JD(U) Leader KC Tyagi Calls for Reservation in Ninth Schedule and Caste Census
Patna (Bihar) [India], July 29: JD(U) leader KC Tyagi has called for reservation to be included in the ninth schedule of the constitution and expressed support for a caste census. This statement came after the Supreme Court refused to stay a Patna High Court order that overturned the Bihar government’s amendments to increase quotas for certain sections.
Tyagi said, “It is bad news for the deprived sections of the society…We demand that reservation should be included in the ninth schedule of the constitution so that every matter related to reservation could be exempted from the judicial review…JD(U) is in favour of conducting caste census in the country.”
The Supreme Court’s decision did not bring good news for weaker sections, according to Tyagi. He emphasized that the party will continue to urge the government to make the necessary constitutional amendments.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with justices J B Pardiwla and Manoj Misra, has listed the matter for a detailed hearing in September. The Patna High Court had previously set aside the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (Amendment) Act, 2023, and The Bihar (In admission in Educational Institutions) Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2023, citing violations of equality clauses under Articles 14, 15, and 16.
In 2023, the Bihar legislature amended both Acts to increase the reservation from 50 per cent to 65 per cent in jobs and higher educational institutions. The state government increased the quota for Scheduled Castes to 20 per cent, Scheduled Tribes to two per cent, Extremely Backward Classes to 25 per cent, and Backward Class to 18 per cent based on the findings of a caste survey.
Doubts Revealed
JD(U) -: JD(U) stands for Janata Dal (United), which is a political party in India.
KC Tyagi -: KC Tyagi is a senior leader and spokesperson of the Janata Dal (United) party.
Reservation -: Reservation in India refers to the system of affirmative action that provides historically disadvantaged groups with representation in education, employment, and politics.
Ninth Schedule -: The Ninth Schedule is a part of the Indian Constitution that contains a list of laws that are protected from judicial review, meaning courts cannot easily change them.
Caste Census -: A caste census is a survey that collects data on the different castes in India to understand their social and economic status.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial court in India, which makes the final decisions on legal matters.
Patna High Court -: The Patna High Court is the high court of the Indian state of Bihar, which deals with legal cases in that region.
Quotas -: Quotas refer to reserved percentages of opportunities or resources for certain groups, often to help those who are disadvantaged.
Amend the constitution -: To amend the constitution means to make changes or additions to the rules and laws that govern the country.