MUMBAI: The long-awaited Maratha reservation Bill came into force from Saturday. Governor C Vidyasagar Rao signed the Bill on Friday night and it was then implemented with immediate effect in the State.
The State Assembly, on Thursday, submitted to the decades-long demand for Maratha quota, which was passed unanimously in both houses of the Assembly. The Bill grants the community 16 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutes.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced fifteen days back that his government will implement the quota for Marathas from December 1, 2018. He had also appealed the Marathas to be ready for celebrations over the quota issue on December 1.
The State government had approved the recommendation for Maratha reservation, including quota for women in education and employment. The recommendation was submitted by the State Backward Class Commission (SBCC) on November 15, which has defined the community as a Socially and Economically Backward Community (SEBC) and suggested 16 per cent reservation for them.
The Commission’s report said that Marathas have inadequate representation in services under the State and, hence, they are entitled to reservation benefits and advantages enshrined in the Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution.
The panel had suggested that looking at exceptional circumstances and extraordinary situations generated on declaring Marathas as socially and educationally backward and their consequential entitlement to reservation benefits, the State government may take appropriate decision within constitutional provision to address the emerging scenario in the State. After getting the nod from both the houses of the Assembly, the Bill was sent to the Governor for his signature and after the Governor’s signature, it came into effect.
