Will the Maha government implement the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes to facilitate Kunbi certificates for Marathas?
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra government's commitment to the swift implementation of the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes could be a game-changer for the Maratha community, enabling access to Kunbi certificates. This move comes amid legal scrutiny and potential protests from OBC organizations concerned about their benefits. What does this mean for the future of reservations in the state?
Key Takeaways
- The Maharashtra government is set to implement the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes.
- This decision could allow the Maratha community to receive Kunbi certificates.
- There are ongoing concerns from OBC groups regarding benefits allocation.
- The Hyderabad Gazette dates back to 1918, providing historical context for the current discussions.
- Committees will be established for effective implementation at the local level.
Mumbai, Sep 2 (NationPress) - The Cabinet subcommittee's decision to comply with pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil's request to issue the Government Resolution (GR) promptly for the execution of the Hyderabad Gazette holds significant importance. This initiative will enable the Maratha community, particularly from the Marathwada area, to obtain Kunbi certificates.
The execution of the Satara Gazette will similarly facilitate the issuance of Kunbi certificates for Marathas in western Maharashtra.
Following the government's call for suggestions and objections regarding the execution of the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes, Marathas will be eligible for Kunbi certificates based on records in these gazettes.
Sources within the government explained, "The Hyderabad Gazette is an official order issued by the former Hyderabad Nizamshahi government in 1918. During that era, the Maratha community constituted the majority in Hyderabad state but faced neglect in governance and employment opportunities. Consequently, the Nizam's regime issued a directive providing some level of reservation in education and job prospects for the Maratha community under the designation 'Hindu Maratha.'"
Moreover, the Hyderabad Gazette pertains to regions including Marathwada, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Karnataka. It is frequently referenced in discussions about Maratha-Kunbi records concerning Maratha reservation.
In response to Jarange-Patil’s call for a government resolution regarding the Satara Gazette, the Cabinet subcommittee assured its release within one month.
The Satara Gazette serves as an official publication detailing government notifications, regulations, orders, and other relevant information pertinent to Satara district. It encompasses data on land transactions, government initiatives, electoral notifications, and various legal issues within Satara district. This Gazette acts as the government's official documentation, facilitating local administrative and legal functions.
Some members of the Maratha community in Satara may possess records as Kunbi in the Satara Gazette, which can be used as proof for reservation. However, both the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court have classified Marathas and Kunbis as distinct castes and have denied outright issuance of Kunbi certificates,” government sources stated.
Government representatives acknowledged the differences between the Hyderabad and Satara gazettes.
“The Satara Gazette is designated for local administrative and legal concerns specific to Satara district, while the Hyderabad Gazette is a historical ordinance from the Nizam era (1918), encompassing Marathwada, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and portions of Karnataka. It is often cited in relation to Maratha-Kunbi records and Maratha reservation discussions,” sources indicated.
According to government insights, the Hyderabad Gazette cannot be directly implemented, as it solely contains demographic figures without clear directives.
Discussions at the governmental level suggest that implementing it as it stands is not feasible.
The Cabinet subcommittee's Chairperson, and Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, has pledged to establish three-member committees at the taluka level to oversee the implementation of both the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes.
He stated that the process of issuing Kunbi certificates to the Maratha community will commence with the release of the government resolution pertaining to the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette.
Nevertheless, organizations representing the OBCs are likely to escalate their protests, arguing that the issuance of Kunbi certificates to Marathas will diminish their rightful benefits under the OBC quota.
Led by NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal, the Samata Parishad and other OBC organizations are expected to conduct a legal review of the government resolutions concerning the implementation of the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes to decide on further actions.
(Sanjay Jog at sanjay.j@ians.in)
Point of View
This move by the Maharashtra government reflects a broader discussion on caste-based reservations and their implications for social equity. While the push for Kunbi certificates for the Maratha community aims to address historical injustices, it also raises questions about the balance of benefits among various communities. As we navigate these complexities, it's crucial to prioritize dialogue and inclusivity.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes?
The Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes are official documents that contain government notifications and records pertinent to the Maratha community's claims for Kunbi certificates.
How will the implementation affect the Maratha community?
The implementation is expected to enable the Maratha community to obtain Kunbi certificates, potentially improving their access to reservations in education and employment.
What are the concerns of OBC organizations?
OBC organizations are concerned that issuing Kunbi certificates to Marathas may reduce their share of benefits under the existing OBC quota.
What is the historical significance of the Hyderabad Gazette?
The Hyderabad Gazette was issued in 1918 by the Nizam's government to provide some reservation for the Maratha community, which was facing neglect in jobs and education.
What steps are being taken for the implementation?
The Cabinet subcommittee plans to form committees at the taluka level to oversee the implementation of the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes.
