In Maharashtra, the Assembly has unanimously decided to pass a Bill that proposes a 16% reservation for the Maratha community. This bill encompasses the reservation of seats for educational institution admission and posts available in public services. These reservations have been made under Article 15(4) and Article 16(4) of the Indian Constitution. The Maratha community will receive this reservation under an independent category known as Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC). As a result, the total reservation has risen from 52% to 68%, going beyond the Supreme Court’s 50% reservation cap established in the Indra Sawhney Case of 1992.
Understanding the Constitutional Clauses
The clauses that provide for these reservations, Article 15(4) and Article 16(4), have specific mandates within the constitution. Article 15(4) states that nothing in this article shall prevent the state from making special provisions for any socially and educationally backward classes or for Scheduled Castes and Tribes. Similarly, Article 16(4) permits the state to create reservations for any backward class of citizens considered underrepresented in state services.
Key Facts about the Maratha Community
The Marathas are a politically influential, Marathi-speaking community in Maharashtra. They constitute approximately one-third of the state’s population. Traditionally, they were identified as a warrior class with extensive land holdings.
Reasons for Demand for Reservations
The demand for these reservations primarily results from the ongoing division of land and agrarian problems. These issues have caused a decline in prosperity among middle-class and lower-middle-class Marathas. The community, mainly agrarian, has suffered due to rural distress, particularly in agriculture.
How the Reservation was Determined
The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) conducted an investigation into 45,000 families across two villages in each of the 355 talukas housing over 50% of the Maratha population. According to the panel’s findings, the Marathas have been classified as a socially and educationally backward class of citizens with limited representation in state services.
Controversies around Reservation
The proposal has sparked some controversy, such as its potential to withstand judicial scrutiny given it exceeds the Supreme Court’s stipulated reservation limit. Furthermore, the Marathas, traditionally seen as “upper castes,” do not endure any societal stigmas that hamper their economic development. Therefore, their eligibility for affirmative action has been questioned. As a crucial group in electoral politics, this decision may have significant implications.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Maratha Population | Approximately 1/3rd of Maharashtra |
| New Reservation Percentage | 16% |
| Total Reservation in Maharashtra | 68% |
| Supreme Court’s Reservation Cap | 50% |
Moving Forward: Towards a More Comprehensive Solution
While reservations help to rectify social and educational backwardness, they are not a cure-all for every social and economic issue. The government should thus consider focusing more on boosting economic growth, which could lead to new job opportunities, presenting a long-term solution to these problems.