3 days ago
Rajasthan Dalit, Tribal Groups Push for Quota Sub-Categorisation
Some Dalit and tribal groups in Rajasthan believe reservation benefits are not reaching all communities fairly.
They say a few communities receive most of the opportunities meant for SCs and STs.
The groups want the existing quotas divided into smaller parts for communities that have received fewer benefits.
They also want a creamy layer rule that would leave out relatively better-off families from some benefits.
The Supreme Court said in August 2024 that states can make such sub-classifications if they use reliable data.
The central government supports the idea of sub-classification but has opposed excluding a creamy layer among SCs and STs.
Rajasthan’s BJP and Congress have not clearly said whether they will implement the changes.
Activists are planning a large meeting in Jaipur to explain and promote their demands.
Dalit and tribal organisations in Rajasthan are demanding sub-categorisation within SC and ST reservations.
Campaigners say a small number of communities have received most reservation benefits while others remain underrepresented.
They also seek a creamy layer exclusion, though the central government and major political leaders have opposed applying it to SCs and STs.
The Supreme Court’s August 2024 judgment allowed states to create sub-classifications based on credible data and equitable distribution.
The BJP and Congress have not clearly stated their positions in Rajasthan, ahead of local elections scheduled for September 9–11.
- Who
- Dalit and tribal organisations, including the Aarakshan Upvargikaran Sangathan and Bheel Vikas Sansthan, are seeking changes to SC/ST reservations.
- What
- They are demanding sub-categorisation, or “quota within quota,” and a creamy layer principle for SCs and STs.
- Where
- Rajasthan, with activists also meeting officials in Jaipur and Delhi.
- When
- The campaign has intensified ahead of Rajasthan’s local elections on September 9–11; a proposed SC/ST mahapanchayat is planned by the end of the year.
- Why
- The groups say a few SC/ST communities have received most reservation benefits while other communities remain socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged.
Supporters of Sub-Categorisation
Opponents and Critics of the Demand
Distribution of reservation benefits
Supporters of Sub-Categorisation
Dalit and tribal organisations argue that a few communities have received most SC/ST reservation benefits, leaving groups such as Valmikis and several tribal communities underrepresented.
Opponents and Critics of the Demand
Some dominant SC groups in Rajasthan do not support categorisation, while the BJP and Congress have not announced clear state-level positions on implementation.
Creamy layer exclusion
Supporters of Sub-Categorisation
Campaigners want relatively better-off members of SC and ST communities excluded from some reservation benefits so disadvantaged groups receive greater access.
Opponents and Critics of the Demand
The central government and political leadership broadly supported the Supreme Court’s sub-classification ruling but opposed applying a creamy layer exclusion to SCs and STs.
Political interpretation
Supporters of Sub-Categorisation
Campaigners say sub-classification would improve equity within existing quotas rather than remove reservations.
Opponents and Critics of the Demand
Congress state chief Govind Singh Dotasra alleges that the BJP wants to weaken or end reservations and says the issue will be raised in local elections.
Key facts
- SC population in Rajasthan
- 17.8% of the state’s population
- ST population in Rajasthan
- 13.5% of the state’s population
- Reserved Assembly seats
- 34 seats are reserved for SCs and 25 for STs in Rajasthan’s 200-member Assembly
- Supreme Court ruling
- An August 2024 Constitution Bench judgment allowed states to sub-classify SCs and STs using credible data
- Campaign demand
- Sub-categorisation within existing SC/ST quotas and implementation of a creamy layer principle
- Planned event
- Several organisations plan to hold an SC/ST mahapanchayat in Jaipur by year-end
- Political position
- Rajasthan’s BJP and Congress have not clearly stated their positions on implementing SC/ST sub-categorisation
Quotes
Rajesh Panchoriya
State coordinator of the Aarakshan Upvargikaran Sangathan, Rajasthan
“The Supreme Court’s August 2024 judgment in the State of Punjab & Others v. Davinder Singh & Others has allowed states to sub-classify SCs (and STs) for equitable distribution of reservation benefits.”
indianexpress.com
“Valmiki Samaj is the lowest category in social status. Other Dalit castes in villages also don’t invite us to their wedding functions, and practise untouchability towards us.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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