Manoj Jarangay Patil leads state-wide protest, demands recognition of Maratha community as Kanbi for an inclusive reservation.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI– Even as the Maharashtra government caved in to the demands of the Maratha community for reservation in civil services, the move has ostensibly not placated prominent activist Manoj Jarangay Patil, who has been at the forefront of the quote movement for the past six months.
Aimed at addressing long-standing grievances, the government has agreed to provide a 10% reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs. However, discontent persists with Jarangay Patil expressing dissatisfaction with the allocation. He has initiated a state-wide “Rasta Roko Andolan” to underscore the complexities surrounding Maratha reservation and advocate for broader inclusion of the community.
Political analysts point at four major points in the legislation. These are:
Understanding the Reservation Offer: Under the proposed legislation, an additional 10% reservation will be granted to the Maratha community, surpassing the existing 50% reservation cap set by the Supreme Court. Despite potential legal challenges, the government asserts its decision is based on a comprehensive survey conducted by the Backward Classes Commission, which deemed the Maratha community eligible for reservation status.
Insights from the Survey: The Backward Classes Commission conducted an extensive survey, engaging with 62 lakh families across the state to assess the demographic composition and socio-economic status of the Maratha community. Through meticulous inquiry, encompassing 184 questions per household, the commission aimed to ascertain the rightful beneficiaries of reservation benefits.
Jarangay Patil’s Advocacy: Manoj Jarangay contends that Marathas are historically aligned with the kanbi (farmer) community and thus advocates for their recognition as such. He asserts that Maratha individuals should be issued certificates identifying them as Kanbi, enabling their inclusion within the existing 27% quota allocated to the OBCs. He also emphasises the need for inclusive policies that encompass not only direct descendants but also extended relatives, a proposition outlined in the Government Resolution (GR) issued by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on January 26.
Defining Kinship and Historical Context: Jarangay Patil’s advocacy extends to redefining the notion of kinship within the Maratha community. He contends that familial ties should extend beyond direct lineage, encompassing uncles, brothers, sisters, and nephews, thereby broadening the scope of reservation eligibility. This stance encounters resistance from within the OBC community, underscoring the complexities surrounding kinship certification and its implications for reservation entitlements.
The historical legacy of the Maratha community, intertwined with the Nizam Shahi administration and the Deccan state, adds a layer of complexity to the reservation discourse. The transition from the Maratha Empire to colonial rule saw shifts in administrative categorisations, with some Maratha families adopting the label of Kanbi during the Nizam era for socioeconomic advantage. Jarangay Patil’s demand for unified recognition under the Maratha or Kanbi category reflects ongoing efforts to reconcile historical legacies with contemporary socio-political realities.
As Maharashtra grapples with the intricacies of Maratha reservation, the voices of activists like Jarangay Patil resonate, advocating for equitable policies that address historical injustices while fostering inclusive development.
