Maharashtra’s SEBC students can now access tuition and exam fee reimbursement more easily, as the state eliminates the income certificate requirement.
he shift to a mandatory non-creamy layer certificate aims to streamline opportunities for education and empowerment.
In a significant move to support students from the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) in Maharashtra, the state government has removed the need for income certificates for those seeking tuition and examination fee reimbursement. Instead, students must now submit a non-creamy layer certificate, a change designed to simplify the process and ensure equitable access to educational opportunities. This policy, effective from January 31, 2025, aligns with the Reservation for SEBC Act, 2024, which provides a 10% reservation in public sector jobs and educational institutions under state jurisdiction.
The decision reflects the government’s commitment to reducing bureaucratic hurdles for SEBC students, many of whom pursue professional courses in fields like engineering, medicine, and law. By requiring only a non-creamy layer certificate, which verifies that a family’s annual income is below ₹8 lakh, the state aims to make scholarships more accessible. This certificate, issued by local authorities, also applies to students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Special Backward Classes (SBC) enrolled in select programs. The change has been welcomed by students and families, who previously faced challenges in obtaining income proof, often delaying their scholarship applications.
The Other Backward Classes Welfare Department has issued new guidelines to support the implementation of this policy, ensuring that caste and non-creamy layer certificates are issued efficiently. The policy also supports the broader goal of empowering marginalized communities through education. For students like those at Savitribai Phule Pune University, this reform means less paperwork and faster access to financial aid, enabling them to focus on their studies. The government has set June 30, 2025, as the deadline for scholarship applications for the 2024-25 academic year, urging students to secure their certificates promptly.
This reform is a step toward inclusivity, offering SEBC students a brighter future through education. As Maharashtra continues to prioritize student welfare, the focus remains on creating a system that uplifts and empowers its youth.
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