Hyderabad, June 18
Overcoming an initial legal setback, the Congress government in Andhra Pradesh finally brought an ordinance providing for 5 per cent reservation to Muslims in educational institutions and government jobs.
An earlier ordinance promulgated by the Rajasekhara Reddy government in July last was struck off by the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Subsequently, in accordance with the directions of the court, the state government asked the Backward Classes Commission to look into the matter and make recommendations for according quota to the Muslims.
The state government has now accepted the commission report which recommended that Muslims should have a 5 per cent reservation over and above the 25 per cent quota presently enjoyed by the four groups among the Backward classes.
Accordingly, a new category has been added for the Muslims to the existing A, B, C and D for reservation under the Backward Classes quota. The government also accepted the suggestion that the creamy layer among the Muslims be excluded from enjoying the quota facility. The creamy layer principle, however, does not apply to the other BC groups.
New Delhi: The BJP on Saturday condemned the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to provide 5 per cent reservation for Muslims in jobs, saying that it was against the spirit of national unity and yet another evidence of “Congress’ politics of appeasement”.
