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Key Points

The Maharashtra government is establishing a new cabinet subcommittee focused on OBC and nomadic tribe reservation matters. This decision comes after sustained pressure from NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who argued these communities lack a dedicated forum for their issues. The committee will mirror a similar structure recently created to address Maratha reservation demands. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has given his immediate approval for the panel's formation.

Key Points: Fadnavis Approves OBC Subcommittee After Bhujbal Push on Reservation

  • New subcommittee will address OBC and nomadic tribe reservation issues
  • Committee to be headed by Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil
  • Formation follows NCP Minister Chhagan Bhujbal's persistent demands
  • Panel will include ministers from BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP parties
3 min read

Maha govt to form subcommittee on OBC quota on lines of Maratha reservation

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis greenlights a cabinet subcommittee for OBC and nomadic tribe issues, following demands from NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal.

"Since there is no cabinet sub-committee for Other Backward Classes... several issues are pending - Chhagan Bhujbal"

Mumbai, Aug 26

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday gave his approval for the establishment of a cabinet sub-committee to find a solution to reservation and other issues faced by the other backward classes (OBC) and nomadic tribes in the state.

The cabinet subcommittee is being formed that will be headed by the Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil to look into the issues faced by the Maratha community and recommend solutions to address them.

CM Fadnavis’ decision comes after NCP Minister and Samata Parishad founder Chhagan Bhujbal has made a request saying that such a committee is necessary to discuss issues of OBCs and nomadic tribes and suggest workable solutions.

The Committee’s formation will take place soon, and it will comprise ministers from the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP. The Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar has recommended the inclusion of Bhujbal, who has been fighting for the cause of OBC reservation, and agriculture minister Dattatray Bharane from his party in the cabinet sub-committee.

A senior minister said that the government had earlier formed the cabinet sub-committee to study the reservation of other backward classes and nomadic tribes and recommend to the cabinet a slew of concessions and benefits to be provided to these committees. However, this committee does not exist at present.

CM’s green signal comes days after the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha Reservation was restructured by appointing Vikhe Patil as its chairman, replacing the Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil.

This was done at a time when the pro-Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil announced to stage an indefinite protest in Mumbai from August 29, demanding the implementation of Maratha reservation.

However, Minister Bhujbal demanded that a cabinet sub-committee be formed for other backward classes and nomadic tribes as these communities can take up their issues with regard to reservation, various benefits under several government schemes, including scholarships to students and youth pursuing their education.

Minister Bhujbal, who has been consistent in opposing providing Maratha community reservation from the OBC quota, in his letter to the Chief Minister, pointed out that the cabinet subcommittee on Maratha reservation was able to sort out various issues about various government undertakings such as Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI).

These undertakings are providing financial assistance and training to youth from the Maratha community.

Bhujbal argued that this has benefited the Maratha community in a big way.

“Since there is no cabinet sub-committee for Other Backward Classes and their issues, including reservation, several issues are pending with various departments, including Revenue, General Administration, Finance and Planning. Issues faced by Maharashtra State Other Backward Classes Finance and Economic Development Corporation and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research & Training Institute (MAHAJYOTI), which are engaged in providing financial aid and training to OBC youth, have been pending for a long time. It is necessary that these issues be reviewed and addressed from time to time. For this, a Cabinet Sub-Committee is necessary,” said Bhujbal.

Bhujbal today confirmed that CM Fadnavis assured to immediately form a cabinet sub-committee for OBC issues and also directed the concerned officials to take action in this regard.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move by CM Fadnavis. Both Maratha and OBC communities need proper representation and support. Reservation should be implemented without harming any existing quota. Balanced approach is needed.
M
Michael C
While I support affirmative action, I hope this committee focuses on sustainable economic development rather than just reservation politics. Education and skill development should be priority.
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Sneha F
As an OBC student, I've seen how MAHAJYOTI scholarships get delayed for months. Hope this committee actually streamlines processes and helps students like me who depend on these benefits. 📚
Karthik V
Why form separate committees for each community? This creates more division. The government should have one strong committee that addresses all backward classes fairly. Too much compartmentalization isn't good for social harmony.
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Nisha Z
Good initiative! Nomadic tribes have been neglected for too long. Their unique challenges need special attention. Hope this committee includes genuine representatives from these communities, not just politicians.

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