Maharashtra Chief Minister Orders Probe Into 75 Minority Status Certificates Issued After Ajit Pawar's Death
In a significant development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed a comprehensive investigation and issued a stay on minority status certificates granted to at least 75 educational institutions across the state. This action comes shortly after the tragic demise of then-Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who headed the minority affairs department, in a plane crash on January 28.
Immediate Action Following Opposition Demands
The decision to probe and suspend these certificates followed persistent demands from opposition members who raised concerns about the timing and legitimacy of the approvals. "Orders have been issued to stay the permissions and investigate the matter thoroughly," Fadnavis confirmed to media sources on Monday.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, who now oversees the minority affairs ministry, convened an urgent meeting in Mumbai. She directed senior officials to take strict disciplinary action against individuals responsible for granting these certificates, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the process.
Allegations of Irregular Timing and Corruption
The issuance of these minority status certificates was first flagged by members of the Indian Youth Congress in Pune. They questioned how the department managed to clear certificates within hours of Ajit Pawar's death. Akshay Jain, general secretary of the Indian Youth Congress's Maharashtra unit, revealed that the process of issuing minority certificates had been halted by former minister Manikrao Kokate in August last year.
After Kokate resigned in December 2025, Ajit Pawar assumed charge and maintained the status quo. However, Jain alleged that the department abruptly resumed issuing certificates shortly after Pawar's passing. "He passed away in the morning, and by afternoon, applications from educational institutes were approved. Between January 28 and February 3, approximately 75 institutes received these certificates," Jain stated.
Jain welcomed the Chief Minister's decision to stay the certificates and order an inquiry, suggesting that this appears to be a coordinated nexus rather than an individual's act. "Those found responsible must face appropriate punishment," he asserted.
Opposition Leaders Demand Thorough Investigation
The issue gained momentum as opposition leaders, including Congress state unit president Harshwardhan Sapkal and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, raised serious allegations. Rohit Pawar emphasized that a mere stay on certificates is insufficient. "A thorough investigation must be conducted. We have information that officials collected Rs 25 lakh for issuing each certificate," he declared in a statement.
Sapkal, addressing reporters, demanded that the government clarify on whose orders the approvals were granted. "Ajitdada had a strong command over the administration. If such actions occurred in his department soon after his demise, the responsibility ultimately rests with Chief Minister Fadnavis," he argued.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve also condemned the incident and joined the call for a detailed investigation into the matter.
Broader Context of Minority Status in Education
Pyare Khan, chairperson of the state minority commission, provided context by noting that over 3,300 educational institutes across Maharashtra hold minority status, receiving various government benefits. He disclosed that he had initiated action against some institutes for operating primarily to exploit the minority tag without passing benefits to students.
Khan highlighted that several cases were registered against owners of educational institutes after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe revealed numerous bogus teachers. "Even education department officials were arrested for aiding these institutes," he added.
He explained that minority-status schools are exempt from admitting students under the Right to Education (RTE) quota and can appoint teachers directly without requiring Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) qualifications. Khan alleged that many institute managements misuse this provision to appoint unqualified relatives, ultimately harming students' education quality.
This unfolding controversy underscores critical issues in educational governance and minority affairs in Maharashtra, with calls for systemic reforms to prevent such irregularities in the future.
