Date:10/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/10/stories/2007091056680400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Marathas want Category 2A tag

Special Correspondent

The existing reservation facility has not helped community: parishat

There are 40 lakh Marathas in the State
Shivaji is a model to all Indians: Minister

Bangalore: The Karnataka State Maratha Parishat on Sunday urged the State Government to bring Marathas in Category 2A of the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission’s list as the reservation benefits accorded to them in Category 3B had not helped in meeting their educational and employment requirements.

In a resolution passed at a function organised to celebrate the 380th birth anniversary of Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj organised by the parishat, its president Ranoji Rao Sathe said there were 40 lakh Marathas in the State, but their living conditions were not good.

Science and Technology Minister Ramachandra Gowda, who inaugurated the celebrations, said Shivaji was not just the hero of the Marathas, but that of the Hindu community as a whole.

Mr. Gowda, an RSS follower, said Shivaji was held in high esteem in the RSS for his role in uniting the Hindus.

Mr. Gowda said it was Shivaji, who was instrumental in organising the Hindus and instilling a sense of respect and confidence in them through a series of steps in the areas he ruled. Shivaji was a model to all Indians, the Minister added.

Mr. Gowda and Anil Lad, BJP MLA, distributed scholarships to students and pension to widows.

Sureshwarananda Bharati Swamiji of Gosai Math pronounced the benediction.

Mr. Lad, who is an industrialist, donated computers to the parishat for launching a website to help it organise matrimonial events and provide information to job-seekers.

The legislator announced a donation of Rs. 1 crore to the parishat for providing education to poor Maratha students.

He suggested that it take up one programme a month for the welfare of the Marathas for which he would provide finance.

Mr. Lad called upon the parishat to take up socio-economic activities for the benefit of poor students, who could not continue their education due to poverty and widow re-marriage.

Job-oriented and self-employment programmes should be started, he added.

Shakuntala Bai Khandagve, chairperson of the women’s wing of the parishat proposed a vote of thanks.