Nagpur, Dec 9 (NationPress) The Department of Other Backward Class (OBC) Welfare has finalized the setup of 65 new hostels for OBC students throughout Maharashtra, as announced by the department on Tuesday.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the state Assembly, commending Other Backward Class Welfare Minister Atul Save for the successful execution of this project.

The Chief Minister responded to a query from member Manisha Chaudhary.

CM Fadnavis noted that discussions surrounding these hostels have been ongoing for nearly 10 to 12 years without any advancement.

"After Minister Atul Save took charge of this department, I tasked him with finding appropriate land for each hostel and ensuring the necessary facilities were established. I am thrilled that today 65 hostels have begun operations," he stated.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister emphasized that the state government aims to establish independent premises in every district, moving away from operating hostels in rented facilities.

Land identification is still in progress, with sites already selected in most districts across Maharashtra, CM Fadnavis added.

The Revenue Department has officially transferred land in Pune, Jalna, Buldhana, Bhandara, Wardha, Gadchiroli, and Ratnagiri, he mentioned.

Additionally, land has been allocated for hostels through transfers from other departments in Solapur, Sangli, Dhule, Dharashiv, Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Washim, Chandrapur, and Gondia. The land transfer process is currently ongoing in Nagpur, Kolhapur, Satara, Nashik, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Latur, Nanded, Hingoli, Beed, Parbhani, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Ahilyanagar districts," he added.

Minister Atul Save declared that all Commissioners and Collectors have been instructed to ensure full implementation within six months.

"Vacant lands belonging to the Dairy Department are being utilized, providing additional land in nearly 10 locations," the Minister stated.

Through the two schemes, 'Aadhar' and 'Swayam', 1,200 students (600+600) per district are receiving benefits. Financial assistance ranging from Rs 38,000 to Rs 60,000 is being directly disbursed to students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Regarding the Aarey Dairy complex in Mumbai, the Minister mentioned that hostel construction is currently prohibited as the area is an ecologically sensitive zone, but the option will be revisited if special permission is granted.

He also confirmed that all girls' hostels have been equipped with CCTV cameras and an inspection system is in place.

The process to appoint a Flying Squad is also in progress, he stated.

Meanwhile, during the Question Hour in the state Assembly, Minister Atul Save revealed that the presentation of the Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card has been mandated in all state government offices and departments, effective from October 9, 2025.

A Government Resolution to this effect has been disseminated to all departments, the Minister added.

He stated that the UDID card is essential for reservations, promotions, and various government benefits.

All government offices are required to verify documents by the end of January 2026, he noted.

The Minister responded to queries from MLAs Bapu Pathare, Babanrao Lonikar, Sunil Prabhu, Vijay Wadettiwar, Vikram Pachpute, and Hemant Ugle concerning fraudulent disability certificates.

Minister Save mentioned that significant actions are being taken against instances of counterfeit disability certificates identified in various regions of the state.

"Approximately 79 out of 598 employees have been suspended in Satara, while in Pune 46 out of 428 employees were suspended, 26 in Latur, 21 in Yavatmal, and actions have been taken against two employees in Nandurbar."

All cases have been referred to the relevant Revenue, Public Works, and other appointing departments, which are required to act within three months, the Minister added.

He highlighted that those issuing fraudulent disability certificates could face a two-year sentence under Section 91 of the Disability Act, 2016.

The state government has also instructed civil hospitals to allocate a minimum of two days a week for inspecting disability certificates, Minister Save indicated.

Minister Save also reported that the password for the 'Universal Disability System' at Ahilyanagar Civil Hospital was compromised.

He assured the state Assembly that a thorough investigation and severe measures would be taken regarding this incident.

The Minister also clarified that the rules for the UDID system are established by the Central government, and the State government does not possess the authority to implement independent changes.

Nevertheless, necessary recommendations will be forwarded to the Centre, he concluded.