Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil announced on Wednesday the establishment of a dedicated cell for Maratha reservation and a helpline number at the district collector's office. The helpline will assist citizens in locating records related to reservation, Kunbi caste certificates, caste verification certificates, and other essential documents.
Vikhe-Patil, who serves as the Water Resources Minister (Godavari and Krishna Basin Development Corporation) and chairs the Maratha Reservation Sub-Committee, stated that a helpline number, 9326562815, has been activated in his office. Citizens can contact this number during office hours to resolve certificate-related issues.
The Maratha Reservation Sub-Committee meeting was recently held, attended by several prominent ministers and officials. Among those present were Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Public Works Minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil, Horticulture Minister Bharat Gogavale, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav-Patil, MLA Prasad Lad, Economically Backward Development Corporation Chairman Narendra Patil, Law and Justice Department Principal Secretary Dilip Ghumre, Principal Secretary (Home) Anup Kumar Singh, Pune Divisional Commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugle, Satara Collector Santosh Patil, Saarthi Managing Director Mahesh Patil, Annasaheb Patil Economically Backward Development Corporation Managing Director Vijaysinh Deshmukh, and other senior officials.
Vikhe-Patil emphasized that all departments should initiate coordinated administrative actions to fulfill promises related to the Maratha reservation issue within the stipulated timeframe. He urged officers to work diligently and ensure sensitive decision-making regarding the matter. “Officers should work seriously to ensure that decisions are taken sensitively regarding the Maratha reservation issue. Action will be taken against the officers who are negligent in due course,” he warned.
The minister’s announcement marks a significant step toward addressing the long-standing demand for Maratha reservation in Maharashtra. The helpline is expected to streamline the process of obtaining necessary certificates and records for eligible candidates.
