Eknath Shinde govt accepts survey report on Maratha reservation

The Maharashtra government accepted the State Backward Commission's survey report on the social and financial status of the Maratha community. The report was presented to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on February 16 by the Commission's Chairman, retired justice Sunil Shukre, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The report will on February 20 be introduced in a cabinet meeting during the special assembly session.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "Seeing the way this survey work has been completed, our government is confident that based on educational, social and economic status, this reservation will be able to stand the test of Constitution and the law. We will be able to implement OBC reservations or any other reservation without causing any harm to the Maratha community. We are confident that we will be able to provide a permanent reservation to the Maratha (community).​"

He also urged quota activist Manoj Jarange to end his fast. Jarange had started yet another indefinite hunger strike on February 10 from his village to press for Maratha reservation.

Patil had asked the state government to call a special assembly session and also start the process of taking back all the cases filed against members of the Maratha community.

Under the leadership of Patil, the Maratha community has been seeking reservations in educations as well as jobs under the OBC category.

In 2021, the Supreme Court had struck down reservations for the Maratha community in colleges, higher educational institutions, and jobs.

(With agency inputs)