Want a govt job in Maharashtra? New 5% job quota policy could open up more opportunities for athletes

The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved a revised policy providing five per cent reservation in government, semi-government and other jobs for meritorious sportspersons, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said.

The revised policy will replace all previous government resolutions related to the sports quota and is aimed at encouraging athletes while providing them with greater social and economic security.

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Pawar, who holds the sports portfolio, said the decision takes into account several developments in the state's sports administration and recruitment policies.

Maharashtra sports quota policy revised

Maharashtra introduced a five per cent reservation for sportspersons through a government resolution issued on April 30, 2005. The policy was subsequently amended at different stages, Pawar said.

The latest decision brings the various changes together under a consolidated policy and is intended to provide a clearer framework for sports quota recruitment in the state.

New rules to strengthen sports certificate verification

The state government has also taken measures to make the verification of sports certificates more transparent and prevent the use of fake certificates.

As part of these efforts, Maharashtra developed the ‘Krida e-Praman’ system to facilitate the verification process and improve transparency in the allocation of sports quota benefits.

Olympic sports to be considered for Maharashtra jobs quota

According to Pawar, competitions organised by national sports federations recognised by the National Sports Board (NSB) will be considered for the sports quota following the implementation of the Centre's National Sports Bill, 2025 and the establishment of the NSB.

The state had also finalised its direct recruitment policy on July 9, 2024, under which only sports included in the Olympic Games were covered.

Mission Lakshyavedh aims to produce Olympic medallists

Maharashtra has also introduced the ‘Mission Lakshyavedh’ scheme with the aim of developing athletes capable of winning medals at the Olympic Games.

The revised sports quota policy takes these developments into account and focuses on supporting athletes with the broader objective of producing medal-winning sportspersons from Maharashtra.

The Chief Minister's Office said that once the revised policy comes into effect, all previous government resolutions related to the five per cent sports quota will stand cancelled.

Maharashtra Cabinet approves PRAGATI healthcare project

The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also approved the implementation of the PRAGATI project, or Primary Healthcare Reimagined with Advanced Governance and Accessible Technology Integration, for the 2026-2031 period.

The project will include provisions allowing the state government to seek loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Cabinet clears subsidy for Hyosung India

The Maharashtra Cabinet also approved a capital subsidy for Hyosung India Pvt Ltd, according to an official release.

The Cabinet further approved the establishment of a District and Additional Sessions Court at Madha in Solapur district.

Land and lease proposals also approved

Among other decisions, the Cabinet approved the renewal of the lease of the Kaivalyadhama Ishwardas Chunnilal Yogic Centre in Mumbai at a concessional rate.

It also approved the allotment of land currently in the possession of the Bhikkhu Sangh United Buddhist Mission in Chembur to the organisation.

In another decision concerning religious and pilgrimage infrastructure, the Cabinet approved the transfer of government land being developed under the pilgrimage development plan at Koradi in Nagpur district to the Shri Mahalakshmi Jagdamba Sansthan.


Inputs from PTI