Testimony in response to the discussion on Maratha reservation in the legislature
Nagpur : Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced today in both houses of the legislature that a special session of the legislature will be convened in February 2024, if necessary, following the presentation of the report by the State Backward Classes Commission. He reiterated that while providing reservations to the Maratha community in the state, it would not adversely affect the reservations of other communities.
Responding to the discussion on the Maratha reservation, Chief Minister Mr. Shinde, speaking in both the Legislative Council and the Assembly, assured that no injustice would be done to any community while providing reservation to the Maratha community. A sustainable and legally sound reservation for the Maratha community will be granted without impacting the OBC community's reservation. He unequivocally testified that the government will not rest on this matter.
Chief Minister Mr. Shinde said, "We are prepared to do everything necessary for the Maratha reservation. We had pledged, taking an oath in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to provide reservations to the Maratha community. I stand firm on that today. If any other community in the state had been in difficulty, I would have taken the same oath. Therefore, there is no question of backing down on this issue."
He also appealed to those protesting for reservation to trust the government's efforts in providing it and to cooperate in maintaining law and order in the state. He noted that efforts are being made to disrupt the social atmosphere in the state, and creating discord between two communities does not honor the state. It is not befitting of a progressive Maharashtra. He emphasised that the government, opposition parties, and society have always taken care to prevent the escalation of tension in Maharashtra and will continue to do so. He urged caution and reflection as some may try to exploit the ongoing agitation for the Maratha reservation for their benefit. Peace, law, and order, and brotherhood must prevail in the state. He stated that all issues can be resolved through discussion and appropriate action.
Chief Minister Mr. Shinde said, "Our sentiment is that the Maratha community should receive a sustainable and legally fitting reservation without impacting the reservations of the OBC or any other community. Like other backward communities, the Maratha community also wants to progress through reservation. Some have even taken extreme steps like suicide due to emotional distress over this demand. This is saddening, painful, and unacceptable. The Maratha community, along with other communities in the state, has always strengthened the cultural and social fabric of Maharashtra and has significantly contributed to the state's development."
He mentioned that the government has not taken unilateral decisions in the past two and a half months. Instead, all parties and organisations were consulted while making decisions for the Maratha community. He noted that 10 meetings were held, including 12 meetings of the subcommittee, one under the Chief Secretary's chairmanship, and 7 of the advisory board, totaling 30 meetings. All-party meetings have also been conducted.
In the meeting held in Mumbai in February 2023, the stance on Maratha reservation and Kunbi certificates was clarified. The demand for Kunbi certificates surfaced after the Antervali-Sarati agitation. He mentioned that a committee under the chairmanship of retired Justice Sandeep Shinde was appointed on September 7, 2023.
Chief Minister Mr. Shinde stated that a procedure for issuing caste certificates to Maratha-Kunbi and Kunbi-Maratha in Marathwada has been determined. An expert committee has been appointed to examine evidence such as Nizam-era documents, genealogies, educational proofs, revenue records, Nizam-era agreements, contemporary salads, and national documents. The committee has decided how to scrutinise these proofs. The evidence from 12 departments and 48 documents considered by Justice Shinde's committee are being incorporated into amendments for the Social Justice Department's rules. Therefore, issuing a Kunbi certificate is not as simple as just writing 'Kunbi' on it. There is no need to fear; certificates are being issued after meticulous verification of documents according to legal procedures. For the coordination of the committee, 1858 cells have been established across the state with 66,644 officers and employees working. The first report of Justice Shinde's committee was accepted by the state cabinet on October 31. The second report, consisting of 407 pages, was presented to us yesterday and is being sent to the Law and Justice Department for scrutiny and analysis.
Equality in Schemes for All Social Segments
The government has decided to bring equality in the schemes of institutions for all social segments. This will ensure equal justice for all in the programs and schemes of institutions catering to various social segments. A committee under the Additional Chief Secretary will plan for uniformity in the programs and schemes of institutions like BARTI, SARATHI, Mahajyoti, TRTI, and Amrit. Each institution will prepare an annual action plan and submit it to the committee for approval, as informed by the Chief Minister.
Emphasis on Developing Entrepreneurs
Through the Annasaheb Patil Economically Backward Development Corporation, 72,144 individuals from the Maratha community have been sanctioned bank loans worth 5,380 crores, and an interest refund of 592 crores will be provided. The Corporation has distributed loans worth 3 crores 35 lakhs for 35 group projects. Many entrepreneurs have emerged through various schemes of SARATHI and the Corporation. These young entrepreneurs have not only established businesses but have also employed hundreds of youngsters. As the great Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray used to say, we should not just seek jobs but provide them. Our goal is to develop a million Maratha entrepreneurs. We are providing tractors to farmers in the Maratha community. 3,000 tractors will be distributed within a year, and the Corporation has signed MOUs with tractor manufacturing companies for this purpose, as informed by the Chief Minister.
Jnanajyoti Savitribai Phule Support Scheme
For other backward classes in the state, 52 out of 72 hostels will be operational within a month, providing benefits to 7,200 post-matric students, with 100 boys and 100 girls per district. The government has recently decided to build 10 lakh houses under the Modi Awas Gharkul Scheme within 3 years for the backward classes. A Jnanajyoti Savitribai Phule Support Scheme has been initiated for OBC, VJNT, and SBC students pursuing higher education.
Mahajyoti
The Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research and Training Institute (Mahajyoti) provides scholarships of Rs. 13,000 to 10,000 monthly for competitive exams and an emergency fund of Rs. 18,000 to 12,000. Training is provided in Delhi and Pune for UPSC, MPSC, SET, NET, Military Recruitment, and MBA. 6,000 students are undergoing training. For UPSC, financial aid of Rs. 50,000 per student and rupees 25000 for students is provided for the interview. So far 31 students have been successful in UPSC and joined IAS, IPS, and IRS services. 131 students who have passed UPSC are working in various positions in the state.
Provision for Dhangar society
Rs 140 crores have been provided for Dhangar society. Every year 5500 students of the Dhangar community are being given education in reputed residential schools of English medium. This benefit is given to 16 thousand 350 students. We are building 10 thousand shelters for Dhangar society. 2,888 beneficiaries have benefited. We are going to build 25 thousand houses. An empowered committee has been formed under my chairmanship to coordinate the schemes to be implemented for the upliftment of Dhangar society. Separate hostels for boys and girls of the Dhangar community will be set up in Dhangar-dominated districts. Insurance cover is provided for goats and sheep.
A team of senior councils has been formed on behalf of the state government to argue in favor of the Maratha reservation. Legal experts who have ably argued the Maratha reservation side in the High Court will also be helped in this work. A task force has also been constituted as required. To maintain coordination between the government and the commission regarding how the reservation of the Maratha community will be sustained in the High Court, Supreme Court, and other judicial levels, a committee has been appointed under the chairmanship of Hon Justice Dilip Bhosle (Retired) anne the Communication with them is also ongoing
Funds to Commission for Backward Classes
The State Backward Classes Commission has also been directed to collect new empirical data. This commission has been reconstituted. The Chief Minister said that a provision of Rs 360 crore has been made to the State Backward Classes Commission for the survey in the supplementary demands.
Empirical data is being collected on a war footing to prove that the Maratha community is backward through the State Backward Classes Commission. Instructions have been given to complete the survey work on war footing. All necessary mechanisms and funds are being made available. We are completing the legal process with the utmost speed and strength. In this way, the government is making sincere efforts to bring the Maratha community under the framework of the reservation law in a phased manner. The Chief Minister also assured that he will use all his strength.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also gave detailed information about the chronology of the creation of the SEBC Act, as well as the schemes being implemented for various social groups.
