Amend Constitution to ensure quota for all, says Athawale

Sunit Dhawan

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, September 24

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale has stated that the Constitution should be amended to ensure the provision of reservation for the communities which do not come under the ambit of any of the reserved categories as of now.

“The Jats have been staging agitations for quota in Haryana. Similarly, Marathas have been demanding reservation in Maharashtra, Patels in Gujarat and Brahmins, Rajputs and other communities in different states. Their concerns can be addressed if the Constitution is amended to ensure the provision of reservation for all, while ensuring that the existing quota meant for SCs, STs, OBCs and other categories is kept intact,” Athawale said while addressing a news conference here today.

Underlining the need to promote inter-caste marriages, Athawale asserted that the practice would go a long way in eliminating the caste-based divisions in society.

“We will ask the governments of Haryana and other states to formulate a policy to reward the districts in which maximum inter-caste marriages were recorded. Such districts may be given special additional grants to the tune of Rs 20-25 crore,” he said, adding that government jobs could also be provided to the persons going for inter-caste marriages.

The minister said the Central government was also considering a proposal to enhance the incentive provided to the persons who opt for inter-caste marriages.

“As of now, the ministry provides a grant of Rs 2.5 lakh to those who opt for inter-caste marriage and the amount is likely to be increased in near future,” he said.

Athawale said the ministry also gives scholarships to SC and OBC students. At present, scholarships are being given to 68 lakh students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and 72 lakh students belonging to Other Backward Classes.

Solar power to boost economy, says minister

Panipat: Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, on Saturday said solar power would reduce cost of electricity. This, he said, would boost the economy. He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating a solar power plant atop a housing society of GDR Group here today. The 108-KV plant was has been installed for Rs 1.08 crore. “The Centre has launched several schemes on solar power. These will benefit the industry. Small and micro enterprises should install solar power plants to generate electricity,” Athawale said. Mahipal Dhanda, Panipat Rural MLA, said the government was keen to promote solar power and provide subsidy on the installation of solar power plants. TNS