 units (₹73.80 lakh central + ₹49.20 lakh state)

Smaller allocations go to various town panchayats and municipalities, ensuring wide geographical coverage.

Background: PMAY-U 2.0 and SC Component

Launched in September 2024, PMAY-U 2.0 aims to provide affordable housing to urban poor and middle-income groups over five years (2024–2029). The Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) component provides direct assistance (up to ₹2.5 lakh per house in most cases) to eligible families who own land and wish to construct or enhance their own homes.

The SC component ensures targeted allocation under the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP), with funds drawn from special central and state provisions for social justice. The current release is the first major tranche under PMAY-U 2.0 for SC beneficiaries in Maharashtra following the central Mother Sanction for over 41,000 units.

Social Justice and Special Assistance Department concurrence (dated 11 February 2026) and Finance Department approval (dated 5 January 2026) paved the way for this disbursement.

Significance

This release is expected to accelerate house construction for SC families in urban Maharashtra, aligning with the state’s goal of making cities slum-free and providing dignified housing. Beneficiaries will receive funds directly via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) linked to Aadhaar and progress milestones.

Also Read: Relief For MHADA Redevelopment And PMAY Projects

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