Maratha quota: Mega survey to begin in Maharashtra on January 23 with more than 1.25 lakh enumerators

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A comprehensive survey, mandating the participation of more than 1.25 lakh enumerators and officials, is set to kick off on Tuesday across Maharashtra. The survey aims to bolster the state government's curative petition in the Supreme Court for the Maratha quota. State Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil emphasized on Monday that enumerators have been given clear instructions to ensure an error-free process.

"The workforce of over 1.25 lakh enumerators, including superintendents and officials, has been appointed for this task. Their training is complete, and the survey will be conducted from Tuesday until January 31, covering all 36 districts, 27 municipal corporations, and seven Cantonment boards in the state," Vikhe Patil said.

He further explained that the revenue department is undertaking this initiative for the Maharashtra State Commission for Backward Classes. The data entry will be conducted digitally, allowing monitoring officials to receive real-time updates. The records will be directly registered with the commission.

Meanwhile, activist Manoj Jarange criticized Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, suggesting that Pawar should have questioned the state government's delay in granting quota to Marathas instead of speaking against the reservation issue. Jarange, leading a march to Mumbai, demanded Kunbi certificates for Marathas to facilitate reservation under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category in government jobs and education.

The state government-appointed committee, under retired judge Sandeep Shinde, identified 57 lakh records of OBCs in the state between October 28 and January 17. Out of these, 1.50 lakh people received Kunbi caste certificates. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured that the state commission for backward classes would conduct a survey from January 23 to assess the social, economic, and educational backwardness of the Maratha community. Shinde urged Jarange not to head to Mumbai, emphasizing the ongoing efforts of the commission.

Jarange, on the third day of his march, asserted that there would be "serious consequences" if the state government resorted to force against his rallies. He expressed readiness for talks with government representatives but stressed the importance of understanding the issues faced by the Maratha community. The activist plans to commence his hunger strike on January 26, seeking resolution on the Maratha reservation matter. (With inputs from PTI)