Minister Chaturvedi invites Gurjar leader Bainsla for a Conversation Today…
Finding no other way to convince the HC for granting 5% Gurjar reservations in Rajasthan, the cabinet ministers sought a face-to-face meeting with the self-proclaimed Gurjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla in this regard. After the high court refused to grant a stay on its order, a few representatives of the Gurjar community moved to Supreme Court, in the hopes of getting reservation for government jobs and college admissions. Meanwhile, Rajasthan government volunteered to represent the Gurjars’ case in the apex court.
Despite the government approaching the Gurjar communities multiple times, Bainsla and a few others boycotted the meeting for they didn’t ‘trust’ the government’s ‘intention’. Facing flak over its failure to knock sense into the so-called leaders, the Rajasthan government came forth with a new exercise to fulfill the promises made to Rajasthan Gujjars and other SBCs, beyond the norms of constitutional reservations.
In Budget 2017, the government laid special provisions for the uplifting the status of residents in the backward areas, such as—
- Construction of ‘Eklavya Model Residential Schools’ furnished with all facilities,
- Building ‘Aadarsh Chhatravas’ (hostels) for college students under Dev Narayan Yojana in Gurjar dominated regions like Kekadi, Jhunjhunu, Ajmer, Nagaur, Kota and Kuchaamancity.
- Distributing cycles to students enrolled in government schools, who reside two kilometres away from the school premises.
Side-by-side, the government formed a ministerial sub-committee led by minister Arun Chaturvedi to oversee conversation between the SC and the Gurjar communities. The leaders assured Bainsla to consider their demands and represent their views within the courtroom.
It’s to be noted that the government has already fulfilled the promise of constructing 9 residential schools under Devnarain scheme. They’ve also allotted two-wheelers for female college students and already sanctioned the construction of PHCs in Gurjar villages.
Though colonel Bainsla is adamant on getting reservation for the SBC communities, it’s impossible for the government to cross the courts to grant their reservation. Though, they’ve extended the perks to younger generations by introducing schemes like Deonarain Gurukul Yojana that aim at getting kids enrolled in schools without any reservations. They’ve also announced scholarships for deserving candidates, beyond any reservations.
We don’t know whether the SC’s verdict will turn out to be in favour of Rajasthan Gurjars however, they must realise that development isn’t guided by favours and prejudice. Reservation or no reservation, they can still avail the benefits of admissions, recruitment and other infrastructure facilities granted by the government under various schemes, irrespective of their castes, age group or community.
