Maharashtra GR on Kunbi Certificate: Jarange Fast Ends, Marathas Eligible for OBC Status
Maharashtra GR Kunbi Certificate News – Latest Update
Maratha Kunbi Certificate, On 2nd September 2025, Manoj Jarange ended his five-day hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan after the Maharashtra government issued a Government Resolution (GR) promising Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas. This move marked a major breakthrough in the ongoing Maratha quota agitation.
Background of the Protest
On 29th August 2025, Jarange launched his hunger strike demanding that Marathas be recognized as Kunbis under the OBC category, which would make them eligible for reservations in education and jobs.
He argued that the Hyderabad Gazette and Satara Gazette proved the community’s Kunbi status historically and should be applied to benefit the Marathas.
Thousands of supporters gathered at Azad Maidan, turning the protest into a statewide movement.
Government’s Response & The GR
- A cabinet sub-committee led by senior minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil held multiple rounds of talks with Jarange.
- The government agreed to issue a GR allowing Kunbi certificates to individuals who could prove their eligibility through historical documents like the Hyderabad Gazette.
- However, one of Jarange’s demands — that all relatives of those eligible (through blood or marriage ties) automatically receive certificates — was not accepted due to legal hurdles. Certificates will only be given on an individual basis after verification.
- The government assured that the GR would be implemented immediately, while other pending gazette reviews may take up to a month.
Celebration After Victory
- After receiving written confirmation from the government, Jarange ended his fast by drinking fruit juice
- “Today is Diwali for us,” he added in a sad moment.
- Supporters celebrated with slogans, drums, and sweets, marking the end of a tense standoff.
- Jarange was later taken to a hospital for a health check-up after his prolonged fast.
Conclusion
For the Maratha community’s fight for status, the Maharashtra government’s GR is seen as an important win.
- Achievement: Eligible Marathas can now obtain Kunbi certificates and access OBC quota benefits.
- Limitation: Certificates will not be granted collectively to families but only to individuals who prove eligibility.
- Next Steps: Legal and administrative processes will play a key role in how effectively this decision is implemented.
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