Announcing special assistance of Rs 500 crore for OBC community, Maharashtra strengthens job opportunities for youth
Mumbai, August 8: With the Parliament passing bills reclining social justice with a long-term effect, Maharashtra Government has announced a special assistance of 500 crore rupees for OBC community to help them develop employment opportunities for the youth. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said his government remains committed to retaining OBC quotas in jobs.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 3rd National Convention of Rashtriya OBC Mahasangh, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed that the state has set up a separate Ministry for OBC. Expressing happiness as the Parliament passed the bill after 70 years of struggle; the Chief Minister said the bill is aimed at providing constitutional status to National Backward Classes Commission.
He further said that the government would assess the extent of representation given to OBCs in jobs and take steps to address the backlog, in a time-bound manner. He added that the government has also earmarked funds for constructing hostels for OBC students in 19 districts.
OBCs constitute 52% of the state’s population and they enjoy 17% reservation. On the other hand, the politically dominant Maratha community comprises 30% of the state’s population and has been demanding 16% reservation in jobs and educational institutes.
The Chief Minister further added that the state has decided to construct hostels in 19 districts for OBC students and funds for the same are also made available. The state has committed to provide employment to OBCs as per the quota was given in the reservation. The state government has decided to provide the amount to OBC Corporation in next 2 budgets to provide employment opportunities & assist the youths from the community.
CM Fadnavis also made an announcement that the state government has recommended to the Centre that the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, be conferred posthumously on 19th-century social reformer Jyotiba Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule, a pioneer of women’s education.