Chhattisgarh reservation quota to breach 80% after state eyes population-ratio plan

According to reports, the Bhupesh Baghel government is considering a 32% quota for STs, a 12% quota for SCs, and a 27% reserve for OBCs. With a 10% quota for economically disadvantaged sectors (EWS), reservations would reach 81%. CM Baghel has stated repeatedly that his government is committed to ensuring reservation based on the proportion of various groups in the entire population.

Anurakti Sharma

Updated Nov 21, 2022, 13:29 IST

Representative Image.

Photo : BCCL

Raipur: During the two-day special session of the Chhattisgarh assembly beginning December 1, the Congress government wants to introduce legislation to offer reservation in jobs and educational institutions in "proportion of the population" of STs/SCs and other categories, TOI reported.

The special session was scheduled to address the impasse caused by a recent high court decision that overturned a 2012 government decree increasing the overall quota to 58%, stating that reservation above 50% is illegal.

If the government follows through on its proportional-quota plan, reservations in Chhattisgarh might reach 81%, probably the most in the country.

The decree issued in 2012 provided 32% reservation for tribals, 12% for Scheduled Castes, and 14% for other backward sections (OBCs). The tribal quota now stands at 20%, the SC quota has increased to 16%, and the OBC reserve remains the same as it was in undivided Madhya Pradesh.

CM Baghel has stated repeatedly that his government is committed to ensuring reservation based on the proportion of various groups in the entire population.

In addition to introducing the bill, the Congress government may propose a resolution urging the Centre to include Chhattisgarh's reservation in the Constitution's Ninth Schedule, which comprises central and state regulations that cannot be contested in court.

When it comes to restoring Scheduled Tribes reservation to 32%, the ruling Congress, opposition BJP, and other political parties are all on the same page.

The Congress government is finalising the draft of amendment bills that could be considered at the cabinet meeting on November 24.

It comes at a time when tribal people are agitating for the restoration of their reservation to 32% after their quota was reduced to 20% following the September 19, 2022 HC order.

A year before elections, the state government filed an appeal before the Supreme Court and is exploring its options for resolving the matter.

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