Tanveer Wani
Jammu February 6, 2024Jammu: In a historic decision, the Lok Sabha has approved the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, extending the coveted Scheduled Tribe status to Paharis, Padari Tribes, Koli & Gadda Brahmin in Jammu and Kashmir. The momentous move has been lauded by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who sees it as a step towards fostering inclusivity and recognizing the diverse cultural fabric of the region.Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, in a statement released on this occasion, expressed his delight at the long-pending demand of these communities being addressed. He emphasized the significance of this move in promoting social equity and ensuring that all sections of society are represented in the development trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir.The bill’s passage in Lok Sabha signifies a watershed moment for Paharis, Padari Tribes, Koli & Gadda Brahmin, who will now be officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes, bringing them under the protective umbrella of affirmative action and social welfare programs. This recognition is expected to pave the way for enhanced opportunities and representation for these communities.In his statement, Lt. Governor Sinha acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who has played a pivotal role in ensuring the inclusion of these communities in the Scheduled Tribes list. He reassured the public that this inclusion would not impact the existing level of reservations available to other Scheduled Tribe communities like Gujjars and Bakarwals.The Lt. Governor also appealed to the people and community elders to counter any misinformation regarding the level of reservation for the newly included communities. He underlined the commitment of the Union Territory administration to maintaining the current level of reservations and ensuring that the benefits of affirmative action reach all eligible communities.After the bill clears the Rajya Sabha, the Lt. Governor indicated that the Union Territory administration would promptly issue necessary notifications to ensure that the people included in the existing list of Scheduled Tribes continue to receive the same level of reservation.This legislative development reflects a commitment to inclusive governance in Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has witnessed historic changes. As the bill moves forward, it holds the promise of fostering greater unity, representation, and empowerment for Paharis, Padari Tribes, Koli & Gadda Brahmin, marking a progressive step in the region’s social and political landscape
