Ajit Pawar bats for Bihar-like caste census in Maha, 'help govt provide benefits as per population'

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday pitched for a "caste census" in the footsteps of the one conducted recently by the Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar.  He stated that this move will help figure out the exact population of all communities so that proportionate benefits can be provided accordingly. While addressing a public meeting in Madha in Solapur, Pawar added that the state government was positive about the quota demands of the Maratha community.

Bihar-like caste census in Maha, govt positive about quota demands of Marathas, Dhangars: Ajit Pawar

"I am of the opinion that caste-based census should be conducted here. The Bihar government carried it out in their state. With such an exercise, we will come to know the exact population of OBCs, SCs, STs, minorities, general category etc as benefits are given as per proportion of population," he said.

Maharashtra Deputy CM informed that he, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had sought details of the caste survey which was conducted in Bihar. He added that even if it costs "some thousand crores", the exercise must be carried out in Maharashtra as it will reveal the "clear picture before the public".

Pawar asserted that the state government was positive about quota demands of the Maratha and Dhangar communities but emphasised that such a move must not affect the 62 per cent reservation in place (52 per cent for SCs, STs and OBCs, as well as 10 per cent for Economically Weaker Sections).

"If reservation is given to Marathas and other communities from the existing 52 per cent, then those groups receiving benefits in this segment will be disappointed. Our efforts are to ensure quota provided above the 62 per cent at present is legally sustainable in the High Court and Supreme Court," he said.

Pawar, the NCP leader who joined the Shinde-Fadnavis government on July 2 said that quota activist Manoj Jarange has been staging protests demanding Kunbi certificates for Marathas so that the latter can get benefits under the Other Backward Classes category, whereas groups from the OBC category are submitting memorandums that no other community must be included in their segment.

He informed that the Maharashtra government has been holding discussions with experts and noted lawyers in terms of Kunbi certificate demands."The Dhangar community is seeking inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe category, while tribals are resisting it, added Pawar.

(With PTI Inputs)