RAJASTHAN GOVT PASSES GUJJAR QUOTA BILL

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan Assembly on Wednesday passed a Bill giving a 5% quota in government jobs and educational institutes to Gujjars and four other communities that have been agitating for it.

The Congress government introduced the Bill amid protests in the state led by Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla for reservation for the community.

Bainsla’s supporters have blocked the Delhi-mumbai railway track in Sawai Madhopur district and several highways since Friday.

The Bill sought to increase the backward classes’ reservation from the present 21% to 26% with a 5% quota for Gujjars, Banjaras, Gadia Lohars, Raikas and Gadaria communities.

The statement on the objective and reasons for the bill said the five castes are the most backward and required separate reservation in government jobs and educational institutes.

Meanwhile, Bainsla, who is on a sit-in in Sawai Madhopur district along with his supporters, fell sick on Wednesday. A team of doctors conducted his medical check up at the sit-in site after he complained of unease.