The Government of Maharashtra has officially scrapped the 5% reservation granted to the Muslim community in education and public employment.
Through a newly issued Government Resolution (GR), the state government revoked the reservation policy that was introduced in 2014 under a Special Backward Category (A). With this decision, Muslim students will no longer receive the 5% quota in colleges and educational institutions. The government has also stopped issuing new caste and non-creamy layer validity certificates under this category.
2014 Policy Formally Withdrawn
The reservation was initially implemented through an ordinance in 2014 but remained entangled in legal uncertainty due to court stays and lack of a permanent legislative framework. The new order cancels all previous circulars, ordinances and government decisions related to the quota.
According to the GR, all earlier provisions granting 5% reservation to socially and educationally backward Muslim groups under the Special Backward Category have been withdrawn.
Political Reactions
Reacting strongly to the decision, Imtiaz Jaleel, Member of Parliament from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), criticized the move. He alleged that the government had withdrawn the reservation despite previous court observations acknowledging high dropout rates within the Muslim community.
Jaleel said education is essential for India’s progress and expressed concern over the impact the decision may have on students from economically and socially weaker backgrounds.
What Changes Now?
- 5% reservation in educational institutions withdrawn
- No reservation in government and semi-government jobs
- Issuance of caste and non-creamy layer certificates under the category discontinued
- All previous 2014-related orders declared invalid
The move is expected to spark political debate across Maharashtra, with opposition parties likely to challenge the decision both legally and politically.
