10% reservation for 'economically weaker' in upper castes: What is the eligibility criteria?

The Union Cabinet has approved 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions for the economically weaker sections in the upper castes (general category). The section doesn't get a reservation as of now, the sources said. This reservation will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation, sources said, adding that the government is likely to bring a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament on Tuesday. "The reservation will be given to those economically backward poor people who are not availing the benefit of reservation as of now," a source said.

Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for implementation of the decision, the sources added.

What's the eligibility criteria?  

# People with an annual income of below Rs 8 lakh.

# Those with agricultural land below five acres are eligible for the quota.

# People who have a residential property below 1,000 square feet will also be able to avail the benefits of this reservartion.

# Those with residential plot below 100 yards in a notified municipality or a residential plot below 200 yards in a non-notified municipality area may also benefit from this move.

Also Read | Modi government approves 10 per cent reservation for economically backward in general category

The Congress described the government's decision as an "election gimmick" and accused the BJP of posturing ahead of the national elections. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the government did not think about this for four years and eight months and brought this just months before the model code of conduct coming into effect.

He also asked whether the government has the majority to bring about a Constitution amendment in Parliament.

"Why did you not think of this for four years and eight months? So obviously thought of as election gimmick three months before the model code. You know that you cannot exceed 50 per cent maxima so it is done only to posture that you tried," he said in a tweet.

(With PTI inputs)