The Government of Maharashtra on 20th February, 2024 issued the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2024, which aims to provide reservation benefits to the Maratha Community within the state. The Act specifies the Maratha Community as a Socially and Educationally Backward Class, entitling them to reservation in educational institutions and public services. The reservations are set at 10% for educational seats and 10% for public service appointments.
The Act details the criteria for reservation, including the principle of the Creamy Layer, which excludes the most privileged members of the community from receiving benefits. It also outlines the powers and responsibilities of the Competent Authority, which is appointed to oversee the implementation of the Act. The document emphasizes the need for compliance with the Act’s provisions and outlines penalties for non-compliance.
The Bill also includes a Statement of Objects and Reasons, which provides historical context and the rationale behind the Act. It mentions previous attempts to provide reservation to the Maratha Community, the legal challenges faced, and the findings of the Shukre Commission, which supported the community’s claim to backward status. The Commission’s report, based on extensive data collection and analysis, concluded that the Maratha Community is socially, educationally, and economically backward and requires reservation for its upliftment.
The Act addresses the need for reservation in excess of the 50% ceiling, citing exceptional circumstances and the community’s distinct backwardness. It also provides for the issuance of Caste Certificates and Validity Certificates for the Maratha Community and includes provisions for the protection of actions taken in good faith.
The Bill is set to come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. The Act repeals the Maharashtra State Reservation (of seats for admission in educational institutions in the State and for appointments in the public services and posts under the State) for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018.
