During a special legislative session, the Maharashtra government unanimously approved a bill that allocates a 10% reservation for the Maratha community in both educational institutions and government job opportunities. The bill, known as the Maharashtra State Socially and Educationally Backward Bill, 2024, was presented by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who underscored the significance of acknowledging the Marathas’ substantial 28% share of the state’s total population.

This legislative move was prompted by a prolonged deadlock on the Maratha quota issue, gaining renewed attention due to the persistent hunger strike of activist Manoj Jarange, which began in August of the previous year. Despite the unanimous approval within the legislative assembly, concerns were voiced outside the House regarding the potential legal challenges the legislation might face.

The bill asserts that the Maratha community’s backwardness is distinct and differs from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and other backward classes, citing a need for separate recognition. Additionally, the proposed legislation suggests a review of the reservation policy after a period of 10 years once it comes into effect.

As of now, Maharashtra allocates 52% of reservations, with varying percentages for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, Special Backward Classes, Vimukta Jati, Nomadic Tribes, and others. Chief Minister Shinde pointed out that many states in the country have exceeded the 50% reservation mark, and the purpose of this session is to address the long-standing demand of the Maratha community.

Following the bill’s presentation in the Lower House, Chief Minister Shinde emphasized the government’s commitment to granting reservation to the Maratha community without affecting the existing quota for OBCs in the state, highlighting the community’s four-decade struggle for reservation benefits.

Despite the bill’s unanimous passage in the state legislative council, activist Manoj Jarange, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since February 10, remains unswayed by the legislative progress. He insists on reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category and has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s current approach.

Prominent political figures, including NCP founder Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, have expressed reservations about the bill’s similarities to previous legislation that faced scrutiny in the Supreme Court. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar deems the entire exercise a pre-election tactic, while MNS chief Raj Thackeray questions the state government’s authority in deciding on reservations.

Source: PTI