The West Bengal Government on Tuesday (2 June 2019) announced 10 percent reservation in government jobs and education for those belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS) in the general category. 

The state government’s decision has come six months after BJP-led NDA government at the Centre brought in a law to provide 10 percent EWS quota to the general category by amending the Constitution.

Calling it a historic decision, West Bengal’s Parliamentary Affairs and Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said that the government will issue an order soon, mentioning the factors that define people to be included in the EWS category. 

“There will be a 10 percent reservation for them (EWS) in government service. However, those who are already been covered under SC, ST and OBC category will not be eligible,” the Education Minister said.

Currently, West Bengal provides 45 per cent reservation for Scheduled Castes (22 per cent), Scheduled Tribes (6 per cent) and Other Backward Classes (17 per cent). 

Explaining that the 10 percent quota for EWS will be in addition to existing 45 percent reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs, Backward Classes Welfare Minister Rajib Banerjee said, “The existing reservation for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs will stay as they were. This new quota is for those outside these categories.”

Third State To Breach 50 percent ceiling set by SC

Following the implementation of 10 percent quota for EWS, West Bengal will become the third state to breach the 50 percent ceiling set by the Supreme Court. Other states that have implemented more than 50 per cent reservation are Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Last month, the Bombay High Court, upholding the constitutional validity for the reservation for Maratha community, approved 12 percent reservation in employment and 13 percent in education for them. This increased the quantum of quota to 64 per cent in case of public employment and 61 per cent for education, in the state. 

At present, Tamil Nadu has 69 per cent reservation including one percent for Scheduled Tribes, 18 percent for Scheduled Castes and 50 percent for Other Backward Classes. 

Also Read: 50% Ceiling On Reservation Breached, Bombay High Court Approves 13% Quota For Maratha Community