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The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, made a significant decision on Tuesday by approving the draft bill aimed at providing 10% reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs. This move comes after a special session of the Vidhan Sabha, where ‘Maratha reservation’ stood as the central agenda.
Background of Maratha Reservation Issue
The demand for reservations by the Maratha community has been a longstanding issue in Maharashtra. Under the leadership of figures like Jarange Patil, the Marathas have sought reservations in education and jobs, primarily under the OBC category. However, internal disagreements within the government, notably opposition from senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal regarding the proposed Kumbi category reservation, have posed challenges to the process.
Government’s Commitment and Legislative Action
CM Shinde reiterated his government’s commitment to providing reservations to the Maratha community without altering the reservations of other communities. In a proactive move, the Shinde government extended reservations to Marathas, surpassing the 50% mark, during a special session of the state legislature. The Maratha Reservation Bill draws parallels to the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act of 2018 introduced by former CM Devendra Fadnavis.
Existing Reservation Dynamics in Maharashtra
It’s worth noting that Maharashtra already allocates a 10% quota for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), with Marathas being the primary beneficiaries, claiming 85% of this reservation. This underscores the socio-economic significance of Maratha representation in reservation policies.
Report Findings Supporting Reservation Extension
The decision to extend reservation to the Maratha community is supported by a report submitted by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC), chaired by retired Justice Sunil Shukre. The report highlights the social and educational backwardness of the Maratha community, based on a survey of around 2.5 crore households conducted within just nine days. The committee has proposed a 10% reservation for Marathas in both the education and job sectors.
Legal Challenges and Supreme Court’s Rulings
Despite the government’s efforts, the issue of the Maratha reservation has faced legal challenges. In 2021, the Supreme Court of India struck down reservations for Marathas in college admissions and jobs in Maharashtra, citing the absence of exceptional circumstances justifying breaching the 50% cap on overall reservations. The state’s subsequent review and curative petitions were also rejected by the apex court.
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