Maha to set up training institute for OBC, SBC, VJNT students

The Maharashtra government will set up a training and career guidance institute for OBC, special backward class and VJNT communities, christened 'Mahajyoti' after social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.

Official sources told PTI on Friday that the decision on this institute, which will help students from the OBC, SBC and Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes to prepare for competitive examinations, will be finalised in next week's cabinet meeting.

It will be on the lines of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI) set up for Maratha students, and Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI) meant to help SC students, the official said.

The state government had carved out the OBC, SBC and VJNT Communities Welfare Department, headed by Sanjay Kute, from the Social Justice Ministry, and recently, the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) category was also included in the former.

As per government data, the state has 27 per cent OBCs, 11 percent VJNTs and 2 per cent SBCs.

In another development, sources said the ministry headed by Kute has decided to implement the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations for 12,440 teaching and non- teaching staff of Ashram schools run for VJNTs.

The government will face an additional burden of Rs 140 crore annually for this, they said.