Maharashtra Forms Panel to Grant Kunbi Certificates for Marathas

Swift Summary

• On September 2, 2025, the Maharashtra government issued a resolution (GR) under its Social Justice and Special Assistance Department regarding caste certification for Marathas as Kunbis (OBC category).
• Committees at the village level will verify documentary evidence showing Marathas as Kunbis as per references in the historical Hyderabad gazetteer.
• The village-level panel includes gram sevak, talathi (revenue official), and assistant agriculture officer to scrutinize land records pre-dating November 21, 1961.
• Documentary evidence such as old land records or extracts is necessary for eligibility screening.
• Activist Manoj Jarange initiated an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan demanding reservation benefits for Marathas under the OBC category.
• Government aims to facilitate certification in a “time-bound and transparent manner.”
• Previous steps include amendments made in July 2023 and directives from July 2024 allowing access to archival records.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Maharashtra government’s issuance of guidelines for verifying Kunbi status among Marathas signals its attempt to address long-standing demands for inclusion under the OBC reservation category. By relying on historical documentation such as those contained in the Hyderabad gazetteer, it seeks legitimacy while navigating politically sensitive terrain. Local committees should optimize transparency but might face logistical challenges due to varied interpretations of archival records. Additionally, this decision could set precedents influencing caste-related policies across India. The focus on a structured verification mechanism minimizes arbitrary decisions but also raises concerns over adequate support systems during implementation.Read more: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/maratha-quota-stir-mumbai-police-issue-notice-to-manoj-jarange