Context:

In a key move towards resolving the Maratha quota agitation, the Maharashtra government has agreed to implement the Hyderabad Gazette, a colonial-era administrative document that protesters argue supports the inclusion of Marathas in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The move is seen as a crucial step toward resolving the long-standing reservation demand led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil.

About Hyderabad Gazette:

The Hyderabad Gazette was issued by the then Nizam of Hyderabad, whose rule included Marathwada. It documents caste identities and occupations of that era, showing that Marathas were often referred to as Kunbis—an agricultural community.

·        Other historic records, like one from 1884, also blur distinctions between the two groups.

·        Activists say these documents prove Marathas were once officially classified as Kunbis and thus qualify for OBC benefits today.

Implication:

With the Gazette now officially accepted, Marathas in Marathwada can obtain Kunbi caste certificates and access OBC reservations.

·        The policy, however, applies only to Marathwada and not statewide.

·        In other regions like Vidarbha, some Marathas are already listed as Kunbis, while many in Western Maharashtra identify as forward caste.

Issues with this policy:

·        Regional Disparity: The decision applies only to Marathas in Marathwada, excluding those in other regions like Western Maharashtra.

·        Legal Challenges: It may face constitutional scrutiny, as similar Maratha quotas were earlier struck down for exceeding the 50% reservation cap.

·        OBC Opposition: Existing OBC groups may protest Maratha inclusion, fearing reduced access to jobs and education benefits.

Reservation Quota Stirs in India:

Reservation in India is a constitutionally mandated policy to promote social justice and equitable representation for historically disadvantaged groups such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). However, demands for new quotas and modifications often lead to public protests, legal challenges, and political controversy.

Emerging Demands:

·         State-Specific Agitations: Communities like Patidars in Gujarat, Jats in Haryana, and Kapus in Andhra Pradesh and Maratha in Maharashtra have held protests demanding OBC or separate reservations.

·         Quota-within-Quota: Marginalized sub-groups within SC, ST, and OBC communities seek internal categorization to ensure benefits reach the most deprived sections.

Why These Stirs Happen:

1.       Social Equity: To address historical discrimination and ensure upliftment of marginalized groups.

2.      Population Proportion: Communities often demand reservation in line with their population share.

3.      Representation: Ensuring visibility in education, employment, and politics remains a key goal.

4.     Legal & Constitutional Limits: The 50% cap, as laid out in the Indra Sawhney case, remains a major point of contention.

Conclusion:

The implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette is a major step toward addressing the Maratha community’s demand for inclusion in the OBC category. While it offers a region-specific solution, broader issues—like potential legal hurdles, opposition from existing OBC groups, and demands from Marathas in other regions—still remain, that need holistic solution from government side.