Mumbai: The Maharashtra government will establish a dedicated Maratha Reservation Cell to assist citizens in matters related to reservation records, Kunbi caste certificates, and caste validity certificates, Water Resources Minister and Chairman of the Maratha Reservation Sub-Committee, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, announced on Wednesday.
To support applicants facing difficulties in obtaining certificates, helpline services will be launched at district collector offices across the state. In addition, a dedicated helpline number (9326562815) has been made operational at the minister’s office in Mantralaya and will be available during office hours.
The announcement was made following a meeting of the Maratha Reservation Sub-Committee held at Mantralaya. The meeting was attended by several state ministers, legislators, senior bureaucrats, divisional commissioners, district collectors, and representatives of various government agencies.
Vikhe-Patil directed all departments to work in coordination to ensure the timely implementation of commitments made regarding the Maratha reservation issue. He stressed that officials must handle the matter with utmost seriousness and sensitivity, warning that negligence would not be tolerated.
The minister instructed authorities to immediately compile district- and taluka-level data regarding records identified by the Justice Shinde Committee, the distribution of approximately 13 lakh certificates after the committee’s formation, and Kunbi certificates issued before its establishment.
To accelerate certificate distribution, district administrations have been directed to conduct home visits and special camps over the next three months in accordance with guidelines prepared by the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Divisional Commissioner. Weekly reviews of the progress will be undertaken.
Vikhe-Patil also said that divisional commissioners would review the issuance of caste validity certificates every 15 days. He directed officials to expedite financial assistance for the families of individuals who lost their lives during the Maratha reservation agitation.
The government has instructed district collectors to activate helpline services within eight days to address issues faced by applicants seeking Kunbi certificates. Collectors have also been asked to review the functioning of village-level committees constituted under government resolutions.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee has approved an extension of the tenure of the Justice Shinde Committee until June 30, 2027. The meeting also discussed strengthening the implementation of welfare schemes through SARTHI and enhancing the institution’s capacity.
Detailed deliberations were held on ensuring adequate funding for interest reimbursement through the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation and preparing a five-year roadmap that takes into account future financial commitments arising from new cases and schemes.
The state government reiterated its commitment to resolving issues related to Maratha reservation and ensuring effective delivery of benefits to the community.
