Maratha quota report: CM says be ready to celebrate

Marathas economically, socially backward, says panel

MUMBAI : Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday indicated his government would deliver on its promise to grant reservation to the Maratha community by December 1. The Marathas, a politically dominant community that constitutes 32 per cent of the state’s population, have been protesting for 16 per cent reservation in government jobs and education.

Speaking at a public meeting in Ahmednagar, Fadnavis asked the Marathas to “be ready for celebration and not agitation”, after the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission submitted its report on social, educational and economic conditions of the community to chief secretary DK Jain on Thursday.

The report was submitted in a sealed cover, and while its contents were not made public, a cabinet minister and a senior government official – both of whom did not wish to be named – confirmed that the commission had found the Marathas socially and economically backward. The report, however, has not

specified how much reservation must be given to the community, said the official.

The commission was set up in 2017 to determine whether the Marathas deserved a quota in

government jobs and education.

“We have received the report, which is based on the economic and social conditions of the Marathas,” said Jain. “Appropriate decision will be taken

after studying it.”

Meanwhile the chief minister said they would take a decision by the end of this month.

CONTINUED ON P 10 ››RELATED REPORT, P2