Maratha reservation protest ends | Community leaders raise doubts: What is new in GR?
Several leaders have voiced concerns regarding its practical utility particularly in the context of reservation benefits
4 min read
Experts argue that the resolution fails to offer a clear advancement over previous processes, especially regarding documentation and eligibility (Express Photo)The Maharashtra government’s Government Resolution (GR), which implements the Hyderabad Gazette to grant Kunbi status to Marathwada Marathas, has left community leaders and experts in doubts about whether the GR will really be beneficial and some flagged flaws in the GR. While the move led to the end of activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s five-day hunger strike, questions remain over the resolution’s actual impact.
Though the state government has touted the GR as a measure to simplify the issuance of caste certificates and extend benefits to the Maratha community, several leaders have voiced concerns regarding its practical utility particularly in the context of reservation benefits.
Experts argue that the resolution fails to offer a clear advancement over previous processes, especially regarding documentation and eligibility.
“I genuinely feel that the GR issued today does not provide any new benefit to the Marathas of Hyderabad Sansthan. Earlier too, certificates were issued based on genealogical records. So what is new?” Sanjay Lakhe Patil, Convener, Maratha Kranti Morcha said.
“There is nothing in the Gazette that can establish that a person was Kunbi. It only mentions the Kunbi population. If anyone doesn’t have records to prove they are Kunbi, they cannot get the certificate. During the Nizam era, Marathas were in the OBC group. If the Gazette had been implemented properly, all Marathas should have been included directly into OBC group only as it was Nizam era,” he added.
Dr Shivanand Bhanuse, constitutional expert and spokesperson for the Maratha Seva Sangh, echoed similar sentiments.
“I don’t think anything different will happen with the new GR compared to earlier. The criteria for obtaining caste certificates and validating them cannot be changed by any state government.”
He added, “The Shinde Committee was working similarly. If records were found, certificates were issued. That’s what the GR also says.” Dr. Bhanuse pointed out that even under the new GR, the requirement for genealogical evidence remains unchanged.
“Even with this GR, genealogical evidence will still be required. There is no specific mention of families or identities in the Gazette to confirm someone is Kunbi. There is no basis in Hyderabad records to prove the identities of particular families… CM Devendra Fadnavis should clarify that what new things is going to happen through this GR which was not taking place earlier.”
Yogesh Kedar, a close associate of Jarange Patil, also raised concerns, questioning the GR’s inclusiveness and effectiveness.
“I had repeatedly flagged flaws in the ordinance, but no one paid attention. The government has misled Manoj Dada. Only those Marathas whose Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, or Maratha-Kunbi records exist will benefit from this GR. Those without such records will gain nothing, at least from a preliminary assessment. In simple terms, only those who have records traced through the Shinde committee will benefit. What about those whose villages or clans have no records? ,” Kedar said.
He added, “However, this GR could be challenged in court on multiple grounds. I alerted Manoj Jarange Dada but I was sidelined.” Some leaders, however, maintain a cautiously optimistic stance.
“It can be considered a step forward, but the actual benefit of this GR will be known only after implementation,” Rajendra Kondhare, President, Akhil Bharatiya Maratha Mahasangh said.
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