Amit Gorakhe leads strong push for SC reservation sub-classification

Thousands rally in Nashik despite heavy rain; September 29 Mumbai march announced if no decision by September 25

NASHIK / PUNE : Demonstrating strong resolve for social justice and equitable access to reservation benefits, thousands of members of Scheduled Caste communities from across Maharashtra gathered in Nashik on Tuesday despite heavy rain, demanding the immediate implementation of sub-classification within SC reservations.

The massive mobilisation was led by MLC Amit Gorakhe, who has been at the forefront of the demand for ensuring that reservation benefits effectively reach the most disadvantaged and deprived sections of the Scheduled Caste communities.

Addressing the gathering, Gorakhe and other organisers called upon the Maharashtra government to take a concrete and time-bound decision on SC reservation sub-classification. The participants maintained that the move would help ensure a more equitable distribution of reservation benefits among eligible communities.

The campaign is being pursued against the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s August 1, 2024 judgment, which recognised the constitutional validity of sub-classification within Scheduled Castes for reservation purposes. The protesters urged the state government to take necessary steps for effective implementation of the judgment in Maharashtra.

The gathering in Nashik saw thousands of people participate despite persistent rainfall, highlighting the determination of the community members, organisers said. The protest also projected Gorakhe’s leadership in raising the issue at the state level.

September 29 Mumbai march announced

The organisers have given the state government time until September 25 to announce a concrete decision on the issue. In the event of no decision by the deadline, community members from across Maharashtra have been called to participate in a ‘Nirdhar Morcha’ at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on September 29.

The Nashik mobilisation was described by organisers as an important step in their ongoing constitutional and democratic campaign for social justice, equal opportunity and effective implementation of SC reservation sub-classification.

With the issue now set for a larger mobilisation in Mumbai, Gorakhe’s leadership is expected to remain central to the campaign in the coming days.