The National Dalit Christian Watch (NDCW) on January 9 expressed shock and anguish over the Indian government’s determination to extend reservation benefits to the economically weaker section of the dominant castes of the country.

“NDCW opposes this move which is against the spirit of the Constitution of India as the ‘Concept of Reservation’ was introduced under the principle of ‘Social Justice,’ to uplift the status of the communities who are socially and educationally backward due to cumulative oppression and discrimination for centuries in the name of Caste,” a press statement for the body said.

Earlier in the day, the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of parliament, passed the proposed law to provide 10% quota in jobs and education for people from general category, who also belong to the economically weaker sections.

The Lok Sabha, the lower house, passed the bill a day earlier. The bill will now require the President’s nod to become a law. Most parties have called the government’s move a political stunt ahead of the national elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called the law a “victory for social justice,” pointed out that elections are held in the country every few months.