Minor orphans to get 1 per cent quota in education and jobs

Amrita Karvande, who approached CM Fadnavis with her plea, and lead to the decision.

Orphans in Maharashtra who do not have any documentary proof to establish their socio-economic credentials, will now be given a quota of 1 per cent in education and jobs. The state Cabinet took a decision to this effect in its weekly meeting on Wednesday. The resolution came after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis met a female candidate who has cracked a state service examination, but did not make it to the merit list because she didn't have a supporting document that could get her the job, despite the good qualifying marks. The incident that occurred some 10 days ago became a trigger, following which a proposal was prepared and brought before the Cabinet to get a nod. Maharashtra is the first state to have such a quota.

Quota in open category
Orphans will have their share in the open category. This means their quota will not disturb existing categories. "This will secure the future of orphans and help their rehabilitation," CM Fadnavis said in a statement. The decision will benefit minor orphans and those who move out of orphanages and child care institutes once they attain the age of 18 years and then pursue further studies. Since they don't have any quota they are denied welfare benefits in education and jobs.

Sensitive decision
Child and welfare minister Pankaja Munde said the proposal was historic, and will go a long way in reconnecting orphans to the mainstream. Senior BJP leader and chairperson of Maharashtra Women's Commission Vijaya Rahatkar welcomed the decision. "It was quick and very sensitive. This is a leading example for the entire country," she said, adding that the government should now take more proactive steps to form a special policy for orphans who are left to fend for themselves after 18 years. "The government should increase the age cap to 21 years from 18 years for leaving orphanages," she said.