Need for national debate on reservation in promotions: Sonkar

Chief of BJP's Scheduled Caste Cell, Vinod Sonkar, today said there should be a national debate on the issue of reservation in promotions in government jobs.
"Definitely, there is a need for a discussion at the national level on the issue of reservation in promotions (in government jobs). But, the interests of the SC category should be taken care of and the actual status of this community should be presented with facts," Sonkar said in response to a query by a reporter.
"There are different arguments presented by the unreserved and reserved categories on the issue of reservation. But I believe that the SC community has not yet become strong enough to keep away from this system (reservation in promotions)," he said.

"Scheduled castes have been persecuted for centuries. Now, it is the responsibility of the government to support this community," he added.
He also stressed the need for holding debates over a host of other issues, including a ban on cow slaughter across the country, common civil code, article 370 of Jammu and Kashmir and triple talaq among Muslims, so that a consensus can be reached on them.
In response to a question, Sonkar said that it was wrong to lure people for religious conversions and the BJP's SC Morcha would work towards making the people aware of stopping this trend.

He said there is need to give a grander look to the memorial of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, built at his birthplace in neighbouring Mhow. Sonkar said he would bring it to the notice of the prime minister.

Slamming Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for his remarks made in the US over 'dynastic politics', Sonkar said he has demoralised and humiliated the dedicated workers of his own party by making such a statement.
He said that in common parlance, the term 'Dalits' should be replaceed with 'Anusuchit Jati Varg' (SC category).
"The word 'dalit' is not in accordance to the Constitution. Even Dr Ambedkar was against its usage," Sonkar said.