ST, SCs of J

Jammu, Mar 7 (UNI) The economic condition of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Jammu and Kashmir is far better than that of those in Bihar, Union Minister of Coal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Ram Vilas Paswan today said.

Talking to mediapersons here, Mr Paswan reiterated that his Lok Janshakti Party would win its fight for reservations to the weaker sections of the society, including STs, SCs and dalits in private sector.

Mr Paswan also advocated for budgetary allocations for the upliftment of SCs and STs.

He said if the country is to progress in real terms, then steps would have to be taken to improve the economic condition of the weaker section of the society.

As per constitutional provisions, the Union Minister said that the Indian Judicial Services should be introduced and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) should conduct examination for selecting judges for the High Courts and Supreme Court.

''This will give due representation to SC and ST members in judiciary,'' he added.

Asked about the continuous demand from some elements for withdrawal of troops in the state, Mr Paswan said: ''Indian army is in J and K to protect the lives of innocent people and to meet the challenges of terrorists.'' However, he said the decision on demilitarisation could be taken at the highest level by the Prime Minister by weighing every pros and cons related to the issue.

But the terrorism, he asserted, has nothing to do with social justice and equality.

After his arrival here this morning, Mr Paswan inaugurated a two day national seminar on 'Ambedkar and Social Justice'' at the Jammu University.

He left for New Delhi later in the afternoon.

UNI