Maharashtra's much-hyped cybersecurity policy has failed to roll out even one-and-a-half years after the state government announced that it would get a new policy. State IT Minister Ashish Shelar had in January 2025 set up a cybersecurity task force to draft the policy as part of the Mahayuti government's 100-day action plan. However, the task force has now been disbanded, and the cybersecurity policy has been put in cold storage, according to sources and members.
Task Force Disbanded
The task force members, including top industry experts, corporate honchos, and academics, have said that they have not had any meeting in several months. The government has not consulted them on the policy since they submitted their recommendations.
Minister's Initial Announcement
“Cyber Surakshit Maharashtra is our Mission! Maharashtra takes 1st step to develop Cybersecurity Policy! As part of the CM Devendra Fadnavis-led government's 100-day action plan. Pleased to announce the formation of the Cybersecurity Policy Task Force, 2025, by my IT Ministry, to help Maharashtra develop a Cybersecurity Policy to secure and protect Maharashtra's IT & digital infrastructure! Maharashtra Cybersecurity Policy, 2025 is a priority,” Shelar had posted on X.
He had also explained the rationale: “Given the increasing use of technology affecting all aspects of our daily lives. Massive growth of India (US600 billion) Digital Economy, with Maharashtra's share estimated to be Rs 6 lakh crores+. Maharashtra government's citizen-centric approach with nearly 800 government services provided online to citizens. Increase in cybercrime & illegal cyber/digital activities. Maharashtra's Cybersecurity Policy 2025 will be based on guiding principles & objectives of our National Cybersecurity Policy 2013 & national cybersecurity strategy 2020.”
Leadership Change
When the task force was set up, the IT department was headed by Principal Secretary Parag Jain Nainutia. However, in October 2025, he was replaced by Virendra Singh, an IAS officer of the 2006 batch. Singh, the current secretary for IT, did not respond to queries from TOI.
Minister's Response
When contacted, Shelar said his department would finalise the cybersecurity policy “in the next step,” similar to how they completed the AI policy. “Cybersecurity policy will be rolled out soon. The task force has made a wonderful contribution, and I have instructed the IT secretary to take feedback from their efforts and contribution soon,” Shelar told TOI.
Shelar had earlier stated: “Maharashtra's Cybersecurity Policy 2025 seeks to help Maharashtra government to build a robust cybersecurity ecosystem for citizens, academia, industry, start-ups and the government, secure, protect government and semi-government IT infrastructure and enable the growth of cybersecurity industry through capacity building, skill development, innovation & R&D through a government, industry, academia and citizens' partnership approach.”
