Jharkhand raises reservations for SC, ST, others to 77%

At present, the STs get a 26% reservation in Jharkhand, while SCs have 10%

The Jharkhand government on Wednesday gave its nod to a proposal for granting 77% reservation in State government jobs for the members of the SC, ST, backward classes, OBC and economically weaker sections, an official said.

The State cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, hiked the OBC reservation to 27% from the present 14%.

The Hemant Soren-led UPA government on Wednesday also gave its nod to a proposal to use the 1932 land records to determine those who are local inhabitants.

The decision was taken in the backdrop of tribals' demand that the last land survey conducted by the British government in 1932 be used as the basis for defining locals.

The developments come amid a political crisis in Jharkhand over the threat to Chief Minister Hemant Soren of his disqualification as an MLA in an office-of-profit case.

"The Cabinet has given nod to a reservation bill for amendment in Jharkhand Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services Act, 2001 for 77% reservation to SC, ST, backward classes, other backward classes and economically weaker sections," Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel told reporters after the meeting.

It was decided in the meeting that the state government will request the Centre for inclusion of the bill in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.