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Published : Dec 25, 2020, 1:00 PM IST

ETV Bharat / opinion

Maratha community gets EWS job quota

The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday decided to provide reservation to the community under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category for educational admissions and jobs. The 10 per cent EWS quota is earmarked for those who are not covered under any social reservations.

EWS quota for Maratha community granted; tone of displeasure from various groups
EWS quota for Maratha community granted; tone of displeasure from various groups

Mumbai: The Maha Vikas Aghadi government on Wednesday (December 23) decided to give the benefit of reservation (EWS) to the economically weaker sections of the Maratha community.

However, due to this decision of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Maratha organizations in the state have become aggressive and started politics.

Expressing displeasure over the decision, Maratha Kranti Morcha coordinator Virendra Pawar said that the government should have waited for the court's decision on the 25th.

He also said that due to the decision to provide quota will benefit Maratha community less and while the losses will be more. So, some leaders are playing a double role on the issue of Maratha reservation. On one hand, they use the language of giving justice to Maratha students, on the other hand, they try to politicize the issue.

"The government has opened the option of 'EWS' reservation for Maratha students. The decision is voluntary and will not affect the Maratha reservation," said Vijay Vaddetiwar, Relief And Rehabilitation Minister.

Role of Government

No one should play a double role on the question of the interest of the Maratha community. It is the role of the government to solve the problem of education and jobs for the children of the Maratha community through any means. This decision has been taken to benefit the Maratha community till the Supreme Court decision on Maratha reservation is available.

Also read: Maratha Kranti Morcha members stage protest, demand revocation of SC stay on Maratha quota

"Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje had said that the education and employment of the students of the Maratha community should not be harmed. The economically weaker factor, EWS, was discussed at the time. MLA Vinayak Mete also expressed support for EWS. Now, on the one hand, it is unfortunate to object to the government's decision while the government is trying to prevent the loss of students," said Minister Vaddetiwar.

He also accused Mete of politicizing the issue. Students who are in urgent need can take advantage of this decision, but for those who do not want to take advantage at present, this decision is optional, he added. However, this will not affect the reservation case, Vadettivar said.

Reaction of Maratha Kranti Morcha

The government should put an end to this issue by giving 50 per cent reservation. But if the government takes a two-pronged approach of raising one issue and taking another decision while sitting, it will be dangerous for the Maratha community. This will reduce the benefits and increase the losses of the Maratha community. Also, confusion is being created in the Maratha community, said Virendra Pawar, coordinator of Maratha Kranti Morcha.

The Maratha community will get this facility from EWS

Candidates from Socially and Economically Weaker Sections (SEBCs) will be given the benefit of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation for academic admission and recruitment. SEBC candidates will be optional to avail the open category or EWS. If a candidate avails of EWS reservation for academic admission or recruitment in government service, the candidate will not be eligible for the benefit of SEBC reservation.

Approval was given to the candidates of SEBC class for the year 2020-21 for academic admission and for issuing Certificate of Financially Weak (EWS) for direct service recruitment. Beneficiaries in this category will get age, examination fee and other benefits.

Also read: Fadnavis likens curbs on Maratha quota protests to 'Emergency'

What is EWS?

EWS stands for Economically Weaker Sections. The central government had decided last year to give 10 per cent reservation in education and jobs to EWS class persons. Individuals with an annual family income of less than Rs 8 lakh can get education and job reservation under EWS. The law stipulates that the family farm of persons eligible for EWS reservation should not exceed five acres. Also, the city and the village have set different criteria for how people should be housed.

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