Report on Maratha reservation will be submitted on time: Rane

The committee,which held a review meeting in the city on Saturday,was approached by 184 delegations of various organisations. Of these,12 delegations opposed Maratha reservation,63 supported it with a condition that no harm is caused to the existing reservation of OBCs and remaining advocated the demand unconditionally,it was stated. Social Justice Minister Shivajirao Moghe and Tribal Development Minister Madhukar Pichad were among those who attended the meeting.

Addressing the media after the meeting,Rane said stand on reservation would be taken on realistic grounds notwithstanding any political or community pressure.

“We would not succumb to any pressure while deciding stand on the issue ( Maratha reservation) and would follow democratic process to arrive at a conclusion. Different social organisations and political parties along with senior leaders will also be consulted,” he said.

Rane said committee was also studying carefully different judicial verdicts in the past on Maratha reservation before finalising the report.

He avoided media query when quizzed about Union Agriculture Minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s statement that economic criteria should decide the fresh quota. “Pawar is a senior leader and we will consult him on the issue,” said Rane,adding,no political party have conveyed official stand on Marath reservation to the committee till now.