Anglo-Indians seek restoration of quota

Four years after the government abolished through a legislation quota for Anglo-Indians after 70 years in the Lok Sabha (two nominated seats) and in state assemblies, 17 associations of the community have decided to hold a meeting in Delhi to press for restoration of the quota. They plan to hold a "peaceful agitation" if their demand is not met

Charles Dias and Gilbert Faria, convenor and coordinator, respectively, of the Anglo-Indian associations said their representatives will take up on Wednesday "erroneous and unrealistic approach of the government".

Dias, a former MP, told ET that the government's contention at the time of scrapping the quota in 2020 that the size of the community had shrunk to 296 members was inaccurate. "The 2011 census, more so since it didn't hold a specific caste census, had wrongly included most of the Anglo-Indians members, except the 296, into the category of Christian community whereas the actual numbers of the community as per the memberships of these 17 organisations are about 3.78 lakh. Also, there are about 50,000 scattered members of the community."