Rajasthan government has issued a notification to provide 5% quota to Gujjars and other Special Backward Classes (SBC) for which the Assembly has passed a bill last month. The notification issued by the Department of Personnel, states that Rajasthan Specific Backward Classes (Reservation of seats in Educational Institutions in the state and of Appointment and Posts under the state) Act, 2015 (Act No 32) comes into effect from October 16.  The Act will provide 5% reservation in jobs and educational institutes to Gujjars, Banjara, Raibari, and Gadiya Lohar communities in the state.

On September 22, the state assembly had passed two separate bills for providing 5% quota to SBC, and 14% to Economically Backward Classes (EBC) of unreserved categories, sparking a controversy as it crossed the 50% quota cap. The second bill of EBC is yet to get the Rajasthan Governor’s approval.

Did You Know?

• Rajasthan is known worldwide for its vibrant and colourful culture, breathtaking cenotaphs, amazing desert lifestyle and cuisine
• Jaipur, the pink city, happens to be the first planned city in the pre-independence era. Architect Purohit Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya was summoned by Sawai Jai Singh II to structure this beautiful city.
• Rajasthan is India’s largest state by area.
• It comprises most of the wide and inhospitable Thar Desert.
• Kalyan Singh is the present Governor of the state and Vasundhara Raje (BJP) is the present Chief Minister.