On May 19, 2026, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes, discussing the government's commitment to enhancing the welfare of the OBC community through robust coordination between the Central and State authorities. Fadnavis asserted that the holistic development of the OBC community is crucial for the overall progress of Maharashtra, emphasizing that various welfare schemes are currently being implemented effectively.
During the meeting, attended by key officials including the Minister for Other Backward Bahujan Welfare, Atul Save, and committee chairman Ganesh Singh, Fadnavis highlighted the importance of qualitative and impactful execution of welfare initiatives for the OBCs. He stated, "The development of the Other Backward Classes community forms the bedrock of the state’s overall progress," reflecting the government's focus on targeted support for marginalized communities.
- Educational initiatives — The government has introduced scholarships, financial assistance for overseas education, and a 100% fee waiver for girls pursuing higher education.
- Hostel facilities — A total of 72 hostels for boys and girls have been established across 36 districts to support OBC students.
- Self-employment loans — Youth can access loans of up to ₹15 lakh through the Other Backward Classes Development Corporation.
The Chief Minister elaborated on several educational initiatives aimed at empowering the OBC community. These include scholarships for students, financial aid for those pursuing education abroad, and a full fee waiver for female students in higher education. Additionally, he noted that the government has established Ashram schools to provide educational opportunities in rural and remote areas, ensuring that quality education is accessible to all.
Fadnavis also detailed the launch of the 'Swayam' scheme, which provides financial assistance of up to ₹60,000 for living and educational expenses to students who do not secure hostel admissions. Furthermore, the Mahajyoti Institute offers training for competitive examinations, with notable success, including 29 students clearing the Union Public Service Commission exams and 118 students passing the Maharashtra Public Service Commission exams.
To promote self-employment among youth, the Chief Minister announced that the government is facilitating loans of up to ₹15 lakh through the Other Backward Classes Development Corporation, with the state acting as a guarantor. Additionally, a housing scheme named 'PM Modi Awas Yojana' has been introduced to support segments not covered under previous housing initiatives, alongside subsidies for solar energy. Fadnavis concluded by stating that ongoing improvements will be made to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the welfare schemes based on feedback from the committee.
