Gujarat govt relents, announces 10% quota for EBCs including Patidars; Congress calls it 'mere tokenism'

The Gujarat government on Friday announced 10% reservation for the economically backward class in general category, which includes Patidar community.

Gandhinagar: In a major change of stand, the Gujarat government on Friday announced 10% reservation for the economically backward class in general category, including the agitating Patidar community.

As per reports, the Gujarat government's notification for reservation will be issued on May 1.

Under the new reservation rule, families with income below Rs 6 lakh per annum will be eligible for quota benefit.

Families with income below Rs 6 lakh per annum will be eligible for this reservation, Gujarat Minister Vijay Rupani said confirming the development.

The decision was taken following a meeting between Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, BJP chief Amit Shah and party's state unit chief Vijay Rupani.

Announcing the decision, Rupani said, "After meeting with party chief Amit Shah today, the party and the government has decided to announce 10% EBC reservation Ordinance on May 1 on the Gujarat foundation day.''

''Benefit of this reservation will be in addition to SC/ST and OBC reservation so there will be no effect on the present reservation system. This will be in force from the upcoming academic season itself. Children of the parents who have income upto six lakh annually will get benefit, " he added.

Besides this, the Gujarat government also announced to continue Mukhyamantari Yuva Swalamban Yojna (MYSY) for the youth to give subsidy in higher education fees who could not get benefit under the 10% reservation.

Meanwhile, Shankarsinh Vaghela, leader of opposition in the Gujarat assembly, said, "the state government's announcement are just to divert attention by tokenism. 10% reservation for this huge population is not sufficient. Congress will fight for 20% EBC reservation."