Backward classes hail Azad for amending SRO in Reservation Act

Jammu, Nov 17 (UNI) The backward classes today hailed the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for rectifying the anomalies in SRO 294 in the Reservation Act 2004.

Addressing mediapersons here this afternoon, MLA and Vice Chairman, Advisory Board for the Welfare of Development of Scheduled Castes Jammu, Girdhari Lal Chalotra said the decision taken by the state government in a cabinet meet held yesterday was appreciable.

''Our community was struggling since long for the amendment of SRO and Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad has recommended it,'' Mr Chalotra said adding that the percentage in recruitment and employment has also been raised from 4 per cent to 8 per cent for the Scheduled Castes.

Meanwhile in another statement here, Shah Mohd Choudhary, general secretary, State Advisory Board for Development of Gujjars and Bakerwals said that it is commendable that state cabinet meet has restored SRO 126 of 1994 with an addition of providing promotion to the Scheduled Tribes employees in accordance with the reservation to which they were entitled.

They also urged Mr Azad to implement the decisions taken in the 31st Cabinet Meet.

The cabinet has decided an establishment of separate directorate of tribal affairs, share of annual plan according to ST population, special recruitment for ITI trained and Gujjar and Bakerwal candidates, opening of hostels in newly created districts, opening of Eklavya Model residential schools, power regarding financial matters and strengthening of mobile schools for the Scheduled Tribes.

UNI