Maratha quota stir poised for revival

Manoj Jarange issues August ultimatum as CM cites record certificate distribution Mumbai: Maharashtra is bracing for renewed political turbulence as the Maratha quota agitation threatens to engulf the state once again. Prominent activist Manoj Jarange Patil has sounded a clarion call for a final, decisive protest beginning August 29, marking the third anniversary of the community’s relentless struggle. In stark contrast, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stepped in to defuse the escalating...

min read

Manoj Jarange issues August ultimatum as CM cites record certificate distribution Mumbai: Maharashtra is bracing for renewed political turbulence as the Maratha quota agitation threatens to engulf the state once again. Prominent activist Manoj Jarange Patil has sounded a clarion call for a final, decisive protest beginning August 29, marking the third anniversary of the community’s relentless struggle. In stark contrast, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stepped in to defuse the escalating tensions, asserting that the government remains highly responsive to the community’s demands and that the pendency of caste certificates is virtually negligible. Addressing a massive press conference at Antarwali Sarati in the Jalna district of Marathwada, Jarange Patil expressed deep frustration with the state administration. He accused the government of deliberately deceiving the Maratha community and employing delaying tactics. According to the activist, the state has discovered approximately 58 lakh Kunbi caste records, yet the administration continues to withhold vital Kunbi certificates from eligible Maratha community members. Issuing a stern ultimatum, he demanded that caste certificates based on the Hyderabad gazette be issued to all rightful beneficiaries by August 28. Failing this, he warned, a massive mobilization will commence from every village across the state starting August 19. He passionately stated that the community has been sacrificing its blood for the youth for three years and will not back down until the issue reaches a logical conclusion. Robust Defence Countering these allegations, CM Fadnavis presented a robust defence of the Mahayuti government’s track record while speaking to the media in Nagpur. He emphasised that caste certificates are processed and issued promptly upon request. He firmly stated that everyone who has applied for a caste certificate has received it, adding that the number of pending cases is exceedingly low. Fadnavis dismissed the notion that certificates are being arbitrarily denied, reinforcing that the current administration has made and executed more pro-Maratha decisions than any previous government. He maintained a conciliatory tone, noting that the administration remains open to dialogue and is willing to find constructive solutions if any genuine grievances persist. Progress Report The state government’s claims are corroborated by the latest progress report from the Justice Sandeep Shinde committee, which was established to oversee the distribution of Maratha-Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, and Kunbi certificates. As of July 27, 2026, the data from the Divisional Commissionerate in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar paints a picture of swift administrative action in Marathwada. Out of a total of 311,609 applications received, a staggering 311,033 applicants have been successfully issued Kunbi certificates. Only 515 applications faced rejection, while a mere 61 remain pending across the division. Furthermore, officials noted that 72,012 certificates have been distributed in the region from September 2025 to the present date. A district-wise analysis of the Marathwada region highlights this extensive distribution network. In Beed district, the administration achieved a near-perfect clearance rate, distributing 206,789 certificates against 206,799 applications, with zero pending files currently. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar saw 25,211 certificates issued from 25,295 applications, leaving only 15 pending. Similarly, Jalna district processed 18,128 applications to distribute 18,053 certificates, with just 13 awaiting approval. Parbhani and Hingoli districts reported the distribution of 20,832 and 13,286 certificates, respectively, with negligible pendency. Nanded district cleared all its 4,841 applications with no backlog, while Latur and Dharashiv districts successfully distributed 2,751 and 19,281 certificates, respectively. Demands’ Charter Despite these administrative milestones, Jarange Patil has expanded his charter of demands, intensifying his critique of the state’s welfare mechanisms. He has now called for the creation of a dedicated Maratha welfare department, questioning why the Maratha community cannot have a separate ministry similar to the one existing for OBCs. He alleged that nine ministers in the current coalition are actively opposing this proposal, threatening to expose their names during the mega rally on August 29. Furthermore, he lashed out at the government over the systemic failure in implementing existing welfare schemes. He claimed that despite official resolutions granting Maratha students parity with OBC students, educational institutions are not enforcing these benefits at the school and college levels. He also accused the state of shutting down initiatives under the Sarathi institute and noted that flawed loan processes under the Annasaheb Patil Corporation are turning into bad debts, effectively ruining the CIBIL scores of young entrepreneurs. Capping off his grievances, Jarange Patil alleged a discriminatory bias in government recruitment, questioning the state administration over what he termed an “apartheid” against Maratha candidates.

Gender Discrimination in Schemes

Suyash Padate
Nov 19, 2024
2 min read

Gender discrimination impacts millions of girls and boys around the world, denying them basic human rights like education, income equality, and a life free of violence. But here in Maharashtra the women have outsmarted the men as far as one state government’s scheme is concerned. The Maharashtra government launched the Ladka Bhau Yojana for the state’s boys after the success of the Ladli Behin Yojana.

Anticipating wrath from the boys especially unemployed, the Maharashtra government has introduced a new scheme Ladka Bhau Yojana 2024 aimed at helping young people. Through this, unemployed youth will receive Rs 10,000 per month. This funding will be given throughout the training program to help them find jobs and inspire them to work for themselves. The beneficiaries’ financial circumstances and living standards will improve as a result. There will also be a decline in the state’s unemployment rate once this scheme takes off. This program will guarantee the growth of the state’s youngsters and brighten their future so that they can advance in their careers.

With the overarching goal of improving employability among young men between the ages of 18 and 35, the Ladka Bhau Yojana brings vocational training to the forefront. It acknowledges the dire need for professional skills development amid increasing competition and rising unemployment rates. The Ladka Bhau Yojana is designed to provide financial assistance and vocational training to unemployed young men in the state, ensuring they have the necessary skills and resources to secure a stable future. The primary goal of the Ladka Bhau Yojana is to empower the youth of Maharashtra by offering them free vocational training and financial support. By equipping them with practical and technical skills, the program aims to reduce unemployment and improve the living standards of beneficiaries. The initiative is part of the Maharashtra government’s broader strategy to launch several public welfare schemes ahead of the assembly elections.

The program is expected to benefit around ten lakh young individuals across the state each year, providing them with the skills and support needed to overcome unemployment and achieve economic stability. By offering both training and financial support, the Ladka Bhau Yojana aims to reduce the unemployment rate in Maharashtra, ensuring that young people have the means to build successful careers. The scheme’s structure is simple yet powerful. Monthly stipends corresponding to their educational qualifications will be given to the youths. For example, those who have completed the 12th grade will earn Rs 6,000 monthly, ITI graduates will receive Rs 8,000, and graduates or postgraduates will secure Rs 10,000 per month during the six-month training program.