Maharashtra assembly unanimously approves 10% Maratha reservation
The creamy layer principle will apply, and only those in the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes not falling into the creamy layer category will be eligible for reservation under this Act.
On Tuesday, the Maharashtra Assembly approved a bill ensuring 10% reservation in jobs and educational institutions for the Maratha community. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presented the Maratha reservation bill in the assembly, highlighting its intent to offer reservation to Marathas while preserving existing quotas.
In response, the Samajwadi Party (SP) called for a 5% reservation for Muslims in government jobs and educational institutions in Maharashtra. SP MLA Abu Azmi displayed banners outside the state assembly advocating for Muslim reservation, while MLA Rais Shaikh emphasized the importance of the Muslim community receiving quota benefits.
Previously, the Congress-NCP government had granted reservation to Muslims through an ordinance, citing findings from the Justice Rajinder Sachar Commission (2006) and Justice Ranganath Mishra Committee (2004), which underscored the economic and educational challenges faced by the Muslim community. In 2009, the Congress-led government established the Dr. Mehmoodur Rehman Committee, which recommended an 8% reservation for Muslims in education and jobs.
However, despite these appeals, the Eknath Shinde government passed the bill providing a 10% quota to the Maratha community in Maharashtra, surpassing the reservation threshold of 50%. A special assembly session was convened for this purpose, amidst a hunger strike by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who still viewed the bill as a betrayal.
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