Maharashtra to Launch Aadhaar and Birth Certificate Drive Across 16 Tribal-Dominated Districts

The Maharashtra government will launch a special Aadhaar and birth certificate registration campaign across 16 tribal-dominated districts to help eligible residents access essential government services and welfare schemes. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed district officials to speed up the process and ensure that no eligible tribal family misses government benefits because of missing documents.

Special Aadhaar and Birth Registration Camps for Tribal Communities

The Maharashtra government will organize special camps to provide Aadhaar cards and birth certificates to tribal residents who do not yet have these essential documents. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the initiative while reviewing issues affecting tribal communities, workers, women and children.

He instructed the administration to provide a separate Aadhaar enrollment kit to every tribal district and organize dedicated birth registration camps. District collectors have also been asked to prepare time-bound action plans to complete the process.

The minister urged local representatives and tribal organizations to spread awareness, arrange public meetings and help eligible residents complete the required documentation. He also made it clear that delays or negligence in implementing the campaign would not be accepted.

Maharashtra to Speed Up Pending Forest Rights Claims

The government will also launch a time-bound campaign to resolve pending individual and community forest rights claims in tribal areas.

Officials have been directed to review applications carefully by considering Gram Sabha records, evidence of land occupation and other legally accepted documents. Satellite images and technical information may also be used to support the verification process.

Previously rejected applications will receive special attention. Authorities will review cases involving applicants who have not received land ownership titles, farmers who received titles for smaller areas than claimed and applications rejected without sufficient reasons.

Bawankule said eligible applicants should receive proper consideration and justice. Officials must also explain the reasons for rejecting applications and allow claimants to submit additional supporting documents where required.

Special Action to Resolve Tribal Tenancy and Bonded Labour Issues

The Revenue Department will take special measures to address pending tenancy disputes, particularly cases involving unregistered and dispossessed tenants in Dahanu, Talasari and other relevant areas.

The Palghar district collector has been directed to examine the legal provisions and submit a proposal to resolve technical difficulties affecting these cases.

The government will also prepare a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for people released from bonded labor and their families in Thane, Palghar, Nashik, Pune, Raigad and Ahilyanagar districts.

The rehabilitation program will cover release certificates, immediate financial assistance, housing, healthcare, education for children and livelihood opportunities. The aim is to help affected families rebuild their lives and achieve financial stability.

Government to Clear Pending Village Settlement Proposals

The state government will hold a separate meeting involving the Revenue, Forest, Rural Development and Tribal Development departments to address pending village settlement, or Gaothan, proposals in Thane and Palghar districts.

District collectors have been asked to identify incomplete applications, pending approvals and responsibilities across departments. Special attention will be given to proposals involving forest land so that administrative issues can be resolved faster.

District Committees to Identify Families Missing Government Benefits

The Maharashtra government will establish district-level committees to identify tribal families that are not receiving basic rights, labor protections, welfare scheme benefits and essential facilities.

These committees will include representatives from Zilla Parishads, district collectorates, Tribal Development offices, municipal bodies and resident deputy collector offices.

The identification process will be reviewed over the next six months. Officials will also prepare a common information format and standard operating procedure to improve coordination between government departments and ensure that eligible families receive the benefits they deserve.

Simplified Guidebook for ST and Caste Validity Certificates

To make government documentation easier, Bawankule has directed officials to prepare a simplified guidebook for obtaining Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates and caste validity certificates.

The guidebook will explain the required documents, application process, responsible authorities, expected timelines and available appeal procedures. This will help tribal residents understand the process and avoid unnecessary delays when applying for important certificates.

Officials and Public Representatives Attend Review Meeting

The review meeting was held at Mantralaya following representations from Shramjivi Sanghatana and the All India Kisan Sabha.

MLA Sneha Dubey Pandit, MLA Vinod Nikole, former MLAs Vivek Pandit and J. P. Gavit, and several senior officials and representatives of labor and farmers' organizations attended the meeting.

Revenue Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge and district collectors from Thane, Palghar and Ahilyanagar also joined through video conferencing.

Through these coordinated initiatives, the Maharashtra government aims to improve access to identity documents, strengthen tribal land rights, resolve labor-related issues and connect deprived families with essential welfare schemes.