Days after activist Manoj Jarange-Patil ended his fast, the Maharashtra government has issued a government resolution (GR) to provide educational concessions and welfare schemes to Maratha community students equal to those for Other Backward Classes (OBC). Maratha students will now have access to various educational benefits across all eligible courses.
The implementation of these schemes will begin immediately, starting from the ongoing academic year 2026–2027. The GR covers educational concessions and facilities in departments such as School Education and Sports, Higher and Technical Education, Medical Education, Agriculture, and more.
The move by the government follows demands from Jarange-Patil for educational benefits equivalent to OBC students for Maratha students. The Maratha Reservation Sub committee recently discussed the issue, identifying obstacles to the scheme’s implementation. The General Administration Department (GAD) has now issued formal orders to streamline the process, as per the GR.
Maratha students will now enjoy an extension of scholarship schemes, reimbursement for various academic components, and access to vocational training schemes. The Motor Vehicle Driver and Conductor Training Scheme will be facilitated through the SARATHI institute. Additionally, educational concessions will be available to Maratha students securing admission against vacant seats at the institutional level, post the Centralised Admission Process (CAP).
