Bhujbal demands UJSC for reservation to SC/ST, OBCs

Yavatmal, Apr 14 (UNI) Maharashtra PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal today demanded setting up of a Union Judicial Service Commission (UJSC) for ensuring reservation to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs and minorities, on the pattern of UPSC.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of the week-long Samata Parva here, Mr Bhujbal attacked the anti-reservation lobbies across the country and said India tries to follow the US for open economies and globalisation, but even in one of the most advanced country like US there are reservations for the blacks and those of non-US origin.

''What is wrong if India continues with its reservation policy?'' the Public Works Department Minister asked and stressed that there should be a UJSC, on the lines of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

On the occasion, District Guardian Minister Manoharrao Naik said the reservation ensured by the efforts of Dr B R Ambedkar and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule has only been availed by a section of the down-trodden and they have progressed tremendously. ''Unfortunately, these elite among the SCs, STs, OBCs and others have failed to look back and extend a supporting hand to lift the still weaker and under-privileged people. It has created an alarming gap between them, which is more hazardous for a country like India,'' he cautioned.

The so-called torch bearers of the under-privileged must try to abridge this ever growing gap, he urged.

State Education Minister Vasant Purke also expressed his concern over the slow progress of under-privileged class and urged the gathering to create mass awareness among the down-trodden and poor communities, so as to bring them into mainstream.

Meanwhile, the Samata Parva here was organised to commemorate the birth anniversaries of great social reformers - Lord Mahavira, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Various programmes including seminars, debates, lecturers, kavi sammelans and plays were organised during the week-long event.

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