State govt to decide on quota for Marathas on June 21

“The model code of conduct is in force till June 20. We would convene a Cabinet meeting on June 21 and take a decision,” Rane later told reporters. At present, the state has 52 per cent reservation. It is also contemplating a five per cent quota for Muslims. The addition of quotas for Marathas and Muslims will take the reservations in the state to 77 per cent.

The politically powerful Maratha community accounts for 30 per cent of total votes in the state and 50 per cent of  Maharashtra’s elected representatives.  Though the community has been demanding that it be included under OBCs, the erstwhile Mandal Commission had listed the community among forward classes.  “We conducted a survey of five lakh families in all 35 districts in which the Marathas were found socially, economically and educationally backward. So, we have recommended 20 per cent reservation for them,” Rane said.

He said the state was also contemplating reservations for Muslims. “If they are to get reservation, a separate legal arrangement will have to be made. Government is thinking about it,” he said.