The Union Cabinet on Monday approved 10 per cent reservation for economically backward upper castes in jobs and educational institutions. The government is likely to introduce a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament to push for 10 per cent extra reservation for economically deprived sections among general categories. The reservation will be given to those economically backward poor people who are not availing the benefit of reservation as of now. Below are some of the important points regarding the proposed reservation bill.

1. The bill aims to provide 10% quota for upper castes, which will benefit economically weaker sections of upper castes.

2. The implementation of bill will provide reservation in government jobs and education to the beneficiaries.

3. The proposed reservation will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation given to SC, SC and OBC and will take the total reservation to 60 per cent.

4. This is the first time a bill is made for non-caste, non-religion based reservation.

5. The bill is likely to be tabled in Parliament on Tuesday (January 8).

6. The bill seeks to amend Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution, introducing a clause for reservation for economically weaker sections in educational institutions and government jobs.

7. Among the major castes to benefit from the proposed law are Brahmins, Rajputs (Thakurs), Jats, Marathas, Bhumihars, several trading castes, Kapus and Kammas.

8. The bill is likely to introduce criteria like an annual income below Rs 8 lakh and not owning more than five acres of agricultural land for those seeking quota benefits.

9. Those seeking quota benefits should also not own a flat of 1000 sq ft or more, land of 100 yards in notified municipality area and 200 yards in non-notified area, according to criteria for the bill.

10. Opposition parties have called the bill as election gimmick of BJP-led government, but they said they are supporting the bill.