Union government extended 10% reservation to the persons belonging to Economically Weaker Sections.

The Jammu and Kashmir government Thursday approved the reservation (second amendment) bill incorporating 103rd amendment of the Indian constitution to provide 10 per cent reservation to economically weaker sections in jobs and educational institutions.

"The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here under the chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik approved the ''Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019'' for incorporating provisions for implementation of the 103rd amendment of the Indian Constitution," an official spokesperson said.

The amendment will provide for 10 per cent reservation to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in educational institutions and direct recruitment in civil posts and services not covered under the scheme of the reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs.

The Union government extended 10 per cent reservation to the persons belonging to EWS, who are not covered under the scheme of reservation for SCs/STs/OBCs in terms of Constitution of India (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019.

Subsequently, on the recommendations of the state government, the Centre extended the said Act to Jammu and Kashmir vide Presidential order on March 1 this year. The Act provides that total percentage of the reservation shall in no case exceed 50 per cent.

Presently, 46 per cent reservation is being extended to various classes.

For the implementation of 103rd amendment of Constitution of India to provide for 10 per cent reservation, an amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 was necessary.