11:46 am: The Maratha Community in Mumbai is holding a silent protest (mook morcha) seeking reservations in jobs, and punishment for accused in the Kopardi case and education for the Maratha community.
As the protest continues, Moneycontrol gets the latest updates.
11:46 am: This is 58th - and the largest - protest march of the Maratha community, exactly a year after the first march was held in Aurangabad. So far, 57 protests, in the form of 'mook morcha' (silent rallies), have been held in various parts of the state following the brutal rape and murder of a 14-year-old Maratha girl in Kopardi in Ahmednagar district in July 2016.
11:52 am: The morcha began at 11 am from the BMC's Jijamata Udyan and will end at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai. Social media platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter have been used to spread the morcha message to community members.
11:57 am: Mumbai police has said that the JJ flyover will be closed for traffic tomorrow in view of the morcha. Schools in south Mumbai are shut as a precautionary measure.
12:00 pm: The silent protest is a peaceful way to press demand
for reservation in jobs and educational institutions and
punishment for culprits in the Kopardi case.
12:05 pm: Mumbai Police has tweeted traffic arrangements to minimise inconvenience to citizens, during the silent morcha today from Byculla to Azad Maidan between 9 am-5 pm.
12:20 pm: Lakhs of people are out on streets supporting the protest due to which the route between Byculla and JJ Flyover is blocked. More people are expected to join the protest.
12:25 pm: The Maratha Community is demanding Amendment in SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act) to stop its misuse, loan waiver to curb farmer suicides, and remunerative prices for agricultural produce.
12:35 pm: Find out what the Maratha Kranti Morcha is all about.
12:38 pm: All the opposition MLAs are heading to Azad Maidan where the protest will conclude. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha has been adjourned till 3 pm.
12:45 pm: Those who are leading the march have told politicians from both opposition and ruling party to stay away from the protest.
12:50 pm: The morcha has been organised by the Sakal Maratha Samaj, an umbrella organisation of several Maratha groups. BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta and Commissioner of Police Datta Padsalgikar had met last week to discuss preparations and necessary arrangements from a security point of view.
12:55 pm: According to media reports, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to make an announcement. He may talk about the formation of committee, comprising several Maratha leaders.
1:00 pm: The committee which will include Maratha leaders will look into the technicalities of the reservation policy. Fadnavis is likely to meet leaders of the Maratha protests and Maratha MLAs and make an announcement in the Vidhan Sabha.
1:10 pm: First to reach Azad Maidan is Congress leader Narayan Rane who is heading a one-man commission which looked into the Maratha reservation policy during the Congress-NCP government.
1:20 pm: The Central Railway has made elaborate arrangements to deal with the rush which is expected today on account of `Maratha Morcha'. Chief PRO of Central Railway told PTI that probably after two
pm, railway will run additional suburban services as per the
requirement.
1:22 pm: Another leader to join the protest is former chief minister Ashok Chavan.
1:25 pm: Maratha Kranti Morcha protesters have reached Azad maidan. Around 2 lakh people hit the streets to support the protest.
1:35 pm: Azad Maidan is engulfed in a sea of saffron. Few leaders of the Maratha Kranti Morcha are addressing the crowd gathered there. The protesters were provided with biscuits and water.
1:47 pm: In the state legislature, Shiv Sena members, led by
Eknath Shinde, supported the demands of the Maratha community. The party MLAs raised slogans on the steps of the
Vidhan Bhavan.
1:50 pm: Traffic movement affected at various places due to Maratha Kranti Morcha rally. Visuals from Thane Eastern Express Highway.
1:53 pm: No toll will be collected today from vehicles coming into
Mumbai in order to avoid delays at collection points, considering the large number of vehicles entering the city.
1:58 pm: The Mumbai's famed 'Dabbawalas' (lunchbox deliverymen), majority of whom hail from the Maratha community, also joined the march.
Talking to IANS, former Chief Minister Narayan Rane said, "A delegation of Maratha leaders will call on the Chief Minister to submit a memorandum listing their various demands. Though there are many issues, stress will be on education and job reservations for the Maratha community members."
Actor Riteish Deshmukh tweeted a picture of the Maratha Kranti Morcha.
Eknath Shinde, supported the demands of the Maratha community. The party MLAs raised slogans on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan.
Shinde told PTI, "We completely support the demands of the Maratha community. A large section of the community is deprived of education, good income sources and skills that would get them good jobs. Reservation in education and jobs could be one way of supporting them."
"The other demands, such as strict action against those who had allegedly sexually assaulted the girl and murdered her, will be given the required support," he said.
According to an IBN Lokmat report, discussions between chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and the organising committee is currently underway.
Here’s a quick check on traffic across the city: The commuters can now use the BA Road, which is open for access till Khada Parsi. JJ Flyover still closed.
According to Hindustan Times, Maharashtra government is likely to announce a package for Maratha students. The government also plans to set up a subcommittee to take forward reservation procedure. This subcommittee will not need Cabinet approval.
Keeping in mind the traffic, railways will run extra local trains today between CST and Panvel, and between Thane and Kalyan.
The Maratha morcha organising committee is in meeting with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis currently.
The meeting between CM Devendra Fadnavis and Maratha morcha organising committee is over. Fadnavis is expected to make a statement soon.
The proceedings in Kopardi case are in last stages, Devendra Fadnavis said in the Assembly post meeting with Maratha morcha committee.
The government is in favour of reservations, Fadnavis said. A skill development programme for 3 lakh students will be developed soon, he added.
Every district in the state will have hostel facility for Maratha students. For every district, Rs 5 crore will be given, CM said.
A Cabinet sub-committee will be formed to oversee the reservation process. This committee will be headed by Chandhrakant Patil.
The state government will also give 18 Maratha communities with caste identification cards.
On loan waivers, CM said that farmers with loans of over Rs 10 lakh will be given assistance.
Quick check on trains: Two extra trains will ply on the central line during non-peak hours. Eight extra trains will run on harbour line and 16 on main line, according to a report in the Hindustan Times.
605 educational courses, which were exclusive for SC/ST students, will now be available for Maratha students also. The cut off for scholarship for Maratha students has been reduced from 60% to 50%.
Reservation for Muslims: Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi demanded an answer on no reservation for Muslims in the Assembly.
The Maratha morcha protest in Mumbai has been called off following assurance given by Devendra Fadnavis.
SUMMARY
Maharashtra govt will set up a sub-committee to look into reservation process
A skill training programme will be launched for 3 lakh students.
Every district will have hostel facility for Maratha students. Rs 5 rore will be given for it.
605 education courses will be open for Maratha students now. Cut off for scholarship has been reduced to 50%
On loan waiver, farmers with loans of over Rs 10 lakh will be given assistance.
In Kopardi case, proceedings are in last stage and decision is expected soon.
That's a warp on the live blog. Thanks for staying tuned.
That's a warp on the live blog. Thanks for staying tuned.
SUMMARY
Maharashtra govt will set up a sub-committee to look into reservation process
A skill training programme will be launched for 3 lakh students.
Every district will have hostel facility for Maratha students. Rs 5 rore will be given for it.
605 education courses will be open for Maratha students now. Cut off for scholarship has been reduced to 50%
On loan waiver, farmers with loans of over Rs 10 lakh will be given assistance.
In Kopardi case, proceedings are in last stage and decision is expected soon.
The Maratha morchaprotest in Mumbai has been called off following assurance given by Devendra Fadnavis.
Reservation for Muslims: Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi demanded an answer on no reservation for Muslims in the Assembly.
605 educational courses, which were exclusive for SC/ST students, will now be available for Maratha students also. The cut off for scholarship for Maratha students has been reduced from 60% to 50%.
Quick check on trains: Two extra trains will ply on the central line during non-peak hours.Eight extra trains will run on harbour line and 16 on main line, according to a report in the Hindustan Times.
The state government will also give 18 Maratha communities with caste identification cards.
On loan waivers, CM said that farmers with loans of over Rs 10 lakh will be given assistance.
A Cabinet sub-committee will be formed to oversee the reservation process. This committee will be headed by Chandhrakant Patil.
Every district in the state will have hostel facility for Maratha students. For every district, Rs 5 crore will be given, CM said.
The government is in favour of reservations, Fadnavis said. A skill development programme for 3 lakh students will be developed soon, he added.
The proceedings in Kopardi case are in last stages, Devendra Fadnavis said in the Assembly post meeting with Maratha morcha committee.
The meeting between CM Devendra Fadnavisand Maratha morchaorganising committee is over. Fadnavis is expected to make a statement soon.
The Maratha morcha organising committee is in meeting with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis currently.
Nearly 15,000 Maratha volunteers are cleaning the streets of Mumbai.
Keeping in mind the traffic, railways will runextra local trains today between CST and Panvel, and between Thane and Kalyan.
According to Hindustan Times, Maharashtra government is likely to announce a package for Maratha students. The government also plans to set up a subcommittee to take forward reservation procedure. This subcommittee will not need Cabinet approval.
Here’s a quick check on traffic across the city:
The commuters can now use the BA Road, which is open for access till Khada Parsi. JJ Flyover still closed.
According to an IBN Lokmat report, discussions between chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and the organising committee is currently underway.
Eknath Shinde, supported the demands of the Maratha community. The party MLAs raised slogans on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan.
Shinde told PTI, "We completely support the demands of the Maratha community. A large section of the community is deprived of education, good income sources and skills that would get them good jobs. Reservation in education and jobs could be one way of supporting them."
"The other demands, such as strict action against those who had allegedly sexually assaulted the girl and murdered her, will be given the required support," he said.
Actor Riteish Deshmukh tweeted a picture of the Maratha Kranti Morcha.
Talking to IANS, former Chief Minister Narayan Rane said, "A delegation of Maratha leaders will call on the Chief Minister to submit a memorandum listing their various demands. Though there are many issues, stress will be on education and job reservations for the Maratha community members."
1:58 pm: The Mumbai's famed 'Dabbawalas' (lunchbox deliverymen), majority of whom hail from the Maratha community, also joined the march.
1:53 pm: No toll will be collected today from vehicles coming into Mumbai in order to avoid delays at collection points, considering the large number of vehicles entering the city.
1:50 pm: Traffic movement affected at various places due to Maratha Kranti Morcha rally. Visuals from Thane Eastern Express Highway.
1:47 pm: In the state legislature, Shiv Sena members, led by Eknath Shinde, supported the demands of the Maratha community. The party MLAs raised slogans on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan.
1:35 pm
:Azad Maidan is engulfed in a sea of saffron. Few leaders of the Maratha Kranti Morcha are addressing the crowd gathered there.The protesters were provided with biscuits and water.
1:25 pm: Maratha Kranti Morcha protesters have reached Azad maidan. Around 2 lakh people hit the streets to support the protest.
1:22 pm
: Another leader to join the protest is former chief minister Ashok Chavan.
1:20 pm
:The Central Railway has made elaborate arrangements to deal with the rush which is expected todayon account of `Maratha Morcha'.Chief PRO of Central Railway told PTI thatprobably after two
pm, railway will run additional suburban services as per the
requirement.
1:10 pm
: First to reach AzadMaidan is Congress leader Narayan Rane who isheading a one-man commission which looked into the Maratha reservation policy during the Congress-NCP government.
1:00 pm
:The committee which will include Maratha leaders will look into the technicalities of the reservation policy. Fadnavis is likely to meet leaders of the Maratha protests and Maratha MLAs and make an announcement in the Vidhan Sabha.
12:55 pm
: According to media reports, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to make an announcement. He may talk about the formation of committee, comprising several Maratha leaders.
12:50 pm
:The morcha has been organised by the Sakal Maratha Samaj, an umbrella organisation of several Maratha groups.BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta and Commissioner of PoliceDatta Padsalgikar had met last week to discuss preparationsand necessary arrangements from a security point of view.
12:38 pm
: All the opposition MLAs are heading to Azad Maidan where the protest will conclude. Meanwhile,the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha has been adjourned till 3 pm.
12:45 pm: Those who are leading the march have told politicians from both opposition and ruling party to stay away from the protest.
12:25 pm
: The Maratha Community isdemanding Amendment in SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act) to stop its misuse, loan waiver to curb farmer suicides, and remunerative prices for agricultural produce.
12:20 pm:
Lakhs of people are out on streets supporting the protest due to which the route between Byculla and JJ Flyoveris blocked. More people are expected to join the protest.
12:05 pm
: Mumbai Police has tweetedtraffic arrangements to minimise inconvenience to citizens, during the silent morcha today from Byculla to Azad Maidanbetween9 am-5 pm.
11:57 am
: Mumbai police has said that the JJ flyover will be closed for traffic tomorrow in view of the morcha. Schools in south Mumbai are shut as a precautionary measure.
12:00 pm: The silent protest is a peaceful way to press demand for reservation in jobs and educational institutions and punishment for culprits in the Kopardi case.
11:46 am: The Maratha Community in Mumbai is holding a silent protest (mook morcha) seekingreservations in jobs, and punishment for accused in the Kopardi case and education for the Maratha community.
As the protest continues, Moneycontrol gets the latest updates.
11:46 am:Thisis58th - and the largest - protestmarch of the Maratha community, exactly a year after the firstmarch was held in Aurangabad.So far, 57 protests, in the form of 'mook morcha'(silent rallies), have been held in various parts of the statefollowing the brutal rape and murder of a 14-year-oldMaratha girl in Kopardi in Ahmednagar district in July 2016.
11:52 am:The morchabeganat 11 am from theBMC's Jijamata Udyan andwill endat Azad Maidan in southMumbai.Social media platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp andTwitter have been used to spread the morcha message tocommunity members.