Hyderabad Gazette: Historic Step for Maratha Reservation in Maharashtra

Awes Siddiqui ??

The Hyderabad Gazette and Maratha Reservation issue in Maharashtra has become the most debated topic in the state. On September 2, 2025, the Maharashtra government took a historic step by recognizing the Hyderabad Gazette of 1918 as valid proof for granting Kunbi status to Marathas in the Marathwada region. This decision has been described as a major breakthrough in the decades-long demand of the Maratha community for reservation.

With this move, eligible Marathas will now be able to access the OBC reservation benefits. This includes opportunities in education, government jobs, scholarships, and welfare schemes. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that the reservation would not be extended to the entire Maratha community, but only to those who can prove their ancestral records as Kunbi through the Gazette.

To ensure transparency, the government has set up village-level committees. These committees will consist of revenue officers, agriculture officers, and gram panchayat members who will verify applications. Applicants must present:

• Old Hyderabad Gazette records,
• Affidavits proving residence before 1967, or
• Family Kunbi certificates.

The decision also brought an end to the hunger strike of Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil, who was demanding justice and equal opportunities for the community. Thousands of Marathas celebrated this announcement, calling it a victory of unity and patience.

However, the decision has also raised objections from several OBC organizations. They fear that the entry of Marathas into the OBC category may reduce the share of existing OBC families in education and jobs. The government has assured that the OBC quota will remain protected and only genuine claimants will benefit from this policy.

This resolution is considered a balanced approach granting justice to deserving Marathas while safeguarding the constitutional rights of OBC communities. The coming months will decide how effectively the government manages the verification process and maintains social harmony.

The Hyderabad Gazette decision marks a turning point in Maharashtra’s reservation politics, with long-term implications for both Maratha and OBC communities.