Maharashtra Row Over 75 Minority School Files Cleared Amid Ajit Pawar Plane News

A political controversy has emerged in Maharashtra after reports revealed that 75 files related to minority schools were cleared on January 28 — the same day news of a plane incident involving senior leader Ajit Pawar dominated headlines and triggered intense administrative activity across the state.

According to sources, the files were processed by the Maharashtra Minority Department and included proposals related to recognition and approvals for minority educational institutions. The sudden clearance of such a large number of files within a single day has sparked questions from opposition leaders and administrative observers.

Critics have raised concerns about how so many files could have been reviewed and approved in a short time span, particularly when government machinery was reportedly focused on developments surrounding the high-profile aviation incident.

Opposition voices have demanded transparency, asking whether due procedures were followed and whether each proposal underwent proper scrutiny before approval. They argue that the timing and scale of the clearances warrant a thorough review to ensure compliance with administrative norms.

The issue has also led to bureaucratic action. Milind Shenoy, Deputy Secretary in the Maharashtra Minority Department, has been transferred following the controversy. While no official wrongdoing has been established, the transfer has intensified public debate over the matter.

Sources indicate that the state government has initiated an inquiry into the approvals. Authorities are expected to examine whether the files were processed as part of routine administrative workflow or whether they were expedited under unusual circumstances.

Several questions remain central to the investigation, including whether the proposals had already completed verification stages, whether legal procedures were followed, and whether the approvals were pre-scheduled or granted unexpectedly.

Political analysts note that administrative decisions taken during periods of heightened political activity often attract scrutiny. They emphasise that final conclusions should be drawn only after the inquiry determines whether proper processes were adhered to.

The controversy has quickly become a subject of political debate in Maharashtra, with parties demanding clarity and accountability. Further developments are expected as the inquiry progresses and officials review the circumstances surrounding the approvals.

The episode highlights the importance of transparency and procedural integrity in administrative decision-making, particularly when actions coincide with high-profile political events.