Shinde’s remarks come amid growing restlessness among OBCs after the state social justice and special assistance department issued the GR on implementing the Hyderabad Gazette. This move will allow eligible Maratha community members to apply for Kunbi caste certificates, enabling them to claim quota under the OBC category
Eknath Shinde clarified that the government had only simplified the process of allotting Kunbi certificates through the GR and that no new decision on the Maratha quota had been taken. PIC/X
Amid a row over the Government Resolution (GR) on the Hyderabad Gazette concerning Kunbi caste certificates for Maratha community members, Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde on Monday asserted that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) will not suffer any loss due to the move, news agency PTI reported.
He said Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal had been informed that the GR was not detrimental to the interests of the OBC communities.
Bhujbal had expressed his displeasure over the GR and convened a meeting of OBC leaders.
Addressing the media at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Shinde clarified that the government had only simplified the process of allotting Kunbi certificates through the GR and that no new decision on the Maratha quota had been taken, PTI reported.
Shinde’s remarks come amid growing restlessness among OBCs after the state social justice and special assistance department issued the GR on implementing the Hyderabad Gazette. This move will allow eligible Maratha community members to apply for Kunbi caste certificates, enabling them to claim quota under the OBC category once certificates are issued.
The GR was issued after the state cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation successfully persuaded quota leader Manoj Jarange to withdraw his hunger strike in Mumbai on September 2.
During his visit to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Monday, Shinde addressed Shiv Sena workers and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the Marathwada region, PTI reported.
“A discussion had taken place with senior OBC leader and minister Chhagan Bhujbal, and he has been informed that the GR will not affect the interests (quota) of OBCs. No loss will be caused to Other Backward Classes,” he told reporters.
Shinde added that a rule for allotting Kunbi certificates had existed since 2012.
“We have not taken any new decision. We just simplified this process. No Kunbi certificates had been issued in Marathwada. We have decided to give these certificates to those (Marathas) whose historical records are found,” he said.
He emphasised that only eligible individuals should receive these certificates.
“It is our policy not to curtail anybody’s right,” he added.
Pointing to the demand for implementing the Hyderabad Gazette, Shinde said a three-member committee has been formed, and the process for availing Kunbi certificates has been simplified.
While addressing Shiv Sena leaders, Shinde highlighted the upcoming local body elections.
“The party workers should start working on the voting lists of respective areas and take the decisions taken by the Mahayuti government to the voters. Those individuals who stood with you in the Lok Sabha and assembly polls will contest the elections,” he said, urging the Sena workers to ensure that voters who support their ideology cast their votes in the upcoming polls.
(With PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
