Maratha reservation agitation

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Maratha Aarakshan Chalwal (English: Maratha reservation movement), also known as Maratha Aarakshan movement, is a long-running campaign by the Maratha community in Maharashtra, seeking quotas in education and government jobs. The demand, which began in the early 1980s, intensified after incidents of violence and social unrest, notably following the 2016 rape and murder of a Maratha girl in Kopardi. The Maharashtra government granted 16% reservation to the Maratha community in 2018, but legal challenges have repeatedly affected its implementation. In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled the reservation unconstitutional, leading to further political and legal battles. As of 2023, the state government has been working on issuing Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas to help them access benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. [1] [2] [3]

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Background

The Marathas, a prominent community in Deccan, have historically been regarded as a Kshatriya warrior caste. Over time, however, the economic conditions of many Marathas, particularly those in lower and middle classes, have declined. The demand for Maratha reservation began in 1981, when Annasaheb Patil, a leader of the Mathadi Labour Union, organised a rally in Mumbai advocating for the cause. Despite this early push, the issue remained largely dormant until the early 2000s. [4]

In 2004, the Maharashtra government included Maratha-Kunbis and Kunbi-Marathas in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. However, this did not extend to those who identified solely as Marathas, leaving a significant portion of the community without benefits. [4]

The issue gained renewed urgency in 2016 and 2017, particularly following the tragic death of a minor in Kopardi village, Ahmednagar. The Maratha Kranti Morcha led peaceful protests across the state, calling for both reservation and justice for the victim, along with support for farmers. In response, the Maharashtra government formed the NG Gaikwad Commission in 2017 to assess the viability of granting Marathas reservation. The Commission recommended that Marathas be included in the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) category. [4]

In 2018, the Maharashtra State Socially and Educationally Backward Class Act was passed, providing 16% reservation for Marathas in education and employment. The move garnered support from various political parties, including the Congress and NCP. However, legal challenges were raised in the Bombay High Court regarding the constitutionality of the reservation, particularly the issue of exceeding the 50% limit for total reservations. The High Court upheld the reservation but reduced it to 13% for jobs and 12% for education. [4]

In 2020, the Supreme Court intervened, ruling that the Maratha quota was unconstitutional and violated the provisions of the Indian Constitution, particularly Article 14. The Court issued a stay, and in May 2021, it quashed the Maratha reservation entirely. Following this, the Maharashtra government instructed economically weaker members of the Maratha community to avail benefits from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota until the matter was resolved. [4]

Maratha Kranti Morcha

Timeline

[5] [6]

See also

Reflist

  1. ↑ Sutar, Kamlesh Damodar (2 August 2018). "Fadnavis calls for BJP meet over Maratha reservation". India Today.
  2. ↑ "Maratha quota stir: Fifth suicide as man ends life in Beed, eight attempt self-immolation". 1 August 2018.
  3. ↑ "Why Are Marathas Protesting: All You Need To Know". Outlook India. 24 July 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "What is the Maratha Reservation, Explained?". Jagranjosh.com. 29 January 2024.
  5. ↑ "Maratha reservation: A saga of half a century". Deccan Herald.
  6. ↑ Saigal, Sonam (5 May 2021). "Maratha reservation: A timeline of events" – via www.thehindu.com.
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