Tensions have arisen in the ongoing efforts to address the Maratha reservation issue, as differences emerge over the deadline for a final decision. Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who recently ended his nine-day hunger strike demanding reservation for his community, claims that the government has given a written assurance that the decision will be made by December 24.
This assertion conflicts with previous statements by both Jarange-Patil and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who had indicated that the government had until January 2 to decide on the Maratha reservation matter. This announcement was made at the venue of Jarange-Patil’s hunger strike and reiterated in a press conference.
In response to the dispute, the government has chosen not to engage in a debate over the deadline. Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant stated, “We do not want to debate on the deadline. If more time is needed over and above the stipulated period, we will discuss it with Jarange-Patil and convince him with the help of proof, and request him for more time.” The government remains dedicated to resolving the issue in collaboration with Jarange-Patil.
Chief Minister Shinde has initiated a series of meetings with government officials to ensure that the promises made to the Maratha community are implemented in a timely manner. The state government is actively working to address the reservation issue and facilitate the issuance of Kunbi certificates efficiently.
As part of the process, the government is collecting data to demonstrate the backwardness of the Maratha community. This information will be submitted to the Supreme Court, which is currently considering a curative plea regarding Maratha reservation. The government has enlisted the assistance of research institutions, including the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, and the Indian Institute of Population Studies.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Shinde has expanded the scope of the committee led by retired judge Sandeep Shinde, which advises the government on the curative plea and the issuance of Kunbi certificates to Marathas with Nizam-era proof. The committee’s fieldwork and data collection are ongoing, with a preliminary report already submitted to the government.
While details regarding the deadline may be in dispute, the government’s commitment to addressing the Maratha reservation issue remains unwavering, and efforts are underway to gather the necessary data and finalize the procedures related to caste certificates for the Maratha community.
Sources By Agencies