With Eye on 2019, Modi Govt Clears 10% Quota for Economically Backward Upper Castes

New Delhi:  With an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and after tasting defeat in the recent Assembly elections in its strongholds in the Hindi heartland, the Narendra Modi government on Monday approved 10 per cent reservation for economically backward upper castes in jobs and educational institutions, according to reports.

To get the decision through, the government, which is already facing fire over the Rafale deal in Parliament, is planning to introduce a Constitutional amendment Bill on Tuesday, as per reports.

The move also comes at a time when there is growing discontent among the youth as the Modi government has created only 50 lakh jobs in four years, failing in keeping its promise of 2 crore jobs a year.

While the Congress questioned the ‘timing’ of the government’s decision, its said the decision had come “too late” and termed is as a “poll gimmick”, asking why it took the Modi government four years to take this decision.

Reports said the Modi government’s decision on a quota for economically weak upper castes in jobs and education was an amplification of its parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s view that reservations should not be on caste lines.

According to a PTI report quoting sources, the Modi government would be over and above the existing cap of 50% reservation fixed by the Supreme Court.

As per sources, the reservation would be for those with annual income below Rs 8 lakh and have up to five acres of land, as per sources cited byThe Times of India, adding that Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution would have to be amended for the decision to be implemented.

While the Congress’s response, which has been adopting a ‘soft Hindutva’ line, especially during the recent Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, has been measured, some dalit BJP members and allies have already started making noises against the decision.

According to News18, Udit Raj, BJP’s Lok Sabha MP from Delhi expressed disappointment with the decision, while also welcoming it.

"This will open a Pandora's box… others will also demand reservation now,” while adding that “.

Former NDA minister Upendra Kushwaha, told CNN News18 , "Govt should first ensure that SC/ST get their due right and representation first than if left can give to others."

Hardik Patel, a youth leader from Gujarat, who has been demanding reservations for the Patidars, termed it as the “last arrow” in the PM’s quiver.

At a time when unemployment is the biggest challenge facing the Modi government, which has failed to keep its promise of generating 2 crore jobs a year, the decision has been termed as “hollow” by many.

“Employment is not there, what will they do with quota,” tweeted youth dalit leader Jignesh Mewani.

Former BJP Minister a bitter Modi critic, 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.”