Marathas will be provided reservation in jobs and education under a new category called the Socially and Educationally Backward Class, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday, months after the community staged massive protests across the state.
"The state Cabinet has accepted accepted all three major recommendations of the OBC Commission. A separate SEBC category will be created to provide reservation benefits to the Maratha community," Fadnavis told the media at Sahyadri Guest House.
In its report submitted to the government last week, the Maharashtra State Backward Commission had said that the community was backward on three fronts – social, economical and educational, paving way for resolution to a contentious issue for the CM. It has a 16 percent reservation for the community.
Asked whether the proposed reservation for Marathas will cross the 50 per cent ceiling set by the Supreme Court, Fadnavis said the Commission has described the condition of Maratha community as "extraordinary and exceptional".
"Even though the case of Tamil Nadu, where reservation has crossed 50 per cent mark, is pending in the apex court, it has not been struck down. We are confident of extending reservation to Marathas," he said.
The CM said that further action would be initiated by a Cabinet sub-committee and the final decision would be taken during the Winter Session of the Assembly beginning Monday. Fadnavis said that the Commission has not recommended that Marathas be included in to the existing OBC reservation.
He said that he had discussed the issue with the Advocate General and was informed that there was no need to seek the permission of the Central OBC Commission for it.
Addressing a rally in Ahmednagar last week, the CM had said, "We will complete all legal formalities in the month of November itself and the Maratha reservation will be announced soon. I request everyone to stop protesting and celebrate on December 1."
The Maratha community has been agitating since 2017 demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. The community members also sought a waiver of farmer loans, justice in the Kopardi rape case of 2016, and a permanent solution to the growing unemployment in the state.
TACKLING SC CHALLENGE
30% Marathas in state’s population as per the OBC panel
1931 Last caste census carried out in Maha
- While the OBC Commission has suggested a 16% quota for Marathas, if implemented, it would cross the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court
- Fadnavis said the panel has described the condition of the community as “extra-ordinary and exceptional”. He said such a situation has not been struck down in Tamil Nadu
- The CM said the government would use Constitutional provisions to ensure reservation for the Marathas. It doesn’t require Centre’s permission, he said
TIMELINE
- June 2014 Cong-NCP issues ordinance on quota for Marathas, Muslims
- Oct 2014 State goes to polls
- Nov 2014 HC hears PILs against move, quashes ordinance
- 2017 Fadnavis government sets up panel to determine whether Marathas deserve reservation
- Nov 2018 Panel submits report
- Nov 18, 2018 State cabinet accepts report
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