Mumbai, Aug 10 (Mumbai Mirror): Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a slew of sops for the Maratha community, including educational concessions that are currently given to OBCs. A delegation of 40 people met him at the Vidhan Bhawan. Congress leader Narayan Rane, BJP’s associate member and Rajya Sabha member Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje, NCP leaders Ajit Pawar, Shashikant Shinde and Sunil Tatkare were present.

The chief minister said the Annasaheb Patil Development Corporation of Maharashtra would provide skill development training to three lakh Maratha students, and the government will also offer some relief on the interest on educational loan up to Rs 10 lakh. “The government will provide Rs 5 crore for every district to construct a hostel for Maratha students. It will be operated by NGOs,” Fadnavis said.

On the Kopardi rape incident, the chief minister said, “The defence lawyers are trying to postpone the trial. The hearing is almost over. Once the entire hearing gets over, I am hopeful of the court announcing its verdict soon.”