Rajya Sabha session extended till Wednesday to push reservation bill
New Delhi, Jan 7 (IBNS): The ongoing winter session of the Rajya Sabha has been extended by a day till Wednesday as the Centre will attempt to get the constitutional amendment bill passed that introduces 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker upper castes, media reports said.
As days are nearing for the upcoming 2019 general elections, the Union Cabinet on Monday approved 10 per cent reservation for economically backward upper castes.
The bill is expected to be moved in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Union minister Thawar Chand Gehlot will introduce the bill.
NDTV quoting government sources said the bill will involve an amendment to the Constitution's Article 15 and 16, where fresh sections will be added.
The cabinet has approved a quota in direct recruitment and for admission in higher educational institutions.
The decision, say sources, is in line with the view of its ideological mentor RSS or Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that reservation should be along economic lines and not just based on caste.
Oppositions react:
The Congress party questioned the timing of the move made by the Centre.
In a tweet, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said: "See last two tweets re reservation 4forwards? Qs—did u nt think of this for 4 yrs 8 mths? so obviously thought of as election gimmick 3mths b4 model code! (3) u know u cannot exceed 50% maxima so it is done only to posture tht u tried unctal thing (4) do u hv majority 4ctal am?."
See last two tweets re reservation 4forwards? Qs—did u nt think of this for 4 yrs 8 mths? so obviously thought of as election gimmick 3mths b4 model code! (3) u know u cannot exceed 50% maxima so it is done only to posture tht u tried unctal thing (4) do u hv majority 4ctal am?
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) January 7, 2019
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said: "Reservation for economically backward upper castes. The bugle announcing the elections has well & truly sounded."
Reservation for economically backward upper castes. The bugle announcing the elections has well & truly sounded.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 7, 2019
Yashwant Sinha expresses opposition:
Yashwant Sinha, former Finance Minister and Minister of External Affairs and a ex-BJP leader, however, called the move as a 'jumla' or a false promise.
"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," 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.
— Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) January 7, 2019
Sinha has often criticised Narendra Modi and his government over its policies.
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