Maharashtra Govt edits online-only order, allows Ministers to opt for print newspapers
The Maharashtra government has reversed a recent decision to mandate online-only newspaper subscriptions for ministers. Officials can now choose between physical or digital formats, following a revision to the original government resolution.
Why it matters
This policy shift reflects the ongoing tension between digital modernization efforts and traditional administrative practices in government offices.
The Maharashtra government on Friday (July 31, 2026) partially rolled back its decision to discontinue print newspapers and magazines to deputy Chief Ministers and Ministers, allowing them to opt for either online or physical subscriptions.
The General Administration Department (GAD) revised a day after announcing that, from September 1, Ministers would have to rely only on online subscriptions for newspapers and periodicals, with the expenditure to be borne by their respective administrative departments.
The revision said that paragraph 3 of the Government Resolution (GR) issued on July 30 has been modified. It said that instead of requiring deputy CMs, Ministers and Ministers of State to obtain “online subscriptions” for newspapers and magazines at their offices and official residences, they may now obtain newspapers and periodicals through “online or printed subscriptions, or whichever is convenient”.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in