Amidst the ongoing debate surrounding Maratha reservation in Maharashtra, several key figures have weighed in on the matter. Manoj Jarange Patil, who is on a hunger strike demanding reservation, has announced he will abstain from water starting September 1st. Ministers Chandrakant Patil and Nitesh Rane suggest the Maratha community should utilize the existing EWS quota instead of being included in the OBC category. They also mentioned that the possibility of increasing the EWS quota can be considered. Nitesh Rane has accused NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar of providing funds for Jarange’s protests, while BJP leader Keshav Upadhyay alleged that some factions within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are exploiting the Maratha reservation issue. Jarange has been on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai since Friday, advocating for 10% reservation for Marathas and their recognition as Kunbi, an agrarian caste included in the Other Backward Classes, to enable them to avail reservation benefits in government jobs and education. However, OBC leaders are opposing this demand. Nitesh Rane stated that Jarange’s demand for inclusion in the OBC category will not be fulfilled. He also added that if Jarange limits his demand to Marathwada, the government could consider it. He pointed out the distinct identities of Marathas and Kunbis in Konkan and their contentment with their current status. Rane further stated that the state government has already implemented a law that provides 10% reservation through the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) for education and government jobs, along with other financial assistance. Regarding the demand to increase this reservation, it can be discussed with the government. Regarding Maratha reservation, Chandrakant Patil mentioned that Marathas have never faced untouchability and are not backward in terms of caste. He explained that the decline in land ownership over the years has led to their economic hardship. The real problem began when income from agriculture decreased, and Maratha families could not afford the high costs of better education, such as expensive medical studies, for their children. Therefore, they are seeking reservation in education and jobs. The reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) by the central government, which the Supreme Court has already upheld, provides a pathway for support, and this can be considered. The central government initiated EWS, or Economically Weaker Section, in 2019 to provide reservation in education and government jobs to general category individuals based on economic criteria. The 103rd Amendment to the Constitution facilitated this. Only families with an annual income below ₹8 lakh can benefit from this.
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