The Maharashtra Assembly on February 20 unanimously passed a bill proposing a separate 10 percent quota for the Maratha community. The state government convened a one-day special session of the state legislature to address this crucial issue. The bill, aimed at providing a 10 percent reservation for the Maratha community, was approved by the Mahayuti government led by Eknath Shinde. This quota closely resembles the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2018, which was introduced during the tenure of the then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Leader of Opposition Advocates for Maratha Quota
Vijay Wadettiwar, the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, emphasised that opposition parties share the view that the Maratha community should be granted reservation. This marks the third instance in a decade that the state has introduced legislation aimed at providing reservation for the Maratha community.
Maratha Quota Activist Triggers Special Session Demand
The call for a special session was instigated by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who is presently staging a hunger strike at Antarwali Saarati village in Jalna district. His demands cover a range of measures, including the issuance of Kunbi certificates to all Marathas, guaranteeing free education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels, and allocating government job recruitment seats for Marathas.
Also Read | Maharashtra Cabinet approves draft Bill for 10% Maratha reservation in education, govt jobs
The Kunbi community is classified under the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) category, and Jarange-Patil has been advocating for the issuance of Kunbi certificates to all Marathas. This move aims to enable Marathas to avail of reservation benefits afforded to OBCs.
Who is Manoj Jarange-Patil?
Jarange-Patil, originally hailing from the neighboring Beed district, relocated to Shahgad in Jalna district following his marriage. About 15 years ago, he became deeply involved in the movement advocating for reservations for the Maratha community in government jobs and education. Throughout the years, he actively participated in several marches and protests, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the cause. To sustain himself financially, he sold 2.5 acres of his four-acre agricultural land.
Jarange-Patil Establishes Shivba Sanghatana
Initially associated with the Congress party, Jarange-Patil later founded an organisation called the Shivba Sanghatana. This entity was established with the aim of coordinating and leading protests to demand reservation rights for the Maratha community.
Also Read | Maharashtra backward class panel submits survey report on Marathas; Shinde urges Jarange to end fast
Jarange-Patil Leads 3-Month Agitation in Jalna
In 2021, after the Supreme Court's decision to annul the Maratha reservation quota, Jarange-Patil actively engaged in demonstrations at multiple locations. Notably, he led a three-month agitation in Sasht-Pimpalgaon in Jalna district, drawing the participation of hundreds of individuals.
Activist Gains Attention with September Hunger Strike
He garnered massive attention during a hunger strike in September last year at the village of Ataravali-Sarate, further cementing his role as a prominent Maratha activist.
Bill Receives Tentative Support from Activist
The activist spearheading the movement for caste-based reservations has expressed his cautious approval of the recently passed reservation bill in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. However, he contended that the proposed reservation did not fully align with the community's needs.
Jarange-Patil voiced his discontent with the government's decision, asserting, "The approved reservation will only benefit 100-150 Maratha individuals, leaving the majority of our community without reservation. Hence, I remain steadfast in advocating for the implementation of 'Sage Soyare'. He declared plans to unveil details regarding the forthcoming agitation, affirming their determination to pursue what rightfully belongs to them.
What is Sage-soyare?
'Sage-soyare', a Marathi term denoting 'relatives from the family tree', encompasses individuals connected through familial lineage. According to the government notification, this term includes "relatives of an applicant's father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and preceding generations resulting from marriages within the same caste."
No Filling of Govt Until Maratha Reservation Granted
Jarange-Patil further asserted that no government posts should be filled until Marathas receive reservation. However, if the government opts to fill those vacancies, he demanded that specific posts be reserved for individuals belonging to the Maratha community. Additionally, the Maratha activist urged for the withdrawal of all cases filed against protesters involved in the movement over the years.
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