The Narendra Modi-led NDA government on Monday decided to amend the constitution to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and higher education for those belonging to the economically weaker upper castes. The mega decision came ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
A constitutional amendment bill is likely to be moved on Tuesday.
The benefit would be extended to those whose family income is under Rs 8 lakh per annum. “The reservation will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation. In order to do so, the government will amend Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution.” said the sources.
With this amendment, those who are economically backwards and fall under the general category will now be able to enjoy benefits of reservation.
The 10 per cent reservation will be available to those who meet a certain criterion for getting benefitted under economically backward section.
- Annual income should be below Rs 8 lakh per annum.
- Agricultural land of less than five hectres
- Residential home smaller than 1,000 sq. ft.
- Residential plots below 109 yards in notified municipality
Former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha tweeted. “the proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed.”
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that his party will support the BJP government if it decides to go for a Constitutional Amendment in Parliament “before elections.”
“Otherwise it will be clear that this is just a political stunt of government before elections,” Kejriwal tweeted.
