The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission has recommended a 16 percent reservation to Marathas. This quota will be over and above the current 52 percent reservation in the state taking the total up to 68 percent. According to sources, the commission, headed retired Justice MD Gaikwad, has taken into note that Marathas comprise 30 percent of Maharashtra population and remain socially and economically backward. According to the panel, Marathas fit all the 25 criteria of backwardness.