MUMBAI: Maharashtra PWD Minister Ashok chavan on Thursday the opposition to the state government said allowing Maratha Candidates to take advantage of the benefits of EWS fee it was mere politics. The state cabinet, in a decision made on Wednesday, allowed Marathas to request educational admissions and government jobs low quota for economically weaker sections (EWS). The 10% SAT fee is intended for those who are not covered by any social reserve.
“There is opposition to any decision made in this regard (reservation). This is mere politics for the simple fact of opposing it,” he said.
Speaking to reporters here, Chavan, who heads a cabinet subcommittee on the Maratha quota, said the government had previously planned to provide an EWS quota to Marathas who have been included in the category of social class and educationally backward (SEBC ).
But community leaders (Maratha) like Vinayak Mete and Sambhaji Chhatra (also a BJP MP) opposed the measure (on the EWS quota for Marathas).
“But some groups approached the Bombay high court to get an EWS quota for the ESCB and the court also ruled that the government should have made that decision,” he said.
The state government is required to file an affidavit in the superior court on the matter on January 8, the congressional minister said.
He said the cabinet decision taken on Wednesday was in accordance with the directives of the HC.
“It is not mandatory (to seek EWS benefits). Those who wish to take advantage can do so, but will not be eligible for the ESCB quota,” said Chavan.
According to a 2018 state law, Marathas have been provided reserve in jobs and education in the ESCB category.
However, the Supreme Court earlier this year suspended the implementation of the quota for the Maratha community under the ESCB category, a ruling that has been contested by the Maharashtra government.
The next hearing of the case before a constitutional court of the supreme court is scheduled for January 25.
Hours earlier, BJP MP Chhatrapti said the state government does not appear to be sure of winning the legal battle on the issue of Maratha’s quota in the ESCB category.
“The state appears to have no confidence in winning the legal battle over the ESCB reserve quota in the Supreme Court. If the court annuls the state’s ESCB quota law, the state government will be held accountable,” he said.
Rajya Sabha member said: “The EWS quota is for everyone in the open / general category, which is economically weaker. This quota is not only for the Maratha community, but the ESCB reserve is intended for the Maratha community. “.
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