Pune: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday said the Center cannot remain a mere spectator and must take the lead in resolving matters related to the demand for quota by the Maratha community and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Asked about the growing Maratha-OBC conflict over the reservation issue in Maharashtra, Pawar said the only solution is that the Center should take the lead in resolving it and there is a need to amend the law and policies of the state and the Centre.
The former Union Minister was talking to journalists in Baramati in Pune district of Maharashtra.
In February this year, the Maharashtra Legislature unanimously passed a bill giving 10 percent reservation in education and jobs to the Maratha community under a separate category.
However, the community is demanding quota under the OBC group.
Activist Manoj Jarange is demanding implementation of a draft notification that recognizes Kunbis as "rishi soyare" (blood relatives) of Maratha community members as well as a law to recognize Kunbis as Marathas. Is also demanding.
The Kunbi, an agrarian group, falls in the OBC category, and Jarange is demanding that all Marathas be issued Kunbi certificates, making them eligible for quotas in government jobs and education.
Amid demands for Maratha reservation, two OBC activists are on fast in Jalna district, seeking assurance from the government that the existing Other Backward Class quota will not be disturbed.
Pawar said, "There will have to be a change in the policy of the state and central government."
"Governments, especially the Centre, must come forward in addressing the demands of both communities and ensure that the agitation does not cross a line and does not lead to social tension. Governments cannot become mere spectators to this issue," he said. " Said.
Asked about the growing Maratha-OBC conflict over the reservation issue in Maharashtra, Pawar said the only solution is that the Center should take the lead in resolving it and there is a need to amend the law and policies of the state and the Centre.
The former Union Minister was talking to journalists in Baramati in Pune district of Maharashtra.
In February this year, the Maharashtra Legislature unanimously passed a bill giving 10 percent reservation in education and jobs to the Maratha community under a separate category.
However, the community is demanding quota under the OBC group.
Activist Manoj Jarange is demanding implementation of a draft notification that recognizes Kunbis as "rishi soyare" (blood relatives) of Maratha community members as well as a law to recognize Kunbis as Marathas. Is also demanding.
The Kunbi, an agrarian group, falls in the OBC category, and Jarange is demanding that all Marathas be issued Kunbi certificates, making them eligible for quotas in government jobs and education.
Amid demands for Maratha reservation, two OBC activists are on fast in Jalna district, seeking assurance from the government that the existing Other Backward Class quota will not be disturbed.
Pawar said, "There will have to be a change in the policy of the state and central government."
"Governments, especially the Centre, must come forward in addressing the demands of both communities and ensure that the agitation does not cross a line and does not lead to social tension. Governments cannot become mere spectators to this issue," he said. " Said.
