Maharashtra Government Extends Justice Shinde Panel on Maratha Quota Until June 2027

The Maharashtra state government has officially extended the tenure of the Justice (Retd) Sandeep Shinde Committee on the Maratha quota until June 30, 2027. The decision was finalized on Wednesday during a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation in Mumbai, where a helpline has also been set up at the Mantralaya landmark. This extension provides the committee with a longer timeline to continue its work on the Maratha quota and the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates.

The crucial meeting of the cabinet sub-committee was chaired by senior minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil. This administrative decision comes just days after prominent Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange ended his latest hunger strike, which he called off after holding talks with representatives of the state government.

The state government originally established the Justice Shinde committee in September 2023. The panel was specifically mandated to formulate a standard operating procedure for scrutinising historical Kunbi records. Through this scrutiny, the panel aims to facilitate the process of issuing Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community.

During the meeting on Wednesday, the cabinet sub-committee also decided to take additional steps to support the community. The government will establish dedicated Maratha reservation cells and operationalise helplines at district collector offices. These local offices will assist citizens in tracing old records and obtaining their Kunbi caste certificates.

To address immediate concerns, a direct helpline has already been established. The helpline number, 9326562815, is currently operational at Mantralaya to address certificate-related grievances during regular office hours.