We will not allow religion-centric quota, says Vinod Tawde

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Friday indicated that it would not provide five per cent reservation to the Muslim community. The minority development affairs minister Vinod Tawde told the Upper House that reservation would not be provided on the basis of religion since there is no such provision in the Constitution.

Mr Tawde was replying to a calling attention motion moved by Congress group leader Sharad Ranpise over the issue of reservation for the community in education and jobs.  

Replying to the motion, the minister argued that the community would not get religion-based reservation as it already enjoys reservation under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category.

“The Government is sensitive towards the demands of all communities. But there is no provision in the constitution to give reservation on the basis of religion,” Mr Tawde said.

During the debate, members from the Treasury and Opposition benches levelled allegations against each other.

The Opposition also raised doubts over the state government’s intention since a large section of the community falls under the category of Economically Weaker Section (EWS).

The House witnessed chaotic scenes during the debate and had to be adjourned for five minutes.

The Minister criticised the Congress for having failed to do anything for the  community.

During the Winter Session in 2018, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had ruled out reservations on religious grounds based on various Supreme Court and high court rulings in the past.