10% reservation for General Category: Kejriwal, Mayawati back move

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Government on Monday decided to grant 10 percent reservation in education and government jobs to economically-weaker sections of upper castes across religions.

The decision taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, surpasses the 50 percent limit set by the Supreme Court.

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said his party will support the NDA government on the constitutional amendment bill for giving 10 per cent quota to "economically weaker" sections and demanded that the ongoing Parliament session be extended for the purpose.

The Delhi chief minister also said that if the Centre drags its feet over the issue, then the constitutional amendment bill will be "merely an election stunt".

In a major move ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Union Cabinet Monday cleared a 10 per cent job and education quota for "economically weaker" sections, meeting a key demand of upper castes, a staunch BJP support base which has shown signs of a drift from the party.

A top government functionary said a constitutional amendment bill will be tabled in Parliament Tuesday, the last day of the Winter Session.

"The govt shud extend Parl session and bring constitutional amendment immediately. Else it is merely an election stunt (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted.