By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Dehradun: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Friday said that reservation is a constitutional provision and opposing it goes against the spirit of the Constitution.
Addressing a press conference at Bijapur Guest House during his two-day visit to Uttarakhand, Athawale said that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had envisioned reservation not only for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes but also for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), although it could not be implemented at the time.
Welcoming the proposed caste census, the Union Minister said it would help assess the socio-economic status of various communities and enable welfare schemes to reach deserving beneficiaries more effectively.
On women’s empowerment, Athawale said the proposed women’s reservation initiative would strengthen women’s participation in democratic institutions. He expressed confidence that the delimitation process would move forward with broad political consensus.
Referring to incidents of question paper leaks, Athawale said the Centre has enacted a stringent law to curb such offences and ensure strict action against those involved. He also appealed to society to socially boycott people found guilty of leaking examination papers.
Commenting on the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Minister urged all political parties to cooperate in ensuring its smooth functioning in the national interest. He said constructive discussions on public welfare issues are essential for a healthy democracy.
Athawale also described Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami as a good friend and appreciated the development initiatives undertaken by the state government under his leadership.