The feud between Rajasthan government and Gujjar communities ended in a peaceful agreement yesterday. The state cabinet led by social justice and empowerment minister Mr. Arun Chaturvedi met Rajasthan Gujjars on behalf of state government. They agreed to restore the OBC (Other backward classes) quota for Gujjars and four other SBC (Special Backward Classes) after the high court stripped off their ‘special’ benefits calling it ‘unconstitutional’. This step was taken after several months of discussions and debates between the public, judiciary and the legislature.
The high court banned Gujjar reservations in Rajasthan last year, in response to a petition filed by Nepal Singh. The case ended with the court annulling SBC reservations from December 9, 2016 onwards. The matter took a serious turn when the Gurjars demanded reservations for government/RAS (Rajasthan Administrative Services) recruitments pending since last few years. They filed a petition in court seeking reservation in case of old recruitments, which was rejected by the chief justice. Also, the court instructed recruiting bodies to employ staff as per new rules.
Keeping in line with the court’s verdict, the ministry included SBCs in the OBC category. Additionally, they’ve constituted a new committee to examine if they could include 1% additional SBC quota for five communities—Banjaras (Baldia, Labana), Gujjars (Gurjar), Gadia Lohars (Gadolia), Raikas (Debasi, Rebasi) and Gadarias (Gayari, Gaadri), as they’ve done in 2010. Meanwhile, they’re waiting for their trials in Supreme Court on May 2. The apex court has summoned SBCs in May. Rajasthan government is prepared to present a strong case to preserve Gujjar rights.
The committee appointed by the government will be lead by principal secretary of law, additional chief secretary of home ministry, state advocate general and director of social justice & empowerment. The appointees will study constitutionals norms to find out if they can apply 1% SBC quota in addition with the existing OBC benefits, according to the law.
Following a meeting with Rajasthan Gurjars at the Secretariat, Rajasthan government briefed the media regarding latest developments in this case. Prior to the meeting, self-styled leaders like Bainsla threatened the government to lead a Gujjar protest at Sikandra (Dausa in Rajasthan) on April 22. They pressurized the government to restore their previous 5% quota. In a smart move, the government arranged this meeting to avoid agitation in the state. It’ll help restore normality in state to a certain extent.
