RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi. (File Photo)
In a veiled reference to the recent Jat agitation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS has disapproved of reservation demands by the "affluent" sections and favoured a study to ascertain whether the deserving backward classes are actually getting the quota benefits.
Pitching for social harmony, the Sangh fountainhead said members of the "Hindu community are responsible" for caste-based discrimination and "we need to eradicate it" for social justice, regarding which he invoked BR Ambedkar.
Disapproving of demands for quota by "affluent" sections, RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi said the provisions of reservation made by Bhimrao Ambedkar were for social justice and that concept should be kept in mind by those demanding reservation today.
"It is felt that this thinking (demand by affluent class) is not in the right direction. People of such (affluent) class should give up their right and should help the weaker section of the society. But instead of that, they are demanding reservation for themselves which is not a thinking in the right direction," he said.
He did not make any direct reference to any section making such demands but appeared to be hinting at Jats who recently launched a major violent agitation in Haryana for reservation.
He was addressing a press conference at the end of a three-day conclave of Akhil Bhariya Pratinidhi Sabha, the highest decision-making body of the RSS, which passed resolutions on Social Harmony as also Education and Healthcare.
"Any kind of discriminatory behavior and evil like untouchability should be uprooted altogether. For the smooth functioning of the society, it is utmost essential that all the social and religious institutions in the society need to steer the course based on our hoary ideals of life," said the resolution on Social Harmony.
"Caste-based discrimination is a matter of concern for all of us and members of the Hindu community are responsible for it. But now we need to eradicate it. A message for this should be conveyed in the society so that there is no discrimination, atrocities against anyone and social harmony should be maintained," Mr Joshi said.
He said that there should be a proper study to ascertain whether the backward classes which really need reservation are actually getting the benefits.
"Baba Ambedkar gave the provision of reservation. It was for social justice. Today, the level of education of dalit class has improved," he said.
"There are many backward castes today. It should be studied and discussed whether the deserving castes are getting reservation benefits. This issue should be studied," he said, adding "it is also a matter of detailed discussion whether or not creamy layer system should be there in all categories."
Sharing details of the resolutions, he said the document on 'Social Harmony' underlines the importance of 'Samrasta' (social harmony) in day-to-day life and eradication of caste-based discrimination, untouchability and mutual distrust from the society.
In the resolutions on Education and Healthcare, he said it was underlined that both the facilities should be made available to everyone. "Accessibility, affordability and quality of these services should be there for all," he said.