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Upper caste quota to hit constitutional roadblocks: Sibal

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New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said the government’s decision to give 10 per cent quota to economically weaker sections in the general category has been taken with “non-application of mind” and it would face constitutional hurdles.

If the bill is passed, the implementation of the reservation due to complexities involved and absence of required data with the government would be “like demonetisation”, he said.

Calling it a “jumala” (gimmick), Sibal said: “Kamal ka hamla, aur ek jumala (attack of lotus, one more gimmick).”

Speaking during the discussion on the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019, in the Rajya Sabha, he questioned “the hurry” shown by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government.

“What was the hurry? The bill could have been sent to the Select Committee. There would have been discussions and suggestions before it was introduced (in Parliament),” he said.

Sibal asked if the government has collected required data about demographic structure before bringing the bill.

“Mandal Commission’s report had come in 1980 and introduced in 1982 for the first time. And it was passed in 1990, almost 10 years later,” he said.

“Here, you want to do everything in one day. Do you find it fine? You are doing it without any data. The government must let us know if there is any report prepared before fixing the parameters for the quota.”

Sibal said the bill may face hurdle as the Supreme Court had “struck down” 10 per cent reservation for “economically weaker category” suggested by the Mandal Commission terming it unconstitutional.

If the percentage of reservation crosses 50 per cent, it is violative of Article 14 and that is why, the decision of approving 69 per cent reservation by Tamil Nadu is still in the Supreme Court, he said.

“It is a very complex constitutional issue…and you brought the bill without applying mind or sending it to the Select Committee,” he said.

The Supreme Court lawyer questioned the government about its intention to approve the quota when jobs in the country are on the decline.

“Jobs are created. But more jobs are lost than what is created. Be it public sector, private sector or IT sector,” said Sibal, adding that year-on-year growth in the Central government jobs since 2001 was just 0.4 per cent.

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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