In a significant development, Maharashtra cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal has urged the discontinuation of the committee led by retired Justice Sandeep Shinde, responsible for addressing the Maratha quota demand issue. Bhujbal emphasized that the committee’s work has concluded.
The five-member panel, headed by Justice Shinde, was established by the state government to determine the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for issuing Kunbi certificates to members of the Maratha community. This certificate is crucial for the inclusion of Marathas in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category for reservations in government jobs and education.
Speaking on the matter, Bhujbal clarified that his stance was not against a separate reservation for Marathas. However, he strongly opposed the practice of obtaining Kunbi certificates through the submission of fake or forged documents.
The committee’s specific task was to investigate Kunbi lineage from Nizam-era documents, especially those dating back to the pre-independence period. Kunbis, associated with agriculture, are categorized under the OBCs in Maharashtra.
Bhujbal, a prominent OBC leader, stressed that the committee, led by Justice Shinde, had successfully fulfilled its purpose in the Marathwada region. He urged the discontinuation of the committee’s operations, stating, “Its work is done.”
The demand for Kunbi certificates by the Maratha community, led by activist Manoj Jarange, has been a longstanding issue. The certificates are instrumental in securing OBC reservations. Bhujbal highlighted that while he supports the issuance of certificates to eligible individuals in Marathwada, he vehemently opposes the submission of fake claims from other regions.
At a public rally in Hingoli district, Bhujbal underscored the prevalence of fraudulent practices, stating, “Such fake claims should not be entertained, and Kunbi certificates should not be given to people based on forged documents.” He cited examples of tampered old certificates and emphasized the need to address the serious and widespread issue on the ground.
Responding to his portrayal as a strong opponent of the Maratha quota demand, Bhujbal clarified that his objection lies in the Supreme Court’s ruling that Marathas cannot be categorized as OBC. He reiterated his support for a separate reservation for the Maratha community while vehemently opposing the misuse of the Kunbi certificate issuance process.
Bhujbal concluded by reflecting on the historical evolution of OBC categorizations, noting that his opposition is rooted in preventing fraudulent practices rather than challenging legitimate reservations.
