In a significant move towards social inclusivity, the Maharashtra cabinet, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, approved a draft bill on Tuesday, granting a 10% reservation to the Maratha community in education and government services. The decision comes after a special one-day Vidhan Sabha session dedicated to the crucial agenda item of “Maratha reservation.”
Historic Step for Maratha Community
The Maratha community, under the leadership of Jarange Patil, has long advocated for reservations in education and employment, seeking inclusion under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The Shinde government, during a special session of the Maharashtra legislative assembly, not only addressed these demands but went a step further by increasing reservations for Marathas to more than 50%.
Assurance Amidst Ongoing Discussions
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had reassured last week that while providing the quota to the Maratha community, there would be no alterations to the reservations of other communities. This move is significant in maintaining a delicate balance in the distribution of reservations among various groups in the state.
Legal Background and Recommendations
The Maratha Reservation Bill draws parallels with the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act of 2018, sponsored by the then-CM Devendra Fadnavis. Maharashtra, having a pre-existing 10% quota for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), has now extended the reservations for Marathas, occupying 85% of the total quota.
The decision to expand the quota was based on recommendations from the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC), chaired by Justice (Retired) Sunil Shukre. The committee’s report, submitted after a thorough nine-day study of around 2.5 crore households, advocated a ten percent reservation for Marathas in education and employment.
Legal Hurdles and Historical Context
It’s essential to note that in 2021, the Supreme Court of India overturned reservations for Marathas in college enrollment and employment in Maharashtra. The court ruled that there were no special circumstances justifying a breach of the 50% cap on overall reservations. Despite facing legal setbacks, the Maharashtra government has continued its efforts, filing a review petition and subsequently a curative petition, reflecting the significance and complexity of the issue.
The approval of the Maratha Reservation Bill signifies a crucial step towards social justice and inclusion, addressing the long-standing demands of the Maratha community for equitable opportunities in education and employment.
