10% Quota Bill: All You Need To Know

After being elected to power in the 2014 general elections, the BJP government has made many monumental policy decisions for the country. However, as experienced by the 1.32 billion people in the country, these decisions have often been rash or ill planned. From demonetization to GST, it brought about chaos and distress for the citizens, mainly the working middle class. Recently, the Lok Sabha passed a new Bill, with 323 ‘ayes’ and 3 ‘noes’, that is The Constitution (One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019. It is a proposal for introducing 10 percent reservation within the general category for the economically backward upper castes.

The Bill gives the right to reservation in Central and State government jobs to general category citizens who are economically backward and fit the following criteria - An annual family income of less than Rs. 8 lakhs per annum, an agricultural land holding of less than 5 acres, or a house of about 100 square yards in a municipality, or a house of about 200 square yards in non-notified colony. This Bill is thought of to be a landmark decision that finally brings in the people of general category into the reserved section. While it sounds like it is a decision that could change the lives of many people, it is, till this date not completely understood by the people of the country.

"We are resolutely committed to the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.' It is our endeavor to ensure that every poor person, irrespective of caste or creed gets to lead a life of dignity, and gets access to all possible opportunities," PM Modi tweeted. It sounds quite ironic coming from a person who apparently has, in his five years of governance, openly made decisions chiefly for the benefit of the industrialists. It is no secret that the BJP government seriously lacked in living up to their promise of “Acche Din”, and while this new Bill seems like one good decision, it would be wise to not get our hopes high.

This Bill certainly has benefits that at this stage, looks like it is for all. For the normal person who is filling an application form – the 10 % quota bill concerns all those who tick themselves under “General” or UR – namely the unreserved category. This category, at present, is at about 51.5% of the total. (49.5% quota is reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.) Considering the number of seats in IITs and other educational institutions, this quota is applicable only on the basis of the economic status of the applicant and not on any caste, religion or otherwise. This quota is expected to primarily benefit the candidates whose families cannot afford better facilities. Because not much is known about the Bill as of now, it is hard to say how it will affect the people after it is actually implemented and brought in force.

As far as its implementation is concerned, it is hard to say anything at this point because of the kind of almost military secrecy that this Bill was treated with. It was introduced in the Lok Sabha at the eleventh hour and within 48 hours of it's introduction, it was passed. What is quite peculiaris the timing of this Bill being introduced. Many AIADMK, TMC, and Congress leaders think of this Bill as a political gimmick following the failure of BJP to win in the previous state elections. What is also very interesting is the fact that this Bill was first brought for discussion in 2013, and it was not passed as it had to go through the Supreme Court. The BJP government seem to be using this Bill as a way to redeem themselves before the upcoming general elections. Questioning the economic criteria set for extending the quota, Congress Leader Anand Sharma said not many people would benefit from it especially when the government had failed to create enough jobs.

Sources say the Bill was first to be introduced last year, but the BJP government thought against it, as it was reaping the benefits of pushing legislation granting constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes. Keeping the incompetence of the BJP government in implementing and executing rules at the back of our minds, the Bill in general could be a decision that brings about positive change for the people of the country. It is, however, too soon to make any assumptions.