Pune: Backward Classes Commission Sets Criteria for Maratha Community Backwardness, Final Decision in January

Pune, 28th December 2023: The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission, in its recent meeting, outlined 19 criteria to assess the social, educational, and economic backwardness of the Maratha community. However, as only five out of 11 members were present, a follow-up meeting is scheduled for January 4 in Pune to finalise the criteria.

The Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics has been assigned the task of sample inspection, and a report will be submitted to the commission for further assessment.

The Gokhale Institute will conduct a sample inspection based on the set criteria, and four sub-committees formed by the commission will carry out the survey work. The survey is expected to be completed within a month, and a comprehensive report will be submitted to the Maharashtra State Government.

Justice Sunil Shukre was appointed as the chairman of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission in the winter session by the Maharashtra Government, with two additional members appointed. The meeting held under Justice Shukre’s chairmanship aimed to determine the backwardness criteria for the Maratha community.

Controversy surrounds the attendance of Chandralal Meshram, a Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission member, with the commission issuing a notice for his absence from meetings. Meshram, a senior member and retired judge, has responded to the notice, claiming a 99% attendance record and providing a copy of the attendance book.

The criteria set by the commission cover various aspects of social, economic, and educational backwardness, with 80 marks allocated for educational criteria. Some of the criteria include social backwardness due to caste or traditional occupation, engagement of women and men in light work, prevalence of child marriage, superstitious practices, financial indicators such as poverty line status, educational attainment, and more.

Selected Criteria (Examples):

1. Social Backwardness: Considered inferior on a social scale due to caste/traditional occupation/handicrafts/employment. (20 marks)

2. Financial Criteria: The proportion of families below the poverty line is more than 25 per cent of the total families of the state. (20 marks)

3. Educational Criteria: A class with less than 10 per cent of the state average of students studying between classes 1st and 10th. (10 marks)

The commission aims to comprehensively evaluate the backwardness of the Maratha community to inform future policies and initiatives.