The Maharashtra Minority Development Department has clarified that no files were digitally signed and no minority status certificates were issued on January 28, the day Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati, reported news agency PTI.
In a detailed statement released late Monday night, the department asserted that there was no official processing or approval of applications on that day. It emphasised that no certificates were distributed and no new files received digital signatures through its system.
The clarification comes amid mounting controversy over the alleged rapid approval of minority status to multiple educational institutions around the same period.
Row over ‘hasty’ approvals to 75 institutions
The issue gained traction following allegations that as many as 75 educational institutions were granted minority status within a short span after Pawar’s demise. Critics have questioned the speed and transparency of the process, raising concerns about possible irregularities.
Officials indicated that the first minority certificate was reportedly issued at 3:09 pm on January 28, with approvals granted to seven institutions on the same day. The number of approvals reportedly surged to 75 within the next three days, intensifying scrutiny over procedural compliance, reported PTI.
Minority status provides institutions with significant regulatory advantages, including exemptions from certain provisions of the Right to Education Act, access to grants, and greater administrative autonomy.
Government calls allegations ‘baseless’, cites transparent process
Rejecting claims of irregularities, the department maintained that the entire process of granting minority status is conducted online and adheres strictly to the Government Resolution dated May 27, 2013.
It stated that applications undergo detailed scrutiny and district-level verification before certificates are issued, ensuring transparency and compliance with established norms.
The department described the allegations as “completely baseless” and accused critics of distorting facts, reiterating that due procedure is followed at every stage.
Probe ordered, officials under scanner
The controversy escalated after deputy secretary Milind Padmanabh Shenoy was removed from his post following intervention by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also stayed the approvals granted to the institutions, reported PTI.
A high-level inquiry has now been ordered to examine the sequence of events, including how files were processed, whether any suspension on issuing certificates had been lifted, and if proper procedures were followed.
The Chief Minister has sought a comprehensive report and warned of strict action in case any irregularities are found. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and Minority Development Minister Sunetra Pawar has also directed officials to conduct a thorough probe and ensure accountability if any wrongdoing is established, reported PTI.
The findings of the inquiry are expected to play a crucial role in determining whether administrative lapses or procedural violations occurred in the issuance of minority status certificates.
(With inputs from PTI)
