The Maharashtra government has implemented a 10% reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs, effective February 26, 2024. The decision was made after the Maharashtra legislature unanimously passed the Maratha Reservation Bill, and the governor's office signed it into law.
The reservation falls under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) category and will be applicable to all government jobs and educational institutions in the state. This includes 10% reservation in government offices, district councils, schools, and positions filled by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).
However, the reservation will not apply to political positions or at the central government level. It was emphasized that this decision was made to provide reservation for Marathas without affecting the existing reservation for OBCs. The report of the State Backward Classes Commission played a crucial role in this decision.
"In pursuance of clause (3) of article 348 of the Constitution of India, the following translation in English of the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2024 (Mah. Act No. XVI of 2024), is hereby published under the authority of the Governor," a gazette notification stated.
“An Act to specify certain communities as the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes in relation to the State of Maharashtra and to provide for reservation of seats for admission in educational institutions in the State and for reservation of posts for appointments in public services and posts under the State to such Socially and Educationally Backward Classes in the State of Maharashtra for their advancement and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto,” a notification said.
“WHEREAS it is expedient to specify certain communities as the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes in relation to the State of Maharashtra and to provide for reservation of seats for admission in educational institutions in the State and for reservation of posts for appointments in public services and posts under the State to such Socially,” the notification further said.