Pune: Maharashtra Backward Class Commission Submits Maratha Community Survey Proposal To State Government

Pune, 1st November 2023:The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission meeting witnessed a temporary halt in the debate over surveying the Maratha community or other communities. The commission clarified that, as per the Maharashtra state government’s directive, a survey of the Maratha community will be carried out, and a proposal in this regard has been submitted to the state government for consideration.

During the meeting held in Pune, the Commission Chairman, Anand Niragude, along with seven members, addressed the issue. Commission member Balaji Sagar Killarikar resigned from his position during the meeting, citing the need to assess the backwardness of all castes. In response, Chairman Niragude stated that the Maharashtra government would be informed of the resignation, and further details would be shared with the media when appropriate.

Chandralal Meshram, another commission member and former judge, provided information on the survey, stating that data would be collected to evaluate the backwardness of the Maratha community. The survey questionnaire is nearly finalized, and a proposal for data collection has been submitted to the Maharashtra State Government. The decision on the survey’s methodology, whether it will be a house-to-house or representative survey, and the allocation of funds will be decided by the state government.

Regarding the resignation of Killarikar, Meshram stated that there are no internal differences within the commission. Killarikar had resigned due to ideological differences, emphasizing the need to survey all castes. However, Meshram clarified that no decision had been made regarding this, revealing some discord among commission members.

Against the backdrop of ongoing social unrest and political tensions related to caste issues in the state, these developments highlight the complexities surrounding caste-based surveys and their impact on societal dynamics. The commission aims to address concerns related to caste representation in various sectors, including jobs, education, and local self-government bodies.