THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Mumbai, Feb 20: In a special session of the state legislature on Tuesday, the Maharashtra government approved a bill that will extend reservation to Marathas beyond the 50% threshold.
The Mahayuti government of Eknath Shinde approved a bill on Tuesday that will mandate a 10% Maratha quota. This bill bears similarities to the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2018, which was proposed by the previous Devendra Fadnavis government.
For the third time in ten years, the state has introduced legislation regarding the Maratha quota.
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Manoj Jarange Patil, a Maratha quota activist who is now observing a hunger strike in the village of Antarwali Saarati in the Jalna district, is the reason behind the decision to call a special session.
Based on a report that the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC), led by chairman Justice (Retired) Sunil Shukre, submitted to the state government, the reservation has been extended.
The state currently reserves 10 percent of positions for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), with Marathas being the predominant beneficiaries, claiming 85 percent of the allocation.
