President Kovind signs off on bill providing 10% quota for poor among upper castes, it is now law

New Delhi, Delhi, India

President Ram Nath Kovind has signed off on the bill providing for a 10% quota for the poor among the upper castes, thereby making it law. 

The bill was passed this week by both houses of parliament by large majorities. All it required after that was the president's assent. 

The bill provides for a 10% quota in government jobs and educational institutions for the poor among the general quota. 

The quota can be availed by people whose incomes are less than Rs 8 lakh an annum and who own less than five acres of land. 

The bill however, coming as it does only a few months before the general elections, has been criticised as a cynical election sop.