Social Justice Minister Thavarchand Gehlot is likely to table in Parliament today the bill, which provides a 10 per cent quota in government jobs and education for “economically weaker” sections in general category.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has issued a whip to its MPs, asking them to be present in Parliament on Tuesday as it seeks to push for the passage of the bill, a top government functionary said.
In a major move ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Union Cabinet Monday cleared a 10 per cent quota in government jobs and education for “economically weaker” sections, meeting a key demand of upper castes, a staunch BJP support base which has shown signs of a drift from the party.
The BJP termed the Narendra Modi government’s move as “historic” while the Opposition questioned its timing with the Congress dubbing it a “election gimmick”.
However, opposition parties extended its support, reflecting the bill’s political significance.
The government has also extended Rajya Sabha proceedings during the winter session of Parliament by a day till January 9 to enable the House to take up the bill.
