Maharashtra Assembly unanimously clears 10% Maratha quota; CM Shinde says it will survive test of law

The Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed the Bill granting 10 per cent reservation in education and jobs to the Maratha community.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presented the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act 2024, drafted on the basis of a Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission report that identified the Marathas as socially and educationally backward. The report was submitted to the government by the commission’s chairman, Justice (retired) Sunil Shukre, last week.

In his speech, Shinde termed the Bill as historic and bold and said it would survive the test of law. “As the head of the government, I have always maintained a positive mindset towards demands of every community and not only of Marathas. There will be no threat to the reservation of any community,” he said.

“We are giving this reservation by clearing all legal obstacles. There are many states that have gone beyond the (Supreme Court-set) limit of 50 per cent. We are confident that this government will be successful in safeguarding the reservation in the court,” he said.

Opposition parties had written a letter to Shinde seeking his response on several points before passing the Bill granting 10 per cent reservation to the Maratha community. The Opposition sought clarification on whether the reservation will survive the test of law. The parties urged the government to clarify that the new reservation would not harm OBC reservation. They wanted the government to disclose details of its discussions with Maratha social activist Manoj Jarange-Patil as well as the assurance given to him. They also sought clarity on the present situation with respect to the Kunbi certificate notification issued to amend the draft rules by including the term sage-soyare (extended relatives).

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