Has the Maha Government Formed a Cabinet Sub-Committee for OBC Issues?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Maharashtra government has formed a nine-member cabinet sub-committee.
- The committee focuses on OBC social, educational, and financial issues.
- It is headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
- The initiative follows protests from OBC communities.
- The committee will review and suggest improvements to existing welfare schemes.
Mumbai, Sep 3 (NationPress) In an important development, the Maharashtra government has announced on Wednesday the formation of a nine-member cabinet sub-committee led by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. This initiative aims to address the social, educational, and financial issues pertaining to the Other Backward Classes (OBC).
The sub-committee is tasked with coordinating both administrative and legislative efforts concerning OBC reservation. Its creation mirrors the earlier cabinet sub-committee focused on the Maratha quota, which is spearheaded by Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil.
The committee comprises notable leaders including senior OBC representative and NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal, fellow NCP minister Dattatray Bharane, along with BJP ministers Ganesh Naik, Pankaja Munde, and Atul Save. Additionally, ministers Gulabrao Patil and Sanjay Rathod from the Shiv Sena will join, while the OBC Department Secretary serves as the member secretary.
Last week, Minister Bhujbal urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to establish this cabinet sub-committee to specifically tackle OBC-related challenges and advise the government on future actions.
This governmental initiative follows closely on the heels of a notification regarding the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette, which aims to facilitate the issuance of Kunbi certificates to the Maratha community in the Marathwada region.
The timing of this decision aligns with escalating protests from OBC groups, who are voicing concerns over the government's acceptance of demands put forth by pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil, particularly regarding the provision of Kunbi certificates to the Maratha community.
Minister Bawankule and his committee will examine various state government schemes dedicated to the welfare of OBCs and propose enhancements to these programs.
The cabinet sub-committee will also review existing schemes for OBCs introduced by the state government and the OBC Development Corporation, ensuring adequate representation for OBCs in public and private sector roles, including semi-government positions.
Moreover, this committee will represent the government in judicial matters, liaise with government attorneys, and determine the procedures for implementing court rulings. It will also engage in discussions with OBC activists and representatives from different organizations.
If necessary, the cabinet sub-committee can consult with experts, scholars, and relevant authorities on various OBC-related issues.