Dr. Nitin Kashinath Raut (b. 1952, Nagpur), B.A.; B.Sc.; M.A.; PhD; F.P.M.; M.F.A. (Drama); Commercial Pilot; is a noted social and political activist. He has participated in many international seminars, study tours and conferences. He was selected for the award 'Man of the Year' in 2002 by the American Biographical Society. He was also awarded the 'Vijay Ratna Puraskar' by the All India Bhikkhu Sangha, Bodha Gaya, Bihar. He has written books and articles on the problem of Dalits. He is working as a Member of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Source of Material committee. Presently, he is a Cabinet Minister in the Maharashtra Government.
One of the major turning points in Dr. Nitin Raut's life was his struggle to introduce and pass the "Maharashtra State Reservation Act - 2001" for reservation in promotion in services.
In the Year 2007, Dr Raut brought the non-official Bill of Buddhist Personal Law on the floor of Legislative Assembly. In 2012, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr Nitin Raut and a Committee was constituted to draft the Bill for introduction in the State Assembly.