Schemes for OBC Development Must Be Implemented Through Centre–State Coordination: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Government Committed to Empowerment of OBC Community

Mumbai, May 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that various welfare schemes for the development of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community are being effectively implemented through coordinated efforts between the Central and State governments.

He stated that ensuring quality and impactful execution of these schemes remains a key priority, and emphasized that the development of the OBC community forms the foundation of Maharashtra’s overall progress.

The Chief Minister made these remarks during a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on OBC Welfare held at Hotel Trident in Mumbai. The meeting was attended by OBC Welfare Minister Atul Save, Committee Chairperson Ganesh Singh, and other members of the committee.

Fadnavis highlighted that the state government is actively implementing multiple educational and economic empowerment schemes aimed at improving the socio-economic condition of the OBC community. He said Maharashtra has established a dedicated Department of OBC and Bahujan Welfare to accelerate welfare measures for OBCs, Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), Special Backward Classes (SBC), and other backward sections.

He further informed that the government provides scholarships for students, financial assistance for overseas education, and 100 per cent fee waivers for girls pursuing higher education.

The Chief Minister said that the OBC department also runs residential ashram schools to provide educational opportunities to students from rural and remote areas. Additionally, 72 hostels for boys and girls have been established across 36 districts in the state. He credited OBC Welfare Minister Atul Save for consistently following up on these initiatives.

He also mentioned the “Swayam” scheme, under which financial assistance of up to ₹60,000 is provided to students who are unable to secure hostel admission, to support their living and educational expenses.

Through the Mahajyoti institution, students are being trained for competitive examinations such as UPSC and MPSC. He informed that 29 students have successfully cleared UPSC exams, while 118 students have succeeded in MPSC examinations through this initiative.

To promote self-employment, the OBC Corporation is providing loans of up to ₹15 lakh to youth, with government guarantee support. The Chief Minister also said that the “Modi Awas Yojana” has been launched for those who have not received benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, offering financial assistance for housing.

He further added that separate subsidies are being provided for solar energy adoption under various welfare programmes.

Fadnavis assured that the state government is continuously working to enhance the quality and effectiveness of OBC welfare schemes. He added that suggestions received from the parliamentary committee will be seriously considered and necessary improvements will be made accordingly to further strengthen the welfare framework.