Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Defends Reservation as Constitutional Right
· India · Times of India, The Hindu
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Saturday reiterated that reservation is a 'constitutional right' and dismissed demands for its abolition as unconstitutional. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Athawale stated that reservation, initially for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), had been expanded to include other sections, including Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). He argued that the system continues to benefit needy communities. However, Athawale also acknowledged that while untouchability is prohibited under Article 17 of the Constitution, caste-based discrimination and atrocities against SCs persist, particularly in rural areas.
Why it matters
This statement reinforces the government's stance on reservation, a contentious issue in India's socio-political landscape, and highlights the ongoing struggle against caste-based discrimination.
Read the original report — Times of India
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