Rajya Sabha passed the 10% reservation for ‘economically weaker’ classes across all religions, on Wednesday.
According to ANI, the Parliament approved the amendment to Constitution with a sweeping majority of 165 votes in favour and 7 votes against it.
Parliament passes bill granting 10% quota to economically-weaker sections of general category
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Earlier this week, the amendment was passed in Lok Sabha. Once the provision is signed by the President, Ram Nath Kovind, it will become a law.
The move is said to favour the ‘economically weaker’ sections of society, that weren’t earlier benefited from the 50% reservation given to SC, ST and OBC. The reservation applies to both central and state government jobs, according to Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
The reservation ‘generously’ covers people who have income of less than eight lacs per annum, agricultural land less than five acres or a residential house smaller than 1000 square feet, according to Business Today.
With this the total reservation quota will go up to 60%, clearly surpassing the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court.
Netizens are divided over the amendment.
Some are praising the move as to how it would ‘uplift’ the backward sections of society, and calling it a moment of ‘social justice’.
Some have criticised the government, and are calling the reservation a ‘gimmick’ to earn votes, ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections.
It remains to be seen how this plays a role in the upcoming elections.