In a major relief for Marathas, the Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday decided to list the community under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category.
The 10 per cent EWS quota is earmarked for those who are not covered under any social reservations.
Notably, the implementation of the quota for the Maratha community under the SEBC (Socially and Economically Backward Class) category was stayed by the Supreme Court, which was challenged by the state government.
The next hearing of the case before the constitutional bench of the apex court is scheduled on January 25 next year.
But BJP MP Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje opposed the EWS benefit, saying it would adversely affect the SEBC case in SC. There is general unrest among the Maratha community over the MVA government’s handling of the SEBC matter in SC. Maratha Kranti Morcha has started fresh protests.