Maharashtra Tightens Sports Quota Rules With Digital Certificates and Blockchain Verification

The Maharashtra government has overhauled the 5% parallel sports quota for government and semi-government jobs by introducing mandatory online certification through the Krida e-Praman portal and blockchain-based verification. The School Education and Sports Department issued a new Government Resolution on Monday, replacing all previous orders.

Under the revised system, candidates must submit QR-coded certificates generated through the portal with digital signatures for verification. Sports organisations now face a 30-day deadline to upload competition results and participant details, with defaulters listed automatically. Sportspersons previously verified offline have three months to complete online verification.

The policy covers Olympic sports and Maharashtra disciplines including kabaddi, kho-kho, chess, mallakhamb and cricket, while excluding under-17 competitions. Disputed credentials may trigger practical skill tests by a special committee.