Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has cancelled the 5% Muslim quota in jobs and education. Consequently, the decision has triggered sharp political reactions across the state. The move reverses an earlier policy that granted reservation benefits to the Muslim community.
Cabinet Clears Withdrawal of Reservation
The state cabinet approved the proposal to scrap the quota. Therefore, departments will no longer offer the 5% reservation in public employment. Similarly, educational institutions will stop implementing the minority quota.
Officials argued that the previous arrangement lacked legal sustainability. Moreover, they claimed courts had raised concerns about religion-based reservation. As a result, the government decided to withdraw the policy.
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Background of the 5% Muslim Quota
Earlier, the state introduced the 5% Muslim quota in education and government jobs. The policy aimed to address socio-economic backwardness among sections of the community. However, legal challenges followed soon after its announcement.
Courts questioned whether the state could grant reservation purely on religious grounds. Consequently, parts of the policy faced judicial scrutiny. Over time, the issue turned into a political flashpoint.
Political Reactions Intensify
Opposition leaders criticised the government’s decision strongly. They argued that the quota supported disadvantaged students and job seekers. Furthermore, they accused the government of ignoring social justice concerns.
On the other hand, ruling party leaders defended the move firmly. They stated that constitutional principles do not allow religion based reservation. Therefore, they insisted that the decision aligns with legal guidelines.
What This Means for Students and Aspirants
Students who earlier benefited from the 5% Muslim quota now face uncertainty. Likewise, job aspirants must compete under existing reservation categories. The government has not announced alternative measures yet.
However, experts expect fresh debates on backward class identification. Some analysts believe the state may explore socio-economic criteria instead of religion. Thus, policymakers may revisit reservation frameworks in coming months.
Larger Implications Ahead
The cancellation reshapes Maharashtra’s reservation landscape significantly. Moreover, it could influence similar debates in other states. As political parties prepare for future elections, reservation policy may dominate public discourse again.
For now, the state government has drawn a clear line. Nevertheless, the issue will likely return to courtrooms and campaign rallies soon.
