10% Maratha Quota, declared by CM, Maharashtra

Context: Recently, In the Education and Job Sector, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Eknath Shinde has approved a 10% quota for all the Maratha Community. Because of this, he is facing a lot of criticism from social activists and the opposition. It is being said that it is a pre-election strategic move by the CM.

More information on this news

• Ahead of Lok Sabha Election 2024, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and its Cabinet approved a bill for a 10% quota in the sector of Education and Jobs for all Maratha Community.
• This was approved in a special session unanimously which shall fulfil the government’s promise within three months.
• Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil called it a “betrayal” and opposition parties denounced it as pre-election eyewash. Also, Congress accused the Maharashtra Govt of deceiving the said community.
• In this bill, the total reservations in Maharashtra pushed to 62% without disturbing the existing OBC quota and this exceeds the 50% Supreme Court limit.

Other Demands related to higher caste reservations

Present Demand:

• Regarding Maratha Reservation, in 2021, Supreme Court, citing violation of 50% reservation cap, rejected the law which grants reservations to Marathas.
• Similar Demands from other communities like Jats and Gujjars have also raised demands for their caste to be included in reservation categories.

Pros

•  It is positively argued that economic hardship and limited opportunities like crises are being faced by certain sections within higher castes. This economic disadvantage is being addressed.
• There is a potential increase in numbers of representation of these communities in various government jobs and educational institutions which in turn is promoting social inclusion.

Cons

• The Major focus of balancing historical injustices might weaken because of the expansion of reservations beyond the historically disadvantaged groups.
• It could potentially harm or make more difficult for the existing beneficiaries due to wider reservations and increase in competition. This is directly and potentially a reduced opportunity for the existing beneficiaries.
• There is some strong criticism that the caste-based reservation might compromise meritocracy in selection processes.

Way Forward

• To focus on socio-economic aspects and to address economic disadvantage the reservation implementation must be need based and not based on caste.
•  Creamy layer concept must be reviewed to ensure equitable distribution.
• Encourage open and constructive discussions and dialogues along with comprehensive data collection for better policy decision making.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Questions:

Q.What is the rationale behind the reservation system in India? How the  Supreme Court’s  (SC) judgement on Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) impact  Maratha’s demand of reservation ?

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