Hindu Editorial Analysis : 6-November-2023
The ongoing Maratha quota protests in Maharashtra have brought significant attention to the state’s political landscape. As tensions escalate, the government has taken a crucial step by forming a panel of judges to navigate the legal complexities surrounding the issue in the Supreme Court.
Understanding the Marathas: A Politically Dominant Community
- The Marathas are a diverse group of castes, including peasants and landowners, constituting nearly 33% of Maharashtra’s population.
- Despite the common misconception, not all Marathi-speaking individuals belong to the Maratha community.
- Historically, Marathas were identified as a ‘warrior’ caste with substantial land holdings, playing a pivotal role in Maharashtra’s rural economy.
The Demand for Reservation: An Ongoing Struggle
Background and Ordinance
- Marathas have long demanded reservations in government jobs and educational institutions, sparking protests as early as 1981.
- In 2014, the state government issued an ordinance granting 16% reservation to Marathas, based on the Narayan Rane Committee recommendations.
Role of Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC)
- The MSBCC, headed by M G Gaikwad, conducted a comprehensive survey, highlighting the social, economic, and educational backwardness of the Maratha community.
- Based on MSBCC’s findings, the government approved reservations under the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) Act in 2018.
Bombay High Court Verdict and Subsequent Challenges
- In 2019, the Bombay High Court reduced the reservation percentage to 12% in education and 13% in government jobs.
- However, it emphasized that the overall reservation limit should not exceed 50%, citing exceptional circumstances as the only justification for surpassing this limit.
Supreme Court’s Ruling and Recent Developments
- The Supreme Court invalidated the Maratha quota, emphasizing the absence of “exceptional circumstances” to breach the 50% reservation limit.
- Despite the ruling, the SC upheld the 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and acknowledged the flexibility of the 50% ceiling limit.
Current Government Initiatives
- The Maharashtra government proposed utilizing the EWS quota for economically weaker members of the Maratha community until the reservation issue is resolved.
- Additionally, a new dedicated panel will conduct an in-depth survey to assess the community’s ‘backwardness.’
Why In News
In response to the escalating Maratha quota protests in Maharashtra, the state government has taken a proactive step by assembling a panel of judges to provide expert advice and strategic guidance in navigating the legal complexities of the issue in the Supreme Court, demonstrating their commitment to finding a fair and just resolution.
MCQs about Maratha Quota Protests: Unraveling the Complexities
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Which commission conducted a survey to determine the social, economic, and educational backwardness of the Maratha community?
A. Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC)
B. National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
C. National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)
D. Maharashtra State Commission for Minorities (MSCM)
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What was the major reason cited by the Supreme Court for invalidating the Maratha quota?
A. Lack of political support
B. Violation of Articles 14 and 21
C. Insufficient survey data
D. Misinterpretation of the law
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How did the Maharashtra government plan to assist economically weaker members of the Maratha community after the Supreme Court ruling?
A. Providing financial aid
B. Extending the EWS quota benefits
C. Offering educational scholarships
D. Establishing skill development programs
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