Previously center’s decision to give 10% job quota to economically backward section might have been helpful to some, but millions of general category candidates also had a negative impact, when their chances of cracking the most sought-after civil services got reduced due to limited seats and age limit.
Article 14, 15 and 16 of the Indian Constitution prohibit the State from discriminating among citizens on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth and also ensure equality before law and equality in matters of public employment.
According to the Financial Express report, as soon as the new quota comes into effect, the general category job aspirants will enjoy the similar relaxations offered to OBC candidates. Currently, for the OBC candidates, the upper age limit of 35 years and they are likely to get nine attempts to crack civil services examination, while candidates from general category have an age limit of 32 years and their chances of cracking the exam are restricted to only six attempts.
Apart from that, in case of SC/ST candidates, there is no limit on the number of attempts and the upper age limit is 37 years.
A senior BJP leader in the Rajya Sabha who is aware of the progress of the bill said, “The government will bring in another bill that will deal with all these aspects.” There are indications that the government is likely to abide by the rules applicable to other backward class candidates.
The report also mentions that the government may introduce a detailed bill in the upcoming budget session that will deal with all the issues related to the aspects of 10% quota for general category candidates.
The session is scheduled to begin from 31st January and the government will take care of its due legislative business in this two-week-long session.
Fingers crossed.