Major Relief for Potters: Government Grants 9-Month Soil Extraction Rights and Free Royalty

In a move to empower the traditional potter community, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has announced that artisans can now extract up to 700 brass of soil annually without any royalty fees or penalties

May 14, 2026 | Mumbai: The Maharashtra state government has introduced a landmark policy aimed at the holistic development of the Kumbhar (potter) community, providing significant concessions for their ancestral trade. During a high-level meeting at the Ministry on Wednesday, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that traditional pottery families will now be permitted to extract soil for nine months a year specifically from November 9 to May 30. This decision is expected to streamline the production of bricks, tiles, and other clay artifacts that are vital to the rural and semi-urban economy.

Under the new regulations, potters are exempt from paying any royalty (Svamitvadhan) for extracting up to 700 brass of soil per year from rivers, streams, or government fallow lands. To eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and frequent renewals, the government has introduced a continuous five-year license for brick kilns. These permits will be issued with digital signatures to ensure transparency and prevent corruption at the local level. Furthermore, the Minister confirmed that no penalties will be levied as long as the extraction remains within the 700-brass limit and is used strictly for professional purposes.

The reform package also includes a visionary plan to develop “Modern Business Clusters” to help modernize traditional pottery techniques. These clusters will be provided with land on five-year contracts. To further reduce production costs, the government is facilitating the free supply of fly ash from power stations in Koradi, Khaparkheda, and Chandrapur, while reserving 20% of the ash from Nashik, Bhusawal, and Parli plants specifically for the community.

Additionally, the government is considering special electricity tariff concessions for pottery businesses upon the presentation of a professional certificate. In a move to honor the community’s heritage, discussions were also held regarding the official celebration of Saint Shiromani Goroba Kaka Kumbhar’s death anniversary across all Revenue and Forest Department offices. This comprehensive policy represents a significant step in preserving traditional craftsmanship while integrating it with modern industrial support.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune