Parliament Clears Bills To Include New Groups In Jammu-Kashmir's Scheduled Tribes, Castes Lists

The Parliament passed important bills aimed at extending Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) status to various communities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Parliament on Friday approved important bills aimed at extending Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) status to various communities in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a crucial move for the region. The bills passed include the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, adding four new groups to the ST list, and the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, incorporating the Valmiki community into the SC list, news agency PTI reported.

Expansion of Jammu Kashmir's Scheduled Tribes List

The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, received clearance from both houses of Parliament, adding four communities - Paddari, Pahari, Gadda Brahmin, and Koli - to the Scheduled Tribes list. This move aims to address the long-standing demands of these communities for ST status, PTI's report stated.

Responding to the discussions on the bill, Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda emphasised its significance, stating, "The bill seeks to give justice to the communities who were demanding ST status for long", as quoted by PTI. He further noted the role of Article 370's abrogation in facilitating the enactment of such laws.

Inclusion of Other Backward Classes in J-K Local Bodies

The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed by the Upper House, aims to introduce reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in panchayats and municipalities in Jammu and Kashmir. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityananda Rai outlined the key amendments, highlighting the provision for OBC reservations and the role of the state election commission in conducting elections to local bodies.

As per the report, Rai also underscored the government's efforts toward the welfare of OBCs in the region, stating, "The government has taken several steps for the welfare of the OBCs in the Union territory and this amendment is another step in that direction."

Valmiki Community Added To J-K's Scheduled Castes List

The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, adds the Valmiki community to the SC list, aiming to broaden the scope of benefits and schemes available to these communities. Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar reiterated the government's commitment to uplift the weaker sections of society, emphasising the significance of extending SC status to the Valmiki community.

According to PTI, Kumar stated, "The communities will get the benefits of so many schemes with the passing of the bills. We do not do vote bank politics but try to strengthen the weaker section of the society."

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