The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) referencing the Hyderabad Gazetteer to establish a panel for issuing Kunbi certificates to eligible Marathas. This move aims to provide the Maratha community access to reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
The initiative addresses longstanding demands for Maratha inclusion in the OBC quota, enabling access to reservations in education and government jobs. The Hyderabad Gazetteer, a historical record, will guide the identification of Marathas eligible for Kunbi status, a recognized OBC sub-caste in Maharashtra.
Panel and Process
The newly formed panel, comprising experts and officials, will verify records and streamline the issuance of Kunbi certificates. The GR provides clear eligibility guidelines to ensure transparency. This effort is expected to benefit many in the Maratha community, especially in Marathwada and Vidarbha, where historical records link Marathas to the Kunbi sub-caste.
This follows years of protests and legal challenges over Maratha reservation. In 2021, the Supreme Court struck down a prior Maratha reservation policy for exceeding the 50% quota cap. The current approach leverages the existing OBC framework to address these concerns.
Reactions and Implications
Maratha activists have welcomed the GR, but some OBC groups worry about potential quota dilution. The government has assured that the panel will operate carefully to maintain fairness and avoid conflicts.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, “This GR balances the aspirations of the Maratha community with the existing reservation framework, advancing social justice.”
Next Steps
The panel will begin work immediately, with a deadline for completing verifications. The government plans to digitize Hyderabad Gazetteer records to support the process.
This step is a significant milestone in addressing reservation demands while navigating legal and social complexities, potentially influencing similar efforts in other states.
