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

News-CRUX-10     6th March 2024        
QEP Pocket Notes

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.
QEP Pocket Notes