No Need For Jarange’s Agitation, Govt Positive On Maratha Quota: Vikhe Patil
Jarange has announced plans to launch a fresh agitation on August 29, alleging that the government has failed to implement the assurances given to the Maratha community.
Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Friday reaffirmed the Mahayuti government’s commitment to addressing the demands of quota activist Manoj Jarange for Maratha reservation. There will be no need for Jarange to launch an agitation as the State Government holds a positive stance regarding Maratha reservation, said Vikhe Patil.
“While Manoj Jarange’s sentiments are valid, the government’s positive approach ensures that the need for him to stage a protest will not arise,” Vikhe Patil said.
Jarange has announced plans to launch a fresh agitation on August 29, alleging that the government has failed to implement the assurances given to the Maratha community.
However, Vikhe Patil outlined various decisions taken by the government for the Maratha community. He stated, “Scholarship schemes for students, which had previously been discontinued, have been reinstated. Financial assistance has been provided to the families of agitators who lost their lives during the Maratha reservation protests and a decision has been made to provide government jobs to 32 of their next of kin.”
Vikhe Patil further clarified that the process of securing employment for Marathas in state corporations and the MIDC is currently underway. Furthermore, the number of seats available for students preparing for UPSC exams through the SARTHI organization has been increased to 400. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) required for the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette have been formulated and instructions have been issued to set up helplines at the district collector level, he added.
The senior minister mentioned that the administration has been ordered to review this process every Monday, and necessary directives have been issued to resolve difficulties faced while obtaining caste certificates.
Vikhe Patil noted that the Shinde Committee has verified approximately 58 lakh records so far, and the work is ongoing; the committee has also been granted an extension until 2027.
Stating that the government has not faltered in implementing its decisions, Vikhe Patil affirmed that the administration is committed to resolving any issues that may arise.
Jarange has demanded the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette – which enlists Marathas as Kunbis in the Marathwada region – and distribution of certificates to enable them to get reservation benefits as OBCs.
