– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: The Congress has intensified its push for social justice. It urged the BJP-led NDA government to enforce Article 15(5) of the Constitution. This article allows reservations for SC, ST, and OBC students in private schools. The party also demanded the removal of the 50% reservation cap.
At a press conference, Dr. Anil JaiHind, Rajesh Lilothia, and Dr. Vikrant Bhuria—heads of AICC’s OBC, SC, and ST departments—demanded a timeline for a nationwide caste census.
Dr. Anil JaiHind revealed that private institutions had challenged the UPA’s move to enforce Article 15(5). The 93rd Amendment enabled reservations in private institutions for Dalits, Adivasis, and backward classes.
Article 15(5) allows the state to make special provisions for SCs, STs, and OBCs in educational institutions, including unaided private ones. It excludes minority-run institutions.
In January 2014, it was clarified that reservations could apply to private institutions. But the Modi government hasn’t passed the law needed to implement it, even after 11 years. Dr. JaiHind urged the government to act, noting it would help nearly 100 crore people from these communities.
Rajesh Lilothia called the caste census announcement historic. He said Rahul Gandhi pushed the BJP to act. He reminded how BJP leaders, including the PM, mocked the idea. He said the next move is to end the 50% cap. “Not 50 percent cap, but 100 percent social justice,” he declared. He noted that the Supreme Court had approved 10% EWS reservation above the 50% limit and said the same should apply to SCs, STs, and OBCs.
Dr. Vikrant Bhuria quoted Gandhi: “First they ignore you, then they laugh, then fight, then you win.” He said BJP followed this path regarding the caste census. He asked for a clear timeline, transparent process, and proper funding to complete it.
