Marathas to get 10% reservation in education and jobs : State Legislature unanimously passes Maratha Reservation Bill

Maratha reservation without disturbing OBC quota; Maratha reservation will stand in Court – Eknath Shinde, CM

Mumbai, 20th February – On 20th February 2024, the State Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde tabled the Maratha Reservation Bill in the State Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council which was unanimously passed. This Bill will enable the Maratha community to get a 10% reservation in Government education institutions and jobs. Mr Rahul Narvekar, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly declared that the Maratha Reservation Bill was passed not just by a majority but unanimously.

The special session of the Legislative Assembly started at 11.00 a.m. to discuss the issue of the Maratha reservation; before which, a meeting of the state cabinet ministers was held at Vidhan Bhavan. The Governor addressed the meeting and the Maratha Reservation Bill was approved. State Governor Ramesh Bais addressed the members of both the Houses of Legislative Assembly at the Central Hall; followed by CM Eknath Shinde presenting the Maratha Reservation Bill before both the Houses.

CM Eknath Shinde said

We are giving reservations to the Maratha community without affecting OBC Quota, which will stand in the Court. The reservation has been extended based on a report submitted to the State Government by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission headed by Chairman Justice (Retired) Sunil Shukre. The cabinet of ministers approved it. Only then, the Bill was tabled by the State Government.

The Maratha Reservation Bill will stand in the Supreme Court. I had taken an oath by bowing before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to give reservation to the Maratha community. I am aware of the pain of the Maratha community.

There were a few incidents which shouldn’t have happened. The agitations are not good for the State’s development.

In 22 States, the reservation has crossed the 50% limit. We, too, have crossed the 50% cap now. We have the right to do it as already accepted by the Supreme Court. This law will stand in the Court. A few people lost life in the agitations. The Government has extended financial aid to them.

The work related to the improvisation of the Bill is going on the shortcomings in the Bill as pointed out by the Supreme Court.

A committee has been set up under Justice Shinde (Retd.) for issuing the certificate of the Kunbi sub-caste. Till 16th February 2024, 6 lakh objections were received. Those will be examined and the Government will make a decision.

Reservation will be extended to those who have been registered before 1967. A survey was conducted of 2.5 crore people.

The Government decided to cross the 50% limit under exceptional circumstances.

Manoj Jarange Patil has the habit of threatening and abusing – Chhagan Bhujbal, Minister

Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said in the Legislative Assembly that the Maratha Samaj leader Manoj Jarange Patil always threatens and abuses, stooping to a very low level. He is abusing even the District Superintendent of Police. The demonstrators vandalised and damaged buses in many cities. They have created an atmosphere of terror. It should be stopped. Now, they say that they didn’t want a reservation. They are thus bullying.

Responses on the Bill

Govt deceives Maratha community – Dheeraj Deshmukh, Congress MLA

The Government always claims that it would bring in reservation which would stand the test of law, but as an opposition, we feel that the Government has been misleading people in this context. The agitation ended after CM Shinde promised Jarange Patil, but he had to start a hunger strike as soon as he reached his native place. The Government should explain the reasons for it.

Maratha community is being pushed into a self-destructive pit – Vijay Wadettiwar, Opposition leader

The Government is pushing the Maratha community into a pit, criticised Opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar during a press conference held on 20th February 2024. He added that the State Government no longer pays heed to the customs and traditions of this State. Earlier, a meeting used to be called of the leaders of various factions to reach an agreement. Now, the times have changed. The Bill can hold well, provided discussions are held on the Bill. This Government doesn’t believe in working with the Opposition. The Government should not try to destroy the Maratha community.