In-depth: Who is eligible for the new reservation quota for general category?
Though the move is aimed at benefiting the poorer segments of upper caste Hindus as well as other religions, the suggested eligibility criteria covers over 80% of India's population.

- Jan 8, 2019,
- Updated Jan 8, 2019 6:39 PM IST
With four months to go for the General Elections and in the face of reality checks in the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh polls, the Union Cabinet yesterday cleared a proposal to grant 10% quota in government jobs and education for "economically weaker" sections. This is over and above the existing 50% quota for the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and the proposal will take the total reservation to 60% if passed.
The Modi government has tabled the bill in Parliament today, supposed to be the last day of the winter session. Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot introduced the Bill in the House amid protests by Samajwadi Party.
Also Read: 'Another jumla': Not everyone's happy with reservation for economically weak upper castes
Sources told India Today that the government on Monday extended the Rajya Sabha proceedings by a day till January 9 to enable the House to take up the proposed legislation.
Since the Constitution has no mention of "economically weaker" people, the proposed quota for this category will require an amendment and at least two-thirds of the members in both the Houses will need to support the bill for it become a law.
Also Read: Most mobile wallets may become non-operational by March: report
With four months to go for the General Elections and in the face of reality checks in the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh polls, the Union Cabinet yesterday cleared a proposal to grant 10% quota in government jobs and education for "economically weaker" sections. This is over and above the existing 50% quota for the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and the proposal will take the total reservation to 60% if passed.
The Modi government has tabled the bill in Parliament today, supposed to be the last day of the winter session. Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot introduced the Bill in the House amid protests by Samajwadi Party.
Also Read: 'Another jumla': Not everyone's happy with reservation for economically weak upper castes
Sources told India Today that the government on Monday extended the Rajya Sabha proceedings by a day till January 9 to enable the House to take up the proposed legislation.
Since the Constitution has no mention of "economically weaker" people, the proposed quota for this category will require an amendment and at least two-thirds of the members in both the Houses will need to support the bill for it become a law.
Also Read: Most mobile wallets may become non-operational by March: report