The Maharashtra government has announced a major decision to simplify the process of issuing Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha or Maratha-Kunbi caste certificate to members of the Maratha community after the indefinite fast of Manoj Jarang Pati at Azad Maidan. The step is taken after the recommendations of Justice Sandeep Shinde (Retired) Committee, which was tasked to study Hyderabad, Satara and Bombay Gazettes. Due to historical, social and cultural relations between the Maratha and Kunbi communities in the Marathwada region, the demand for caste-based reservation for the Marathas has been going on for decades. In the last two years, the Shinde Committee has visited all eight districts of Marathwada and has discovered thousands of documents related to the Kunbi community. It has also collected records from the archives of Hyderabad and Delhi.
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What does new Maratha reservation order say
The government has decided to confirm the claims and form local committees at the village level to confirm the claims and submit a report to the competent authority.
Each village level committee will be included:
Village revenue officer
Village Panchayat Officer
Assistant agricultural officer
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How to apply for Kunbi caste certificate
Members of the Maratha community who do not have land ownership records can submit an affidavit that they or their ancestors resided in that area before 13 October 1967.
If a relative in a village or extended family already has a Kunbi caste certificate, then applicants can present an affidavit to establish a relationship. The committee will then verify the lineage and prepare a report.
Based on the findings of the committee, the competent authority will decide whether the Kunbi caste certificate is issued or not.