Government's quota bill becomes law with President Kovind's assent
New Delhi, Jan 12 (IBNS): In a major development, the quota bill, which is providing for 10% reservation in education and government jobs for economically weak from upper castes, on Saturday became a law with President Ram Nath Kovind's assent.
On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution Amendment Bill, which will now provide 10 percent reservation for economically backward sections in the country in the general category.
The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with the support of 323 lawmakers on Tuesday. Only three opposed the bill.
Even as the Opposition claimed that the move is an "election stunt" of the BJP as the country is heading towards the General Elections in less than 100 days, the bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with the support of the rival outfits. Unlike the lower house, the BJP lacks majority in the Rajya Sabha.
In the Rajya Sabha, the bill got the support of 165 MPs. Only seven lawmakers voted against it.
The demand by some opposition parties that the bill be sent to the Select Committee for scrutiny was turned down.
The bill is likely to benefit a huge section of upper castes including Brahmins, Rajputs (Thakurs), Jats, Marathas, Bhumihars, and several trading castes including Kapus and Kammas.
The economically deprived from other religions will also benefit from the bill's application.
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