The Union Cabinet today i.e., January 7, 2019, has approved 10% reservation in jobs and educational institutions for the economically backward section in the general category.

As per reports, the said reservation will be over and above the existing 50% reservation. The government is likely to bring a Constitutional Amendment Bill in Parliament on January 8, 2019.

“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.

The reservation benefit is likely to be availed by those whose annual income is below Rs 8 lakh and have up to five acres of land, the source added.

Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution of India will now be amended to implement the decision.

The apex court, in a 1992 order, had capped reservations in government jobs and education at 50%. However, the move will change the basic structure to provide for reservation up to 60%.