Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Revised 5% Sports Quota Policy for Public Sector Recruitment
The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on September 8, 2026, approved a comprehensive revision of the state's policy governing the 5% reservation quota for meritorious sportspersons in government and semi-government jobs. The decision replaces all previously existing, fragmented Government Resolutions (GRs) with a single, transparent framework aimed at protecting the socio-economic security of state athletes.
Under the updated rules, candidates applying under the sports quota must complete the validity verification of their sports certificates within a strict three-month deadline through a dedicated digital verification platform. The Cabinet also approved a substantial increase in cash awards for medal winners representing the state in competitive events. Cash prizes for National Games gold medalists were raised from ₹5 lakh to ₹7 lakh, while winners at the Youth Olympic and Youth Para-Olympic Games will receive ₹50 lakh. The policy aims to streamline administrative recruitment, prevent certificate forgery, and ensure merit-based public appointments for deserving athletes.
