Maratha Activist Urges Government to Issue Caste Certificates by September 17

Quick Summary

• Manoj Jarange Patil’s Demand: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil urged the Maharashtra government to distribute Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas by September 17. Failure to act or interference from OBC leaders could result in a legal challenge to the 1994 government Resolution (GR) that granted reservations to OBC communities.
• Context of reservation: The 1994 GR granting OBC reservations was based on the Mandal Commission report. Recently, a new GR issued on September 2 allows Kunbi caste certificates for Marathas in Marathwada, following Mr. Patil’s hunger strike.
• Resistance from OBC Leaders: Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and other OBC leaders raised concerns about extending reservations to Marathas under this GR, terming it problematic for existing OBC quotas.Threats of large-scale protests were also voiced.
• Government Action: Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated certificates will be issued after due process and announced a sub-committee meeting on September 10 regarding objections raised over the GR.
• Opposition Stance: Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar called the new reservation policy “risky” for OBCs and requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conduct an all-party meeting.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The ongoing dispute highlights entrenched tensions between communities over access to affirmative action policies like caste-based reservation in Maharashtra. Manoj Jarange Patil’s legal warning emphasizes rising demand from Maratha groups for inclusion within reserved categories-a matter complicated by resistance from established beneficiaries like the OBCs, represented vocally by leaders such as Chhagan Bhujbal.

while governments frequently enough face high-pressure situations with competing demands over limited resources,issuing Kunbi caste certificates without clear procedural safeguards risks intensifying social conflict. The state’s approach must tread carefully-balancing rigorous adherence to legal frameworks while addressing grievances through structured dialog involving all stakeholders.

Ultimately, if unresolved or mishandled, this issue could set precedents impacting broader discussions around inclusivity versus exclusivity within India’s affirmative action policies.

read More