The government may add Maratha class special category to this in excess of the 52% reservation.
Maharashtra government is currently exploring two options to provide reservation to the politically influential Maratha community. The government in its bill, which is expected to be tabled in the state legislature on November 29 or 30 during the ongoing winter session, may consider amendment to the Maharashtra State Public Services Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Denotified Tribes, Nomadic Tribes, Special Backward category and Other Backward Classes Act, 2001. Under the provision of this Act, at present, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, de-notified tribes, nomadic tribes, special backward category and other backward classes together get 52% reservation in the state. The government may add Maratha class special category to this in excess of the 52% reservation.
The government is also mulling a second option. The government in its bill based on the recommendation of the Maharashtra Backward Classes Commission (MCBC) may propose to provide reservation of seats for admissions in educational institutions and in appointments or posts in public services to Social and Educationally Backward Class (SCBC) for their advancement. The government in this case may have to include Maratha class in the 19% quota currently provided to the other backward class or create a sub category.
A state bureaucrat, who is associated in the preparation of the quota bill, told DNA,''Currently, all options are being discussed with the state law and judiciary department and also with the Constitutional and Legal experts so that the government will be able to cross the legal hurdle. There is one more option that government may approach the Centre with a request to amend the Constitution of India to increase the total reservation for SC/ST and other backward classes or special categories in excess of 50 per cent. This will pave way for providing reservation to Maratha, Jat, Gujar and Patidar as demanded by various states.'' Incidentally, NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal today made strong argument in this regard in the state assembly.
He observed that the reservation for Marathas will also have to be under Article 15(4) and 16(4) in the backward classes quota, which effectively means the OBC quota. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had already declared that the government will create a subcategory called SEBC for Marathas in the OBC category .
Further, the bill at length will provide the exercise carried out by the MCBC before drafting its report, and its unanimous recommendation that in view of the exceptional circumstances and extra ordinary situations generated on declaring Maratha Class as SEBC it should be entitled for reservation benefits.
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