Activist Manoj Jarange's Push for Maratha Quota and Kunbi Certificates

Activist Manoj Jarange communicated with Maharashtra Minorities Development Minister Abdul Sattar regarding the demand for Maratha quota and issuance of Kunbi certificates. Jarange insists on including Marathas in the OBC category, citing that the agrarian Kunbi group already falls under this classification, making them eligible for quota benefits.

Activist Manoj Jarange on Monday engaged in a phone conversation with Maharashtra Minorities Development Minister Abdul Sattar, discussing the pressing demand for Maratha quota and the distribution of Kunbi certificates to all Marathas.

Speaking to reporters at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, Jarange revealed that Sattar had informed Chief Minister Eknath Shinde about these issues. Jarange, who has been at the forefront of protests, is demanding that Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates be issued to all Kunbis (agriculturists) and their blood relatives, recognizing them as Marathas.

In February, the Maharashtra legislature passed a bill granting 10 percent reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs. However, Jarange argues for the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC category. He pointed out that the agrarian Kunbi group already falls under OBC, and issuing Kunbi certificates to all Marathas will make them eligible for similar benefits.

Jarange also highlighted that the Shinde committee, established last year to scrutinize Kunbi records of the Maratha community, has been inactive. He urged that the committee be granted an extension to validate and provide certificates to the community. Sattar assured Jarange that he had communicated these issues to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister and would follow up on them.

(With inputs from agencies.)