The National OBC Federation on Thursday ended its chain hunger strike at Samvidhan Square after the state government accepted 12 of its 14 demands. The breakthrough came during discussions with OBC Development Minister Atul Save, who assured that the Hyderabad Gazette would not affect OBC reservations. Minister Save, accompanied by MLA Dr. Parinay Fuke, held talks with Federation president Dr. Babanrao Taywade and other leaders. In a symbolic gesture, Taywade ended the protest by drinking water from the minister’s hands.
Among the key demands approved were: no inclusion of Marathas in the OBC category, an increase in scholarships for OBC students studying abroad from 75 to 200, a ₹1,000 crore allocation for MahaJyoti institute, reservation in MHADA and CIDCO housing schemes, transfer of hostels to the OBC Welfare Department, relaxation in loan schemes for OBC, VJNT, SBC corporations, establishment of libraries at tehsil and city levels, and clearance of pending PhD fellowships.
Two unresolved issues—100% scholarships for OBC students in professional courses and immediate compensation for flood-affected farmers—will be discussed with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a Cabinet meeting next week. Dr. Taywade welcomed the decision but warned that the OBC community would resist any attack on its rights. “If needed, we will fight with full strength,” he said, while urging protesters statewide to withdraw their agitation. Officials confirmed that a government resolution formalizing the approved demands will be issued within a month.
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