With two Ministers coming up with contradictory statements confusion prevails over Uttar Pradesh Government’s decision to withdraw quota of 20 per cent given to the minorities in welfare schemes of 28 departments in the State.
Haj and Muslim Welfare Minister questioned the need to give reservation on religious lines and said wherever required, Government will extend benefit to people of any caste, creed and religion.
On the other hand, State Social Welfare Minister Rampati Shastri who had earlier given a hint of withdrawing quota from welfare schemes issued a clarification on Monday saying Govern-
ment has no proposal to withdraw quota.
The quota to the minorities, which was given mostly to the Muslims, was given by the previous Akhilesh Yadav Government. As per the notification issued by the previous Samajwadi Party Government it was said that 20 per cent quota should be earmarked for the minorities in all the schemes besides where the population of minorities are more than 25 per cent, there this system should be strictly implemented.
Minority Welfare Minister Mohsin Raza said that his Government will only give quota to those person who really needs it.”
Similar reaction was also given by Deputy CM.