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Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kaustubh Dhavse appointed chief advisor to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis; to lead investment and strategy initiatives
PUNE: In a significant move aimed at bolstering Maharashtra's economic roadmap, Kaustubh Dhavse has been appointed as Chief Advisor (Investments & Strategy) to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with immediate effect. The General Administration Department (GAD) formally announced the appointment, marking Dhavse's transition from his earlier role as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to this new high-impact advisory position. "It is an honor to serve Maharashtra in this new capacity. I look forward to driving strategic investments and accelerating transformative initiatives under the visionary leadership of Hon. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis,' Dhavse said in a statement. In his new role, Dhavse will lead critical areas including investment promotion and policy design, foreign direct investment (FDI) facilitation, coordination of the Infrastructure Projects War Room, and implementation of large-scale IT initiatives. His appointment underscores the state government's renewed focus on accelerating economic reforms and attracting global investments. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Dhavse brings over two decades of rich experience in strategy, consulting, and technology to the table. He has worked with top global organizations such as Solectron Inc., HP Inc., and Frost & Sullivan, providing him with a deep understanding of global business dynamics. An electronics engineer from Mumbai University, Dhavse further strengthened his academic profile with an MBA from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, where he was the valedictorian, and a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University's prestigious John F. Kennedy School of Government. During CM Fadnavis's previous term, Dhavse played a crucial role as a trusted policy advisor, helping shape strategic initiatives and streamline policy execution. His proven expertise is expected to help position Maharashtra as a future-ready, globally competitive economy.
India Today
26-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Ajit Pawar orders audit of Eknath Shinde-led body as Mahayuti tussle simmers
The Maharashtra Planning Department, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has sought an independent audit of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), led by Eknath Shinde, bringing to focus the simmering power tussle within the the centre of the move is the Rs 86,358 crore Shaktipeeth Expressway - the 802-km Nagpur-Goa corridor billed to be among India's costliest road projects. Earlier this week, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved a Rs 20,787 crore loan guarantee for the project's land the Finance Department, also under Pawar, has deemed the 8.85% interest rate on the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) loan for the Shaktipeeth Expressway financially unviable. It has argued that the state's own bonds fetch interest at a significantly lower 6.75%.SHAKTIPEETH EXPRESSWAY PROJECT The Finance Department has said the loan would burden the cash-strapped state. In a Cabinet note before the approval, the department had warned that off-budget borrowing would impact Maharashtra's loan-seeking capacity in the state is already reeling under a debt burden. As per estimates, Maharashtra's outstanding loans are projected to touch Rs 9.32 lakh crore by March 2026, with Rs 1.54 lakh crore earmarked solely for decision to borrow from HUDCO for the Shaktipeeth Expressway, a pet project of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is expected to further push the fiscal deficit to 4.08% and increase the debt-to-GSDP ratio to 25%. It has led to concerns about possible cuts to revenue expenditure and public welfare this juncture, the Planning Department seeking a review of MSRDC's finances has added to the tensions. The agency is overseeing major projects, including the Shaktipeeth Expressway, Pune Ring Road, and the Nanded-Jalna Planning Department has flagged MSRDC's existing loan guarantees of Rs 24,190 crore backed by the state, with budgetary provisions for the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has also pointed out issues in MSRDC's financial and operational practices. Earlier, former MSRDC managing director Radhesham Mopalwar was accused of amassing disproportionate assets worth fresh tussle between Pawar and Shinde comes after Fadnavis's move to curb the unauthorised retention of personal secretaries (PS) and Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) by several ministers from the Shiv Sena and the NCP has added another layer to the tensions within Mahayuti.- Ends
Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Maharashtra: No personal secretaries for over six ministers, CM says ‘nothing to worry'
More than six months after the Mahayuti government assumed power in Maharashtra, over half a dozen Cabinet ministers continue to operate without officially appointed Personal Secretaries (PSs) and Officers on Special Duty (OSDs), as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remains firm on withholding approvals for staff he deems 'corrupt' or 'fixers.' In February, Fadnavis had cleared 109 out of 125 names proposed by ministers for PS and OSD roles. As many as 16 names were withheld, with the Chief Minister citing 'serious concerns' — including pending inquiries and links to lobbying networks operating within Mantralaya. According to sources, the delay has affected several senior ministers, including Ganesh Naik, Shambhuraj Desai, Chhagan Bhujbal, Uday Samant, Gulabrao Patil, and Datta Bharne, who continue to function without full-time staff. While some of the proposed appointees have returned to their parent departments, others are assisting ministers unofficially. When the CM was asked about the delays in appointment of PSs and OSDs to over half a dozen ministers, he told mediapersons: 'There is nothing to worry about it'. According to service rules, each Cabinet minister is entitled to a personal staff of 16 and ministers of state to 14. However, the CM's Office has insisted on close vetting, particularly objecting to staff who had served in earlier governments and developed proximity to political intermediaries. A senior bureaucrat said, 'There were staffers who had been in the system for years and were seen as power centres. The CM wants a Mantralaya free of dalals (middlemen).' The CMO also held a two-day training session for approved PSs and OSDs in Pune, earlier this year, underlining expectations for professionalism and integrity. Tensions had surfaced publicly recently in February when Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate of the NCP had openly expressed dissatisfaction, stating that ministers had no say in appointing even their personal secretaries and PAs. Ministers have privately complained that the vetting process is being selectively applied with most rejected staffers said to be nominees of alliance partners and not the BJP. Despite criticism, Fadnavis in February had said that his priority is clean governance. 'Fixers will not be allowed to operate through ministerial staff,' he had said.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Three accused skip summons by Special Investigation Team in liquor probe
Vijayawada: Three key accused—retired IAS officer Dhanunjaya Reddy , former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the then Chief Minister's Office Krishnamohan Reddy, and Bharathi Cements director Govindappa Balaji—failed to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) despite being served formal SIT, which summoned the trio for questioning based on evidence linking them to the liquor scam case, has intensified efforts to locate them after they skipped the scheduled inquiry. Officials stated that the three were expected to provide critical information regarding alleged irregularities in liquor policy decisions and financial transactions during the previous government's to sources, several attempts were made to contact the accused following the issuance of notices, but there has been no response. The SIT is now considering stronger legal measures, including the issuance of fresh summons or seeking court directives to compel their trio were recently added to the list of accused through a memo submitted to the ACB special court in Vijayawada. Their non-compliance has raised questions about their willingness to cooperate and has intensified scrutiny of their roles in the far, 33 individuals have been named in the case, including high-profile political leaders, senior bureaucrats, and corporate executives. The primary accused is Raj Kesireddy (A1), with YSRCP MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy and former MP V. Vijayasai Reddy also listed as co-accused. The SIT has already arrested four individuals and continues to probe a network of alleged kickbacks, money trails, and policy the trio evading questioning, SIT teams have been dispatched to multiple locations to trace their whereabouts, with intelligence inputs being gathered. Officials emphasised that failure to cooperate will be treated as a serious offense and may lead to further legal consequences, including potential arrest. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
