Lok Sabha Debates
Regarding The Reservation Issue Of Maratha Community. on 16 September, 2020
Seventeenth Loksabha > Title: Regarding the reservation issue of Maratha Community.
*SHRI RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE (MUMBAI SOUTH-CENTRAL): Hon’ble Speaker Sir, we keep on citing the examples of Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery. Shivaji Maharaj belonged to the Maratha Community. Today, I will speak on the reservation issue of Maratha Community.
Speaker Sir, there is a famous slogan of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. Around 4 crore Marathas who also belong to farming community, struggling for reservation in education and jobs. Worker’s leader late Annasaheb Patil demanded for Maratha reservation for the first time in 1982. He led a movement for Maratha reservation in the Mantralaya and Marathas started pressing their demand since then. In the year 2013-14, Maratha community came together. Lacs of Maratha youth started demonstrating in the streets without any political leadership. Their silent and disciplined protests showed their commitment to the cause as well as their patience Actually there is a 50% cap on reservations and by reiterating it, Bapat Commission denied reservation for Marathas. But, on the basis of a survey conducted by Rane Committee, reservation was given in the year 2014. However, it could not sustain in the court of law. In December 2018, Maharashtra legislature passed the bill on Maratha reservation and started implementing it. State Commission for Backward Community conducted a survey for backwardness of Marathas and after identifying the necessity for reservation, it was passed. But, in June 2019, it was stayed by Hon’ble High Court. State Government approached Supreme Court against it. Subsequently, Supreme Court referred this matter to the Constitution Branch as expected. But, the decision was quite shocking.
Sir, the State Government has got a constitutional mandate under schedule 16 of the Constitution to decide about the social and educational backwardness of the particular community.
On the very basis of it, Government of Maharashtra had offered this reservation. But only by citing the cap of 50%, court cannot deny reservation to the Maratha Community.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir, as of now the issue of Maratha reservation is limited only to the State of Maharashtra. But, it is bound to have long lasting effects on the reservation in other states too. It is going to spark reservation movements in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana and hence, through you, I would like to request Union Government to stand by the Government of Maharashtra. Union Government should also support this demand in the Supreme Court or promulgate a special ordinance in connection with this Maratha reservation.
Hon’ble Sir, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra has promised the people of Maharashtra that he would fight for Maratha reservation, strongly and whole heartedly. In spite of that, some anti social elements are trying to vitiate the atmosphere. Hence, through you, I would like to request the leaders of all the political parties not to get indulged in petty politics. Rather, they should come forward to join hands with Government of Maharashtra. It is our lawful duty to ensure law and order and maintain communal and social harmony in our state.
Thank you .
माननीय अध्यक्ष: श्री सुधाकर तुकाराम श्रंगरे, श्री श्रीरंग आप्पा बारणे, श्री संजय जाधव, श्री कृपाल बालाजी तुमाने, श्री राजन बाबूराव विचारे, श्री अरविंद सावंत, डॉ. सुजय विखे पाटील, डॉ. प्रीतम गोपीनाथ राव मुंडे और श्रीमती रक्षा निखिल खाडसे को श्री राहुल रमेश शेवाले द्वारा उठाए गए विषय के साथ संबद्ध करने की अनुमति प्रदान की जाती है ।
श्री अनुभव मोहंती जी।
…( व्यवधान)
HON. SPEAKER: No, kindly conclude within one minute only.
… (Interruptions)
श्री अनुभव मोहंती (केन्द्रपाड़ा): महोदय, मैं सोशल मीडिया पर वायरल हुई एक खबर और उससे जुड़े हुए एक मुद्दे पर बोलना चाहूंगा ।…(व्यवधान)
माननीय अध्यक्ष : आप बोलते रहिए ।
…( व्यवधान)