Gujjar leaders decide to revive quota stir from May 15 in Rajasthan

Gujjars are demanding 5% reservation from within the OBC quota.

Members of the Gujjar community in Rajasthan on Sunday decided to revive their agitation from May 15 to press for their demand of 5% reservation from within the OBC quota.

Protests by Gujjars demanding reservation have often turned violent in Rajasthan. (HT/File Photo)

Spokesperson of Gujjar Sangharsh Samiti, Himmat Singh, said the decision was taken at a meeting at Bayana in Bharatpur district.

“The decision to revive the agitation was taken on Sunday in a meeting headed by Kirori Singh Bainsla. All the leaders of the community along with its members have been asked to assemble for a sit-in at Pilu ka Pura on May 15 to demand reservation,” he said.

Singh said that Gujjars are getting 1% reservation under Most Backward Classes (MBC) and the demand is for bifurcation of the OBC quota to provide 5% reservation to Gujjars and other communities.

The Rajasthan assembly had in October last year passed a Bill to raise OBC reservation from 21% to 26% to provide 5% quota to Gujjar and other castes.

However, the high court stayed the Bill as it would have increased the reservation to 54%. Later, the Supreme Court also directed the state government not to exceed the 50% reservation limit.