Close on the heels of on-going pro-quota agitation of Patidars, the State Government notified minority status to Jain community in Gujarat almost two years after the Central Government granted the community the same status.
The move came within fortnight’s time of BJP Government’s decision to grant 10 per cent reservation to economically weaker sections of the non-reserved communities. Apart from minority status, a person from Jain or any other minority community will get the benefit of reservation under 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections announced by the State Government. Just like Muslims, Christians and Sikhs, now onwards Jains will also enjoys the similar benefits under various minority schemes.
In 2014, the Central Government had decided to give minority status to Jains. As far as Gujarat is concern Jain population is less than 1 per cent in the State. As per 2011 Census, Jain population is 5.8 lakh which is 0.96 per cent of Gujarat 6.04 crore population.
The Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel approved minority status for Jains and a Government Resolution (GR) has also been issued by her Government, said Gujarat BJP president Vijay Rupani, who also belongs to Jain community.
“like other minority own institutions, all the Jain institutions will become autonomous with this move. Besides, economically weaker section in the community will get benefit of Central Government run welfare schemes for minorities,” said Rupani.
The move will enable Jain institutions to reserve 50 per cent seats for Jain students. The community members will be eligible Central and State minority schemes including Rs15 lakh for higher education abroad, Rs7.5 in India as well as subsidised loans for business. Besides the properties owned by Jain religious trust to be exempted from rent control act.
Jain leaders across the State welcomed the State Government’s move to grant minority status to them.