Haryana to Reserve 20% Government Job Quota for Scheduled Castes; BJP Confident of Third Term

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the state cabinet has approved the Haryana Scheduled Caste Commission Report on Saturday. He revealed that a 20 percent reservation for scheduled castes in government jobs will be implemented, with the commission advising that 10 percent of this quota be specifically for the most deprived among the scheduled castes.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Saini noted that this policy will take effect after the assembly elections, in accordance with the Election Commission of India’s code of conduct. The announcement follows the declaration of the assembly election dates by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Friday. Haryana is scheduled for a single-phase election on October 1, with counting set for October 4.

During the press conference, Saini also affirmed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is well-prepared for the election and confident of securing a third term in the state. “The assembly election dates have been set, and we welcome this. The BJP is ready for the elections, and we are confident of forming the government in Haryana for the third time. Over the past decade, we have developed Haryana without discrimination. Instead of misleading the public, the opposition should highlight their achievements. I urge the people to participate in the elections with enthusiasm,” he stated.

Additionally, Saini announced the introduction of the Gambling Prevention Ordinance aimed at combating gambling and betting. Under this ordinance, offenders could face up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to Rs 7 lakh.

Later, while addressing a rally in Hansi, Saini expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects, saying, “I am confident that your support will enable us to form the BJP government for the third time. Corrupt individuals are questioning us. Our double-engine government has transformed Hansi over the past decade.”

Saini also accused the Congress and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda of establishing a “Recruitment Stop Gang” and creating obstacles in recruitment by challenging it in court. He concluded by highlighting the government’s efforts to provide employment to children of poor families at no cost and ensuring lifetime jobs for 1.20 lakh youths through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam.