Maharashtra Revamps 5% Sports Quota In Govt Jobs; Online Certificates, Blockchain Verification Made Mandatory

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has updated the 5% sports quota for government and semi-government jobs, implementing mandatory online certification via the 'Krida e-Praman' portal and blockchain verification to curb the use of counterfeit sports certificates. The School Education and Sports Department released a new Government Resolution on Monday, superseding all previous regulations concerning sports quota recruitment.

Candidates applying for government jobs under the sports quota will now need to submit certificates generated through the Krida e-Praman platform, which include a unique QR code and digital signature for verification purposes.

Sports organizations are tasked with uploading competition-related data, including final results and details of participating sportspersons, on the portal within 30 days of a competition's completion. Delays in submitting this information will result in inclusion on a 'defaulter' list. Sportspersons who had their certificates verified using the previous offline system have been given three months to transition to the new online verification process.

The revised policy outlines the sports qualifying for the reservation, which encompasses disciplines featured in at least three consecutive Olympic Games since 2005, as well as popular Maharashtra sports such as kabaddi, kho-kho, chess, mallakhamb, and cricket. Competitions in the under-17 category are excluded from the quota.

In cases where a candidate's sports credentials are disputed or raise significant concerns, practical skill tests will be administered. A special committee may conduct a physical assessment, with the proceedings recorded on video and stored on a cloud platform for verification. Eligible sportspersons are eligible for up to five years' relaxation in the prescribed upper age limit for government recruitment, with the maximum age limit set at 43 years, while eligible individuals with disabilities can receive relaxation up to 45 years.

The government's intention behind these measures is to enhance transparency and ensure that bona fide sportspersons receive the benefits of the reservation.