Maharashtra Govt Extends Relief to Families of Maratha Quota Agitation Victims; MIDC Jobs Approved for Eligible Heirs
Mumbai, 3rd June 2026: In a significant move aimed at addressing long-pending demands linked to the Maratha reservation movement, the Maharashtra government has approved compassionate appointments in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for eligible heirs of individuals who lost their lives during various Maratha reservation agitations. The decision was formalised through a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the General Administration Department.
The latest decision comes amid renewed discussions between the state government and Maratha reservation activists. The move is being seen as an effort to provide financial security and rehabilitation support to families affected by the agitation. Government officials said eligible family members of deceased protesters will be considered for employment in MIDC under a compassionate appointment mechanism after verification of their claims.
According to the GR, district collectors across Maharashtra have been directed to identify and verify the legal heirs of deceased agitators. Following the verification process, eligible beneficiaries will be issued certificates that will enable them to seek employment opportunities within MIDC establishments.
The decision follows assurances reportedly given by the state government’s Maratha Reservation Sub-Committee headed by Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil during discussions with representatives of the agitation. Sources indicated that the demand had gained urgency in recent weeks as Maratha activists pressed the government to fulfil promises made to families of those who lost their lives during the movement.
Earlier, the state had offered employment opportunities to eligible heirs in the State Transport (ST) Corporation. However, several families were reluctant to accept those positions and sought employment options within other government-linked institutions. The inclusion of MIDC is expected to provide wider opportunities and address concerns raised by affected families.
The development comes at a sensitive time for the Maratha reservation issue, which continues to dominate Maharashtra’s political discourse. Activist Manoj Jarange has repeatedly demanded implementation of various assurances related to reservation, Kunbi certificates, withdrawal of cases against protesters and rehabilitation measures for affected families.
Officials said the government would now focus on completing the verification process and expediting appointments for eligible beneficiaries. The decision is expected to provide relief to several families while also serving as a confidence-building measure in the ongoing dialogue between the state government and the Maratha community.
