Modi government gives nod to reservation for general category

Ahead of crucial 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Modi government has taken a big decision. In Monday’s cabinet meeting, the Modi government has approved 10 percent reservation for economically weaker section of general category. The Bill proposing amendments will be moved in Parliament tomorrow. The Winter session of the Parliament will end tomorrow.

According to Indian Express report, the reservation in jobs for those belonging to the upper castes and earning less than Rs 8 lakh per year. This decision effectively means that those members belonging to upper castes who are economically weaker will now be able to enjoy benefits of reservation in government jobs. This advantage to general category was not available previously, although, members of general were demanding reservation on economic from a very long time, and now Modi government has taken a strong and decisive step in fulfilling their long pending demand. Modi government has truly respected the sentiments of people belonging to general category.

According to an India Today report, noted Dalit leader Kancha Ilaiah has welcomed the Modi government’s decision and said that he had no problems with the pro-poor decision taken by the government.

The move is also seen as an attempt to pacify the members belonging to general category after SC/ST Act row. It will help BJP to woo back angry upper caste voters and would provide impetus to consolidate its traditional upper caste voters in its favor ahead of crucial 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

It is a masterstroke, considering the fact that if opposition political parties vote against 10% quota for economically weaker ‘upper castes’ then they risk losing votes of a member belonging to upper castes. If they support the bill proposing the amendment then it’s the BJP which will get the credit. It has killed many birds with one stone. The amendment will be a game changer. The amendment will surpass the 50 percent cap on reservations and increase it to 60 percent. According to an India Today report, the government will amend Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution. These two amendments will provide reservation of not more than 10 percent to the economically weaker sections among the upper caste or those who fall under the general category. The historic amendment would be in line with the Modi government’s policy of doing away with caste-based appeasement. PM Modi has once again shown why he is called the creative disruptor.

More details are awaited.