Diksha Karhade
News Editor
There is currently a major discussion going on in social and political circles regarding the sub-categorization of reservation within the Scheduled Castes in Maharashtra. Against this backdrop, Republican Party of India (A) supremo and Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale has clarified the party’s balanced stance. The benefit of reservation should reach the last and most deprived sections of society. However, the fear that sub-categorization will cause a rift in the Dalit community needs to be addressed. Along with this, the government should take care that no injustice is done to the Buddhist community, said State Vice President Dr. Hulgesha Chalawadi.
There are a total of 59 castes included in the Scheduled Castes in the state. In the journey so far, some castes have benefited greatly from reservation, while those castes where the level of education is still low have remained somewhat away from the mainstream of reservation. It is due to this very reality that the Matang community has been consistently demanding sub-categorization. However, while fulfilling this demand, it is equally important to understand the sentiments of Ambedkarite followers and primarily the Buddhist community, clarified Dr. Chalawadi.
The Buddhist community has made remarkable progress in the field of education over the past few decades. It is because of education and awareness that this community has been able to move forward. Therefore, while taking any decision on sub-categorization, no injustice should be done to these advanced sections — this is our firm stance. Other community members also need to progress rapidly in education to avail the benefits of reservation, because education is the true foundation of progress, said Dr. Chalawadi.
We all, as Scheduled Castes, must first come together. Unity is our greatest strength. No matter how many opinions or thoughts we may have among us, we must all sit together, hold in-depth discussions, and take proper guidance from experts to arrive at a unanimous golden mean and the right solution.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar secured our rights through the Constitution, so while taking any decision, justice must be served to the last and most backward section of society; but while obtaining that justice, the entire community must stand together. We will wait for the official census in this regard, understand the ground reality, and decide the way forward only through harmonious discussion; but under no circumstances will we allow a rift in the community — this must be our firm resolve, said Chalawadi, conveying the stance of Union Minister of State for Social Justice Hon. Ramdas Athawale.
On the issue of sub-categorization, the state government should not make any hasty decisions and should deeply consider the suggestions and sentiments of all sections of society, various organizations, and experts. The government should seriously think about how an inclusive and balanced path can be found without doing injustice to any section, appealed Dr. Hulgesha Chalawadi. He finally noted that maintaining mutual harmony and brotherhood among all sections of society and ensuring equal opportunities for development for all is the main objective of RPI.
