Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the report submitted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) with regard to the Dhangar community’s demand for scheduled tribes (ST) status is “not hostile to the demand”. He said that the state government would make “appropriate” recommendations to the Centre based on the report, which, he added, was being studied at present.
Apropos to the Dhangar community’s demand, Mr Fadnavis said that a call in this connection was to be taken by the Centre and not the state government.
The Dhangars are currently included in the Vimukt Jati Nomadic Tribe (VJNT) category, but they have been demanding ST status for long now. “We had appointed the TISS to prepare a report. We have received their report and are studying it at present,” said Mr Fadnavis.
“Primarily, what I can say is that it (the report) is not hostile (to the demand). Hence, we will make appropriate recommendation (to the Centre) based on the report,” he added.
The Maharashtra chief minister said that the report mentioned several aspects which strengthened the Dhangars’ case. However, he did not divulge details of the report.
The chief minister also said that his government expected the State Backward Class Commission to submit its report in connection with the Maratha community’s demand for quota in jobs and education by November 15.
The Marathas form 30 per cent of Maharashtra’s population, while the Dhangars constitute 9 per cent of it. About the Maratha community’s demand, Mr Fadnavis said that the government “will act per timeline”.
To a question regarding Muslims demanding reservation, the Maharashtra chief minister said that the Constitution did not approve quota for any community based on religion.
