Why In The News?

• In Maharashtra, students admitted under the Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) quota for the 2024-25 academic session have received a three-month extension to submit their Caste Validation Certificates (CVCs).
• Initially, a six-month extension was granted in June 2024.
• The new deadline is now set for April 2025.
• This extension applies to students seeking admission under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota as well.
• The government has stated this will be the final extension, and failure to submit the CVC by the deadline may result in loss of admission.

About the SEBC Quota:

=> The SEBC quota was introduced under the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2024.

=> It provides a 10% reservation in public jobs and higher education for the Maratha community.

=> The Marathas constitute nearly a third of Maharashtra’s population.

=> The demand for reservation has been a long-standing political issue, gaining momentum through protests led by Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil in 2023.

Background of the SEBC Act:

=> The Maharashtra government acknowledged the demand for reservation in January 2024, leading to the enactment of the SEBC Act in February 2024.

=> This Act aims to address the educational and economic disparities faced by the Maratha community.

=> The 2024-25 academic year marks the first time students are admitted under this reservation category.

Caste Validation Certificate (CVC) Process:

=> A Caste Certificate verifies an individual’s community affiliation, while a Caste Validity Certificate confirms the authenticity of the Caste Certificate.

=> CVCs are necessary for individuals from reserved categories applying for government jobs or professional courses.

=> In Maharashtra, applicants can obtain CVCs online or offline, submitting documents that prove identity, address, and caste validity.

Reasons for Extension of Deadline:

=> The extension of the CVC submission deadline stems from procedural challenges in obtaining CVCs.

=> As the SEBC is a newly implemented reservation category, individuals have encountered difficulties gathering required documents.

=> Administrative systems are also adapting to the influx of CVC applications.

=> Complaints about the lengthy process have led to the decision for an additional extension, ensuring candidates have adequate time to fulfil requirements.

Legal Challenges:

=> The SEBC Act has faced legal scrutiny, with challenges lodged in the Bombay High Court.

=> A ruling on April 16, 2024, indicated that admissions under the SEBC Act would be subject to further orders.

=> This uncertainty adds to the complexity surrounding the submission of CVCs and the overall implementation of the SEBC quota.