The Maharashtra state cabinet sub-committee for Other Backward Classes (OBC) has recommended raising the non-creamy layer income limit from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. The sub-committee, which met on Monday, also directed that a meeting be held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the proposal.
Background of the Recommendation
In October 2024, when assembly elections were due in Maharashtra, the state cabinet had decided to send a similar recommendation to the central government. However, the sub-committee's recent move indicates that the issue had not progressed further at the central level.
Key Decisions Taken
The sub-committee, headed by state Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule of the BJP, also announced that the names of 43 castes not included in the central government's list of OBCs have been submitted to the National Backward Classes Commission. Various technical and policy issues were reviewed during the meeting, including:
- Settling pending cases from the caste verification committee as per a High Court decision
- Resolving the issue of educational concessions for OBC students
- Prioritizing appointments in various corporations
- Strengthening the State Backward Classes Commission
Bawankule stated that a meeting of district magistrates will be held next week to provide space for hostels and offices in 10 districts.
Concerns Raised by Activists
Activist Laxman Hake, who attended the meeting, drew attention to administrative errors. He pointed out that due to spelling mistakes, 27 to 32 castes in the state are being deprived of government benefits. Hake demanded that a proposal be sent to the central government for immediate correction of these errors.
