EC tells UPA government to put 4.5% sub-quota for minorities on hold

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has asked the UPA government not to implement the 4.5% quota for minorities in Central jobs in the five poll-bound states till the end of polls.

This is aimed at ensuring a level-playing field for the political parties contesting these polls, sources in the commission told ET.

The restriction will be lifted as soon as the poll process is complete and model code conduct ceases to apply in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur. The Cabinet had cleared the minority sub-quota a couple of days before the polls were announced.