Historic Day for Jammu and Kashmir: Lok Sabha Clears Bill to Grant Scheduled Tribe Status to Four Communities

The Lok Sabha has passed a significant bill that aims to grant Scheduled Tribe status to four communities in Jammu and Kashmir, namely Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group. This move fulfills the long-standing demand of these communities and marks a crucial step towards their inclusion and recognition.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed the Lok Sabha's passage of a bill to amend the lists of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir as a historic moment. The Constitution Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Tribes Order Amendment Bill, 2024, seeks to include four communities—Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group—to the list of Scheduled Tribes in the region.

Fulfilling Long-Pending Demand

Lt. Governor Sinha expressed his delight, stating that the bill's passage fulfills the long-standing demand of these communities. He emphasized that the inclusion of these communities in the Scheduled Tribes list was made possible under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will not affect the current reservation levels available to Gujjars, Bakarwals, and other tribes.

No Impact on Existing Reservations

Sinha assured that the existing level of reservations for Gujjars, Bakarwals, and other Scheduled Tribes will remain unchanged. He clarified that after the bill's approval in the Rajya Sabha, the Union Territory administration will issue necessary notifications to ensure that the people included in the current list of Scheduled Tribes continue to receive the same level of reservation.

Countering Misinformation

The Lt. Governor also urged people and community elders to combat any misinformation being spread by miscreants regarding the reservation levels for the communities. He reiterated that the inclusion of new communities in the Scheduled Tribes list will not impact the current reservation levels available to existing Scheduled Tribe communities like Gujjars and Bakarwals.

Addressing Concerns

Over the past year, Gujjars and Bakarwals have voiced their opposition to granting Scheduled Tribes status to the Pahari community, claiming that they are not tribals. However, the government has taken steps to address these concerns and ensure that the rights and privileges of all communities are protected.

The passage of the Constitution Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Tribes Order Amendment Bill, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the region's history. It fulfills the long-standing demand of four communities to be included in the Scheduled Tribes list, while also ensuring that the existing reservation levels for other Scheduled Tribes remain unaffected. This historic decision reflects the government's commitment to inclusivity and social justice, paving the way for greater opportunities and empowerment for these communities.