Maharashtra Government Extends 10% Reservation to Marathas

The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a draft bill to extend a 10 percent reservation to the Maratha community in both educational institutions and government employment. This move follows a report submitted by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC) justifying the extension beyond the 50 percent cap.

Special Session in Response to Activist’s Hunger Strike

• The government has scheduled a special session of the state assembly to introduce the bill in response to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s hunger strike.
• Patil’s protest at Antarwali Saarati village in Jalna district has prompted the government to meet his demands swiftly.

Existing EWS Quota and Maratha Community

• Currently, the state already reserves 10 percent for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), with the Maratha community being the primary beneficiaries.
• Marathas claim 85 percent of this reservation, highlighting their significant presence within the EWS category.