SC’s EWS verdict evokes mixed reactions in Raj

Jaipur: As the Supreme Court upheld the 103rd Constitution amendment providing 10% quota for the economically weaker sections (EWS) from unreserved categories in educational institutions and government jobs, there were mixed reactions in Rajasthan among various groups over the decision.
While according to a Gujjar leader the decision ‘abolishes the very spirit of the Constitution’ and was an attempt by BJP and RSS to abolish caste-based reservation, a Jat leader believes this will benefit the Jats of Bharatpur and Dholpur who do not fall under reserved categories.
Himmat Singh, a Gurjar leader from Rajasthan, said, “Reservation was introduced because of discrimination and atrocities committed towards weaker sections in society by the upper caste. If you give reservation to the same people, then the very purpose of providing reservation to the exploited section gets defeated.”
“Quota should also be provided to people belonging to SC, ST and OBCs who do not wish to avail the benefits of caste-based reservation. The concept of reservation was introduced in the Constitution because of the atrocities by the upper caste. By this ‘unconstitutional’ decision, BJP and RSS are preparing to abolish caste-based reservation. They will start a campaign to abolish this. This will result in a nationwide agitation to protect caste-based reservation in the country,” he added.
Raja Ram Meel, a Jat leader, said, “I am neither against the decision (of the Supreme Court), nor in favour of it. This will benefit the Jats of Bharatpur and Dholpur who do not fall under reserved categories. Once the Supreme Court has given its decision, nobody can stop it from getting implemented. I am neither opposing it, nor supporting the decision.”