New Delhi/Srinagar/Shimla: The passage of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha today has sparked varied reactions across Jammu and Kashmir's diverse communities.
Jammu and Kashmir administration reacted saying that it is historic day for Jammu Kashmir!
Lok Sabha has cleared the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 to grant scheduled tribe status to Paharis, Padari Tribes, Koli & Gadda Brahmin, fulfilling the long pending demand of these communities.
Under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Sh Narendra Modi Ji, govt has ensured inclusion of these communities in Scheduled Tribes list will have no impact on current level of reservations available to Gujjars, Bakarwals & other tribe & they will continue to get reservation like before.
In a recent statement, UT LG Manoj Sinha reiterated that the inclusion of new communities in the Scheduled Tribes list will not diminish the current level of reservations available to existing communities like Gujjars and Bakarwals.
Sinha urged people and community elders to fulfill their responsibilities by countering any misinformation spread by miscreants regarding reservation levels for these communities.
In Kashmir, Bakerwal leader Mohamad Rafi announced a social boycott of the BJP government in the upcoming elections, citing dissatisfaction with the passage of the Bill.
However, another Kashmiri, Iftikhar H Khan, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Pahari community.
Khan praised the move as a step towards justice for the marginalized ethnic groups in the region.
Meanwhile, in Jammu and Reasi districts, concerns were raised about perceived discrimination in the allocation of ST status.
Activist Harshdev criticized the BJP government for favoring certain communities over others, labeling it as a blow to democracy and fairness.
The passage of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha has thus elicited a range of responses, highlighting the complex social and political dynamics within Jammu and Kashmir.
Both National Conference and PDF have not yet reacted to the new Bill.
