Katheria: AMU unjustified in denying reservation to dalits, backward castes
AGRA: Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes Ram Shankar Katheria said on Sunday that he would take the issue of reservation for dalit and backward caste students at AMU to its logical end by reaching out to the Supreme Court in the matter.
He was speaking at an event organised at Sur Sadan auditorium, Agra, to honour him for raising the issue of reservation for dalits and backward castes at the Aligarh Muslim University.
The programme was organised by various social organisations and bodies representing dalits and backward castes.
“AMU is totally unjustified in denying reservation to dalit and backward caste students seeking admission there. We are committed to the issue and will do all required for getting them reservation at AMU. The SC commission will take required steps for convincing the Supreme Court in this issue,” said Katheria.
“AMU authorities are falsely claiming that they are a minority institution. In fact, the Supreme Court has clarified that AMU is a central university just like the BHU, and is thus liable to allow reservation for dalit and backward students. The central government is allowing grants of Rs 7,000 crore a year to AMU,” said Katheria, who had earlier threatened to block these grant to the university.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath are committed to the cause of the poor, dalits and backward castes. Thus, this fight for reservation at AMU will be taken to its logical end. The SC commission has made a beginning,” he said.
Katheria also questioned the silence of dalit leaders on the issue, specifically targeting Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati.
“It is the politics of appeasement that is keeping Mayawati away from this issue. And she claims to be a leader of dalits. Mayawati should raise the issue and BJP will support her,” said Katheria.
Mayor of Agra Naveen Jain, MLA Agra Cantonment GS Dharmesh, MLA Agra rural Hemlata Diwakar, BJP leaders and heads of various organisations representing dalits and backward castes were present at the event.