Maratha Quota Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil Ends Hunger Strike
Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil ended his five-day hunger strike in Mumbai after the Maharashtra government agreed to key demands, including issuing Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas. This move will allow them to access reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The government issued a resolution to form village-level committees to verify documents and also agreed to withdraw cases against protestors and provide aid to families of those who died during the years-long agitation for quotas.
Unpacked:
The Maratha and Kunbi communities have longstanding historical, social, and cultural ties, especially in the Marathwada region. Many Marathas are believed to have Kunbi ancestry, which is why some Marathas seek Kunbi caste certificates to access OBC reservations. The government's review referenced historical records from Hyderabad, Satara, and Bombay gazettes to verify these connections.
OBC groups argue that granting Marathas Kunbi caste certificates could dilute existing OBC reservations in jobs and education. They claim the process is vague and could allow many Marathas to claim OBC benefits without proper documentation. Some OBC leaders have threatened protests and legal action, insisting on a transparent verification process.
Eligibility will be verified by village-level committees, including local revenue and agriculture officers. Applicants must provide affidavits proving residence before October 13, 1967, or show a relationship to someone with a Kunbi certificate. The committee will check lineage and documentation before recommending certificate issuance.
Recognized Marathas with Kunbi certificates will become eligible for reservation benefits provided to OBCs in Maharashtra. These include reserved seats in government jobs and educational institutions, as well as access to certain government welfare schemes. This move is intended to improve social and economic opportunities for eligible Marathas.