New Delhi: When the British left India, after granting independence to Indians in 1947, Anglo-Indians had an apprehension that they would be subjected to revenge and the privileges would be stopped which they were enjoying in Colonial India.
After 72 years of Independence, Anglo-Indians felt that they have been deceived when the Parliament through its 126th amendment scrapped Anglo Indians’ quota in the Parliament and State Assemblies. This act will come into force with effect from 25th January 2020.
It may be mentioned that the 17th Lok Sabha has two seats reserved for the Anglo-Indians. Govt. of India has not nominated any member of this community so far.
In 13 State Assemblies, there is one seat reserved for the members of this community.
It may be mentioned that Union Law Minister, Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad made a statement in the Parliament saying that there is only 296 persons belonging to this community. He quoted these figures from the Census of 2011.
Anglo-Indian community got wonderstruck over the statement made by the Law Minister.
Mr. Charles Dice, former MP for the period from 2009 to 2014 and the present President of Anglo-Indians’ Community in India told that there are 347000 Anglo-Indians in India.
He further told that the last Census for them conducted in 1941 had recognized this community as a special group.
Constitution of Indian under Article 334 (b) makes provision for nominating Anglo-Indians to the Parliament and Assemblies.
There was a proposal to end these privileges 40 years after declaring India Democratic but these were extended up to January 2020.
Govt. of India has decided to extend reservations for SCs and STs for another ten years from now but it scrapped the same for the Anglo-Indians.