Maharashtra to give 10% EWS quota

The Maharashtra government on Monday approved implementation of 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the economically weaker sections in the general category.

The development comes days after Parliament passed the legislation enabling the state to give reservation to ‘upper castes’ who are not eligible for any other quota. Minutes after the state cabinet gave the approval, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted that those families whose annual income is less than Rs 8 lakh will be treated as economically backward and will be eligible for the reservation.

Speaking to media persons Maharashtra’s finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said, “We have decided to give 10% quota from any caste or religion in education and in jobs.” The quota will apply to jobs in government and semi-government establishments, municipal corporations, councils and local self government bodies.