The Gujarat government has announced a ten per cent quota for economically backward classes in the state. A welcome move for the deserved. The new category would include members of all general categories (the ones not included in SC/ST and OBC) with family income less than Rs 6 lakh. Chief minister Anandiben Patel has promised to issue an ordinance on 1 May for the new quota.

"Families with income below Rs 6 lakh per annum will be eligible for this reservation," Gujarat minister Vijay Rupani said.

CM Anandiben Patel said that, "the scheme will continue as an additional benefit for those who do not get benefit under the reservation."

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."

Rupani said that, "considering the feeling of the Patidar community and all other communities we have 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.''

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."

By Premji