Guj govt announces 10% reservation for economically backward, including Patidars

The Gujarat government on Friday announced 10% reservation for the economically backward in the general category which includes the Patel community.The announcement comes amid ongoing protests by the Patel community -or patidars - for reservation in jobs.As per reports, the Gujarat government notification for reservation will be issued on May 1."Families with income below Rs 6 lakh per annum will be eligible for this reservation," Gujarat minister Vijay Rupani said.Chief minister Anandiben Patel and the state bjp president Vijay Rupani said that, "after meeting with party national President Amit Shah today the party and the government has decided to announce 10% EBC reservation Ordinance on May 1st on the Gujarat foundation day. Benefit of this reservation will be in addition to SC/ST and OBC reservation so there will be no effect on the present reservation system. This will be in force from the upcoming academic season itself. Children of the parents who have income upto six lakh annually will get benefit."Gujarat Government has also announced to continue Mukhyamantari Yuva Swalamban Yojna(MYSY) for the youth to give subsidy in higher education fees who could not get benefit under the 10% reservation.When asked about the sudden change of mind, Rupandi said that, "considering the feeling of the Patidar community and all other communities we decided to give 10% EBC reservation. Congress just tried to encash the issue for political gain. We ask them why they did not gave any reservation to general caste for 60 long years. BJP has done it. We will demand from Congress to implement EBC reservation in Congress ruled states. We will fight for the 10% EBC reservation if required in High Court and Supreme Court also.''He also said that the party high command (Amit Shah) had consulted PM Narendra Modi on this issue.CM Anandiben Patel when asked about her pet scheme of MYSY, she said that, "the scheme will continue as an additional benefit for those who do not get benefit under the reservation."Meanwhile, Shankarsinh Vaghela, leader of opposition in the state assembly, said that, "the state govt announcement are just to divert attention by tokenism. 10% reservation for this huge population is not sufficient. Congress will fight for 20% EBC reservation."