Reservation for Marathas in jobs and education, 68 percent quota confirmed

Mumbai : Big news for Maharastrains! As per the bill passed today by the state assembly, Marathas will now get 16 per cent reservation in jobs and education in the Maharashtra. This 16 per cent reservation is over and above the 50 per cent reservation allowed by the Supreme Court. At present, 52 per cent seats in the state are reserved and the Maratha quota will take it to 68 per cent.

Marathas is a a politically influential community that forms 30 per cent of the state's population. Earlier this year, the community was declared a backward community following their long-standing demand.

Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra took action after protests by the community took a violent turn in July and August. 

The upsurge of Marathas, a largely agrarian community to which a large section of Maharashtra politicians belong, had started last year, with its members contending that the politicians had not done much for them. The young brigade claimed because of quota and other benefits, even the Scheduled Castes and Tribes were better off.

The protest initially started in the form of silent marches became violent July after a 28-year-old man committed suicide. A second protester had made a suicide attempt.

The Marathas hit the road with a vengeance, scheduling frequent bandhs and daylong protests that were accompanied by violence in various pockets.

Following the protest, Arterial roads and train lines were blocked, vehicles and shops were set on fire. The Maratha Kranti Morcha, the group spearheading the agitation also called for Mumbai bandh. 

Finally, to control the situation, Devendra Fadnavis promised that the government will look into the matter. "A law was made for reservation to the community, but that was stayed by Bombay High Court," Mr Fadnavis said.