MARATHA QUOTA LAW (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Maharashtra Assembly recently passed a Bill unanimously, granting 10% reservation in education and government jobs to the Maratha community.

Maratha Quota Law

• About: The Bill maintains the existing OBC quota intact while introducing a separate quota for the Maratha community, distinct from the Maharashtra government’s earlier notification regarding Kunbi caste certificates.
• Exclusion of Creamy Layer: Individuals falling under the "creamy layer" category within the Maratha community won't benefit from the new law, ensuring reservations target those in need.
• Basis of Formulation: The law draws from a report by the Justice (retired) Sunil B Shukre-led Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission, advocating for Maratha reservation due to "exceptional circumstances" and extraordinary situations".
• Population and Reservation Justification: The Commission finds that Marathas constitute 28% of the State's population, with 84% not advanced, justifying reservation beyond the Supreme Court-approved 50% limit.

Narayan Rane Committee Report

• About: In February 2014, a non-statutory committee led by Narayan Rane recommended Maratha reservation, citing their 32% population in Maharashtra and economic disadvantages.
• Recommendations Submitted: Narayan Rane's committee, appointed by the Prithviraj Chavan-led government, submitted a report advocating 16% reservation in government jobs and educational seats for Marathas, along with 5% reservation for Muslims.

Gaikwad Commission’s Recommendations

• The commission, headed by Justice (retired) N.G. Gaikwad, recommended 12% reservation in higher education and 13% reservation in public employment for Marathas.
• Findings of the Commission: The MSBCC's report highlighted that 76.86% of Maratha families were engaged in agriculture and agriculture labor.
• Additionally, it noted that 6% were in government and semi-government services, 3% in private services, 4% in trade and industry, and 9% in non-agricultural physical labor.