Mumbai: As lakhs of Marathas converged on the city on Wednesday, the State government reiterated its commitment to ensure the community gets reservation and benefits on the lines of the Other Backward Class (OBC).
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured Maratha delegations that his government will request the Backward Class Commission to adjudicate in the case for Maratha reservation in a time-bound manner. The government has submitted data in favour of Maratha reservation to the court and the commission. It will now push the commission for an early judgement, Mr. Fadnavis told the Legislative Assembly. “The government is committed to giving reservation to the Maratha community. We are positive on all of their demands.”
Among other benefits, he also said additional land and ₹5 crore will be given for the construction of hostels for Maratha students in every district, fee waivers in 605 courses under the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Scheme and skill training to children of Maratha farmers, among others. The Kopardi rape case has already been fast-tracked and a decision will be taken by the courts, he assured the delegation.
He added, “We are also putting in place a committee comprising senior Cabinet Ministers, which will look into the community’s problems and issues every three months. The construction of the Shivaji statue in the Arabian Sea and restoration of Shivaji’s forts are some steps we’ve taken for the community’s benefit.”
The Maratha delegations also met with Ministers and Opposition leaders.
