In a significant policy shift, the Maharashtra government has expanded the scope of its Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF). The fund can now provide financial assistance to organisations rooted in the Maharashtrian community that are operating outside the geographical boundaries of the state.
New Rules for a Wider Reach
The decision was formalised through a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the state's General Administration Department on December 27, 2025. Previously, the CMRF's mandate was restricted to supporting social, educational, cultural, and charitable institutions located solely within Maharashtra. An exception was already in place for 865 villages in the contentious Maharashtra-Karnataka border area.
Officials revealed that after the border village provision, the state began receiving requests for support from charitable bodies based outside Maharashtra. "The state government has now taken a final call on this issue," an official stated. The new GR is a direct response to these appeals.
Power and Prerogative Rest with the CM
As per the newly notified rules, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will have the complete authority to approve financial aid from the CMRF for Maharashtrian organisations outside the state. This assistance will be granted for work deemed special or innovative.
The GR further empowers the Chief Minister to relax existing terms and conditions if necessary while disbursing such help. However, the government has clarified that this new provision is specifically for organisations outside Maharashtra and does not alter the existing support framework for the border villages.
Background and Significance of the CMRF
The CMRF was established as a public trust back in 1967. Its primary purpose has been to offer financial help during natural calamities, major accidents, and for medical treatment of impoverished patients. In a landmark development, in May 2025, Maharashtra's CMRF became the first state relief fund in India to receive approval under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), enabling it to accept foreign donations.
This latest expansion of its operational scope marks another evolution for the fund, aiming to support the diaspora and cultural footprint of the Maharashtrian community across the country.
