1% reservation to Gujjars by Rajasthan govt; Demand of 5%

Rajasthan, Dec 23: Following the governor's nod, the Rajasthan government on Friday issued a notification providing 1% reservation to Gujjars and four other backward communities, taking the total quota in the state to 50%.

The new quota will be in addition to the reservation given to these communities, including Rebari, Banjara, Gadariya and Luhar, under the OBC category.

The additional quota will be given in the 'More Backward Classes' category for which a bill was passed in October.

Earlier, three attempts by the government to provide 5% reservation to these communities failed since they were going against the Supreme Court guideline of 50% cap on quota.

"As committed, the state government has issued notification providing 1% quota," said Arun Chaturvedi, minister for social justice and empowerment.

However, Gujjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti president Colonel Kirodi Singh Bainsla said, "We are not satisfied with 1%. Our demand is 5%."