Daijiworld Media Network - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sep 2: As activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s indefinite hunger strike demanding Maratha reservation and Kunbi caste certificates entered its fifth day, the Maharashtra government on Wednesday clarified its position and outlined steps being taken to address the movement’s key demands.
Addressing a joint press conference, Cabinet Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Uday Samant said the District Collector of Jalna had personally met Jarange Patil and handed over the government’s draft proposal concerning the issuance of Kunbi certificates.
The administration is now awaiting the activist’s feedback before proceeding further.
The District Collector also handed over a pen drive containing records of 58 lakh entries to Jarange Patil.
The government announced that special camps will be held across all administrative circles from September 10 to 17 to process applications and issue certificates, the ministers said.
More than 3,500 certificates have so far been issued under the Hyderabad Gazette framework, while standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being monitored by district collectors.
A Nodal Officer will be appointed in every district to oversee the certificate issuance process.
The government has also established a dedicated Maratha Cell to streamline administrative requests. The cell has already processed 2.5 lakh applications, the ministers said.
According to the government, 90 per cent of police cases registered against Maratha protesters have been withdrawn, leaving 118 cases pending for legal resolution.
Of 222 applications submitted for financial assistance and employment for families of people who died during the agitation, 33 beneficiaries have already joined government service, while 85 applications are under active processing.
Another 40 claims were made under the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) employment scheme. A special camp will be organised in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to resolve the remaining claims.
The ministers said Maratha students are being extended benefits on par with OBC students. If a student’s application for a Kunbi certificate is rejected, their educational fees will be covered under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scheme.
The SARTHI organisation has constructed eight hostels, each with a capacity of 1,000 students, and plans are in place to expand hostel construction to the taluka level, the ministers said.
The state government has also sought the Advocate General’s advice on the Satara Gazette.
The ministers stressed the need for legal caution to ensure that implementation of the Satara Gazette does not affect the standing of the Hyderabad Gazette in ongoing court proceedings.
Vikhe Patil said the present administration had made unprecedented progress on the Maratha reservation issue.
He cited the 10 per cent reservation decision under former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the earlier 16 per cent reservation under the Devendra Fadnavis-led government as evidence of the government’s commitment to the issue.
Taking an indirect swipe at Opposition leader Sharad Pawar, Vikhe Patil said the present situation had its roots in political decisions taken in 1994 during implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations.
At the end of the press conference, Vikhe Patil appealed to Jarange Patil to end his fast.
“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,” he said.