The Government’s decision to introduce a 10% reservation for “economically weaker sections” has received a mixed response from all political parties. Several opposition parties see the decision as politically motivated, taken with an eye on upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Calling the proposal a joke, the Opposition said that the move was just a chunavi jumla since the general elections are right round the corner. Adding that the BJP was afraid to lose in the 2019 polls, Congress said that the quota proposal was a gimmick to fool people.
Mamata Banerjee has expressed her suspicion and doubt on the decision. She said, “I will be very happy if the weaker section gets job.” However, she remained distrustful of its proper execution.
“Firstly, the government has to clarify whether it will be implemented or not, whether it is constitutionally valid, legally valid and whether it is feasible,” she said.
“In real sense, the unemployment problem is sky-high in India. So, we want the unemployed to get jobs. It is a very dangerous time. Farmers are being cheated, youths are cheated,” she said in Kolkata on Monday evening.
“First, they (Centre) have to see and settle the law. Constitutionally, there is a verdict of the Supreme Court that they cannot cross 50 per cent. What I have seen from the papers of the Cabinet and from the website is that the government wants to increase the quota from 50 to 60 per cent,” she said.
She insisted that she wants its “proper implementation”.
Banerjee said that the youth should not be cheated for a political purpose or electoral mandate.
She also added that she would extend her support for the program if she is pleased with the government’s intention of executing it. She also hoped that the government would announce the dates of its implementation within the next 15-20 days.
