Daijiworld Media Network - Pune
Pune, Jun 26: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the state government has adopted a comprehensive strategy to promote the social, educational and economic advancement of the Maratha community through education, skill development, entrepreneurship and modern technology.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised by the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARATHI) in Pune, the Chief Minister congratulated candidates who successfully cleared the UPSC, MPSC and banking examinations, along with their parents, and lauded the institute's contribution in nurturing young talent.
Highlighting SARATHI's achievements, Fadnavis said the institute has played a key role in the success of more than 140 UPSC candidates, 1,124 MPSC aspirants and over 500 candidates who secured jobs in the banking sector. He added that more than 13,000 young people have become employable through skill development programmes, while over two lakh students have benefited from the institute's various initiatives.
The Chief Minister said the government has framed its welfare policy for the economically and educationally disadvantaged sections of the Maratha community around three core pillars—education, training and employment.
Under this approach, students from the community pursuing professional higher education are being provided a 50 per cent waiver in tuition fees. To support students studying in major cities, the government has also introduced the Bhausaheb Panjabrao Deshmukh Nirvah Bhatta Yojana, which offers financial assistance of up to Rs 60,000 along with hostel accommodation.
Fadnavis said the Annasaheb Patil Financial Development Corporation has significantly boosted self-employment opportunities by expanding interest subsidy schemes. As a result, more than 1.75 lakh entrepreneurs have been supported through loans exceeding Rs 7,500 crore, with the state allocating nearly Rs 1,500 crore annually for the initiative.
Encouraging young people to prepare for emerging employment opportunities, the Chief Minister urged students to acquire skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), computer technology, language laboratories, tool laboratories and drone technology.
Referring to the state's technological initiatives in agriculture, he said the AI-powered 'Mahavistar' application is already being used by nearly 50 lakh farmers. He added that drone technology is expected to transform the agricultural sector and informed that SARATHI has already begun drone pilot training programmes for youth.
The Chief Minister also announced that SARATHI's regional centres, hostels and training facilities are being developed in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Amravati, Nagpur, Latur and Kolhapur, with the projects expected to be completed within the next year.
Fadnavis further unveiled plans for a new initiative titled 'Nipun Setu', aimed at supporting candidates who qualify competitive examinations on merit but fail to secure government jobs because of limited vacancies. Under the scheme, the government will bear the cost of advanced training and facilitate employment opportunities in the private sector.
He also said the government plans to bring SARATHI and the Annasaheb Patil Financial Development Corporation under one roof by co-locating their offices, enabling beneficiaries to access multiple services through a single platform.
On recruitment, the Chief Minister assured aspirants that Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examinations would continue to be conducted in a transparent, timely and merit-based manner. He added that any decision regarding the introduction of online examinations would be taken only after extensive consultation with students and other stakeholders.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar described SARATHI as a transformative institution that has evolved beyond a government welfare agency into a movement for social reform, educational advancement and youth empowerment.
She said the institute embodies the ideals of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj by promoting equality, social justice and fraternity. Acknowledging the contribution of parents, teachers and SARATHI officials, she said their collective efforts have played a crucial role in the success of the students.
Pawar also credited former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for strengthening the institution, noting that during his tenure the government approved a Rs 1,360 crore project to establish a modern administrative headquarters, eight regional offices and fully equipped hostels with accommodation for 500 boys and 500 girls each.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to youth welfare, she assured that there would be no shortage of funds for SARATHI's programmes and urged the successful candidates to remain committed to serving the public with dedication and integrity throughout their administrative careers.