Congress for reservation based on economic status

In the wake of the proposal to increase the quota of seats reserved for the backward classes and the Muslim community in the Telangana Assembly, the Congress Party today said that reservation should be based on one's economic stature rather than religion or caste.

Opposing the proposal, Congress leader Ashwani Kumar while drawing upon Dr B.R. Ambedkar's views stated that all parties should ensure that reservation does not last forever.

"It is a highly sensitive issue with constitutional ramification. For India to become all inclusive, it is necessary to have another look at the reservation policies," Kumar told ANI.

"Reservation should be based on economic backwardness rather than caste or religion. With the current reservation system, there is a possibility that those with merit may lose out on government opportunities," he added.

Earlier this week, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had said that his government would convene the Legislative Assembly on April 16 to pass a bill to increase quotas to the STs (Scheduled Tribes) and backward sections among the Muslims.