The government has started withdrawal of cases registered against individuals and groups during the Patidar Anamat Andolan. District collectors have been directed to furnish details of all such cases in their areas. A report has been sought from each via video conferencing.
The Patidar Anamat Andolan took off in July 2015 and was largely driven by the Patels seeking Other Backward Class (OBC) status to facilitate reservation in schools and employment. Public demonstrations were held across the state, the largest one being in Ahmedabad on August 25. Later, there were incidents of violence and arson, resulting in a curfew in several cities and towns. Properties and vehicles worth crores (tens of millions) of rupees were damaged and destroyed. The chaos lasted for three days and resulted in several thousands of cases being slapped on the Patels.
Despite talks with the government, the agitation recommenced and turned violent again on September 19. Finally, a week later, the government announced offers of scholarships and subsidies to general category students and a 10 percent quota reservation for the economically backward sections of the community in April 2016. However, soon the state HC quashed the same, leading to two more years of the agitation. In January 2019, the Parliament of India amended the constitution granting maximum 10% reservation to the Economically Weaker Sections of the society.
In pursuance of the matter, many organizations have urged the government to take back all charges imposed on Patidar youth during the agitation.
