10% reservation for upper caste – a
good idea
A proposed law got Cabinet approval
to provide 10% reservation for upper castes (or the unreserved category)
exclusively with reference to their economic backwardness. If the government
proposes to bring a constitutional amendment to include the 10% quota for
“unreserved economically weaker sections”, the 13-judge Kesavananda Bharati
judgment may stand in the way.
The government, it is reported,
proposes to bring the 10% over and above the 49.5% quota — 15% for Scheduled
Castes, 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes and 27% for Socially and Educationally
Backward Classes, including widows and orphans of any caste, which is
permitted. But a total 59% (49%+10%) quota would leave other candidates with
just 41% government jobs or seats. This may amount to “sacrifice of merit” and
violate Article 14.
The court observed that the
“unreserved category itself is a class” and economic criteria was too
fluctuating a basis for providing quota.
The government’s deciding to give
10% reservation to upper caste in the economically backwards section is a good
step to maintain the development of the nation. But this
reservation should had been carved out from the 49% seats reserved for the
SC/ST/OBC
It is a wonderful move by central
government. It will help many economically backward communities. The opposition
parties are likely oppose it. The opposition parties can tend to be unethical.
Hope that this move by Modi's government passes through without hurdle. Even if
it goes to Supreme Court, the judges should not oppose it as it will help many
middle class families.
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