Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, presented the Maratha Reservation Bill in the state legislative Assembly to tackle longstanding calls for social justice, as reported by ANI. The bill advocates for a 10% reservation in education and government employment for the Maratha community, signifying a pivotal move in the continuing discourse on affirmative action.
The bill’s passage follows heated discussions and a hunger strike by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil, a staunch advocate for the ‘Sage Soyare’ initiative’s implementation. Additionally, the bill proposes a ten-year periodic review of the reservation policy.
“We demand Sage Soyare, nothing less will suffice. Reservations must truly reflect our representation,” proclaimed Jarange Patil, moments after the bill garnered unanimous approval in the Legislative Assembly.
The ‘Sage Soyare’ initiative, as per the activist, seeks to expand reservations within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota to encompass all Maratha community members, irrespective of their ability to furnish proof of Kunbi heritage. Kunbi, a caste in Maharashtra falling within the OBC category, serves as the focal point. Jarange Patil stressed the importance of broader inclusivity, advocating that one’s familial ties should also render them eligible for Kunbi registration. However, the government’s decision specified that only individuals in possession of Nizam-era Kunbi certificates would qualify for benefits under the bill.”
Proposing a 10% Maratha quota would breach the 50% reservation cap established by the apex court, inviting inevitable legal scrutiny due to the existing 52% reservation rate in the state.
Distribution Of Seats Before 10% reservation to Maratha
| Caste | Reservation in Government Colleges |
| Nomadic Tribes (NT-1) NT-B | 2.50% |
| Nomadic Tribes (NT-2) NT-C | 3.50% |
| Nomadic Tribes (NT-3) NT-D | 2% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) including Special Backward Class (SBC) | 19% |
| Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Caste converts to Buddhism (SC) | 13% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7% |
| Vimukta Jati (VJ) DT-A | 3% |
| Total | 50% |
| EWS | 10% |
Distribution Of Seats after 10% reservation to Maratha
| Caste | Reservation in Government Colleges |
| Nomadic Tribes (NT-1) NT-B | 2.50% |
| Nomadic Tribes (NT-2) NT-C | 3.50% |
| Nomadic Tribes (NT-3) NT-D | 2% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) including Special Backward Class (SBC) | 19% |
| Maratha | 10% |
| Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Caste converts to Buddhism (SC) | 13% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7% |
| Vimukta Jati (VJ) DT-A | 3% |
| Total | 60% |
| EWS | 10% |