Maharashtra CM Fadnavis briefs OBC welfare panel on Centre-State schemes
Synopsis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis laid out a detailed OBC welfare roadmap before the Parliamentary Committee — from 72 hostels across 36 districts and ₹60,000 student grants to ₹15 lakh self-employment loans and 147 competitive exam successes via Mahajyoti. The pitch: Centre-State coordination, not just policy intent, is what's moving the needle.
Key Takeaways
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis briefed the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of OBCs on 19 May 2025 in Mumbai .
A dedicated Other Backward Bahujan Welfare Department has been set up to fast-track scheme delivery for OBCs, Vimukta Jati, Nomadic Tribes, and Special Backward Classes.
72 hostels are operational across 36 districts ; students without hostel seats receive up to ₹60,000 under the Swayam scheme .
Mahajyoti Institute training produced 29 UPSC and 118 MPSC successful candidates.
Youth can access self-employment loans of up to ₹15 lakh via the OBC Development Corporation , with the state as guarantor.
Girls in higher education receive a 100 per cent fee waiver ; separate housing and solar energy subsidies are also available.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, 19 May presented a comprehensive overview of welfare initiatives for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community to the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes in Mumbai, asserting that coordinated action between the Centre and the state government is driving measurable progress for the community.
Key Developments at the Committee Meeting
The meeting was attended by Atul Save, Maharashtra's Minister for Other Backward Bahujan Welfare, and Ganesh Singh, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes, along with other committee members. Fadnavis told the panel that the development of the OBC community forms the bedrock of the state's overall progress, and that the government remains committed to qualitative, impactful delivery of schemes.
Dedicated Department and Educational Initiatives
A standalone Other Backward Bahujan Welfare Department has been established to accelerate scheme implementation for OBCs, Vimukta Jati, Nomadic Tribes, Special Backward Classes, and other backward categories. On the education front, Fadnavis highlighted scholarships, financial assistance for overseas education, and a 100 per cent fee waiver for girls pursuing higher education. Ashram schools run through the department are extending educational access to students in rural and remote areas.
Hostels, Swayam Scheme, and Competitive Exam Training
A total of 72 hostels for boys and girls have been operationalised across 36 districts of Maharashtra, a project the Chief Minister credited to consistent follow-up by Minister Atul Save. Students who do not secure hostel admission are supported under the Swayam scheme, which provides financial assistance of up to ₹60,000 for living and educational expenses. The Mahajyoti Institute offers coaching for UPSC and MPSC examinations; according to the Chief Minister, 29 students cleared the UPSC and 118 students cleared the MPSC through this training.
Economic Upliftment and Housing Support
To promote self-employment, loans of up to ₹15 lakh are being extended to youth through the Other Backward Classes Development Corporation, with the state government serving as guarantor. For segments that did not benefit from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a separate housing assistance scheme — referred to as the PM Modi Awas Yojana — has been launched. Additional subsidies for solar energy are also being provided to eligible beneficiaries.
What Comes Next
Fadnavis told the committee that ongoing efforts will focus on improving the quality and reach of existing schemes, and that recommendations from the parliamentary panel will be incorporated into future improvements. The interaction signals closer legislative scrutiny of OBC welfare delivery, with the committee's feedback expected to shape the next phase of implementation.
Point of View
But they need to be read against the total OBC student population in the pipeline to gauge actual impact. The ₹15 lakh self-employment loan scheme is only as effective as its NPA rate and disbursement reach — figures the committee would do well to demand. Centre-State coordination is a political framing as much as an administrative one; the test is whether funds flow without delays and whether beneficiary data is independently verified.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What welfare schemes did Maharashtra CM Fadnavis highlight for OBC communities?
CM Devendra Fadnavis outlined a range of schemes including the Swayam scheme (up to ₹60,000 for student living expenses), a 100 per cent fee waiver for girls in higher education, self-employment loans of up to ₹15 lakh, housing assistance under the PM Modi Awas Yojana, and solar energy subsidies. He also highlighted 72 hostels across 36 districts and Mahajyoti Institute's competitive exam coaching.
What is the Swayam scheme for OBC students in Maharashtra?
The Swayam scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹60,000 to OBC students who do not secure admission in government hostels, covering living and educational expenses. It is administered through the Other Backward Bahujan Welfare Department.
How many students cleared UPSC and MPSC through Mahajyoti Institute?
According to CM Fadnavis, 29 students cleared the UPSC examinations and 118 students cleared the MPSC examinations through training provided by the Mahajyoti Institute, which offers coaching for major competitive exams.
What self-employment support is available to OBC youth in Maharashtra?
OBC youth can avail loans of up to ₹15 lakh through the Other Backward Classes Development Corporation, with the Maharashtra state government acting as the guarantor to facilitate access to credit for self-employment.
Why was the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of OBCs meeting with the Maharashtra CM?
The Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes, chaired by Ganesh Singh, met CM Fadnavis on 19 May 2025 in Mumbai to review the implementation of Central and state welfare schemes for OBCs. The CM committed to incorporating the committee's recommendations into future improvements.
