100 pc reservation for Marathi manoos: Raj

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, on Sunday, released its 13-point manifesto, which promises 100 per cent reservations for the Marathi manoos in both government and private jobs.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, on Sunday, released its 13-point manifesto, which promises 100 per cent reservations for the Marathi manoos in both government and private jobs.

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Releasing the manifesto on the last day of campaigning, MNS chief Raj Thackeray called it a ‘Vachaknama’ (document to keep the government in control) with a major thrust on the Marathi manoos.

Asked to define the Marathi manoos, MNS leader Nitin Sardesai said: “Those who have lived in the city for generations, have adopted Marathi culture, and can speak Marathi fluently.”

“I will ensure all jobs created in the state go to the sons of the soil. If needed, I will also see that laws are changed to that effect,” said Thackeray. He also said that while other political parties planned to celebrate ‘Marathi language week’, he would work to have such events celebrated round the year.

The manifesto also talks of creating a separate ministry exclusively to encourage growth of the Marathi language, special grants to Marathi-medium schools, and making the language compulsory for all mediums till class 10. It also calls for
priority in admissions for the native population.

Other points include disallowing migrants from constructing unauthorised structures, good quality housing for police and state government employees, and competitive prices for farm produce. The manifesto also promises to increase production of electricity, improve the state of healthcare and encourage cleanliness.