JOIN USReturning to one of its pet themes of reviewing reservation, the RSS on Sunday called for a detailed discussion on creamy layer and a study on whether deserved backward classes were actually benefiting from quota regime.
Strongly disapproving demands made by “affluent” sections to include them in quota system, the RSS also said quota system was evolved to ensure social justice and that concept should be kept in mind by those demanding reservation today.
The RSS’ stand on quota comes months after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat triggered a political storm during last year’s Bihar elections by calling for a review of the existing quota regime. Bhagwat drew criticism even from some BJP leaders who said his “ill-timed” remarks as one of the main reasons for the party’s defeat in the state.
Khaki shorts to go
The RSS also announced that its trademark khaki shorts, the uniform for 91 years, is making way for brown trousers in a bid to “move with the times” and demonstrate that it was “not rigid”.
Addressing a press conference at the end of a three-day conclave of Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha in Rajasthan’s Nagaur, RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi said quota system was evolved to ensure social justice and that concept should be kept in mind by those demanding reservation.
“People of such (affluent) class should give up their right and should help the weaker section of the society. But instead of that, they are demanding reservation for themselves which is not a thinking in the right direction,” Joshi said. His comments are viewed as a reference to the Jat agitation.
Emphasising that the provision of reservation was meant to ensure social justice, he said, “Today, the level of education of Dalits has improved. There are many backward castes today. It should be studied and discussed whether the deserving castes are getting reservation benefits.”
This issue should be studied. It is also a matter of detailed discussion whether or not creamy layer system should be there in all categories." “It is also a matter of detailed discussion whether or not creamy layer system should be there in all categories,” he said.
Speaking about the resolutions passed at the meeting of the Sabha, the highest decision making body of RSS, Joshi said the Sangh also felt "Hindu community is responsible” for caste-based discrimination and “we need to eradicate it” for social justice. The conclave passed resolutions on social harmony, education and healthcare.
“Caste-based discrimination is a matter of concern for all of us and members of the Hindu community are responsible for it. But now we need to eradicate it. A message for this should be conveyed in the society,” Joshi said.