India, June 6 -- Within days of announcing a special cell and helpline for Maratha reservation-related assistance, the Maharashtra government on Friday issued a government resolution (GR) to extend the benefits of several welfare and education schemes available to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to the Maratha community. Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil withdrew his 'fast unto death' after an assurance from the state government that it would take decisions to benefit Maratha youths.

As per the order, the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme available to OBC students will now be extended to Maratha students as will scholarships in primary, secondary and higher secondary institutions. Further, Maratha students will be eligible for all educatio...