Key Highlights
- Maharashtra government uses the 1918 Hyderabad Gazetteer to verify Maratha community members’ eligibility for Kunbi (OBC) caste certificates.
- NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal warns against changing caste identity, raising concerns over misuse of documents and future implications.
- Maratha quota demands follow Supreme Court rulings striking down standalone quotas, leading to fresh government policies on caste certificates.
Opening Overview
The ongoing discussion about the Maratha quota in Maharashtra has sparked intense political, social, and legal debates centered on caste identity and reservation rights. As the Maharashtra government leverages the 1918 Hyderabad Gazetteer to grant Kunbi (OBC) caste certificates to eligible Maratha community members, the issue of reservation rights has entered a new phase. This change comes in the context of the Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling that invalidated the separate quota provision for Marathas under the 2018 Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) Act for exceeding the permitted reservation limit.
NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal has voiced strong reservations about the potential for altering caste identities through administrative decisions, warning that while religion can change, caste cannot. This article explores the historical, legal, and social aspects of the Maratha quota movement, the government’s policies, political viewpoints, and the broader implications for Maharashtra’s reservation system.
The focus keyword “Maratha quota” is integrated early and woven throughout the story, offering insights into the evolving policies aimed at balancing the interests of Maratha community members and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the state, amid concerns about document verification and long-term consequences.
The Shinde government did announce Maratha reservation, but it was not a full-proof or permanent solution. The law passed earlier got struck down by the Supreme Court in 2021 because it crossed the 50% cap on reservations.
— Mona Hindustani 🇮🇳 ( Modi Ka Parivaar ) (@imonikaudeshi) September 4, 2025
👉 After that, the Shinde government tried to show that… pic.twitter.com/BulNkSn32v
Historical and Legal Foundations of the Maratha Quota Movement
- The 1918 Hyderabad Gazetteer classified agrarian Marathas in the Marathwada region as belonging to the Kunbi caste, which Maharashtra recognizes as an OBC.
- Maharashtra authorities endorsed this historical document to issue Kunbi caste certificates, enabling some Marathas to access OBC quotas.
The 1918 Hyderabad Gazetteer, issued during the Nizam’s rule over the Hyderabad State (which included parts of modern Maharashtra such as Marathwada), provides a detailed account of social and occupational classifications. According to this gazetteer, many Marathas engaged in agriculture were identified as part of the Kunbi caste, historically an Other Backward Class (OBC) in Maharashtra. Complementing this, other gazetteers like those of Satara and Bombay also document caste distinctions relevant to the reservation discourse.
Legally, the Maratha quota agitation gained momentum after the Supreme Court struck down the 2018 SEBC Act that reserved 16% seats exclusively for Marathas, citing violation of the 50% ceiling on reservations and insufficient evidence of backwardness. This judgment compelled activists and political groups to seek alternatives, including claiming Kunbi caste certificates through historical lineage to regain quota advantages within the OBC framework.
Official figures note that Maharashtra’s 2024 state bill provides a 10% reservation to Marathas, separate from existing quotas, with exclusions for select elite posts and institutions, underscoring the legal intricacies that define caste-based reservations in the state. The Maratha quota accounts for nearly one-third of the state’s population, a significant socio-political factor shaping policy directions.
Government Policy and Verification Process on Kunbi (OBC) Certificates
- Maharashtra government passed a resolution establishing a committee to verify Kunbi lineage claims among Maratha applicants.
- Verification is conducted village-wise by a three-member panel involving a gram revenue officer, panchayat secretary, and assistant agriculture officer, ensuring transparency and timeliness.
The government resolution (GR) mandates a thorough and time-bound scrutiny system to authenticate Kunbi caste certificates for Maratha claimants. Applicants must produce documentary evidence including historical lineage proof, affidavits of land ownership or residence, and testimonial statements. In cases where land records are unavailable, affidavits proving continuous residence before October 13, 1967, are accepted. The certificates issued may be categorized as Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, or Maratha-Kunbi, reflecting the intricate social fabric of caste identities within the community.
The committee’s role is critical to preserve the integrity of the OBC quota and prevent exploitation. Nonetheless, opposition voices warn about potential misuse, fearing the dilution of backward class protections if verification is lenient or manipulated.
Excerpted official documentation table:
| Document Type | Purpose | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad Gazetteer | Historical caste classification | Proof of Kunbi lineage per 1918 records |
| Land Ownership Records | Documentary evidence | Affidavits accepted if official records missing |
| Committee Verification | Application scrutiny | Time-bound, village-level, multi-officer review |
This system seeks to ensure only eligible individuals secure quota benefits while addressing the complexities of caste certification processes.
Divergent Political Perspectives: Voices from Chhagan Bhujbal and Devendra Fadnavis
- NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal insists caste identity is immutable and cautions against altering caste certificates.
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assures no injustice to OBCs, emphasizing strict eligibility verification for Maratha Kunbi certificates.
Bhujbal, a veteran advocate for OBC rights, warns that granting Kunbi certificates to Marathas risks unlawful caste alterations, which he argues is socio-politically untenable in India. He references the 1921 and 1931 Hyderabad Gazette records, which distinguish Marathas from Kunbis, to contest the government’s approach. Despite being part of the Maharashtra government, Bhujbal remains critical, underscoring the long-term risks if inaccurate documents are issued.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Fadnavis has reassured that the government resolution does not affect the OBC quota adversely. He clarifies that only Marathas with verifiable Kunbi heritage will qualify for certificates, maintaining the reservation system’s fairness. These contrasting opinions underscore the challenges in reconciling historical records, political responsibilities, and social justice demands within Maharashtra’s governance.
Bhujbal has also indicated the possibility of seeking judicial review to introduce riders or safeguards against misuse, highlighting ongoing tensions in the Maratha quota debate.
Social Impact and Future Implications of the Maratha Quota Policy
- Marathas constitute around 30% of Maharashtra’s population, with many rural members facing economic hardships despite political influence.
- Eligibility for Kunbi caste certificates under OBC reservation can improve access to education, employment, and social welfare.
- The policy’s success depends on transparent implementation, legal robustness, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
Marathas hold a significant share of Maharashtra’s demographic and political landscape, yet many rural segments suffer agrarian distress, driving demand for affirmative action. The Kunbi-based OBC quota pathway provides a legal channel for Marathas to regain reservation benefits lost post the Supreme Court judgment.
However, the overall social impact will be shaped by how certificates are issued, the government’s monitoring capacity, and reactions from various communities. The policy may set precedents for other caste-based reservation claims, intensifying debates on the ceiling of reservations, caste fluidity, and social equity in Maharashtra’s pluralistic society.
The evolving scenario also illustrates broader national challenges in balancing historical caste records with current socio-economic realities, shaping reservation policies reflective of India’s dynamic social fabric. The Maratha quota thus remains a pivotal focus in Maharashtra’s ongoing caste and reservation discourse.
Final Perspective
The Maratha quota debate encapsulates Maharashtra’s complex struggle to balance historical caste identities with contemporary social justice demands. Using the century-old Hyderabad Gazetteer to grant Kunbi (OBC) caste certificates to Maratha community members exemplifies a pragmatic approach to navigate legal court injunctions and political pressures.
Chhagan Bhujbal’s firm stance that “Religion can change, not caste” underscores the deep-rooted nature of caste identities in India and cautions policymakers against oversimplified solutions. Ensuring that the Maratha quota system remains just and credible requires stringent verification processes, transparency, and willingness to amend policies as necessary.
As Maharashtra continues to implement and refine the Maratha quota policy, the implications will extend beyond individual quotas, affecting political power, opportunity distribution, and the social fabric. This ongoing dialogue reflects the broader national quest to reconcile caste-based affirmative action within India’s democratic and constitutional framework.
