Cases vs protesters will be withdrawn
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday, talking to reporters after the all-party meeting at Vidhan Bhavan, said that he had instructed the Director General (DG) of police to review all cases against Maratha community members who participated in the quota stir, other than attacking police personnel and resorting to arson and violence, would be withdrawn.
Fadnavis said that his government was making all efforts to grant reservations to the Maratha community, which is seeking a 16-per cent reservation in government jobs and education. He also announced that a special Legislature session would be convened to pass a law or a resolution regarding Maratha reservation after the State Backward Class Commission report is submitted.
“We will pass a law or a resolution in the Legislature based on the recommendation of the Commission to fulfil the Constitutional requirement. The Government has already requested the
Commission to complete its survey report on economic and social backwardness of the community at the earliest. There is no delay on the State Government's part. "Grievances of the community can be addressed through deliberations on legislative and judicial platform. Nothing can be achieved through violence. We will try to rectify lacunae in the earlier law which was stayed by the High Court,” he said.
The CM said the 57 silent marches organised by the Community leaders all over the state were appreciated as a model form of protest. “The Government took cognizance and initiated several measures for their welfare,” he added.
He assured the community that the mega recruitment drive in government service would be done after ensuring reservation of SC/ST/OBC is not affected and Marathas also get justice. He said the fee waiver scheme for economically backward classes in professional courses would be implemented strictly. “If any college does not admit Maratha students by charging 50 per cent fees, the educational institution would be derecognised. We are willing to talk to colleges if they have any difficulties. Similarly, government will take up with State Level Banking Committee (SLBC) about complaints that banks are asking for collateral security for granting financial assistance to poor from backward communities under the Annabhau Sathe Developnment Corporation,” he said.
Similarly, hostels for Maratha students in Pune and Kolhapur are nearing completion while construction in eight other districts is in progress, he said.