Maharashtra extends monetary benefits to EBC

The state has issued a government resolution (GR) that seeks to extend monetary benefits offered to students belonging to other backward classes (OBC), to economically backward classes (EBC). The move comes in light of a promise made after Mumbai’s Maratha morcha in August and is expected to benefit all economically weaker sections of society.

Vinod Tawde, Minister for higher and technical education said: “The state government has decided to extend the benefits given to OBC students to all communities so that students from all communities get access to education. We have considered the financial implications of this decision.”

A report in the Hindustan Times said according to the GR, EBC students pursuing any of 558 courses in institutes, either aided or unaided by the government are eligible to seek fee concessions. The annual income limit for eligibility has been raised from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.

A total reimbursement will be given to students whose parents’ income is below Rs 6 lakh, and pursing non-professional courses in any institute. Students pursuing professional courses in aided institutes will receive a 50% reimbursement, and those pursuing professional courses in unaided institutes will receive a full reimbursement if the family income is below Rs2.5 lakh. Partial reimbursement will be given to the students if the family income is between Rs 2.5-6 lakh.

Despite the State’s Rs 4.4 lakh crore debt, a senior cabinet minister said that it won’t have much of an impact on the state budget since many students whose parents’ income exceeded the prescribed limit were availing the scholarships by presenting fake documents.

Students can avail this scheme on a merit-basis, and those scoring above 60% will only be eligible.