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Protest rallies by Gujjars and Bakerwals, who oppose the inclusion of upper caste Paharis in the Schedule Tribe (ST) list, are gaining steam in J&K.
Centre’s move to table three separate Bills, which include the Constitution (J&K) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Constitution (J&K) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and the J&K Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The Bills, once passed, will pave the way for Paharis, Gadda Brahmins and Koli to be included in the ST list in the Union Territory.
The Centre also intends to include Valmikis in the SC list.
What are the procedure for inclusion on ST list?
Recommendation from the respective State governments.
Then sent to the Tribal Affairs Ministry, which reviews and sends them to the Registrar General of India for approval.
This is followed by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes’ approval before the list is sent to the Cabinet for a final decision.
Criteria include:
indications of “primitive traits”,
distinctive culture,
geographical isolation,
shyness of contact with the community at large, and
backwardness.
There is separate ST lists for states.
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