Maharashtra Increases Scholarship Allowances for SC and ST Students
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved significant increases in scholarship allowances for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students, enhancing support for higher education.
Annual allowances for ST students in major cities raised to ₹80,000.
New grants for SC students pursuing higher education now total ₹80,000 in select areas.
Honorarium for hostel staff significantly increased to improve living conditions.
On October 6, 2026, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved a series of measures aimed at enhancing educational support for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. This decision includes increased allowances under scholarship and hostel schemes, reflecting the government's commitment to improving access to higher education for these communities. The Cabinet also introduced a new 'Mukhyamantri Shaurya Padak' to honor police personnel for acts of bravery, alongside a compensation policy for custodial deaths.
The increase in allowances comes as the number of ST students enrolling in various educational programs continues to rise, leading to a shortage of available space in government hostels. The Chief Minister's Office noted that the revised allowances under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Yojana will facilitate higher education for ST students who reside outside their native villages. Since its inception in the academic year 2016-17, this scheme has provided direct financial support to eligible students.
Under the new provisions, ST students in urban centers like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur will receive an annual allowance of ₹80,000, up from ₹60,000. This amount includes ₹42,000 for food, ₹28,000 for lodging, and ₹10,000 for maintenance. For those studying in other regions, the allowance has been adjusted to ₹50,000 from ₹38,000. Additionally, students in revenue divisional headquarters will see their allowances rise to ₹68,000 from ₹51,000. Medical and engineering students will receive a one-time educational materials grant of ₹8,000, while others will get ₹4,000.
For SC and Navbuddha students who are eligible for government hostels but unable to secure admission, the Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Swadhar Yojana will now provide an annual grant of ₹80,000 in major urban areas. Students in other districts will receive ₹57,000, while those at taluka-level locations will get ₹50,000, which includes specific allowances for food, lodging, and maintenance.
In addition to the scholarship increases, the Cabinet has also decided to enhance the honorarium for staff at 2,388 hostels catering to SC students. This includes a substantial raise for superintendents, cooks, helpers, and watchmen, aimed at improving the quality of service and living conditions for students. The Cabinet also announced the Chief Minister Shaurya Medal, which will reward police officers for their bravery, with a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a medal. The awardees will be selected annually and announced on Maharashtra Day, May 1.
Looking ahead, these measures are expected to significantly impact the educational landscape for SC and ST students in Maharashtra, promoting greater access to higher education and improving living conditions in hostels. The government aims to continue supporting these communities as they pursue their academic and professional aspirations.
