Gurjars, 4 others to get 1% quota in Rajasthan

Jaipur, December 22

Five castes, including Gurjars, will get 1 per cent reservation within the 50 per cent legal limit in Rajasthan, a senior minister said here today. The state government took the decision yesterday to provide reservation to the Gujjar/Gurjar, Banjara/Baldia/Labana, Gadia-Lohar/Gadalia, Raika/Rebari and Gadaria communities.

“The decision was taken to give 1 per cent reservation to Gurjars and other castes under the most backward category,” said state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rajendra Rathore.  A notification will be issued after the Governor’s approval, he said.

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The present overall reservation percentage in the state stands at 49 per cent. The five castes were included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list in 1994. After the state Cabinet’s decision, they can now seek benefits in educational institutions and job opportunities. 

The Rajasthan Assembly in October this year passed a Bill to raise OBC reservation from 21 to 26 per cent to provide 5 per cent quota to Gurjars and other castes. However, the High Court stayed the Bill as it would have increased the reservation to 54 per cent.

Later, the Supreme Court also directed the state government not to exceed the 50 per cent reservation limit. The government has taken the step in the wake of a widespread agitation by the Gurjar community, demanding reservation under the backward class category. 

The government’s decision evoked mixed reactions from community leaders. Spokesman for the Gurjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti Himmat Singh said the government betrayed the community. Another Gurjar leader, Dr Roop Singh, said the decision deserved praise. — PTI