The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh told the Assembly on Wednesday that it has “in principle” agreed to provide 10% reservation in jobs and education to the economically poor in the general category.
Making an announcement of this effect, Chief Minister Kamal Nath said a Cabinet sub-committee will be constituted on the issue.
The announcement came after main Opposition BJP demanded implementation of 10% quota in jobs and education for general category poor candidates.
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A law in this regard was enacted by the Centre last month.
‘Cong. discriminating’
BJP members alleged the ruling Congress has been discriminating against the youths of unreserved category by not providing them reservation.
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Just after the Question Hour, Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargava asked the State government to clarify its stand on the issue and sought implementation of the quota law for economically poor in accordance with the 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill passed by the Parliament.
Reacting to Mr. Bhargava’s demand, Mr. Nath announced his government has “in principle” agreed about giving reservation to the poor from the general category.
Saying this was a part of the Congress manifesto, Mr. Nath said a Cabinet sub-committee will be formed to look into the upper-caste quota law implementation in the Sate.
However, this announcement did not satisfy BJP members.
Narottam Mishra (BJP), a former Minister, said this is an important issue associated with the youths of the State.
He alleged the Congress government has been discriminating against the general category youths under a “conspiracy”.
Speaker N.P. Prajapati tried to pacify Opposition MLAs by saying the issue will be discussed separately.
Talking to reporters later, Mr. Bhargava said several States have implemented the 10 per cent reservation law for economically weaker sections, but it seems the Congress government is not interested to extend this benefit to the youths in Madhya Pradesh.