Fadnavis added that the state government would not allow quotas meant for OBCs to be filled up by those from other communities.
In an attempt to cement its base among the OBCs at a time when the Maratha community is agitating for quotas, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state government had sent a recommendation to the Centre to confer the highest civilian award on Mahatma Jotiba and Savitribai Phule. Fadnavis added that the state government would not allow quotas meant for OBCs to be filled up by those from other communities.
Speaking at the third national convention of the Rashtriya OBC Mahasangh at the NSCI in Worli, Fadnavis said, "The Maharashtra government has sent a recommendation to the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on Mahatma Jotiba and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule."
The Phule couple were the first Indians to start a school for girls in Pune in the mid-19th century in a battle against caste-based discrimination and patriarchy. Jotiba Phule also launched the 'Bramhanetar' (non-Brahmin) movement and laid foundations of the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873.
"Data about the number of OBCs in state government jobs will be declared. If it is less than the proportion of jobs, the backlog will be filled up in a time-bound manner. In no circumstances will a single seat meant for OBCs be given to others. We will ensure that the OBCs get their due," Fadnavis announced.
The OBCs who have been achieving upward mobility in the post-Mandal era fear that the Maratha community, which is agitating for quotas, might be accommodated in their category and corner a large share of their benefits due to their superior numbers.
"There is a demand for hostels for OBC students across districts. The first hostel will be set up at Nagpur. In the recent session of the state legislature at Nagpur, we took a decision to construct hostels for OBC students in 19 districts. Necessary funding has also been given for the same. Once these hostels are built, students will get necessary benefits," he added.
The budget for the welfare of OBC communities had seen an increase of 41 per cent, informed Fadnavis.
In Maharashtra, OBCs are estimated at over 52 per cent of the population, including 43.70 per cent Hindu and 8.40 per cent non-Hindus, and have 19 per cent quotas apart from 11 per cent for denotified and nomadic tribes (VJNT). These groups are collectively counted as OBCs when it comes to seeking jobs and education in Central institutions.
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