Upper Caste Quota Bill: Is it really for the poor or political stunt? – A Panel Discussion

With the General Elections 2019 just a few months to go, the Central Government passed the landmark Constitution Amendment Bill 124, 2019 aimed at giving 10% reservation in education and government employment to the economically weaker sections among the upper castes who are otherwise not covered under other reservations. The Upper Caste Quota had been passed almost unanimously in Lok Sabha on 8th January and on 9th January the bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha and now with the signature of the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind the bill has become a law. It’s interesting to note how an amendment bill passed through the parliament so easily and comfortably? In fact, the passage of the amendment bill itself will tell a tale of the political power of the upper/forward castes. With hardly anybody voted against the bill, it had smooth sailing. While Jats, Marathas and Patels/Patidars took to the streets to get a bigger share of the jobs pie, the BCs have demanded increase in their quota of reservation in proportion to the population, this new bill to provide reservations to the upper castes actually breached the 50% upper cap laid by the Supreme Court. The quota bill will take the reservations to 60%. Ironically the criteria earning less than Rs 8 Lakh annually and having less than 5 acres of land by the people make 95% of the population eligible for the reservation. Whether one calls it a pre-poll stunt to appease the upper caste votes, the BJP govt is clearly trying to woo a large chunk of votes from the upper caste. Is the bill really for the poor or mere a political stunt to consolidate the upper caste voters? Who are the real beneficiaries of the bill? Can it stand the scrutiny of the Supreme Court? Come and join us for a panel discussion on India’s most generous bill!

The Discussants are: Prof. Kasim, Osmania University Prof. Bhangya Bhukya, University of Hyderabad Prof Padmaja Shaw, Osmania University Arunank, Social Activist And others…

ALL ARE WELCOME. ENTRY IS FREE AND OPEN TO ALL!!!