Overview
- The government issued a formal Government Resolution on Friday extending eight OBC‑equivalent education and skill schemes to Maratha students, effective for the 2026–27 academic year.
- Departments were directed to make budgetary allocations, update the MahaDBT online portal, and take technical steps so Maratha students can apply for scholarships, reimbursements and training programs.
- The package covers post‑matric scholarships, primary-to-higher‑secondary grants, motor vehicle driver and conductor training, professional training fee reimbursements for ITI students, and reimbursement of 16 education expense items, including for students studying outside Maharashtra.
- The move follows activist Manoj Jarange‑Patil ending an indefinite fast after a reported 12‑point offer from the state; officials say the measures expand Maratha welfare without reducing the existing OBC reservation quota.
- Implementation will be reviewed periodically by the cabinet sub‑committee on Maratha reservation and the GR says any future OBC educational concessions will automatically apply to Maratha students until further orders, while claims of a separate Maratha ministry remain reported but not confirmed in the resolution.