Cabinet okays state panel report on Maratha quota
MUMBAI: The state Cabinet on Sunday accepted all recommendations made by the Maharashtra State Commission for the Backward Classes (MSCBC) in its 1,037-page report on whether Marathas should get reservations in jobs and education.
The panel had endorsed the social, educational and financial backwardness of the Marathas after conducting surveys of 43,629 families across the state.
The cabinet’s acceptance of the report paves the way for the community to get reservations under a separate class, called the Socially and Economically Backward Class (SEBC).
Currently, reservations in the state add up to 52%, breaching a Supreme Court-mandated cap of 50%. The Marathas demand a 16% quota.
By giving the community reservation under the SEBC class, the state has made use of an exception in the SC’S ruling, which said that rules may need to be relaxed in case of extraordinary situations.
WHAT NEXT?
State is expected to table a bill to amend Maharashtra Reservation Act 2001 during the winter session, starting Monday. It is likely to be passed on Nov 29 or Nov 30, after a debate
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The state may give quotas under a separate class — the Socially and Economically Backward Class. Currently, reservations add up to 52%, breaching a Sc-mandated cap of 50%. By giving quota under SEBC, the state has made use of an exception in the SC’S ruling, which said rules may be relaxed in case of extraordinary situations.
“While 50% shall be the rule, it is necessary not to put out of consideration certain extraordinary situations inherent in the great diversity of this country and the people,” the court’s 1992 ruling had said.
On Sunday, the state said the report had pointed out how the backwardness of the community was an “exceptional and extraordinary” scenario.
CONTINUED ON P 9 ››RELATED REPORT, P5