Cabinet approves 10 per cent quota for economically backward upper caste

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Monday approved 10 per cent reservation for economically backward upper castes in jobs and educational institutions, informed sources said.

 They said the government was likely to introduce a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament on Tuesday to push for 10 per cent extra reservation for economically deprived sections among general categories.

A person will be qualified as economically weaker if:

• Their annual income is below Rs 8 lakh,
• They own agricultural land of less than five hectres
• They own homes smaller than 1,000 sq. ft.
• They own residential plots below 109 yards in notified municipality
• They own residential plot below 209 yards in non notified municipality area

It remains to be seen whether the government will be able to get bills amending the Constitution passed in Parliament. The bills would need to be passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, both of which have largely been non-functional during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

The Modi cabinet’s decision to grant 10 per cent reservation to those who are economically backwards comes months ahead of the crucial 2019 Lok Sabha election where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be seeking a second term in office.

Recent wins by the primary opposition party, the Congress, in three Hindi heartland states have raised questions over whether the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party will truly be invincible in the upcoming general elections.

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