New Delhi, August 30: The ongoing debate over reservation in India has taken a new turn as Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi emphasized the need for sub-categories within the Scheduled Caste (SC) quota. He stated that, according to a Supreme Court directive expected in 2024, states should consider implementing sub-quotas. Manjhi pointed out that for the past 80 years, 90% of the benefits from reservation have been enjoyed by a select few, leaving marginalized communities with only 10%. He argued that, similar to Punjab, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Bihar should also adopt a reservation system based on Dalit and Mahadalit classifications.
Manjhi remarked, “The current debate is not spontaneous. The Supreme Court has suggested that states can create sub-categories within the SC quota. This has been beneficial in states like Punjab, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, where the distribution of benefits has changed significantly.” He illustrated this with an example from Punjab, where previously, seven or eight castes were receiving 95% of the benefits. After the implementation of sub-categories, these castes’ share dropped to 45%, allowing those who were previously excluded to gain access to opportunities.
He reiterated that the original intent behind the creation of Dalit and Mahadalit categories in Bihar was to ensure that those who have already benefited from reservation remain within the SC category. However, provisions must be made for the 18 other castes that are economically and educationally disadvantaged. Manjhi stressed that the aim is to provide these groups with additional reservation to help them catch up with those who have already progressed.
He stated, “In light of the Supreme Court’s directives, there should be a subdivision in reservation to benefit those who have not gained from it in the 80 years since independence. This is a matter of natural justice and judicial fairness.” Manjhi clarified that there is no intention to abolish reservation; rather, it is about redistributing benefits based on population.
Responding to comments made by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, Manjhi remarked, “Paswan comes from a privileged background. He does not understand the struggles of those living in slums, where literacy rates are below 15%. In contrast, the literacy rate among the privileged is over 40%.”
He concluded by asserting that it is entirely reasonable to implement sub-categories within reservation to assist those with lower literacy rates. He believes that the Supreme Court will not obstruct this initiative.
On the topic of removing Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Manjhi dismissed the notion, stating, “Where did this idea come from? Samrat Chaudhary is performing his duties well, with the blessings of Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi. Those spreading such rumors are enemies of the state.”
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