Maharashtra Cabinet approves revised 5% sports quota policy with digital verification

The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved a revised policy on Tuesday to standardise the 5% parallel reservation for meritorious sportspersons in government jobs. The new framework applies to direct recruitment across Group A, B, C and D posts in state departments, local bodies, municipal corporations, government undertakings, universities, and aided educational institutions.

A key feature is the introduction of the Krida E-Praman automated digital system for certificate verification. Sports organisations must upload digitally signed competition results within seven days. The system uses blockchain technology to preserve data and prevent tampering, with cryptographic hashing enabling immediate authenticity verification. This aims to prevent the use of bogus certificates.

Eligible candidates must get their sports certificates validated within three months. The revised policy seeks to encourage sportspersons who have represented India and Maharashtra at national and international levels, providing them greater economic security.