The Maharashtra government, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has assured that it will not take a stand that may create conflict between the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and the Maratha community while providing reservations. Fadnavis made this statement during his interaction with members of the OBC community in Chandrapur. The OBC community had been agitating and demanding that Marathas be excluded from the OBC segment for reservation purposes.
During the meeting, Fadnavis met with Ravindra Tonge, head of the students’ wing of the Rashtriya OBC Mahasangh, who had been on a hunger strike for the past 19 days. To end Tonge’s strike, Fadnavis offered him juice in front of the Collectorate. The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, MLA Kishore Jorgewar, MLA Kirtikumar Bhangadiya, President of Rashtriya OBC Mahasangh Babanrao Taywade, and others.
Addressing the protestors, Fadnavis assured them that the Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, is positive about providing reservations for both Marathas and OBCs. He emphasized that the government will not do injustice to either community and will take measures to avoid conflicts between them.
Furthermore, Fadnavis reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfill the promises made to the OBC community. He stated that funds will be allocated for the development of the OBC community and that the state government has already taken decisions in favor of the OBCs. Some of these decisions include scholarships for education abroad and hostels for the youth of the community. The government is also planning to take buildings on lease for hostels.
Fadnavis highlighted that a separate OBC ministry has been established, and the government is making every effort to ensure that schemes for the welfare of OBCs run in a focused manner. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his decisions in the interest of the OBC community, such as providing 27% reservation to OBCs in government medical colleges for the first time in 70 years.
The Deputy Chief Minister also mentioned a scheme to provide 10 lakh houses for OBCs. He urged the Rashtriya OBC Mahasangh to coordinate with the government in implementing these initiatives.
In conclusion, the Maharashtra government, led by Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, aims to provide reservations without creating conflict between the OBC and Maratha communities. The government is committed to the development and welfare of the OBC community and is implementing various schemes to fulfill its promises.
