Maharashtra Govt issues statewide resolution for hoardings on Government land

In a development that has raised some questions and doubts in the OOH industry, the Maharashtra Government’s Revenue and Forest Department has announced a comprehensive statewide resolution regulating the erection of advertisement hoardings on government land. The new framework, referred to as a “comprehensive state-wide policy issued through a Government Resolution dated September 15, 2025,” introduces uniform rules for permissions, license fees, and monitoring of outdoor advertising across the state. 

Until now, no uniform system reportedly existed outside Mumbai for levying license fees or granting permissions. The resolution statedly aims to streamline processes, increase state revenue, and generate employment opportunities by utilizing vacant government land for advertising purposes. 

Under the proposal, District Collectors will identify suitable lands and conduct e-auctions to allot advertising rights. Each district will hold one consolidated auction covering urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, including spaces along state and national highways. 

As per the resolution issued, the District Committee, headed by the Collector and comprising officials from Zilla Parishad, municipal bodies, PWD, police, and DGIPR, will oversee monitoring and compliance and mandates the following: 

• Only registered outdoor media owners will be eligible to participate.  
• Bidders must be registered with the Directorate General of Information & Public Relations (DGIPR).
• They must have a minimum of five years’ experience in outdoor advertising.
• Their average annual turnover for the past three years must be at least twice the base auction price.
• Consortiums are not allowed; only single, registered entities can apply.
• Defaulters with pending dues to government agencies will be barred from participation. 
• Only Maharashtra residents/registered entities can participate.  

The resolution also lays down strict financial and operational conditions: 

• Land will be leased for five years, extendable once with a 25% fee hike.
• Base prices will be calculated as multiples of market value, with higher rates for “A” class municipal corporations and highway areas.
• Successful bidders must reserve seven days per quarter of display space free for government publicity.
• A security deposit equivalent to one year’s license fee is mandatory.  

The resolution states that unauthorized or unsafe hoardings will attract stringent penalties, including cancellation, double rent fines, and forfeiture. Advertisers will be liable for any accidents or damages caused, and all boards must comply with planning permissions, size restrictions, and safety norms. 

The government has also mandated that Collectors maintain digital records of contracts, submit monthly compliance reports, and ensure removal of unauthorized structures before new auctions. Political advertisements will remain prohibited during the election code of conduct. 

While the resolution introduces uniformity and stricter monitoring; and is expected to balance state revenue needs with regulation, industry sources remain unsure how to interpret it. Many point out that it is being termed a “policy,” but in effect, it is a government resolution rather than a binding legislative framework. Most of them seek greater clarity, especially with the District Collectors in charge, and not the municipal bodies.