Maha ministers urge Jarange Patil to end fast and engage in talks on Maratha quota issue

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sep 2 (IANS) As activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s indefinite hunger strike demanding Maratha reservation and Kunbi caste certificates entered its fifth day, the Maharashtra state government clarified its position and detailed the steps being taken to address the movement’s key demands.

Addressing a joint press conference, Cabinet Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Uday Samant revealed that the District Collector of Jalna personally met Jarange Patil to hand over the government’s draft proposal regarding the issuance of Kunbi certificates.

The administration is currently awaiting feedback from the activist to proceed further. The District Collector has delivered a pen drive containing records of 58 lakh entries to the activist. The government announced that special camps will be conducted across all administrative circles from September 10 to September 17 to process applications and issue certificates, informed Ministers Vikhe Patil and Samant.

Over 3,500 certificates have been issued under the Hyderabad Gazette framework so far, with standard operating procedures (SOPs) currently being monitored by district collectors. A Nodal Officer will be appointed in each district to oversee the certificate issuance process. A dedicated Maratha Cell has been established to streamline administrative requests, having already processed 2.5 lakh applications.

According to the ministers, the government has withdrawn 90% of the police cases registered against Maratha protesters, leaving only 118 cases currently pending legal resolution. Out of 222 applications submitted for financial aid and employment for the families of individuals who lost their lives during the agitation, 33 individuals have already joined government services, 85 applications are under active processing, and 40 claims were made under the MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) employment scheme, for which a special camp will be organised in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to resolve remaining claims.

Maratha students are being extended benefits on par with OBC students. If a student’s Kunbi certificate application is rejected, their educational fees will be covered under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scheme.

Additionally, the SARTHI organisation has constructed eight hostels, each with a capacity of 1,000 students, with plans to expand hostel construction to the taluka level, said the ministers. The state has sought advice from the Advocate General regarding the Satara Gazette.

The ministers emphasised the need for legal caution to ensure that implementing the Satara Gazette does not compromise the standing of the Hyderabad Gazette in ongoing court challenges.

Minister Vikhe Patil stated that the current administration has made unprecedented progress on the Maratha reservation issue. He credited the 10% reservation decision under former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the previous 16% reservation under the CM Devendra Fadnavis-led government as proof of the government’s commitment.

Taking an indirect swipe at Opposition leader Sharad Pawar, Minister Vikhe Patil remarked that the current issues stem from political decisions made in 1994 during the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations.

Closing the press conference with an appeal to Manoj Jarange Patil to end his fast, Vikhe Patil stated: “We are taking two steps forward and remain open to revisions. We urge the protesters to engage in dialogue so we can resolve this matter constructively.”

–IANS

sj/uk