Other Backward Bahujan Welfare Department

Foreign Scholarship Scheme for Meritorious Students for Higher Education Abroad

The Government of Maharashtra has introduced a foreign scholarship scheme for meritorious students from Denotified Tribes (Vimukta Jati), Nomadic Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Special Backward Classes (VJNT, OBC, SBC), enabling them to pursue higher education abroad.

Since the academic year 2019–20, this scheme has been implemented under the name “Foreign Scholarship for Meritorious Students” by the VJNT, OBC, and SBC Welfare Department. It provides financial assistance for postgraduate and PhD studies in foreign institutions ranked within the top 200 as per the QS World University Rankings.

Scope of the Scheme:

• Applicable only to students from VJNT, OBC, and SBC categories in Maharashtra.
• Students must apply under their respective administrative departments if the foreign scholarship scheme is offered for their category.
• The current limit is 75 students per year (increased from 50 in August 2023).
• Scholarships are available for eight streams: Arts, Commerce, Science, Management, Law, Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, and PhD.

Terms and Conditions:

1. The student must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra and belong to the VJNT, OBC, or SBC category.
2. The annual family income should not exceed ₹8.00 lakh.
3. Maximum age: 35 years for postgraduation and 40 years for PhD.
4. For married women candidates, the income of the husband’s family must be declared.
5. In the case of widows/divorced/separated students or parents, legal documents must be submitted.
6. 30% of total scholarships are reserved for female candidates.
7. Students in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of their foreign course can apply. However, students in the 2nd and 3rd years will not receive a full course scholarship.
8. A maximum of two students per family can benefit from the scheme.
9. Affidavits must be submitted by both the student and the parent to confirm family limitations and eligibility.
10. A minimum of 55% marks is required in the previous academic qualification.
11. The selected university abroad must be within the QS Top 200 (2025 QS Rankings).
12. Once selected, the course and university cannot be changed except under exceptional circumstances, as per the Planning Department GR dated 20.07.2023.

Scholarship Benefits:

• Full tuition fees as per the Unconditional Offer Letter will be paid directly to the university.
• Annual incidental expenses:
  • $1,500 for the USA and other countries (excluding the UK)
  • £1,100 for the UK
• As per the National Overseas Scholarship guidelines:
  • $15,400 per year (USA and other countries)
  • £9,900 per year (UK)
• Economy class air travel fare for travel to and from the country of study.
• Health insurance cost as per university requirements is admissible.

Application Instructions:

• Application forms, government resolutions, eligibility details, and other guidelines can be downloaded from:

https://obcbahujankalyan.maharashtra.gov.in

• Completed applications with required documents must be submitted in person or by post by 17/05/2025, 6:15 PM to:

Directorate of Other Backward Bahujan Welfare
Akar Premises, 2nd Floor, MHB Colony,
MHADA Commercial Complex, Samta Nagar,
Yerwada, Pune – 411006

4. Interstate Scholarships Under Government of India Scheme

As per Government Circular dated 12.09.2022, students belonging to Denotified Tribes, Nomadic Tribes, OBC, and SBC categories and residing in Maharashtra who pursue professional courses in other states are eligible to receive the Post-Matric Scholarship under the Government of India scheme.

• Scholarships are transferred offline directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
• Applicable from the academic year 2017–18 onwards.
• For assistance, students should contact:
  • Regional Deputy Director and District Assistant Director,
    Department of Other Backward Bahujan Welfare.
• Government Resolution Number: Shivrutti-2018/Pr. No. 118/Shikshan dated 11/10/2018

Kanyadan Scheme for Couples from VJNT, OBC, and SBC Categories Participating in Mass Marriage Ceremonies

The Government of Maharashtra has implemented the Kanyadan Scheme for couples belonging to the Vimukta Jatis (Denotified Tribes), Nomadic Tribes, Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Special Backward Classes (SBC) who marry through mass marriage ceremonies. The main criteria for the scheme are as follows:

Main Features:

1. Financial Assistance to Couples:
   Couples from backward classes participating in mass marriage ceremonies are given financial assistance in kind. An amount of ₹20,000 is provided on the wedding day through a crossed cheque issued in the name of the bride’s father, mother, or guardian.
2. Incentive to Organizing NGOs:
   Registered voluntary organizations organizing the mass marriage receive ₹4,000 per couple as an incentive. To claim this, the marriage registration certificate must be submitted within three months. The amount is disbursed via crossed cheque after verification.
3. Minimum Participation Requirement:
   A minimum of 10 couples must participate in the mass marriage ceremony to qualify under the scheme.
4. Eligibility for First Marriage Only:
   The benefit is available only for first marriages. However, widows remarrying are also eligible for this benefit.
5. Requirements for NGOs:
   • NGOs must be registered with the Charity Commissioner.
   • Their registration must be valid at the time of application.
   • The organization must not have any criminal cases or ongoing court cases against it.

Conditions for Availing Kanyadan Scheme:

1. A) The financial assistance is for the first marriage only. To confirm this:

• Organizers must submit certificates from any two of the following: the village Sarpanch, Police Patil, Gramsevak, or in urban areas, a Corporator, Chief Officer, or an authorized officer of the local authority.

1. B) The caste certificate of the couple must be verified by a Tahsildar or Deputy Collector.
2. C) A Group A, B, or C Officer/Employee from the VJNT, OBC, and SBC Welfare Department must be present at the ceremony to register the marriages.
3. D) NGOs may organize the ceremony as per their convenience.
4. E) Mass marriage ceremonies can also be organized by Central/State Government autonomous bodies, public authorities, or Zilla Parishads, in addition to NGOs.

Implementation & Administration:

• The scheme has been operational since FY 2019–20.
• It is exclusively for couples from Vimukta Jatis, Nomadic Tribes, OBC, and SBC categories.
• The Directorate of VJNT, OBC, and SBC Welfare, Maharashtra State, Pune, is responsible for disbursing the financial assistance. Authorized officers may also carry out this function.
• A committee headed by the Director evaluates applications from NGOs, verifies eligible couples, and approves the final list.

For More Information, Contact: Assistant Director,
Other Backward Bahujan Welfare, WashimGovernment Resolution Number:
SAVIO-2018/Pr. No. 110/Arthasan, Dated: 02 February 2019
Department of Other Backward Bahujan Welfare

District-wise Government Hostel Scheme for OBC, VJNT, Nomadic Tribes & Special Backward Class Students

In order to support higher education for students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC), Vimukta Jatis (VJ), Nomadic Tribes (NT), and Special Backward Classes (SBC), the Government of Maharashtra has decided, vide Government Resolution dated 28.02.2023, to establish 72 hostels across 36 districts of the state (1 each for boys and girls per district) with a capacity of 100 students per hostel, by renting buildings wherever necessary.

General Terms & Conditions to Avail the Hostel Scheme:

1. The student must be a resident of Maharashtra.
2. A valid caste certificate issued by a competent authority for OBC, VJNT, NT, or SBC is mandatory. For courses where caste validity certificate is required along with the caste certificate, the same must be submitted.
3. Students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) must provide an EWS certificate from a competent authority.
4. Orphan students must submit an orphan certificate issued by the Women and Child Welfare Department.
5. Disabled students must provide a certificate from the District Civil Surgeon stating at least 40% disability.
6. In case reserved seats remain vacant due to the non-availability of eligible students from particular categories, inter-category adjustments may be done.
7. The annual family income should be less than ₹2.5 lakh.
8. The maximum age limit to apply for the scheme is 30 years.
9. Students must have taken admission to a recognized college and approved degree course under any competent authority like the State Government, UGC, AICTE, MCI, PCI, COA, Agriculture Council, MSBTE, etc.
10. Admission to hostels will be based on merit and category-wise reservation norms, considering 12th-grade marks.
11. 70% of the seats in the hostel are reserved for students in professional courses, and 30% for non-professional courses.
12. If a student fails an academic year, their hostel admission will be cancelled.
13. Admission to the hostel will be allowed only in the first year of the degree course, or second year only for those who completed a diploma and are admitted to the second year of a degree. Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format mentioned in Government Circular No. VGRYO-2023/Pr.Kr.12/Yojana-5, dated 13.03.2023.
14. Students must have a bank account in a nationalized/scheduled bank linked to their Aadhaar number.
15. The student should not be a local resident of the city where the educational institution is located.
16. Students applying must have at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA/grade in their last qualifying exam.
17. In case of a large number of applications, students will be selected based on merit.
18. The selected student will continue to receive hostel benefits until the completion of their course, provided they pass each year. If they fail in any year, their hostel admission will be cancelled.
19. The hostel admission process will be conducted every year as per the schedule issued by the Government.

Contact for Application and Information:

Assistant Director,
Department of  Other Backward Bahujan Welfare,Washim

Relevant Government Resolutions (GRs):

1. VGRYO-2020/Pr.Kr.01/Yojana-5, dated 29.11.2022
2. VGRYO-2020/Pr.Kr.01/Yojana-5, dated 28.02.2023
3. VGRYO-2023/Pr.Kr.12/Yojana-5, dated 13.03.2023
4. VGRYO-2020/Pr.Kr.01/Yojana-5, dated 19.12.2023

Yashwantrao Chavan Individual Housing Scheme for Denotified and Nomadic Tribes

To uplift the living standards of Denotified and Nomadic Tribes, enhance their income sources for stability, and integrate them into mainstream development, the Yashwantrao Chavan Free Settlement Scheme has been revised for rural areas. This scheme is now implemented in line with the Ramai Awas Yojana or the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. (Government Resolution: Dated 24 January 2018)

Eligibility and Criteria

1. The beneficiary family must belong to the Denotified and Nomadic Tribes category and sustain their livelihood through wandering from village to village.
2. The annual income of the beneficiary family must be less than ₹1 lakh.
3. The beneficiary family must not own a house.
4. The beneficiary family must reside in a hut, temporary house, or tent.
5. The beneficiary family must be landless.
6. The beneficiary must be a resident of Maharashtra.
7. The beneficiary family must not have availed benefits of any housing scheme elsewhere in Maharashtra.
8. The benefit of this scheme will be provided to only one member of the eligible family.
9. The beneficiary must reside in one place for at least 6 months in a year.

Nature of Benefits

For constructing their own house, beneficiaries receive ₹1.20 lakh, disbursed through the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method, directly credited to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account in stages based on construction progress.
– ₹4,800 is provided as administrative funds.
– For hilly and remote areas, ₹1.30 lakh per house and ₹5,200 as administrative funds are provided.

Documents to be Submitted by Beneficiaries

1. Caste certificate issued by a competent authority.
2. Income certificate issued by a competent authority, confirming the family’s annual income is less than ₹1 lakh.
3. Certificate of landlessness issued by a competent authority.
4. Domicile certificate proving residency in Maharashtra.
5. An affidavit on ₹100 stamp paper stating that no member of the family has availed benefits of any housing scheme elsewhere in Maharashtra.

1) Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Girls from VJNT and Special Backward Categories – Savitribai Phule Scholarship Scheme

To reduce dropout rates among students from VJNT and Special Backward categories studying in secondary schools (8th to 10th standard), the Government of Maharashtra implemented this scheme from the academic year 2003-04 under GR No. IMAV-2003/PR.No.201/MAVK-3 dated 25.07.2003. The revised rates were notified under GR No. Purok-2022/PR.No.9/Shikshan-2 dated 24 March 2023.

Eligibility Conditions:

1. The student must belong to VJNT or Special Backward Category.
2. The student must be regularly enrolled in a government-recognized secondary school in standards 8 to 10.
3. No income criteria apply.

Benefits:

• Initially, ₹100/month for 10 months (total ₹1,000).
• As per the revised GR dated 24 March 2023, now ₹300/month for 10 months (total ₹3,000) is provided without considering income or merit.

2) Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Girls from Other Backward Classes (OBC) – Savitribai Phule Scholarship Scheme

This scheme also began in the academic year 2003-04 for OBC girl students, following the same GRs as mentioned above.

Benefits:

• Previously ₹100/month for 10 months (₹1,000 total).
• Now revised to ₹300/month for 10 months (₹3,000 total), without income or merit restrictions.

Contact:

• Assistant Director, Other Backward Bahujan Welfare, Washim
• Principal of the respective school

3) Merit Scholarship for VJNT Students in Secondary Schools

Implemented for VJNT students from 1966 and for Special Backward students from 1996 to encourage academically meritorious students.

Eligibility:

1. The student must belong to the VJNT or Special Backward category.
2. Must be studying from 5th to 10th standard.
3. Must have scored more than 50% and ranked 1st or 2nd in class in the previous annual exam.

Benefits:

• ₹20/month for 10 months (₹200 total) for students in 5th to 7th standard.
• ₹40/month for 10 months (₹400 total) for students in 8th to 10th standard.

Contact:

• Principal of the respective school to submit eligible student proposals to the Assistant Director, Other Backward Bahujan Welfare, Washim.

4) Savitribai Phule Scholarship Scheme for OBC Girls in 5th to 7th Standard

Implemented via GR dated 30 January 2019 to reduce dropout rates among OBC girl students.

Eligibility:

1. Must belong to the OBC category.
2. Must be studying in 5th to 7th standard.
3. Must be enrolled in a government-recognized school and attending regularly.

Benefits:

• Previously ₹60/month for 10 months (₹600 total).
• Now revised to ₹250/month for 10 months (₹2,500 total), without considering income or academic performance.

Contact:

• Assistant Director, Other Backward Bahujan Welfare, Washim

5) Scholarship for Students Studying in Sainik Schools

Started in 1976 for VJNT and extended in 2003 for Special Backward students.

Benefits:

• Complete coverage for food, clothing, accommodation, tuition fees, exam fees, sports, horse riding, and pocket money for students in Sainik Schools like Satara, Bhonsala Military School Nashik, SSPMS Sainik School Pune.
• ₹15,000 per annum for students in other recognized Sainik Schools.

Contact:

• Assistant Director, Other Backward BahujanWelfare, Washim
• Principals of the respective schools/colleges

6) Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for DNT Students (1st to 10th Standard)

Implemented under GR dated 27 May 2019 as part of a central government initiative.

Funding:

• 75% Central Share
• 25% State Share

(Specific rates for scholarships and other grants are mentioned in the original scheme documentation.)

To avail the benefits of this scheme, contact:
Assistant Director, Other Backward Bahujan Welfare, Washim.

2. Post-Matric Scholarship

Under the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme for Other Backward Classes (OBC), Vimukta Jatis (VJ), Nomadic Tribes (NT), and Special Backward Classes (SBC), the following 9 schemes are implemented:

1. Post-Matric Scholarship for VJNT Students (State Sponsored)

Eligibility:

1. The student must belong to the VJNT category.
2. Parent(s)’ annual income should be less than or equal to ₹1.5 lakh.
3. Income certificate and caste certificate are required.
4. Residential certificate for Maharashtra is required.
5. Educational qualification must be 10th passed and pursuing further education.
6. The applicant must have secured admission through CAP (Centralized Admission Process) for professional courses.

Benefits:

• Tuition fee, exam fee, maintenance allowance, and other applicable fees as approved by the competent authority.
• 100% benefits are covered under this scheme.

2. Tuition and Exam Fee Reimbursement for VJNT Students (State Scheme)

Eligibility:

1. The student must belong to the VJNT category.
2. Must be pursuing post-secondary education.
3. Parent(s)’ annual income should be less than or equal to ₹8 lakh.
4. Admission must be through CAP for professional courses.

Benefits:

• Tuition fee, exam fee, maintenance allowance, and other approved charges.
• 100% coverage of approved fees.

3. Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship for Class 11 and 12 (State Scheme)

Eligibility:

1. The student must belong to the VJNT/SBC category.
2. Must be studying in Class 11 or 12 in junior college.
3. No income limit for this scheme.
4. Must have scored at least 75% in Class 10.
5. Cannot receive benefits from any other merit-based or central scholarship.

Benefits:

• ₹300 per month for 10 months, totaling ₹3,000.

4. Reimbursement of Professional Training Fees for OBC, VJNT, and SBC Categories (State Scheme)

Eligibility:

1. Admission must be through government skill development institutes or private institutes under PPP or central online process.
2. Annual family income must be less than or equal to ₹8 lakh, with a non-creamy layer certificate.
3. Course must be approved by DGT (New Delhi) or MSCVT.

Benefits:

• 80% of the training fee (excluding standard government ITI course fees) is reimbursed.

Application Process

1. All these schemes are digitized and available online at: https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in
2. For further information, contact the Assistant Director, Other Backward Class Welfare Office, Washim, or the Principal of the concerned school or college.

Additional Schemes

1. State-level Vocational Training Scheme for VJNT/SBC students

• Applies to government ITIs and is available to DNT/NT/SBC categories.
• Eligible students should apply through their institution. Proposals are submitted to the Director of Vocational Education and Training, Mumbai.

2. Educational Stipend Scheme for ITI students from VJNT categories

• State-level scheme for students in ITIs.
• For details, contact the Assistant Director, Other Backward Bahujan Welfare, Washim.

Official Website for Application:
https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Yojana for Students of the Dhangar Community

Based on the framework of the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Yojana implemented by the Tribal Development Department, the Government of Maharashtra approved the implementation of a similar scheme for the Dhangar community students belonging to the Nomadic Tribes – Category C, who are deprived of hostel facilities.

This approval was granted through the Government Resolution dated 06.09.2019.

Under this scheme, financial assistance is directly transferred to the eligible students’ Aadhaar-linked accounts in nationalized banks to help them arrange their own food, accommodation, and other educational materials.

The scheme is implemented as per the Government Resolution No.: SWAYAM-2023/Pr.Kr.368/Yojana-2, dated: 21st June 2024.

Eligibility Criteria to Avail Benefits of the Swayam Yojana:

1. The student must belong to the Dhangar community under the Nomadic Tribes – Category C.
2. The student must be eligible for hostel admission.
3. The student must be a resident of Maharashtra.
4. A valid caste certificate issued by a competent authority for the Nomadic Tribes – C category is mandatory.
5. Students applying under the orphan category must submit an orphan certificate issued by a competent authority from the Women and Child Welfare Department.
6. The annual income of the student’s parents must not exceed ₹2.5 lakhs.
7. The student must be pursuing higher education after 12th standard.
8. For both professional and non-professional courses, the student must have secured a minimum of 60% marks at the time of admission.
9. The course admitted to (diploma/degree) must have a minimum duration of two years.
10. 4% horizontal reservation is available for differently-abled students under this scheme, and the minimum qualifying percentage for such students is 50%.
11. The student must have a minimum of 75% attendance in college.
12. The student must not be a resident of the same city/town/taluka where the educational institution is located.
13. Under this scheme, 70% of the total seats are reserved for professional education students and 30% for non-professional education students.
14. The maximum age to be eligible under this scheme is 30 years.
15. Students who receive ATKT (Allowed To Keep Term) during completion of a degree/postgraduate course will be given a relaxation under this condition only once. 

To avail the benefits of this scheme, contact:
Assistant Director, Other Backward Bahujan Welfare, Washim.