Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 3: The Maharashtra government has decided to provide jobs in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to eligible family members of those who lost their lives during the Maratha reservation agitation.

The state's General Administration Department has directed district collectors to initiate the process of appointing eligible heirs on compassionate grounds in various MIDC projects. A letter in this regard was issued to district collectors on Jun 1.

The decision follows a similar move recently announced by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). Under the new directive, one eligible family member of each person who died during the Maratha reservation agitation will be offered employment in MIDC.

The state government has instructed district administrations to prepare district-wise lists of eligible beneficiaries. District collectors have been asked to verify the eligibility of the concerned family members and issue the required certificates. Employment will be provided after the verification process is completed and the certificates are submitted.

Authorities have also been directed to ensure proper scrutiny of all necessary documents before appointments are made.

Meanwhile, Maratha reservation movement leader Manoj Jarange has demanded immediate issuance and validation of Kunbi caste certificates based on the 5.8 million Kunbi records that have been identified.

Speaking to the media from hospital on Tuesday, where he is undergoing treatment, Jarange said clear instructions should be issued from senior government officials down to gram sevaks to ensure the implementation and validation of Kunbi certificates.

Referring to the reservation sub-committee meeting scheduled in Mumbai on Tuesday, Jarange said orders should be issued at the highest level to grant Kunbi certificates based on the Hyderabad Gazette records. He also called for government resolutions based on the gazette records of Satara, Kolhapur and the former Aundh princely state.

Jarange further stressed that cases registered against protesters during the agitation should be withdrawn and expressed confidence that a decision would be taken on the matter.