Bharat Bandh By Dalit Groups Against SC's Order On Reservation - Key Points

Dalit and Adivasi organisations have called for a 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday with the demands for broader representation of marginalised communities in employment and education, as well as to safeguard their constitutional rights.

The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) is leading this Bharat Bandh. They oppose the recent Supreme Court verdict, arguing it contradicts the Indira Sawhney case, which set the reservation framework.

Supreme Court Verdict

On August 1, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's seven-judge bench ruled by a 6:1 majority that states can further sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to ensure quotas for more backward castes within these groups. This decision has sparked significant debate.

On August 20, Jitendra Singh, Minister for the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), requested the withdrawal of advertisements for lateral entry into 45 posts at various levels. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, criticised this move as an attack on reservation rights for OBCs and SC/ST communities.

NACDAOR's Demands

NACDAOR has outlined several demands, including rejecting the Supreme Court judgment and enacting a new central act protected from judicial review by the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. However, past rulings indicate that placing a law under this schedule does not shield it from judicial scrutiny.

The organisation also calls for the immediate release of caste-based data on SC/ST/OBC employees in government services to ensure accurate representation. Additionally, they demand filling all backlog vacancies in central and state government departments and public sector undertakings.

Political Support and Public Services Impact

Political parties such as Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Left parties have expressed support for the Bharat Bandh. Although there is no official announcement, public services are expected to be affected in states governed by these parties.

Despite potential disruptions, emergency services like hospitals, ambulances, and medical facilities will remain operational. There is no official word on whether banks, government offices, or educational institutions will close.

NACDAOR has encouraged all OBC and SC/ST groups to join the strike peacefully in large numbers. Their list of demands also includes urging private sector companies benefiting from government subsidies or investments to implement affirmative action policies within their firms.