The Gujarat government again appeared divided on the issue of providing quota to economically weaker sections among forward castes. After scrapping the implementation of the ordinance providing 10 per cent quota for Economically Backward Classes (EBC), within hours the government came out with another notification cancelling the previous notification.
The State’s General Administration Department (GAD) on Friday first directed all government departments to abstain from providing 10 per cent quota in education and jobs to EBCs.
The notification also advised that those who were admitted to jobs and education before August 4 under the EBC category would not be disturbed as per the Supreme Court’s directive. However, the second notification, issued at midnight, cancelled the previous notification.
However, the government has held back the drive to recruit over 50,000 employees under various categories till the Supreme Court decides on the Gujarat government’s petition seeking 10 per cent quota for EBCs. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said the matter is sub judice as a Constitution Bench of the SC is seized with the matter, and the ordinance will only be implemented after the apex court pronounces its decision.
The Gujarat High Court has already held the ordinance illegal and unconstitutional.
