Reservation in Maharashtra, like in many other states in India, is a policy implemented to address historical social and educational disadvantages faced by certain communities.
The reservation policy aims to provide opportunities and representation to socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
- Caste-Based Reservation: Reservation in Maharashtra is primarily based on caste categories specified by the Indian Constitution. The Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are the main beneficiaries of reservation policies.
- Scheduled Castes (SCs): The reservation for SCs in Maharashtra provides for a certain percentage of seats in educational institutions, government jobs, and elected bodies (such as local governments and legislative assemblies) to be reserved for individuals belonging to SC communities.
- Scheduled Tribes (STs): Similar to SCs, STs in Maharashtra also receive reservation benefits. Reserved seats are available in educational institutions, government jobs, and elected bodies for individuals belonging to ST communities.
- Other Backward Classes (OBCs): Maharashtra has implemented a separate quota for OBCs as well. This category includes various communities that are socially and educationally disadvantaged. Reservation benefits are provided in educational institutions, government jobs, and elected bodies for individuals from OBC communities.
- Reservation in Government Jobs: Reservation in Maharashtra extends to government jobs as well. A certain percentage of vacancies in government departments and agencies are reserved for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
- Reservation in Education: In educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, a certain percentage of seats are reserved for SCs, STs, and OBCs. This helps in providing access to education for individuals from these communities.