Gujjar delegation to hold talks with Rajasthan government

Jaipur, Jan 3 (ANI): A 51-member Gujjar delegation will hold fresh round of talks with the Rajasthan government to resolve the 15-day-old stir by the community, demanding five per cent reservation in government jobs

The delegation would hold fresh parleys with the committee of state ministers comprising Energy Minister Jitendra Singh, Home Minister Shanti Dhariwal and Transport Minister B K Sharma.

On Sunday, talks between the Gujjar delegation and the panel, which started at around 7 p.m. and went on late into the night, remained inconclusive.

On Saturday, Jitendra Singh, held a meeting with local Congress leaders from the community and Union Minister of State Sachin Pilot.

Singh said that the government has already offered what it could within the limits of the Constitution and was fully committed to give reservation to the community.

Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot ruled their demand for five per cent reservation, saying the government will work according to the guidelines of the High Court.

"The government will not bring new reservation bill in the assembly while it will work according to the guidelines of the High Court," said Gehlot.

Gujjars stepped up their agitation following a Rajasthan High Court order, which ruled that members of the community could not be given special reservation in government jobs.

The agitation, which began in 2007, has claimed over 70 lives so far.

A year ago, Gujjars in Rajasthan fought police and members of another caste that already qualified for job reservations.

After the protests, the State government said it would spend Rs 2.8 billion on improving schools, clinics, roads and other infrastructure in Gujjar areas. But Gujjars rejected this option. (ANI)