LIVE updates: Modi govt has suddenly woken up to woes of economically poor, Congress on reservation move

The government has cleared a 10% quota in jobs and educational institutions for the economically weaker sections among the so-called upper castes, sources told Hindustan Times after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources said the government is ready with a bill which will be introduced in parliament tomorrow, the last day of the Winter Session.The move, a BJP leader hinted, would come in handy to deal with reservation demands from communities that had been demanding that they be counted as other backward classes, or OBCs that have 27 per cent quota for government jobs and admission to educational institutions.:

6:15 pm IST

Modi govt has suddenly woken up to woes of economically poor: Congress

Congress party has always supported every step for reservation and extending support to the economically poorest poor sections of the society bereft of cast, community or creed.

We will continue to support any step that provides opportunity and employment to the economically backward sections of the society. The truth, however, is that in last 4 years and 8 months, Modi government has suddenly woken up to the woes of economically poor.. it raises questions on the intent of the Modi government: Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala

6:13 pm IST

Youth asking when will they get jobs: Congress

The government accepted in the Parliament that there are 24 lakh vacant posts, that have not been filled by the Modi government. We are in favour of reservation in jobs, but the youth is asking when will they get the jobs: Randeep Surjewala

6:10 pm IST

Without jobs, creating reservations for jobs: Congress

Without jobs, creating reservations for jobs could be another jumla, says Randeep Surjewala.

6:00 pm IST

Move raises questions on intention of govt: Congress

When less than 100 days are... Modi govt remembered the economically backward, it raises questions on the intentions of the government: Randeep Surjewala

For four years and eight months, Modi has continuous attacked the shopkeepers, farmers, middle-class, small businessmen with demonetisation and ‘Gabbar Singh Tax’ GST has alone impacted 2 crore jobs: Surjewala.

4:14 pm IST

Congress dubs govt decision as ‘election gimmick’

Congress described the government’s decision as an “election gimmick” and accused the BJP of posturing ahead of the national elections.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the government did not think about this for four years and eight months and brought this just months before the model code of conduct coming into effect.

3:50 pm IST

Ceiling will be raised to 60%

“I welcome wholeheartedly reservation given to economically... Now the ceiling will be raised from 50 to 60 per cent... Parliament is very much empowered to raise this ceiling,” BJP MP and Udit Raj said.

3:40 pm IST

Masterstroke, says Ramdas Athawale

Union minister for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale has welcomed the Narendra Modi-led government’s move to clear a 10 per cent quota in jobs and educational institutions for the economically weaker sections among the upper castes.

3:30 pm IST

Bill to be introduced tomorrow

Sources said the government is ready with a bill which will be introduced in parliament tomorrow, the last day of the Winter Session.

3:15 pm IST

Cabinet approves 10% reservation for economically weaker upper castes

The government has cleared a 10 per cent quota in jobs and educational institutions for the economically weaker sections among the so-called upper castes.