“The Maratha Reservation Movement: Demanding Equality, Seeking Promised Solutions”

The Maratha community in Maharashtra has been at the lead of a long-lasting struggle for reservation in jobs and educational institutions. It is led by activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, this movement has once again gained attention, with the warning of prolonged concern if their demands are not met. 

A History of the Maratha Quota Movement:

The Maratha community, which constitutes a significant portion of Maharashtra’s population, has been struggling with issues of social and economic backwardness. Their demand for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions is rooted in a desire for equal representation and opportunities. The movement was renewed by activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who staged a hunger strike in August 2023, by highlighting the cause.

In response to these concerns, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recalled the Government’s commitment to providing reservation to the Maratha community. Both Deputy Chief Ministers, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, expressed their support for this cause. However, the community remains cautious, taken into consideration of the history of unfulfilled promises of the government.

Jarange-Patil s, demand the government to make a decision by October 24. This deadline has added importance  to the situation, and the community is prepared to take to the street movement once again if their demands are not fulfilled.

According to  Maratha community  OBCs are receiving “excessive benefits” from the reservation system, and the Maratha community deserves the quota benefits recommended by the Mandal Commission for OBCs. 

Tragic consequences happened in this incident lead to death of  a Maratha quota activist, Sunil Kawale, he  ended his life in Mumbai over the reservation issue, highlighting the concern of these issue .The Maratha quota concern represents a significant challenge for the Maharashtra government  that it required  Social Justice and Equal opportunities for community. The government’s commitment to resolve these issues as early as possible  as they have set the deadline  for the 25th October,but the response has yet not been committed until now by the government .

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