Maharashtra OBC panel submits probe report on backwardness of Maratha community

The Maharashtra State Commission for Backward Classes on Friday submitted a report on the social, economic and educational backwardness of the Maratha community, the chief minister’s office said. This large-scale exercise covers nearly 25 million households.

The CMO said the report would enable the government to frame a law that would ensure reservation for the Maratha community backed by necessary data. The government also announced that it will hold a special meeting on February 20 to discuss community demands for education and government job quotas. Activist Manoj Jarange is currently on an indefinite fast in his hometown in Jalna district of Maratha Reserve.

The CMO said the report was presented to Chief Minister Eknath Singh by committee chairman Sunil Shukre in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Submitted by Eknath Shinde. CM Shinde said the survey (results) will be discussed at the state cabinet meeting.

Shinde stressed that Marathas will get reservation without affecting the existing quotas of other communities. Shinde also urged activist Jalanji to end his indefinite hunger strike and said the state government was positive about providing reservation to the community.

The survey, which started in Maharashtra on January 23, involves 350,000-400,000 state government personnel and covers 250,000 households.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)