Union minister for social justice and empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot said it is prerogative of the state government to provide reservation based on the population in state services but it will not be effective for Central government services, where 7.5% posts are reserved for STs, 15% for SCs and 27% for OBCs.

Gehlot was in Raipur on Monday to brief media on 100-days of achievements of Modi 2.0 government and was answering to a question on Chhattisgarh government providing 82% reservation, exceeding the limit specified by the court.

Minister was unable to give answer to exact figure of unemployment status in the country but emphasised that number claimed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cannot be relied on. Countering it, union minister said through PM Mudra scheme, around 17 crore people have been given loan to establish their own enterprise. They might have employed one or two people at least.

Gehlot claimed that the NDA government has implemented 100% Swaminathan Committee report recommendations.

On economic slow-down, union minister denied claims being made by opposition leaders. There is growth in all sectors while in automobile the sale and procurement is continuing.

On liquor prohibition in the country, Gehlot said it is a state subject. Gujarat and Bihar have done it. There was such a discussion in Chhattisgarh also.

He listed out the historic step of abrogating Article 370 and Article 35A from Jammu and Kashmir, economic reforms, steps done for ease of doing business, abolition of triple talaq, bringing transgender persons protection bill, code on wages, insurance scheme for farmers, creation of new Jal Shakti ministry and Jal Shakti abhiyan for water-related issues, boosting railways, launching of Fit India movement among others.