Nagpur: Replying to a number of issues raised by MLAs and MLCs in both houses of the Assembly, CM Fadnavis spoke in Vidhan Bhawan clarifying government’s stand.
In reference to demand for reservation for Muslims Fadnavis said that some muslims were already benefiting from OBC and Scheduled castes reservation. This was in the field of education. Constitution does not permit reservations in employment based on religion but if Courts direct government to do so, it will not go against court orders.
Meanwhile, a cabinet committee will be constituted to look into development of muslims and other problems faced by them and would soon come up with a plan for their upliftment.
About ‘Maratha reservation’ he said the matter was in the Bombay High Court and the government had already given its support for this demand. As soon as decision is arrived it we will incorporate it.
On the issue of OBC reservation, he said different communities’ like Dhangar and Koli had different hurdles in benefiting from OBC and SC/ST reservations and the government was handling them individually. Some lacunae were left in formalizing constitutional provisions by earlier government hence matter was held up.
Regarding Dhangar community he said a study was being conducted in 5 states and 36 districts to understand community’s status and needs. TISS (Tata institute of Social Sciences) has been entrusted with studying the issue of Dhangar reservations. Two phases of the study have been completed and third and final is about to begin.
