The Maharashtra government’s Cabinet Sub-Committee on OBC Welfare has suggested raising the non-creamy layer income ceiling for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per year. This decision was made during a meeting chaired by State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. A final meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is expected to confirm and implement this recommendation soon.
The sub-committee has also put forth a proposal to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) to add 43 new castes from Maharashtra to the Central government’s official OBC list. Notable state Ministers and top bureaucrats attended the meeting where various policy matters were reviewed and directives issued.
Efforts are underway to organize special camps across the state for the distribution of caste certificates, with an upcoming meeting planned with District Collectors to ensure the proper issuance of certificates only to eligible applicants. Additionally, the state aims to resolve issues and acquire land for constructing OBC student hostels and departmental offices in 10 districts.
In response to concerns raised by OBC activist Laxman Hake regarding administrative errors affecting government benefits for certain communities, the committee pledged to promptly address spelling mistakes in official documents. The move to increase the income limit to Rs 15 lakh is seen as crucial to bringing a significant portion of the middle-class OBC population back within the scope of reservation benefits.
