Keeping his promise of increasing reservations in the state, Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath has successfully tabled and passed the Madhya Pradesh Lok Seva (Anusuchit Jatiyon, Anusuchit Jan Jatiyon aur Anya Pichhade Vargon ke Liye Arakshan) Amendment Bill, 2019.

The amendment guarantees 27% reservation to OBC candidates in state government jobs. With this law, the total reservation in MP has gone up to 63% as against the Supreme Court directive in the landmark Indira Sawhney case which ruled for a ceiling of caste-based reservations up to 50%. However, it is not going to be a hindrance, as other states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra already have reservations above the 50% ceiling.

State Congress spokespersons have defended the OBC reservation by claiming that OBC population in state is above 50% and hence proportionate reservation is justified.

Existing OBC quota was 14%. On commencement, the bill will increase the reservation for OBCs by another 13%. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs) get 16% and 20% reservation respectively in the state.

-India Legal Bureau