Pune: 6L Houses Miss Maratha Reservation Survey

In Pune, a significant survey aimed at assessing the social, economic, and educational backwardness of the Maratha community has encountered a substantial setback. Approximately 5.77 lakh houses, out of an estimated 14.30 lakh within the civic limits, were left out of this crucial survey. This exclusion occurred during a special drive under the Maharashtra state backward classes commission's directions. The reasons for this significant omission include houses being locked during enumerators' visits and residents' refusal to participate. The survey, conducted using special software for real-time data collection, managed to gather information from 8.51 lakh households. However, the discrepancy between the property tax department's records and the actual number of houses surveyed indicates a gap in data accuracy. This survey, part of a broader exercise across Maharashtra's rural and urban areas, is critical for the state's push for a Maratha quota in the Supreme Court. The survey's findings are expected to play a pivotal role in a special legislative session planned by the state government to declare reservation for the Maratha community.