Maharashtra govt forms inquiry panel to investigate complaints, irregularities in fee regulatory authority

The Maharashtra government has set up a committee to look into complaints and irregularities in the fee regulatory authority. It was decided by government resolution issued by the higher and technical education department on July 7 2026.

The transfer comes after the higher and technical education minister's commitment about the decision in Maharashtra legislative assembly on March 11, 2026. The guarantee was given when replying to a calling attention motion on the workings of the fee regulatory authority, which was to be led by an old high court judge.

The inquiry committee will be headed by Kalidas Laxmanrao Wadne (retired), Bombay high court. The director of technical education, Maharashtra will be appointed as member and joint director of the regional office of technical education, Mumbai will be member secretary of the organization.

Committee authorized to hold investigation

In accordance with its terms of reference, the committee may request any relevant documents from the fee regulatory authority, investigate complaints, hold hearings and call for the attendance of any interested party or parties for the purposes of the investigation, as deemed necessary.

It has also been given permission to communicate with complainants, gather supporting evidence and comprehensively investigate the issue. The committee could visit the concerned colleges if necessary, as part of its investigation.

Panel to submit report within 3 months

The government has given the committee three months to present its report along with its findings and recommendations.

The Government resolution also means that the retired judge presiding over the committee will be paid Rs 12,000 as honorarium for each meeting. The chairperson will also get travel allowance, reimbursement of expenses incurred, and a per diem of Rs 1,500/-. The directorate of technical education is requested to allocate office space, staff support and other amenities to the committee for conducting the inquiry.