In a significant development, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has given its nod to the Maratha Reservation Bill, a historic move aimed at providing reservation in education and employment opportunities to the Marathas. The bill, presented by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, proposes a 10% reservation for the Marathas community in educational institutions and government positions. The legislation, titled the Maharashtra State Socially and Educationally Backward Bill 2024, outlines a 10-year review period after the implementation of the proposed reservation.
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Background and Commission Report, Marathas
The decision comes after the Maharashtra cabinet approved the Backward Classes Commission report and the draft bill based on it. This approval paves the way for legislation addressing the longstanding demand for reservation for the Maratha community. This marks the third attempt in a decade by the state to introduce legislation to provide quota benefits for Marathas.
The proposal is grounded in the findings of the Maharashtra State Commission for Backward Classes (MSCBC), which highlighted that the Maratha population in Maharashtra stands at 28%. The report emphasizes the “exceptional and extraordinary conditions” of backwardness faced by the Maratha community, justifying reservation beyond the 50% cap mandated for quotas.
Survey Findings and Justification
The MSCBC conducted an extensive survey of nearly 2.5 crore families, shedding light on the social, economic, and educational status of the Maratha community. The report reveals that a significant portion of Maratha families fall below the poverty line, with 21.22% holding yellow ration cards, exceeding the state average of 17.4%. The comprehensive survey also disclosed that 84% of Maratha families do not fall under the progress category, making them eligible for reservation benefits as per the Indra Sawhney case.
Citing Tamil Nadu’s example, where a 69% reservation has been implemented, breaching the 50% quota cap established by the Indra Sawhney ruling in 1993, the bill underscores the urgency of addressing Maratha representation.
Political Landscape and Intra-Government Disputes
The move to secure reservations for the Maratha community has not been without its challenges. Divisions within the Maharashtra government have emerged concerning the categorization of the Maratha reservation, particularly its inclusion under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal has voiced opposition to guaranteeing reservations under the Kumbi category, highlighting the complexities surrounding the issue.
Recently, Chief Minister Shinde reaffirmed the government’s dedication to extending reservations to the Maratha community, emphasizing that this commitment would not entail any modifications to the existing reservation allocations for other communities.This commitment aims to address concerns about potential disruptions in the existing reservation structure.
Legal Battles and Supreme Court’s Involvement
The pursuit of reservations for the Maratha community has faced legal hurdles. In 2021, the Supreme Court invalidated reservations for Marathas in college admissions and employment in Maharashtra, citing a lack of exceptional circumstances to justify breaching the 50% cap on overall reservations. Even after the review plea was dismissed, the state government persisted in filing a curative petition, demonstrating its unwavering determination to safeguard and maintain the reservations for the Maratha community.
The proposed legislation reflects the state government’s determination to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the Maratha community and ensure equitable opportunities in education and employment. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be closely watched for its potential impact on social justice and representation in Maharashtra.
In conclusion
In a significant milestone, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s approval of the Maratha Reservation Bill, proposing a 10% quota in education and jobs, reflects a commitment to address socio-economic disparities within the Maratha community. The comprehensive survey findings underscore the necessity of exceeding the 50% reservation cap, with the government’s pledge to maintain existing quotas while ensuring Maratha’s inclusion. Despite internal disputes over categorization and past legal challenges, the bill signals a determined effort to provide equitable opportunities and uplift the marginalized Maratha population in Maharashtra. The 10-year review period demonstrates a commitment to periodically assess and refine the impact of the reservation policy.
