Thiruvananthapuram: As difference of opinion exists within the UDF regarding the implementation of 10% reservation for the economically backward sections (EWS)among forward communities in government jobs and educational institutions, KPCC Political Affairs Committee will convene a meeting on Wednesday to form a common perspective.
Congress supports reservation for the economically weaker section in the forward communities. However, this should not be implemented in a way that affects the reservation for backward communities. The meeting will take decision highlighting this policy.
UDF had included economic reservation in their election manifesto during the last assembly polls. It suggested amendment of constitution to provide 10 percent reservation for the economically weaker section in the forward communities.
Muslim League opposed the concept of economic reservation and disagreed with including it in the manifesto. Also, making economic reservation legal by amending the constitution was a huge task. In 2019, the central government passed this amendment.
The League is planning to unite with other organisations to oppose economic reservation. They have also approached the supreme court in this regard. However, Congress has no plan to change their stand, though they do not stop League from raising protest.
Disputes still exist regarding the economic reservation, if it includes 10 percent of the total seats or 10 percent of the 50 percent seats in general merit. The chief minister had made it clear that the economic reservation will be implemented in a way that never affects the current system of reservation.
According to the Centre's law, upto 10 percent of total seat can be reserved for economically weaker sections. There are arguments that when 10 percent of total seats are reserved for economically weaker sections, it will affect the opportunity of backward communities included in general merit. Also, it is said that this can affect anyone in the general merit list.
